LOGLINE Set between the New World (Heaven) and the Old World - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

LOGLINE Set between the New World (Heaven) and the Old World (Earth) the story follows the life and afterlife of Jonathan Stone and all of those lives around him from his past, present and future.

SYNOPSIS

Jonathan Stone is just your typical middle aged dad...he struggles with his job, his friends his family and those feelings that maybe one day it will all just work out the way he wants it to...the problem is that Jonathan Stone is already dead and his future is now no longer limited by time or space or job security or the fear of getting sick, old or well or anything else like that, now Jonathan must begin a new life, a life in eternity, in paradise, in Heaven. However along this journey Jonathan begins to look back and see how his life on earth was more than just a series of disappointments and shortcomings, he sees that God had a plan for his life all along and his afterlife and that all those around him were touched by his life more than he could have ever imagined…

THE OLD WORLD The ‘OLD WORLD’ is the current world, earth, our rundown struggling planet. To create visual ‘contrast’ to the ‘New World’ - HEAVEN, we will create a bleak environment, finding locations that are visually overly run down such as inner city locations and polluted environments. The house where Jonathan lives will be old and rustic, not in a nice charming way...and we will be praying for bad weather! THE NEW WORLD In contrast to the ‘Old World’ the ‘NEW WORLD’ - HEAVEN, will be light, bright and colorful. We will film in visually stunning locations using colors and lights and other cinematic elements to make the New World epic, ethereal, beautiful and limitless along with adding some visual effects in the color grading process to fully express the beauty of ‘Paradise’. THE TONE - The Struggles of Life Showing the loneliness, pain and bleakness of real life trials and tribulations that we all experience is paramount to the story, we intend to focus visually on personal struggles and painful issues in life, the most obvious being death and loss. THE TONE - The joy of Hope While the bleak visual and emotional portrayal of our characters dealing with a life overwhelmed by pain, loss and struggle on earth is vitally visually necessary in order to create contrast, there will of course be moments when the joy of hope leaks into life on earth and finally impacts the pinnacle breakthrough transition into the all- encompassing divergence of the environment of HEAVEN. THE ADVENTURE BEGINS The story of Jonathan's journey in heaven will flash back and forth between heaven and earth to show the trials of his humanity and how he affected those around him without even realizing it. The next part of Jonathan’s journey will show the discovery of this new frontier known as ‘heaven’ and his realization that heaven isn't stereotypically a place to play harps in white robes on clouds, but explores and reveals the scope and diversity of what heaven truly holds for us. HUMOR When dealing with serious issues such as life, death and the afterlife, it is important to find a way to cut thru the heaviness with humor. There will be many ‘beats’ throughout the story on earth where humor will be found naturally just like it is in life, plenty of humor and laughter will also be integrated throughout Jonathan's journey within the environment of heaven.

STORY CINEMATIC VISUAL ‘LOOK BOOK’

OLD WORLD

NEW WORLD

THE STRUGGLES OF LIFE

THE JOY OF HOPE

THE ADVENTURE BEGINS

HUMOR

The concept of the film ‘HEAVEN’ will be unique and original in its production and one that has never truly been done before. The

• verall

cinematic look of the film’s style and tone will come from the influence

• f

a variety

• f

films…THE MATRIX with its ‘duel worlds,’ THE SHACK with the ‘new world’ interactions, LORD OF THE RINGS and NARNIA for the ‘hero’s journey into a new world,’ WHAT DREAMS MAY COME for the intercut between the ‘old world and the new,’ along with THE GREEN MILE, HEAVEN IS FOR REAL and BREAKTHROUGH for the normality

• f

regular life and spiritual interaction ‘when God shows up,’ and SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION for the process of the ‘hero’s journey to finding hope.’ The aforementioned films do not reflect the thematic or spiritual message, just the cinematic look and style for the proposed film.

