Kendricks Unite (W4:D5)

FIREPROOF may be the third movie by the Kendrick Brothers, but it is the first film to feature set visits from Alex and Stephen Kendrick’s mother, father, and older brother.

Rhonwyn and Larry Kendrick, who visited the set Monday and Tuesday, appear as extras in the wedding scene that was filmed Tuesday. Older brother Shannon was on set Thursday and Friday, helping younger brother Alex direct and youngest brother Stephen produce.

“Seeing them in action on the set—I’m impressed. They have my respect, that’s for sure,” Shannon says. “They’ve got a lot of help to pull this off. The thing that impresses me is not only the great job the professionals on the set do, but also the great work of the volunteers.”

Work and family have kept Shannon from being on either the FLYWHEEL or the FACING THE GIANTS sets. In addition to being a husband and dad to five kids, he is a software developer for IBM.

“When we were kids, we made movies. But while they stuck with it, I went off to play with my computer and ride motorcycles,” Shannon says. “Alex thinks big picture; I think little details.”

Little details like the weather almost cost the Kendricks’ parents their opportunity to be in the movie. Rain postponed the wedding scene from Monday until Tuesday and the Kendricks had planned to return home to Mableton, Georgia after Monday’s filming. They altered their plans … and experienced moviemaking first hand.

“On the set, they asked me if I’d like to yell ‘Action!’ When they were ready, I said, ‘Action, please,’” says Mrs. Kendrick. “When they finished, I was able to say, ‘Cut!’ It was just wonderful being here, seeing how the Lord has brought different people together. He has drawn people with the talents that are needed to make a movie.”

Larry Kendrick, who was the inspiration for the faith-filled character of Larry Childers in FACING THE GIANTS, enjoyed watching his sons in action.

“I keep thinking, ‘How did they learn to do that?’” he says. “I’m very grateful for how the Lord is using them.”

On Fire (W4:D4)

FIREPROOF was fire-full on Thursday. The crew filmed the rest of the house-fire storyline Thursday, including the burning down of an abandoned house on Albany’s 11th Avenue late at the end of the day.

The Albany Fire Department, which has partnered with Sherwood Films during the filming, was thankful to have the opportunity to train some of their firefighters. The cast and crew were thankful they didn’t have to put out the fire!

“Doing training like this is what we love to do; this is want we want to do,” says Ron Rowe, the AFD Training Chief. “We’re thankful to be a part of this. Their need to burn the house for the movie and our need for training makes for a good partnership.”

There has been a sense of partnership since pre-production on the film began. When Sherwood requested the use of older Albany firetrucks that are no longer in use, they were denied ... in a way!

“We’ve been fortunate to have purchased 10 new pumpers in the last five years,” Chief Rowe says. “Our thinking was that if we’re going to show the Albany Fire Department in a movie, we’re going to show our best equipment.”

In fact, the aerial truck you will see in the film was delivered to the AFD the week before filming! When Chief Rowe drove it on 11th Avenue, that was the first time it had been driven by the department!

“People say there are a lot of coincidences with how things have worked out with the fire department in regards to this movie,” Chief Rowe says. “I believe there’s a purpose for everything that’s happening.”

Members of the cast of FIREPROOF arrive on the scene of a fire in a shiny Albany Fire Department pumper.

Fired Up (W4:D3)

With sirens wailing and lights flashing, two fire engines race down 11th Avenue. Smoke and flames shoot from the front windows of the small brick ranch house. Taking charge at the scene, Capt. Caleb Holt learns there are no people in the house. Until …

What would a movie about a firefighter be without a fire? The five FIREPROOF actors playing members of the Albany Fire Department battled the flames for the first time on camera on Wednesday. It was a day to remember for everyone on the set, including director and co-writer Alex Kendrick.

“It was very exciting, but it was also scary. I’ve never shot anything on this scale,” Alex says. “It’s never 100 percent of what you see in your head, but I think through prayer, God makes it what it needs to be. Nobody got hurt, which we prayed for. All in all, it went very well.”

With a number of actors involved, many extras helping out, and lots of controlled fires, there was much to capture on the camera.

“This kind of stuff is very exciting,” says Bob Scott, the director of photography. “It gave me goose bumps.”

Among the extras: local police officers, paramedics, and firefighters, including Albany Fire Department Capt. Kenny Loudenbarger, a Sherwood member who is serving as a technical advisor for FIREPROOF.

“As I watched all of these different things happening, it’s amazing how it all comes together,” Kenny says. “I know I’m going to be proud of the end result.”

