Anticipation, anxiety, and excitement!

We had talked, met, read, rehearsed, and re-read - over and over. Now the time has arrived and the first session is here. This was actually GOING TO HAPPEN! As we gathered for the filming, the energized excitement built up, and the anxiety and anticipation became more intense ... then the elevator broke down - just as we started bringing in the equipment!!! But even THAT couldn't stop us or break the momentum.

Getting past that hurdle/hiccup, we were focused and driven to transform the area where we were going to spend the day. We were amazed at the transformation of the "studio" (church/office space); setting up the backdrops, positioning the cameras, lights, and microphones. Now, it's SHOWTIME!

From the first character of the day to the last, there was no disappointment; each and every character was able to bring us into his or her story. It was as if we were there - THIS IS HAPPENING ... and there's no turning back now. G.

Filming Day number 1!

What can I say? It was AH-mazing! There were so many high points, so many points of laughter, so many moments of seriousness and intensity.

This was my first time filming a MONOLOGUE, so I was EXTREMELY nervous. The energy on set was electric, and yet it still created a bit of calm. The cast members filming that day got there early, worked on the final touches of our wardrobe, and then got into rehearsing lines. There was also a camaraderie already solidifying, born out of the times we've been together during weekly rehearsals and reads. The first day included Adam, Peter, Talitha (my mini me), and me, Mary, the Mother of Jesus...The Wood. The first day was long and we put in WORK!

Adam and Peter were fantastic! As they filmed, they began to turn into the characters. You no longer saw D and Ron; you saw Adam and Peter. Oh, and y'all, don't tell nobody but Adam tried to come for my head during filming simply because I was not paying attention. That's another story for another day... You had to be there! #Serpent

Now Talitha.... What can I say? Mikia aka Talitha amazes me every day and this was no different. At 12, she memorized her lines AND mine lol. Each time she ran lines she became more comfortable.... When your see your child blossom before your eyes.... It's just beautiful! I really enjoyed watching all of the actors filming that day.

The film crew was also incredible. Seeing them work to create the visual atmosphere.... I know I've said this before but you just had to be there! Chris, Nae, (C.C. the night before), and Isaiah worked on lighting, angles, props, etc. They also gave excellent tips from their experiences throughout the process. From my perspective as a novice, they made filming easy. The whole day was truly captivating. One thing I did notice that day was that Isaiah was quiet the entire morning but after lunch, the switch was clicked on and he was a talking machine!! We were wondering who this new, relaxed chatterbox was and where he was the whole morning! Anyway, that's just another example of the fun, while working, we were having.

I think I can speak for all of the day 1 film folks and say that after that day was "wrapped" there was a tangible weight that lifted from us. Although the process was fun, we were so invested doing well that once we got to the end, the relief was IN-TENSE! I slept like a newborn baby that night . Now, every time I hear a sentence or a word remotely familiar to one of my lines I can't help but to recite the line! I guess it's in me now .

**Monica Vannoy, Tracey D. James, Chris Saint John**

I enjoyed the first day so much that I showed up for the other filming days too! HA! I didn't want the connection and that excitement of creating to end. Some days I was the cook, flower delivery lady, equipment holder, photographer, physical therapist/massage therapist, you name it! Whatever was needed, I was glad to help.

I started this process thinking it was just a table read with a few folks, which moved to memorizing and rehearsing lines, then finally understanding that we were embarking on a journey to help people realize the power, mercy, love, kindness, grace, and SACRIFICE of our Risen Savior through various eyes. I pray you all get the message... It was indeed our pleasure to work on this project.

THIS IS THE GOSPEL... THIS IS THE GOOD NEWS!