Writing Gabby Wells

Well, after much thought, prayer and discussions with my daughter about plot, character and scope, I've finally started drafting out the feature script for The Adventures of Gabby Wells. Gabby Wells is a teen dramedy (drama/comedy) about our struggle with Christ-like selflessness. A young teen girl comes into possession of a watch that can stop time. The consequence to using the watch is every second she stops time is taken off of her own life.

I'm sketching out the first act on pad and paper right now. It's a little more difficult for me to write because it is not within my comfort zone, but that's what makes it a good challenge. I decided, for tax reasons, that I wouldn't incorporate Sonlight Pictures until after the new year so I have about eight weeks to hash out the first draft of Wells before I will get consumed with getting Sonlight Pictures up and running.

The Holy Spirit has been good to me and the more I write the more the entire story starts to come together. I just have to make sure I write something everyday or else I won't make my deadline.

Hidden Secrets (2006)

Greater Orlando Christian Film Festival Spotlight!

Hidden Secrets is the most complete and entertaining Christian film I've seen. The script is witty and sharp, the cast is excellent and the production values on par with any other Hollywood offering.

The story revolves around a group of friends, all in varying stages of faith challenges, who come together for the funeral of a beloved, faithful friend. Among his friends are Jeremy (David A. R. White) who brings his girlfriend Rachel (Stacy Keanan from ABCs Step by Step) along. Jeremy had a previous relationship with Sherry (Tracy Lindsey Melchoir) and the entire weekend they try to redefine their once passionate relationship. Also along for the weekend is Gary (John Schneider from Dukes of Hazard) as the dead friend's faithless, charming and egotistical boss, Michael (Corin Nemec), Anthony (Sean Sedgwick), Sally (Christian singer Rachael Lampa) and the funny couple of the successful end time author Harold (Greg Binkley) and his domineering, judgemental, bible-quoting wife Rhonda (Autumn Paul).

The casting could not have been better.

The funny and charming John Schneider

As the weekend unfolds, each of the characters must face their pasts, the consequences of their decisions and the current state of their Christian faith. The banter between Gary (Schneider) and Rhonda (Paul) is priceless. And the love triangle between Jeremy, Rachael and Sherry rings true.

The love triangle. Jeremy and Rachel (above)
and Sherry (below)

The film tackles a lot of touchy Christian subjects, but does so with a perfect balance of respect and irreverence, with sarcasm and honesty. Hidden Secrets is the first Christian film that is good enough to compete with any romantic comedy that Hollywood can churn up. Except in Secrets, the punchlines aren't filled with sexual innuendos and cheap fart jokes, but instead with intelligent jousting and obstacles filled with real substance.

Corin Nemec as the troubled Michael

To get a taste of Hidden Secrets, check out the funny trailer HERE.

And if it gets released near you see it. If not, then rent it. And if you can, buy it. It's a good flick.

A Father's Voice

My father has been going through health issues lately. And when you're 83, any health issue can turn into a big, scary health issue. As my father struggled with various ailments over the past week, I prayed and asked God to heal him and, more importantly, let His will be done.

As his health steadily improved I was finally able to talk to my father on the phone yesterday. I was surprised to find myself overwhelmed with emotion. It wasn't until after I hung up the phone that I finally understood what my tears had meant... hearing my father's voice was so special because I was unsure if I would ever get a chance to hear it again.

Hearing my father's voice was suddenly the greatest gift. To hear him tell me he loves me and he is proud of me... well, what son doesn't find those words elevating and inspiring?

And today on the way to work I thought how much greater will my emotions be when I hear God's voice again after I pass.

I know He loves me as well. I only hope He finds pride in what I have done here too.