Wedding Day (W4:D2)

What would a movie about marriage be without a wedding? While Tuesdays aren’t normal wedding days, it worked extremely well as the cast and crew of FIREPROOF enjoyed an outdoor wedding setting.

Guests were dressed to the nines for the wedding of … well, we don’t want to give away the heart of the movie. But we can tell you it was a perfect autumn day for a ceremony that was officiated by … well, we shouldn’t tell you that either.

So what can we tell you? How about the heart of the people involved in the scene. A number of church members spent the better part of their day on set as wedding crowd extras. The wedding was filmed at the scenic home of a couple from Sherwood.

Two professional camera operators came in from Florida to help with today’s shots … and to pay respect to their late friend Chip Monk. Dave Campbell operated a Steadicam, while Doug Kuiken operated a camera on a jib.

“These are great professionals,” says David Nixon, the assistant director. “They honored Chip by their work.”

Their camera work wasn't the only artistic offerings at the wedding scene.

“One day after church, a man walks up to me and says, ‘I’ve driven from Atlanta to visit the church that made FACING THE GIANTS. I love the Lord and want to honor him with my life. If you are ever shooting a wedding scene in a future movie, I have wedding arches that I designed and built that I rent out. If you need one, it is yours to use for free. I’ll even drive it down for you. Just say the word,’” says producer Stephen Kendrick. “I was blown away. We hadn’t told anyone that we had this scene in the movie.

“When I checked out his website, I found out that he is an award-winning professional artist with a rich history in woodcarving. What are the chances that exactly what we needed would be offered to us right when we were planning the movie?”

Chances indeed!
Members of the cast of FIREPROOF enjoy a break in the shooting of the wedding scene.

Rain Check (Week 4, Day 1)

As mom always said, when it rains, go inside.
With their mom and dad in Albany as first-time movie set visitors, the Kendrick Brothers followed every mom’s advice by moving indoors on a rainy day, scrapping a planned day of outdoor shooting.

“We knew the weather was going to be bad, but we’ve seen God change things, so we went out hoping we’d be able to stay with our schedule,” says Stephen Kendrick, the producer of FIREPROOF. “We know God’s plan is always better than ours, so when we saw the rain was going to continue, we moved to the firehouse.”

A number of scenes were filmed featuring the FIREPROOF fire-fighting crew. Before the shooting began, however, the crew busily painted the firehouse kitchen and added photos to the wall to spruce up the room.
“It all came together well,” Stephen says. “Everyone had a great attitude.”

Smile

After an unplanned two-week hiatus, FIREPROOF is back in production. Today starts a three-week run that will wrap up filming for Sherwood Pictures’ third movie.

While moviegoers won’t be able to see the film in theatres until August 2008, we are able to show you images from the set, thanks to Todd Stone. Todd is a gifted photographer who, following a career in photojournalism, opened his own studio in Albany.

“We’ve been members of Sherwood for less than a year,” Todd says. “We knew we were being obedient in coming here, but we didn’t know why. We think we know why now.”

In addition to the photos you see on the blog and the website, Todd’s images will be part of the press material and will be used in helping promote FIREPROOF. Despite the time it takes from his business, he’s honored to be part of the team.

“The thing that I’ve observed is how willing people are to work together. “There are no egos whatsoever, from top to bottom,” Todd says. “I’m trying to keep my clients happy and doing this as well. I’ve come to the place where I say, ‘Lord, please work it out.’”

From our perspective, things are working out nicely!

Remembering Chip

Sherwood Pictures and Provident Films is mourning the loss of our friend and crew member Robert “Chip” Monk, who was killed in a car accident earlier this week on his way back to Albany, Georgia for filming.
Chip was a talented camera operator, who had been selected by director of photography Bob Scott to be part of the small band of professionals that helped shoot FACING THE GIANTS. He returned to Sherwood last month as a key member of the crew for FIREPROOF.

We ask you to pray regularly for Chip’s wife Sara, who is expecting their first child. Our deepest condolences go to Sara and Chip’s family.

We would also ask you to consider making a donation to a fund set up by Chip’s friends in the production community. You can find out more and donate here.

Please know that any gift you can give will make a big impact.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those that are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18 (NIV)

Fire-Tested (W3:D5)

FIREPROOF is a movie about a firefighter, his wife, and their struggling marriage. According to the leaders of Firefighters for Christ International, it’s a movie every firefighter should see.

“The scenes were powerful,” says John White, a retired Captain who served for 45 years in the Los Angeles Fire Department. “I’m looking forward to seeing the whole movie.”

