Downpour Productions

Opportunities for "The Measure of a Man"

2009-03-19T20:08:00.004-05:00

Hey All! I wanted to let you know that the trailer is now complete and has been posted on the website. It's short but I wanted just enough information conveyed to tweak people's interest so that they would want to see the rest of the story.
http://www.measureofaman-themovie.com/videos.php

The Lord has been blowing me away with such amazing opportunities for "The Measure of a Man.” I’ve been loving the ability to give DVD’s away when I feel led to do so, whether that be the post man, bank teller, lady in a bar…etc. The Lord longs for us to share what He has been doing in our lives for the Kingdom! I pray that we would continue to reflect Christ’s love by being mirrors of His righteousness to a lost and dying world in need of everlasting salvation.

The MOAM has been accepted into the Projecting Hope Christian Film Festival which will take place this September. They are expecting 9,000 people to attend this year! Praise the Lord!
http://www.projectinghope.com/charlotte

Today, I was interviewed on the "God at Work" program on Moody Radio which is located in Ohio. It was such a neat experience! My interview will be airing live this Monday, March 23rd at 1pm (Central Time). Audio clips will be put on the website once I receive a copy of the interview.
http://www.wcrfradio.org/

I'm in the process of being interviewed for a spotlight article for Home school Alumni. Please pray that the Lord would give me the words!
http://www.homeschoolalumni.org/index.php

If you are interested in screening “The Measure of a Man” in your church or your church’s youth group. Please contact me at: themeasureofaman.stephanie@gmail.com I would love to touch base with you and join with you in advancing His Kingdom for His ultimate glory!

Blessings,
Stephanie

Available for Purchase!!!!

2009-01-27T15:51:00.002-06:00

Hey Everyone! Just wanted to let you know that "The Measure of a Man" is available for purchase on the website: www.measureofaman-themovie.com The DVD is $15 and that includes shipping and handling! :)

Also, if you are interested in your church, youth group or school hosting a "Measure of a Man" screening. Please contact me at: themeasureofaman.stephanie@gmail.com I would love to touch base with you and join together with you to get this life changing message out, to make a difference! Blessings!

DFW "Measure of a Man" Screening!

2008-11-04T10:35:00.002-06:00

Hey Everyone! We now have a DFW screening, if you go to the website: http://www.measureofaman-themovie.com/ and click on the "find a screening" page, the information/details of the DFW screening will be on there. I would love to see you there! :)

As far as an update, I'm hoping to have my film duplicated by the end of Nov. possibly the middle of Dec. We will see how things play out! Churches are getting interested, people are stepping up to the plate, God is on the move.

Blessings,

Steph

Screening: Silverado 19 IMAX Theater in Tomball, TX

2008-10-27T15:39:00.007-05:00

The screening at the theater went amazing! We had about 250-300 people attend! I just started crying during my introduction as I welcomed everyone there. I feel so overwhelmed by the Lord's faithfulness! God is opening up doors left and right and He is just blowing me away. I know for a fact that the Lord directed this and not me, since I've had no experience in film making and directing any sort of movie before, I was able to encourage others that when God gives you a mission, He will equip you to do it! That His power will be at work in us and through us and He will be the One to complete what He starts. Glory be to God!

I am so thankful for my amazing, incredible Producer who the Lord so graciously provided! There is no way I could have done it without her support, hard work, ideas, thoughts, prayers...etc. Saphrin you are wonderful! :)

Here are some of the photos:

Website and Movie is DONE!!!!!

2008-10-23T17:14:00.002-05:00

Hey All! The website is finished and is now up: http://www.measureofaman-themovie.com/

The movie is done too! :) PRAISE THE LORD!!!!!!

Movie Making Mode

2008-09-19T13:28:00.002-05:00

Hey Everyone,

Here's the update:

1.) The rough cut is done. It looks amazing. We still are needing to put several more photos in and include my narration footage. I will be getting my narration recorded next Tues.! Please be praying that all goes well. That the Holy Spirit would just downpour on me and that the Lord's words would be placed in my mouth. I'm a little nervous, but God is so good and faithful and He has never let me down and He never will!

2.) Music is underway! :) My lead musician overseer is, Tyler Chance. He has been working so hard on watching the rough cut and then composing/recording music to fit the tone and feel of the documentary. The song my sister wrote about the measure of a man will be recorded soon.

3.) I will be meeting with the Chaplain of Northland Christian School on Oct. 17th watch the documentary before the theater screening on Oct. 25th in Tomball, TX. We hope to discuss more of the details of what will take place that night. I'm sooo excited! :)

4.) New website is currently being worked on. I will be sure to post a link when it is viewable!

And please, please be covering this project in your prayers! FOR GOD TO JUST USE THIS TO TOUCH LIVES FOR HIS KINGDOM!!!!!! This is for His glory alone!

