Press

"Chris Heimerdinger breaks Mormon Cinema's green Jell-O mold in 'Passage to Zarahemla,' ambitiously transposing settings from the Book of Mormon into a stimulating action-adventure drama."
                                               --Sean P. Means, The Salt Lake Tribune


"The opening was impressive, the special effects were well done, ESPECIALLY considering the tight budget Chris worked with.  The moment my son first laughed, I settled in to enjoy the movie. "                                                               --Julie Wright, Scattered Jules Blog






"Many people do not realize my first passion was filmmaking, long before writing," says best-selling author of the Tennis Shoes Among the Nephites series, Chris Heimerdinger. "In fact, I was a senior in high school when I made my first film, a film that caught the attention of Sterling Van Wagenen." He pauses, then smiles. "Sterling was very instrumental in believing in my abilities as a filmmaker."

Upon seeing Heimerdinger's first film, Van Wagenen, co-founding executive director of the prestigious Sundance Film Institute, invited the 17-year-old Heimerdinger to attend the inaugural year of the Institute-a program whose original values were and still are independence, creative risk-taking, and discovery-values that certainly helped to shape Heimerdinger as a filmmaker-and as an artist.

Chris thrived in the atmosphere-surrounded by the industry's finest.  "I remember that first morning, as we were all gathered on the lawn there in front of the chair lifts at the Sundance Ski Resort.  This was our first gathering, sort of the kick off for the Institute, and I recognized about 15 major movie stars among the faces and was later introduced to about five major directors, including Sydney Pollack.  I felt like I was suddenly in the midst of every name I'd ever read [during] any movie credits."  He then talks about one of the highlights of his life:  "As the gathering broke up, I was talking to someone else, and felt a hand come to rest on my shoulder.  I turned and there was Robert Redford in front of my face.  He took my hand, and said, 'I wanted to introduce myself to you personally.'  I just stood there, dumbfounded for several seconds, and finally said, 'Uh.yeah.'  That's all I said.  I couldn't even get my own name out.  He quickly realized I was star struck, assessed the awkwardness, smiled, and walked away.  I felt like an idiot.  That was my first experience meeting a movie star."

As the youngest person ever to attend the Institute since its inception in 1981, Heimerdinger caught the attention of the judges with his film, Night Meeting-the story-line of which involves an ancient Native American interacting with a modern-day white man.  It includes a scene where their hands pass through one another's, a scene he builds upon in his current film; he states: "That film actually planted the seed for Passage to Zarahemla."

Awarded  Sundance Institute's "Most Promising Filmmaker" for Night Meeting, the door opened for Heimerdinger to attend BYU's Cinematic Arts Department as a film major, where Chris was granted the most generous scholarship ever given up to that time.

"I have always been a visual person," says Heimerdinger. "I think cinematically and I write cinematically. My head is filled with visual stories, all of which I have always desired to put up on the big screen. But when I first started out in filmmaking, 26 years ago, investors were hard to come by and no one was investing in or making LDS films. So, I started writing novels as a substitute creative outlet. But the reason I originally wrote novels was so I could reach the day where all the stories I've had in my head could be put up on the big screen."
And long-time Vice President of Marketing for Covenant Communications, Robby Nichols agrees. "Ever since I've known Chris, all the way back to the beginning, in 1989, when he first published for Covenant, Chris has wanted to be a filmmaker."  Chris went on to publish almost twenty best-selling novels, becoming an LDS pop-culture icon, all the while waiting for the right time to fulfill his dream.

That time is now, when the LDS film industry is ready for an action/adventure/fantasy film, and when he is ready to bring his story to life.  For the last several years, Heimerdinger has been writing and perfecting the screenplay Passage to Zarahemla.  In fact, although the novel was published in 2003, Chris actually began working on the screenplay many years before that. As Chris has stated, "Like I said, I never set out to be a novelist, I actually set out first to make films, but it's interesting how the success of writing action/adventure novels has actually worked to open up this opportunity."  

While film has been one of Heimerdinger's first loves, music is another. "Music goes way back, too," he reflects, "I don't even know how far back because music has always been such a major part of my life. But I do know the songs for Passage to Zarahemla have been with me for a very long time. In fact, "Simple Fellows" and "Savior Redeemer" came to me while I was on my mission. "Whispered Visions" and "Fly Free" came to me while I was writing the screenplay for Passage to Zarahemla in 1999. The songs come to me in their entirety and I have had the wonderful privilege of working with such amazing musicians to whom I convey the song and lyrics in my head and fortunately they are talented enough and believe in my work enough to help put together the finished product. To work with Jim Funk, who co-wrote Kenny Rogers' number one hit song, "Buy Me a Rose", has been absolutely incredible," says Heimerdinger. "Working with Kenneth Cope (Greater Than Us All, Women at the Well, My Servant Joseph), who sang backup on some of the film's songs was also a privilege," he adds. "And Katherine Nelson Thompson (Jenny Phillips' Parables, and Katherine's solo album, Sometimes He Lets it Rain) who sang the lead on "Whispered Visions" also has such an incredible voice."