John, who is the president of Firefighters for Christ, was joined on the set by active New York Fire Department veterans Lt. Gerry Sillcocks and Mike Anson. Gerry has been a firefighter for 28 years, including the past 18 years in the Bronx. Mike is a 25-year veteran stationed in Manhattan.NYFD Lt. Gerry Sillcocks, NYFD firefighter Mike Anson, and retired LAFD Capt. John White (left to right) visit the Albany Fire Department.

While in Albany, Georgia, the group met not only with the actors playing firemen in the film, but also with members of the Albany Fire Department. They also spent time talking about the real-life troubles that firefighters’ marriages face.

“Because of what we do, firefighter marriages fall apart regularly,” Gerry says. “We’re under a lot of pressure. We’re gone for 24 hours at a time. A lot of marriages don’t make it.”

Gerry, John, and Mike have been married to their wives for a combined 85 years. And they all would give God the credit for keeping those marriages together.

“I’ve seen it both ways. I gave my life to Christ when I was 35,” Mike says. “My whole life changed when I met Jesus.”

Firefighters for Christ, which began in 1976 and has chapters around the world, will be supporting FIREPROOF when it arrives in theatres next autumn. And we can be supporting them by praying for our local firefighters.

“It’s a ‘me’ society,” John says. “The unique thing about firefighters is that in our jobs, we ask, ‘What can I do for you?’ If a firefighter isn’t willing to risk his life for others, he should be looking for another job.”

On The Air (W3:D4)

A number of ministry guests have been on the site of FIREPROOF this week, getting a first-hand, behind-the-scenes look at the latest production from Sherwood Pictures.

The guests have had the opportunity to watch scenes being filmed, hear about the heart behind the story, talk with the cast and crew, and enjoy the incredible meal catering from the Sherwood Sunday school classes!

With guests representing radio networks, family and marriage ministries, firefighters, Christian stores, and many other ministries, the set has been abuzz this week.
Producer and co-writer Stephen Kendrick discusses FIREPROOF with AFR radio host J.J. Jasper during a live remote broadcast. Retired LAFD Capt. John White listens in.

Prayer on Center Stage (W3:D3)

Wondering what makes a Sherwood Pictures movie different than other movies? Prayer, prayer, and more prayer.

“Before we write a scene, Alex and I spend time together in prayer,” says Stephen Kendrick, co-writer of FIREPROOF with his brother Alex. “We ask God to give us the biblical principles that set the stage; humor to connect with people; a storyline to resonate with where people are; creative twists; everything we need.”

Prayer is just as important during production. Each day begins with a short Bible study and a time of prayer. And prayer continues throughout the day.

“Whenever we have scenes on the set with a lot of drama and emotion, or if a particular actor is nervous, we have everybody who’s not involved with the scene gather and pray,” says Jim McBride, executive producer of FIREPROOF.

“There was a scene where one of the actors really needed prayer,” adds Curry Bushnell, the lead make-up artist. “We all came together and prayed for strength for her to do the scene. We have that freedom and ability to pray here.”

After all, this is a Sherwood production.

“Prayer is the wind in the sails of this movie,” Stephen says. “We know what prayer can accomplish with a willing and sovereign God is on the other side of our prayers. We can tell a significant difference when we don’t pray and when we do.

“When we don’t pray, it’s like driving with the parking brake on. With prayer, we just fasten our seat belt and hang on.”
FIREPROOF cast members pray before shooting a scene this week.

A House-Warming Gift (W3:D2)

Scenes from the movie FIREPROOF needed to be shot in the “home” of the main characters, Caleb and Catherine Holt. So, where do you find a house to use as a set?

Bill Butler, a member of Sherwood, offered a spec home on Ivy Lane that his company—Ray Lloyd Realty and Construction—had built and was trying to sell.

“I told them if they needed a location, we had a few houses available. We’re glad to do it. Everybody helps out doing their part,” Bill says. “The house they chose had been on the market for a while. But we had an open house the Sunday before we began shooting here and we found a buyer. They wanted the house in 30 days, but we told them they couldn’t have it until the end of November.”

The new homeowners will see their house on the big screen come next autumn when FIREPROOF opens in theatres around the country.

“It’s really exciting,” Bill says. “We’re blessed that our church in Albany, Georgia is touching people all around the world by making movies.”By the way … Bill Butler knows a little something about the power of Sherwood movies. He played the appreciative father that buys a truck for Coach Grant Taylor in FACING THE GIANTS.

Back on the Set (Week 3, Day 1)

Following a week’s hiatus from shooting, the cast and crew of FIREPROOF are back on the set in Albany today. This is the third week of filming and for the second time, scenes are being shot at Caleb and Catherine’s house. (We’ll have a blog entry on Tuesday about the house and how it became a main set for the film.)