CINEMATIC INFLUENCES

The Adventure Begins FILM

Our first step forward is the production of the feature film ‘HEAVEN: the adventure begins’ by Alan Duprey. The world has very little knowledge of what heaven is like, what we do have is minimal and very rarely expressed or depicted in film in a way that encompasses the hope, joy, love and eternal life that we believe waits for us. This film is a revelation of the hope and Joy that awaits us with God in heaven and it is so crucial for us to share and express this cinematically in an impacting way. Making a film like this will be such a powerful way to reach the lost, hopeless and hurting, our hope is that it can then also be shared and experienced in churches and ministries and by missionaries as an effective outreach aid across the globe. The vision for ‘HEAVEN’ will be to depict the realities of life here on earth, the struggles we all face and the loss we feel when we lose those we love, to then bring a message of hope to our audience that goes beyond this mortal earth, to show that life does indeed carry on for eternity in what Jesus promises…Paradise… The film will depict a revelation of what happens in heaven and the day to day of eternity. We will make this film locally in Massachusetts and will work side by side with local churches and local Christian filmmakers, actors etc. to not only help bring the film to fruition but also to raise up, support and bring out Christian filmmakers who might otherwise not have had a chance to be a part of a collaboration like this.

Networking, casting and hiring locally also helps keep production costs down, along with having the advantage of the amazing locations and state tax rebates Massachusetts has to

• ffer for film production.

In order to depict the environment of HEAVEN without spending hundreds of millions of dollars on VFX, we will split the story 50/50 with 50% in heaven and 50% on earth utilizing real locations in Massachusetts by depicting them artistically and as cinematically as we can. Along with talented actors and crew, we can make this a relatable, inspirational and captivating movie that can help believers and non-believers alike begin to understand the hope of HEAVEN. Upon completion we will have an exceptional film that will reach people’s hearts, spread hope and ultimately reveal God’s extravagant love for them as they see a glimpse into ‘HEAVEN.’ We look forward to you beginning this adventure with us on the feature film ‘HEAVEN,’ Angus Benfield.

MINISTRY

Faith based films are driven not by stars or large budgets or over inflated marketing costs, but by the MESSAGE. If the message of the film is good and the ‘messengers’ (our key talent, cast, crew etc.) are of quality and integrity then the film will be a success.

TIMELINE FILM MAKING IN FIVE STAGES:

1- DEVELOPMENT 2-3 Months: This process has begun and during this time the script will be developed, budget secured, the team of cast and crew will start to come together and we will liaise with the local state departments and crew for locations and tax rebates etc. 2 - PRE-PRODUCTION 1 Month: This process carries on from development in which all the cast, crew, locations, props etc. are secured, locked down, contracts are drawn up along with a solid schedule. 3 - PRODUCTION 1 Month: This process is when the film is underway, has begun shooting and all the moving parts come together, over a period of 4 weeks. 4 - POST-PRODUCTION 3-4 Months: This process is where the film is edited, colour graded and the visual effects, sound editing and the score are added. 5 - DISTRIBUTION (and Marketing) 6 Months +: This is an ongoing process in which the film will be marketed and sold to distribution across the globe but it will also have a life beyond this, with ministry

• pportunities, church screenings, bible studies etc.

Heaven: The Adventure Begins

“It’s more than a movie!”

Film, book, audio book, study guide, Power Point, website, presentations and much more…

The Ministry

Heaven Resource Center Heaven Resource Center is a website dedicated to open the eyes of our heart to see Heaven more clearly from a biblical prospective. To create a longing for eternal things and find great joy in learning about them. www.heavenresourcecenter.com

Colossians 3:1-2 says, “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”

Our Heavenly Bodies: In Heaven will we be Spirits or Angels or will we have physical bodies? Will I still look like me or even be me? Our Heavenly Identity: In Heaven will we have our earthly memories, characteristics and mannerisms in Heaven? How much of who I am now, will be part of me in Heaven? Our Heavenly Relationships: In Heaven will I be near the ones I love, like my wife, children, family and friends? If they are in heaven, will they be part of my life like they are now? Our Relationship with God: Will we see God; will he really want to see me? What type of relationship will I have with Him, will he ever get sick of me or even worse, will I ever get bored with God?

Heaven Resource Center

Heaven Resource Center is dedicated to answering the questions people have about Heaven from a biblical perspective. Here are some common questions that people ask.

Our Heavenly Worship: In Heaven will we worship God continual day and night, like a church service? Will I get sick or bored with worship? How am I going to stay focused and enjoy worship for all of eternity? Our Heavenly Kingdom: What does Heaven look like, is their vegetation, rivers, mountains, streams and trees? Will there be animals, angels and other creatures? Will I be able to enjoy all these things, like playing with animals, walking through the forest and speaking to angels? Our Heavenly Dominion: How big is Heaven and the New Jerusalem? Are their other cites or things outside the city walls for me to see? Will we be able to explore all of God Kingdom? Our Heavenly Life: Will our life in Heaven be better than

• ur current lives here on earth? What will we do in

Heaven, will there be music, will we learn, will we work, will we laugh, will we rest? What will my life look like?