Now, following gingerly in the footsteps of such talented filmmakers as Robert Rodriguez (Spy Kids, Once Upon a Time in Mexico) the great John Carpenter (Halloween, Big Trouble in Little China, and Ghosts of Mars), who have also both directed and scored their films, Chris' efforts can certainly be deemed equally as ambitious for the budding filmmaker.  Fortunately, he has had the privilege of working with the extremely gifted Sam Cardon, who has been the composer on nine IMAX films, The Work and the Glory, Brigham City, among countless other projects, along with a successful solo career.

Along with the musical score, Chris has followed the successful formula of any great director:  surround yourself with the best people in the industry, to create a great cinematic experience for your audience.  Heimerdinger's debut film contains the most visual effects of any LDS film to date, created by Stephen Sobisky (ANTZ, Shrek, Mission Impossible II).  Dave Broberg (the Academy Award®-winning Titanic, Father of the Bride II), who edits full time for Sony Pictures, took on the crucial role as film editor. The spectacular and up-and-coming Summer Naomi Smart stars as Kerra McConnell (currently appearing as Nessarose in Chicago's award-winning Broadway musical Wicked) and actor Alex Petrovitch (Lost, Bold and the Beautiful, Passions), as well as Bryce Chamberlain, (original Man's Search for Happiness, Disney's Teen Angel Returns and The Executioner's Song), props master, Bruce Wing (Touched by an Angel, Double Jeopardy, Forever Strong), and Emmy Award-winning cinematographer, Ken Garff. With Heimerdinger at the helm, the team has capitalized on an amazing set of talents to create a fantastic project-the compelling and groundbreaking Passage to Zarahemla. 




"I'm thrilled about LDS cinema. In fact, there's a lot to celebrate," adamantly states best-selling author and filmmaker, Chris Heimerdinger. He continues: "I've always felt if LDS filmmakers are to succeed, they cannot forget their first priority, which is to entertain. A movie must thrill, surprise, engage and enchant. This is my goal with Passage to Zarahemla."
"It's been a long time since we've seen LDS films that compare with the original crop that arrived starting in 2000.  As I tell this to other filmmakers and movie-goers, it always provokes this challenge: 'Let's see if you can do any better!' To that I say, 'Okay', and wholeheartedly accept this challenge."

At a time when many feel that LDS filmmakers have lost much of their credibility, Heimerdinger's goal is to get LDS film back on its original track: to truly entertain and enlighten Mormon audiences with quality storytelling.  He hopes to do this utilizing the same talents he cultivated the past twenty years:  tell a compelling, intriguing story that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats.  However, he approaches the industry rationally, understanding that because LDS audience numbers are presently limited, film budgets must be also. "If anyone expects to see special effects like those found in big budget films like Pirates of the Caribbean, they'll most likely be disappointed.  Our goal, all along, has been to create solid characters within an engaging story.  These are the elements our genre can afford.  And, in the end, I have always said, I am very proud of the fact that my books and films celebrate the Book of Mormon and LDS culture, and I hope to always do this in an entertaining way."

One proponent of Heimerdinger's ambition and sentiment is Sean Means of the Salt Lake Tribune.  Writing on March 19th, 2007, on the question of "Is Watered-down Mormon Cinema Worth Watching?", Means states, "The answer may seem idealistic, but it really is this simple: Tell a story close to your heart, and if that means talking openly and honestly about your faith, then so be it. If you tell your story with passion and skill, it will resonate with moviegoers of any religious stripe. Or, as the great philosopher Jean-Luc Picard once said, 'If we're going to be damned, let's be damned for who we are...' Chris Heimerdinger has no problem embracing who he is as a faithful Latter-day Saint.  He states quite clearly, "I'm not trying to prove that the Book of Mormon is true, but to celebrate that it is." His film, Passage to Zarahemla, is part of that celebration. 

Celebrating his story, his faith, and hopefully breathing new life into LDS film as a genre, Heimerdinger excitedly anticipates the release of Passage to Zarahemla on October 12, 2007.



 
Summer Naomi Smart is no stranger to the performing arts.  Born in Salt Lake City, the youngest of seven girls, Summer explains, "My mother said whenever she took me to the movies, from the age of three, I would sit still and watch. For hours, I would take in everything." While attending junior high school, Summer became involved in theater. "I thought I would eventually get acting out of my system, but instead my desire for acting grew".  Summer received her BFA from Brigham Young University in 2005, majoring in Music Dance Theatre. While there, she performed and toured internationally as a three-year member of the BYU Young Ambassadors. Her theater credits include three seasons at Southern Utah's Tuacahn Center for the Arts, Robert Redford's Sundance Theatre, Disneyland Entertainment, and Hale Center Theatre. Of her role in Hale Center Theatre's Aida, On Stage in Utah wrote, "Summer Naomi Smart practically steals the show as Amneris, the Pharaoh's daughter.Smart is perfect as she moves from humorous debutante to grieving daughter to heartbroken lover to resigned leader. Her performance captivates the audience from the opening number and is reason enough to see this production."