Blessings,
Steph

In WI

2008-08-29T13:11:00.002-05:00

Hey Everyone! I arrived in WI on Tuesday morning and I will be here until Monday night. Nathan and I have been brain storming, talking, I've been watching tons of our stock footage and gathering the correct time codes, he's been uploading, logging and organizing it all so we can start cutting and pasting today. I'm so excited! I do need your prayers though! This is a big project and all of this is new to me and that's what so amazing about it but yet at the same time, I get overwhelmed and frustrated. But God has been so faithful to walk me through this whole process by placing people in my path to help me along the way. It's so new, hard but yet so good.

Blessings,
Stephanie

Heading to WI

2008-08-12T12:55:00.002-05:00

Hey! I have good news! The rough cut of the paper edit is done! :) There are just a few added touches and tweaks that need to be made. I'm so excited. I'm flying up to WI on the 26th to work with Nathan Webster with editing the film and I will be flying back home on the 1st of Sept. The next step after the editing of the rough cut has been completed will be getting the narration recorded and the music. Please be praying that the Lord will direct us in completing those endeavors!

Many Blessings,
Stephanie

Movie Update

2008-07-11T12:51:00.001-05:00

Hey Everyone! Just a quick update! Saphrin sent all the footage to our main editor, Nathan Webster! We've started the editing process! Praise the Lord!!!!

~Steph

Post Production Update 6/21

2008-06-21T23:05:00.017-05:00

Okay everyone, here's the scoop!

1.) Saphrin and I have been working so hard on sorting through footage. Transcribing the lines that truly pop out, words that will beautifully connect to the topic, the vision of this documentary! We have discussed storyboards, talked and talked, Starbucks braining storming gatherings. We've been praying and seeking the Lord for wisdom in every decision. This is the Lord's project and He definitely is not going to allow us to get any glory from this. He is constantly humbling us and reminding us that we need to FULLY rely on Him to get this done! He is the one who will be able to complete what He has started! I just smile when I think of the Lord and His amazing mighty hand. That in one moment He does a thousand other things!

2.) Saphrin talked to Dallas Jenkins for 45 minutes the other day and discussed with him our storyboard, plans and desires for this documentary. He was thrilled and so excited for us! He gave us a few tips and definitely can't wait to see it when it gets done. He told us that he wasn't just flattering us to flatter us but that he really thinks God has given us something special.

3.) Mark Cubin has been keeping in touch with Saphrin as well. He is still asking us about the process of our film project, where we are and how it's going. He definitely is wanting to connect with my team. I'm so excited about this amazing opportunity. Who knows what the Lord has in store! :)

4.) We are planning to send all our tapes to our main editor, Nathan Webster, in a couple of weeks! Things have been so crazy, sometimes stressful, but overall I have been reminding myself to lean fully on the Lord for strength, ideas and guidance. He is so precious to His children when we choose to cry out to Him.

5.) Chase, Alan, Saphrin, My Dad (Craig) and I went and shot a couple more interviews at a small coffee shop in Dallas today. We captured responses of what Alan and Chase first thought when they met Nick in person, how he has impacted their lives and what they admire most about him. It was a special time on the street, getting footage together to spice up the documentary and just be able to connect again as a team.

Here are some photos:

Blessings,

Steph

Footage Day

2008-06-17T07:23:00.002-05:00

Today, Saphrin and I will be sorting through 12 hours of footage. Transcribing, logging, and mapping out the flow of the documentary. Please be praying that God will grant us wisdom on the precise clips that need to be in this film. Our goal is to have another all day footage viewing on Saturday. All footage will be viewed before I head back to Cali on the 23rd.

In Christ,
Stephanie

HEY!!!!

2008-06-10T21:54:00.004-05:00

Hey Everyone! We are still alive and this project is still moving! :)

1.) This Thursday, I will be interviewing two more people regarding the topic, "the measure of a man." I will allow the two men to share their hearts relating to this very important topic that has affected my generation significantly. I'm so excited about it!

2.) Today, Saphrin and I did a lot of work on our new website that will be ready by next month. It will have information on our nationwide screening, trailers, clips, crew bios, information about this documentary, contact info...etc. We have hired an amazing web designer who will get the job done and give it his best! :) We feel so blessed! Also, Saphrin and I went from place to place trying to find someone who could put our footage on DVD's so that we can start transcribing. Well, because of the format that Chase shot in, several major post production company's were not able to read the footage at all. Thus, we asked Chase again if he could do it and he said yes! :) PRAISE THE LORD! The Lord provides!

3.) Mark Cubin e-mailed my producer recently and was asking how the project was going! Saphrin and I are so excited about this amazing opportunity! We'll keep you updated on further developments!

Keep praying!!!

Steph

Prayer Requests

2008-05-21T14:01:00.002-05:00

Hello Everyone! WE ARE IN NEED OF PRAYER!!!

1.) For Chase and Brian's schedule to open up so we can get our BTS and three other interviews done as soon as possible.
2.) For God to multiply our time! With the editing phase kicking in, we are in need of the Lord's strength to carry us through this season of post production.
3.) For God to provide side editors to help our main editor, Nathan Webster.
4.) For God's favor! I truly believe this documentary is going to touch many lives for the Lord's Kingdom!