Heaven Resource Center

Heaven The Adventure Begins

FEATURE FILM

• LOCAL PRODUCTION: Utilizing local cast and crew,

businesses and churches.

• PROFESSIONAL TEAM FROM LOS ANGELES: Decades of

experience, multiple feature films completed and distributed, experts at this budget size and scale of production.

• LOCAL TAX INCENTIVES: % 25 + Rebate.
• MITIGATED BUDGET: Lower cost productions with

higher quality end results.

• SOLID AND TESTED RETURN ON INVESTMENT
• STRONG GROWING MARKET: High demand and low

saturation.

• POWERFUL MINISTRY TOOL: The medium of film

reaches across the globe 24/7, 365 days a week.

INVESTMENT

• Dove Media reports that films that have a G or PG

rating have an average ROI of 80% - 141% compared to an R-rated film’s ROI average of 16%- 3%

• Faith based films don’t need big budgets or even

big names, yet they make more money than many Oscar nominated films every year.

• Faith/Family movies make up 70 times the

amount at the box office.

• The Kendrick brothers’ films (War Room, Facing

the Giants etc.) have a combined budget of $6M yet have grossed $150 million.

• In 2015, the 20 highest grossing films earned just

36% of the box office, whereas the top 20 Christian films earned 78% of the box office.

INVESTMENT (Examples)

FIREPROOF: Budget $500k = Box Office - $35 M - ROI – 7,000 % COURAGEOUS: Budget $2M = Box Office - $34 M - ROI – 1,700 % GOD’S NOT DEAD: Budget $2M = Box Office - $62 M - ROI – 3,100 % WAR ROOM: Budget $3M = Box Office - $80 M - ROI – 2,667 % HEAVEN IS FOR REAL: Budget $12M = Box Office - $101 M - ROI – 842 % SON OF GOD: Budget $12M = Box Office - $53 M - ROI – 558 % THE SHACK: Budget $12M = Box Office - $53 M - ROI – 442 % MIRACLES FROM HEAVEN: Budget $13M = Box Office - $61 M - ROI – 375 % SOUL SURFER: Budget $18M = Box Office - $47 M - ROI – 261 % RISEN: Budget $20M = Box Office - $46 M - ROI – 230 % PASSION OF THE CHRIST: Budget $30M = Box Office - $612 M - ROI – 2,040 % THE BLIND SIDE: Budget $35M = Box Office - $255 M - ROI – 632 % CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: Budget $180M = Box Office - $745 M - ROI – 414 % More recent: I CAN ONLY IMAGINE (2018): Budget $7M = Box Office - $83 M PAUL, APOSTLE OF CHRIST (2018): Budget $5M = Box Office - $23 M

INVESTMENT (Structure)

To break down the process; The HEAVEN film budget is $100,000; investors can purchase 50% of its share capital at $100,000 – this investment is in tranches of 5% at $10k per share. Once the film is sold, investors will receive 100% of their investment back until the full budget of $100,000 is made back then it will be split 50/50 between the investors and the production company for the life of the film. The production company will share its profit with the allocated filmmakers – actors, crew etc. in

• rder to reduce overhead initial

costs.

I have been working in the film industry in front of and behind the camera since I was a teenager, this life-long passion for film began by scaring my dad in the yard with special effects make-up I had taught myself to do. I always knew I wanted to work in film and my first job within the industry at 14, was cleaning cars on car commercials, cut to today where I have either acted in, directed, produced or written multiple feature films that have successfully been released and viewed on theatre screens worldwide. I believe God planted this passion in my heart and my passion for the Lord has been the guiding path along this

• ften very tough journey.

Over the last few decades I have passionately pursued practically learning as much as I could in the film industry so as to have an all-encompassing, comprehensive and wide-range of skills and knowledge that could take me from A to Z in the process of film-making. Because of this I have not only worked as an actor, director, producer and screenwriter but have had opportunity to develop skills working in a variety of production assistant, distribution and creative roles, (production designer, wardrobe SPFX makeup etc.) I have also had opportunity to work as a lecturer at the New York Film Academy (NYFA), teaching screenwriting, film craft and film history. In my study of film history I discovered that Christians were in fact the first to make movies, it was The Salvation Army in Melbourne Australia who started the ‘Limelight Department’ in 1897-1910, producing the world’s first moving picture film in 1900, ‘Soldiers of the Cross’ and went on to make over 300 films of various lengths during its existence, making it the largest film studio in the world…

Angus Benfield’s vision statement for ‘Heaven The Adventure Begins’.