 Chris Heimerdinger's soon-to-be-released film, Passage to Zarahemla, was her first film-acting role, where she played the lead character, Kerra. This film, set in a small town in southern Utah, follows the story of Kerra and Brock McConnell who flee state authorities following the death of their mother. Seeking refuge at the home of the only relatives Kerra remembers from her childhood-an LDS aunt and uncle who reside in Leeds, Utah, Kerra rediscovers an intriguing place she vaguely remembers visiting as a child, where parallel realities still collide between ancient and modern-day inhabitants. Caught in a trap of battling bitter Gadianton Robbers while avoiding gang retaliation, Kerra and Brock are mysteriously led to a chain of events neither one of them ever expected.

This starring role was a growing up experience for Summer's character, but in a way, for her as well.  "My fondest recollection of Passage to Zarahemla is that I learned a lot about myself.  One of my favorite parts about performing is making a connection with people. Performing is a very intimate thing and you feel a different energy with every audience."  Summer has a unique gift in being able to make that connection not only on stage, but on screen as well, but it does take effort.

While filming Passage to Zarahemla, Summer was simultaneously involved in two other stage productions. In regards to this, the beautiful young woman says with a laugh, "I prayed a lot. To be honest, a lot of it was a blur. I was just exhausted all of the time."  But it doesn't show on film.

"Summer really shined on the screen," chimes in Chris Heimerdinger, the film's director. "We auditioned over 600 different girls and picked Summer. I am of the opinion now that this is because no one else, but Summer, could have performed this role."

In addition to Passage to Zarahemla, Summer has also starred in the title role in Liken the Scriptures, Esther and the King, and was Belle in Beauty and the Beast: a Latter-Day Tale. 

All of this experience-from junior high plays to BYU Young Ambassadors to Sundance Theatre to Passage to Zarahemla--has given her the experience and training she has needed to prepare her for the opportunity she only dreamt about when she was three-years-old, attending movies with her family: to be a principal role in a Broadway Musical.   

Summer is thrilled to be Nessarose in the hit Broadway musical, Wicked, as a principal member of the famed Chicago cast.  Wicked is Chicago's longest running Broadway Musical, having played there since May of 2005, and is the top grossing show in Chicago theatre history.

Giving credit where credit is due, Summer Naomi adds, "Basically, if I have talents I want to use them how He wants me to--to follow what He would want me to do.  What a blessing it is to work in both LDS and non-LDS projects as well."




Stephen Sobisky sat in his parent's car, looked up at the bigger-than-life screen that appeared before him at the San Fernando, California drive-in theater and dreamt of creating visual effects. "I was amazed at how the creators could create a world that does not exist," recalls Sobisky.

From there, he began creating drawings for his family, complete with special effects. Eventually, he landed his first job on the set as a Best Boy (lighting assistant) and then as an Assistant Prop-Master, where he helped manage the props for film crews. "I always enjoyed working on the sets, but I really wanted to create visual effects on the computer screen."

Moving to Utah, he worked with a local company, Viewpoint Datalabs, as the 3D Modeling Producer. "They were the premier 3D modeling house in the country," he says, "and we worked on a very large film that would set the ground for animated films called ANTZ."

From there, Sobisky worked on over forty films, Including: Godzilla, Batman & Robin, Armageddon, Flubber, George of the Jungle, and Mission Impossible. He was able to work in a variety of capacities on these projects, learning various aspects of his craft. 

After managing the ANTZ project for a year and a half, he felt PDI/DreamWorks was where he wanted to be. "I got the opportunity to be interviewed for a full time position at PDI/DreamWorks in Palo Alto, California and was able to work with my mentor, Hael Kobayashi, who was the Production Supervisor on ANTZ and many other projects for PDI/DreamWorks. When I was assigned as the Lighting Effects Supervisor on Shrek, I learned so much about the animation world for the three and a half years I worked on that project.

There were many other positions I held while at PDI/DreamWorks. I was the Production Manager in the Commercial and Film Visual Effects Department, which is where I got the bug to do live action visual effects. I was fortunate to work with some other very talented artists during the many pictures we did there, including Evolution, Legend of Bagger Vance, Mission Impossible II, and The Mexican."

