Christian movie films in Birmingham, producers lured by state’s tax incentive
Sep 09 2012
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Maria
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BIRMINGHAM — AJ Michalka, star of the Christian-themed movie “Grace Unplugged” that has been filming in Birmingham since mid-August, started her singing career in church. She plays the character Grace Trey, a teen church singer who strikes out on her own to land a record deal in Los Angeles. She cuts off contact with her parents, including her father, a former rock star turned worship leader at a small town Alabama church.
“As soon as I read this, I felt Grace was a part of who I am,” Michalka said. “I connected with her immediately when I read the script.”
Michalka, 21, has appeared in the movies “Secretariat,” “Super 8,” “The Lovely Bones” and the upcoming “Jesus in Cowboy Boots.” She sings in the group 78violet with her sister, Aly Michalka. The sisters previously performed as Aly and AJ and were featured stars on the Disney Channel.
“We grew up singing in church, leading worship,” Michalka said.
“That’s how I started,” Michalka said during a break in filming a scene at Liberty Park Baptist Church. “I feel like I’m back in church.”
James Denton, who was a worship leader at a church before he became a professional actor and a star on “Desperate Housewives,” plays Johnny Trey.
Both Michalka and Denton sing and play guitar in the movie.
That worked perfectly for writer-director Brad Silverman. “It’s really exciting when you get art imitating life,” said Silverman, between takes of scenes shot Wednesday at WorkPlay.
Silverman and Russ Rice, a producer, previously worked together on another Christian movie, “No Greater Love.” The storyline of “Grace Unplugged” was inspired by Rice’s own life. “I have a daughter who did this — she ran away from home at 18,” Rice said. “We’re not preaching in this. We’re trying to tell a universal story.”
“To do a film like this for the Lord is something I don’t get to do often,” said Michalka, who brought her beloved poodle, Willow, in a baby stroller to the set.
The movie is being shot in Alabama to take advantage of tax incentives and rebates on filming expenditures established in 2009 when the state adopted the Entertainment Industry Incentive Act.
“The reason we got pushed here was for the tax rebate,” Rice said. Much of the crew comes from Alabama and Georgia. There’s only a handful of crew from LA, Rice said.
“Grace Unplugged,” set for release in fall 2013, follows a stream of low-budget but profitable Christian movies including “Fireproof” and “Courageous.”
“It’s a growing genre that has found a receptive market,” said “Grace Unplugged” producer Chris Zarpas, former vice president of production for Jeffrey Katzenberg at Disney and former CEO of Scott Free, the production company of directors Ridley Scott (“Gladiator”) and the late Tony Scott (“Top Gun”).
Zarpas said “Grace Unplugged” is being filmed with a budget of less than $2 million and will be distributed by Lionsgate.
The cast includes veteran comedian and character actor Kevin Pollak and Shawnee Smith, who stars in the FX show “Anger Management” with Charlie Sheen. The whole cast is hitting a home run, Rice said.
“AJ’s just off the charts,” Rice said. “She’s a Christian. She’s an incredibly talented girl, an incredible actress. James Denton was a worship leader before he broke into acting. He really identified with the part. They’ve been great to work with.”
Michalka said she enjoyed sharing the stage with Denton playing her father.
“It’s a great role for him and for me,” Michalka said. “It’s the first time I’ve performed with a male singer. It’s always been my sister and I. The songs that have been written for the film have blown me away.”
Both Michalka and Denton felt comfortable filming scenes in church. “It was just so cool,” Michalka said. “It’s so crazy how life comes back full circle.”
One scene was shot at The Club, with an overview of the city lights of Birmingham doubling as Los Angeles. The biggest scene is set for the Alabama Theatre on Tuesday, when a concert featuring Christian singer Chris Tomlin will be filmed, with as many as 2,000 extras.
Filming wraps up on Sept. 7.
“Moviemaking is a business and the goal is to make money,” said Zarpas. “This isn’t just about that. We’re not just selling popcorn. We’re sharing the gospel.”
“It’s about redemption and reconciliation,” Rice said.
