A New Chapter of Christian Film
“Ryann Watters and the King’s Sword” Cast and Crew Drum up Interest for Film
Written by Blair Townley; Photos Provided by TYG Studios
Lakeside Inn located in quaint Mount Dora has always been known as a place of relaxation and solitude but August 10 had the historic inn in a state of youthful excitement.
The cast and crew of the Christian film “Ryann Watters and the King’s Sword” were holding a book and movie signing session in the lobby open to the public and local press.
Currently filming the movie around downtown Mount Dora with a slated August 2011 release, the session was to introduce the public to who would be bringing the beloved characters of the book to life.
Who’s Familiar
Those who are fans of Christian-based films may recognize some of the big names attached to “Ryann Watters” in terms of acting and directing.
Erin Bethea, who starred in the widely popular Christian film “Fireproof,” makes a cameo in “Ryann Watters” as the mother of kid character Liddy (played by Taylor Boswell).
“I’ve never played a mom before but Taylor is wonderful and is an unbelievable actress,” she says.
Erin had been told of the project by the film’s director, Mike Germaine, who is also well-known in the Christian film world for his work in hit movies like “Letters to God,” “Fireproof” and the recently wrapped “Courageous.”
“We were searching for something to do and different scripts came through our production facility,” he recalls.
“When we saw the ‘Ryann Watters’ script, it just made a lot of sense with the subject matter and the story and the fact that it is filling a Christian-based void with this age group.”
Both film professionals agree that the story of “Ryann Watters” is something worth exploring more in the Christian and mainstream film industries, impacting kids as well as their parents.
“The principles of what’s good and bad are what kids should get from the film. It’s also entertaining and a great story, but principles and family values, whether they are Bible-based or not, are also good for the kids,” Mike says.
Who’s New
One of the toughest jobs for the film’s production company, TYG Studios in Malabar, and Mike was finding the four lead actors to embody Ryann Watters and his friends.
Hundreds of auditioners and several screen tests later they were able to announce the line-up of up-and-coming actors rounding out the cast: Daniel Bell as villain Drake Dunfellow, Myles Jackson as Terell Peterson and Taylor Boswell as Liddy Thomas, Ryann’s friends, and Justin Taubensee as Ryann Watters.
Though some have had some film and theater experience, this marks the first major motion picture that the four young actors will be performing in.
“It’s a new experience being in front of the camera,” says Myles, recalling how intricate one scene shot in a gazebo was for the actors.
“Yet at the end of the day, you know everyone did a great job and you are happy with what you did.”
Justin Taubensee and Taylor Boswell feel kinships with their characters Ryann and Liddy and plan to bring aspects of themselves out in their role portrayals.
“Ryann and I have so much in common that it makes it a lot harder to put it on screen but I love a challenge. If you don’t put a little bit of yourself in a character, it’s not real,” Justin says.
“For Liddy, her socks won’t match. My socks don’t match also in real life, so that will be me in the character as well as some mannerisms of mine that Liddy will have,” Taylor mentions.
Daniel plans to use more of the book to get an idea of what personality his villainous character Drake would have.
“I read the book and I saw the ground to base my character and will take it from there. Just giving him an attitude works as well,” he says.
All to Positively Encourage Kids
As different in age and acting experience the cast and crew are, they are all excited and enjoying the time spent together to make a movie they hope impacts the world as well as themselves.
“In so many ways, this film and other Christian-based films are very similar with the volunteers helping out on set and the warm, family atmosphere,” concludes Erin with an infectious smile.
“Mount Dora is the cutest little place I have ever seen and this film shows it as very joyful and happy. Everybody feels like a family here and I feel really welcomed making these last two days [of filming] a delight.”
Keep an eye out for “Ryann Watters” author Eric Reinhold in his acting debut as Ryann’s father.
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