Says Sobisky, "People know that what you see, with me or my company, is what you get. We try to be that kind of example in everything we do."  The company Sobisky refers to is Sandman Studios, a full-service creative agency specializing in CG animation, visual effects production and interactive multimedia. Located in Pleasant Grove, Utah, the company delivers everything from initial concept and design to development, production, post-production, integration and implementation. Sandman also provides high quality solutions to meet clients' media needs and budgets. Sandman's principals have worked extensively among a diverse and prominent portfolio of entertainment, media, technology and Fortune 500 corporations.

One of Sandman Studio's latest projects was serving as the visual effects house for Passage to Zarahemla.  Says Sobisky of this film, "Passage to Zarahemla actually contains the largest amount of special effects of any LDS film ever. In Passage to Zarahemla, there are an unprecedented 185 special effects scenes.  Many will go unnoticed by most viewers, which is the whole magic of special effects-to help tell the story, not be the story. Along with this being the most effects-laden LDS film ever, Passage to Zarahemla almost certainly contains more special effects than any other Hollywood film ever produced for around a million dollars." 

And Stephen would know. Using what Sobisky terms the "layering effect," various scenes in Passage to Zarahemla were filmed separately then layered together to create the special effects used for the appearance of the ancient "Nephites" and "Gadianton Robbers" in modern-day Leeds, Utah (located just outside of St. George). 

"Working on Passage to Zarahemla was a nice opportunity for us to show what we can really do," says Sobisky.

And Heimerdinger is likewise pleased. "Stephen's team really knows their stuff. Sandman was the perfect fit.  Without them, this story could not be told."

From gazing up at the drive-in movie screen and dreaming about everything that has now become an incredible portion of spectacular reality in his life, Sobisky is now focused on the future. "I think the one thing that myself and my company want to bring to the industry is that we can create good family entertainment that our children can be proud of. I am not doing this to impress anyone but my family. Our company slogan is "Dream, Imagine, and Create". If you can dream it or imagine it, we can create it."

For more on Sandman Studios, visit www.sandmanstudios.com.




After playing countless roles in commercials, television, theater and on the big screen for over fifty-five years, veteran actor, Bryce Chamberlain recalls his earlier years. Born and raised in Cedar City, Chamberlain says of his initial beginnings in acting, "I was quite bashful and introverted."

While a student at the University of Utah, Chamberlain decided to take a class in communications where he could learn "how to identify feelings and share them." For him, this personally opened up an opportunity in film. "I thought I was going to be the next James Dean," he says with a smile.

From there, Chamberlain decided to go into broadcasting, and this eventually led to live theater production.

After performing in the stage production, Hollywood Sings, Chamberlain moved to the Hollywood market in the 1950s and worked with NBC studios appearing with such notable names as Groucho Marx and Dinah Shore. He also performed in Disney movies and many other popular television shows, all of which he loved doing, but the demands of the Hollywood industry, at this time in his life, were great

Returning to Utah, he became involved with many Utah productions, working in both television and radio broadcasting. After marrying, he and his wife, Haun, decided to move back to Glendale, California, where he continued his career in the Hollywood industry. He laughs when asked how much things have changed. "Back then, all of the television commercials I was involved with were filmed live!"

Eventually moving back to Utah, Chamberlain became comfortable and very popular with Stage Theater--in fact, if you've seen a play in Utah, you've probably seen Bryce perform. "I've been involved in theater now for 55 years," He chuckles as if in disbelief.

Some of the more than 200 theatrical productions in which he has performed include: My Fair Lady, Hamlet, The Glass Menagerie, and A Christmas Carol. He also had roles in The Merchant of Venice with George C. Scott, Tiger at the Gates with John Ireland and The Wings of Eagles with Loraine Day. One-man portrayals of well-known historical people have also been a major part of Chamberlain's theatrical experience, having portrayed such notables as Christopher Columbus, George Washington, Johann Gutenberg, and Thomas Jefferson.

One of Chamberlain's first roles in the LDS arena was in the well-known Church production Man's Search for Happiness, in the starring role as the father.  This was the piece produced by the LDS Church for the 1964 World's Fair, viewed in their pavilion by over 5 million people.  It is somewhat ironic-but maybe appropriate-that now, over 40 years later Chamberlain's latest role is as the grandfather in Passage to Zarahemla. Of his experience acting in this film, Chamberlain says, "It was a very friendly environment with a group of very talented people."

And what does Chris Heimerdinger have to say about the opportunity to direct Bryce Chamberlain?  "Bryce is a consummate professional. He doesn't actually play the violin, but part of his role required him to play a violinmaker in the movie. He spent several days with Kevin Lee, our on-set violinist, learning the moves so that he would come off believable. The scene where he is actually playing the violin is very short, but Bryce's dedication as an actor demanded that he do the homework. I was so proud to have Bryce involved in this film."  But don't let the violin thing catch you off guard.  In Passage to Zarahemla, Chamberlain proves himself deft with a couple rifles as well.