One of the special things happening this week is that a number of ministry guests will be visiting the set. We’ll give you more details in the coming days.

For now, here’s a great shot from a scene that was filmed during the second week of shooting at a local hospital. It features Caleb receiving medical attention following a fire.

Script Doctors (W2:D5)

Paging Dr. Kendrick, Dr. Kendrick.

The Kendrick Brothers get a healthy laugh on set of their newest production, FIREPROOF.

Outdoor/Indoor Lighting (W2:D4)

This elaborate set up outside of the house that is being used as the home of Caleb and Catherine Holt in FIREPROOF is actually lighting the interior of the house, allowing for the right lighting no matter what time of day or night the crew is filming.

Director Alex Kendrick, right, oversees the hardworking crew.

You Don't Say ... (W2:D3)

Nurses at the hospital where Catherine Holt works as a public relations executive enjoy a break in their routine as they discuss the happenings around the hospital.

Found Before Lost (W2:D2)

Justin Tolley, who is serving as the production coordinator, is on his way to Hawaii after FIREPROOF wraps up shooting in December. A friend works on the set of the TV show Lost and he encouraged Justin to head out to Paradise to work with him. While his wife and most of his belongings are already in Hawaii, Justin will be in Albany, Georgia for a while longer.

Justin teamed up with the Sherwood team through David Nixon, who is back as assistant director on FIREPROOF. A former electrician, Justin began working with David Nixon Productions after graduating from film school.

“Dave hired me as a production coordinator and I overheard him talking about this film,” Justin says. “I told him I’d come here for free. This is my first feature film. I just want to learn more and more about the industry.

“I hope to open my own studio with my brother some day. It’s fun watching Alex and Stephen Kendrick—my brother and I do the same thing with movies. I’ve learned a lot about trusting God and waiting on Him.”

Justin Tolley (left) and Stephen Kendrick get caught up on communication during a break on the FIREPROOF set.

And ... Eat! (Week 2, Day 1)

The cast and crew get ready to shoot a scene from a courtyard cafeteria. We hear it turned out to be a (ahem) … tasty scene!

That's a (Week 1) Wrap

As the first week on the FIREPROOF set wound down, director Alex Kendrick was pleased with what he had seen.

“Everything that I hoped would come of the page and onto the screen is happening.”Caleb Holt receives some shocking news. What might it be? ...

Getting a Bite to Eat (W1:D4)

In keeping with a tradition that began on the set of FACING THE GIANTS, the Sunday school classes from Sherwood Baptist Church are once again the catering team for the Sherwood film crew as they work on FIREPROOF. Providing both lunch and dinner, the many different classes do the same work as Hollywood catering companies—except without the fanfare and the pay!

“We have quite a few Sunday schools that are helping out,” says Irene Hatcher, a member of Sherwood since 1969. Her senior adult class joined with another class to serve lunch during the first week of filming.

Having been a part of FACING THE GIANTS, Irene and her team weren’t going to miss out on the chance to serve the people working on FIREPROOF.

“Our church has received lots of emails about how FACING THE GIANTS made a difference in people’s lives,” she says. “A lot of people go to movies that don’t come to church.”

It Takes a Team (W1:D3)

FIREPROOF director Alex Kendrick (left) talks through an upcoming outdoor scene with director of photography Bob Scott (center), and producer Stephen Kendrick.

And ... Pray (W1:D2)

Each day of filming begins with a short Bible study led by Pastors (and FIREPROOF co-writers) Alex or Stephen Kendrick and then a time of prayer. After a long day of shooting (most days, everyone is on the set for at least 12 hours), the filming ends the way it began: with prayer.
Director Alex Kendrick (brown shirt) thanks God for a full day’s worth of impact on the set of FIREPROOF as members of the cast and crew join with him in prayer.

And ... Action! (Week 1, Day 1)

Welcome to Albany, Georgia—the home of Sherwood Pictures and the setting for their newest film, FIREPROOF! Set for release only in theatres in fall of 2008, FIREPROOF began shooting in Albany in October.

The creative minds that brought you FACING THE GIANTS and FLYWHEEL are now hard at work filming their most ambitions movie to date. Telling the story of the failing marriage of fireman Caleb Holt and his wife Catherine, FIREPROOF will bring a unique perspective on marriage to the big screen.

And we’re here to bring you a unique perspective of what’s going on behind the scenes. With photos, stories, and reports, we will keep you updated with news straight from the set.

Thanks for joining us on this new adventure that we like to call the FIREPROOF BLOG!
Catherine and Caleb Holt argue in their kitchen in this scene from FIREPROOF.