Unfortunately Limelight was shut down completely in 1910 by Commissioner James Hay who felt that “cinema was not something that the church should be involved in”…exactly

• ne year later in 1911 the first studio opened in Hollywood –

‘Nester Film Company’…and well you know the rest of this story. I wholeheartedly disagree with Commissioner James Hay and believe 100% not only that “cinema be something the church should be involved in,” but it should be something we are the best at, and the creative passion for cinema that God started in 1897, we should carry on now and grow to be the biggest influence in cinema in the world. God did it then and I believe he wants to do it again, now. Now more than ever there is a need to make the right sort

• f films – the ‘GOD STORIES.’ These are the stories that

resonate with all men and women, they have throughout the history of humanity, stories that ultimately lead all mankind to the hope, knowledge and love of Jesus. When we make ‘God Stories’ we reach directly into the heart

• f mankind, and it is here that the law and knowledge of

God is written (Romans 2:15)…it’s here that we can lead men and women to the truth that they are desperately seeking for in a world that is now producing more and more films, TV and media that create emptiness and content over heart...these are not God Stories but man’s stories… ‘The harvest is plentiful and the workers are few’ (Luke 10:2) but the few passionate workers that are there are growing steadily every day, and with each film we make we can make a difference in society and culture through sharing a message of a loving God who fills that worldly emptiness with ‘hope and a future’ (Jeremiah 29:11). I see all films as a form of discipleship, that each film made has the potential to make disciples of a multitude of nations that can ultimately spread this message of hope. Movies can be seen anywhere in the world 24/7, 365 days a week, they have more impact and are far more influential than we realize. Just one film made in the 1970s, the ‘Jesus Film,’ today has led 490 million people to Jesus. It’s a truly powerful medium, it reaches into the hearts and minds of people all across the globe, transcending language barriers and even going to places that we physically cannot due to all the different distribution and viewing platforms now available.

I know it was God that led that small group of Salvation Army officers into setting up the Limelight Dept in 1897 and I know it’s God today calling us to make a difference, He calls us together across the country and across the globe to come and bring our best skills for His services. Creating a film is a collaborative process, we can’t do something of this magnitude alone, God calls us to work together, we each have a part to play and a skill to bring (Romans 12:6-8) and finances are an important factor when it comes to filmmaking. Creating a film is not an easy process and takes skilled craftsmen and women and hard work and finances to complete, just like it takes finances to build churches and schools and send missionaries off across the globe. We are missionaries sent out into the world to share God’s message, our stories and testimonies through film, the reality is that we are arriving into villages that are already watching on their cell phones, their huts have satellite dishes on top – they have already been reached by the media

• f film and TV and over saturated by man’s stories, help us make a difference in this world, help us bring them God stories.

Our first step forward is the production of the feature film “Heaven: the adventure begins” by Alan Duprey. The world has very little knowledge

• f what heaven is like and what we do have is minimal and very rarely expressed or depicted in film in a way that encompasses the hope, joy,

love and eternal life that we believe waits for us.

About Angus Benfield:

Angus Benfield was born in Sydney, Australia and has been working in the film and television industry since the age of 14, starting as a Production Assistant on commercial productions. Angus developed a passion to pursue acting and landed his big break straight out of acting school as lead 'LEX' in Dean Murphy's cult classic 'Lex and Rory'. From acting as character 'Cody Ryder' in Australian TV series E-street alongside 'The Mentalist' actor Simon Baker, playing 'Officer Tom' in the New Zealand TV series Kaitangata Twitch, among many other commercial and theatrical roles, he also developed a passion for writing, producing and directing. In 2005 Angus co-produced the 11-million-dollar film ‘Meet Me in Miami’, a NZ/US co- production starring Carlos Ponce, (Couple’s Retreat, SPY), and Eduardo Verastegui, (Paul Blart Mall Cop 2). Angus then went on to direct and produce the New Zealand indie film 'Wait up Harriet' in 2006 and wrote and produced NZ film 'The Holy Roller' in 2010 which was official selection for the International film festival in New Zealand, had a theatrical release throughout Australia and New Zealand including release in the US through RLJ Entertainment. Angus went on to manage NZ media company FIN Productions and run the DVD, theatrical Distribution and Marketing department for Life Films alongside Rialto (NZ) and Heritage Films (AUS) from 2007-2015. In 2017 Angus wrote and directed Australian award-winning film TRUST, which was theatrically released throughout Australia including release in the US. In 2016 Angus formed production company Cutting Edge Film and Television with his Chinese based production partner Xiaoding Li, to develop a slate of film and television productions for China. In 2018 Angus and Xiaoding produced the first film from their slate ‘High Rollers’, directed by Kelong Li and written by Angus Benfield. Angus moved to Los Angeles at the end of 2017 and began working alongside production company ‘Damascus Road’. Together in 2019 they made the movie ‘Motorvation’, which was written and produced by Angus Benfield (script was Austin Screenplay finalist) and directed by Josh Hodgins. ‘Motorvation’ is currently in post-production and is set to be released in late 2019 early 2020. Throughout his career of writing, producing and directing, Angus has continued acting, having starred in many films and numerous TV commercials in the USA, Australia and New Zealand, including one with award winning actress 'Cate Blanchett' and recently working on 'Jimmy Kimmel' as the 'Plumber' in the cold

• pening skit.

Angus has many projects currently in development including the feature drama, 'The Strongest Man Alive' (scheduled for production early 2020) and two Chinese productions, Sci Fi TV series 'Luna Rush' and the Action Comedy 'Dirty Money' (scheduled for production late 2019). Angus continues to live in Los Angeles with his wife and son.

Interviews with Angus Benfield Angus Benfield Film Interview 1 https://www.dropbox.com/s/m5vicq0s6z2vghp/C BN%20NEWS.mp4?dl=0 Angus Benfield Film Interview 2 https://www.dropbox.com/s/9pn9wolwah6w7z9/ Wendy%20Griffith%20TRUST.mp4?dl=0

Good Christian Movies: The Good Christian Movies (GCM) Platform gives us the opportunity to focus on films that will bring enjoyment, and the message of hope and peace to the viewer. Through this platform we can put “Heaven: The Adventure Begins” on the home page for a good visual presence. The GCM website has approximately 5,000 visitors per month and is increasing daily. The GCM Social Media Platform has about 10,000 follower which gives us the

• pportunity to market the film to our followers, as the film is being developed and then released.

Ravizza Social / Hannah Noelle Publishing: We are also working very closely with Ravizza Social and Hannah Noelle Publishing. The two companies focus on marketing and other various forms of social media and have about 3 million followers. The two platforms will give us the ability to lift the film and create a lot of interest. Angus Benfield: Angus has a network of distributors and sales agents in the US and across the globe. The US distributions would do a release of 250,000 DVD units, plus online platforms, as well as Theatrical options. Angus is also involved in Life Films and Heritage in Australia and New Zealand. Angus also has a business partner who has networks to all the key distributors in China and he also has other relationships in other foreign territories across the globe (South Africa/America, Asia, EU etc.).

Global Distribution

Alan Duprey was born in Holyoke, Massachusetts. He graduated from the Machine Shop program at Holyoke Trade School. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy as a

• machinist. After an honorable discharge, he attended Springfield Technical Community College

in Massachusetts following the drafting and design program. He also attended Westfield State College completing the teaching certification program for teaching in Vocational Schools. He than secured a teaching position at William J. Dean Tech/Voc High School as a Machine Shop Instructor. After seven years, he left the Vocational School and started teaching Mastercam CAD-CAM software for MACDAC Engineering. He then purchased MACDAC Engineering and has been part

• wner of the company since 2002. His duties include Mastercam sales and demonstrations

showing the software’s capabilities throughout New England. He continues his position as President and Technical Sales. He came to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ in 1988 through New Life Presbyterian Church (OPC). He attends Christ Community Church in Belchertown, MA. Over the years, he has taught Bible studies, Sunday school, small groups, men’s study and has filled the pulpit when

• requested. Heaven: The Adventure Begins was his first book and he is waiting to see how the

Lord is leading him to write a series of books with the same characters. He is also a part owner in Media 14:36 which is a publishing company. Through the company many of their authors turned their books into films through their contacts and direction. The Lord has been moving in this company and now offers a Video On Demand Streaming Service called Good Christian Movies (GCM). This site allows the public to download Christian Films for rental or purchase. He now resides in Agawam, Massachusetts. He has been happily married to his wife, Jennie, since 1987. He has two grown children with grand-children.

About the Author

HEAVEN The Adventure Begins... “It’s more than a movie!”