Blessings,
Stephanie

UPDATE ON CA

2008-05-07T21:48:00.037-05:00

Dear Friends! I’m so sorry for not posting like I wanted to... It was sooo crazy! Okay, so here is the long update!
Monday: My crew and I got up early and ate a McDonald’s breakfast in the hotel room, had our morning devotions and just prayed that the Lord would have His way and that He would get the glory through this project. Then we all headed to Nick’s house. It was so exciting to see him again! Alan, Brian and Jacob got to meet Nick for the very first time. Some of us followed Nick to his office to get footage of him at work in his work surroundings. We had a full day of shooting interviews relating to the Life Without Limbs ministry, his testimony and to who he is as a person. We had an amazing time just hanging out with Nick, eating pizza with him and enjoyed talking and catching up on what’s been going on in our lives. Alan did such a great job interviewing Nick and Nick did an excellent job opening up to Alan, we captured a lot of good stuff! The Lord was definitely directing Chase and Brian’s (my cinematographers) hands and Kay’s (my photographer) hands as they persistently concentrated on each shot and interview section. They were on the go constantly! With having everyone doing what needed to be done. That gave me the opportunity to sit and listen and to make sure that all the particulars questions and certain discussions were unfolding. With this being my first time to direct a documentary, it was hard a times, but I learned so much. I was feel so blessed with a team that backed me up and was there to help me with anything. It’s going to be great working with them on the post production part.
Later, that evening, the team and I headed out to go grab some dinner at a small Mexican restaurant to chill until it was time to head to Nick’s house to spend some fun time with him. When we got to Nick’s house, and got out of our two PT Cruiser’s, we could hear loud music playing. We walked inside and there was Nick playing all his favorite songs on his computer’s play list. He had a stereo that had surround sound which made us sing out hearts out, we laughed a lot watching Nick lip-syncing to Josh Groban songs, Michael Buble and to some older tunes.. I just sat in his house, in awe, that God truly was putting this whole thing together. We talked about doing the work of the Lord, living out the mission that He has specifically assigned us to, running the race, not giving up and being persistent in our daily walk with Him. Our sharing time was so rich and beneficial. We were going to watch a movie, but decided not to…all of us were so happy we didn’t. It was an amazing evening!

Okay, so we drove back to the hotel, relaxed, and then went to bed. :) We knew we had a full day ahead of us!

Tuesday: LOL! All of us had a difficult time climbing out of our comfy beds. But, eventually we made it to Nick’s house and cooked a yummy breakfast for him. We made pancakes and cooked up some sausage, had toppings that consisted of butter/syrup melted together, whip cream, strawberries and blackberries. We ate outside on his patio and enjoyed the fresh air. After breakfast, we got some footage of us hanging out with Nick on the couch and got some group snapshots on Nick’s favorite red chair. Every moment spent there was so memorable!
Nick had a lunch meeting and so we all took our time to get prepared for the “measure of a man,” interview that we were going to be doing later on, got some rest, went location scouting, picked up lunch and then headed to the park to meet up with Nick and Kyle (one of Nick’s caregivers). The interview went really, really well! I was encouraged by everything Alan and Nick addressed and was touched by the way they presented the questions, answers and how they interacted with each other.

Afterwards, we headed to a local golf course and got to see Nick putt! It was amazing! I got to golf some as well…but really…I stink at golf! :P Our next stop was Nick’s Uncle Batta’s house, which was actually located by Paramount mountain (the real Paramount mountain). Chase and Brian exclaimed, “Guys, this is like a filmmaker’s holy ground!” We all cracked up! Oh wow, with being Texans, we were all enthralled by the gorgeous scenery of the mountains! Chase and Brian were able to get footage of Nick swimming and him doing his back flip. I was the only brave girl who decided to be adventurous and take a swim as well! Later on, Uncle Batta came out and started sharing some advice that we all were so appreciative about. He is so wise and has such a beautiful heart for the Lord. For me personally, what he said was what I needed to hear, it truly reinforced what I have been trying to walk out. God is so good about bringing certain people to say specific things that His sons and daughters need to hear.

Then it was time to say goodbye. It was definitely hard for me, I cried later on. Just thinking how fast the trip went and how awesome our Lord truly is! His hand is so mighty! His ways are so above our ways and thoughts so above our thoughts! He is good!
We all hugged and took photos, grabbed a bite to eat with Kyle at a California Pizza Kitchen, headed back to the hotel to regroup, pack up and then crash for the night.

Right now, I’m on the plane, heading back home. I’m tired of course, but I feel so energized to put my all in every area of this project. I believe that the Lord is going to use this film to touch my generation, and Lord willing, others. To bring revelation to the men in our time, to be the mighty men that the Lord is calling them to be. The measure of a man, is not how tall you stand, how wealthy or how intelligent you are, because I’ve found the measure of a man, and it’s what inside the heart that counts. (Taken from the song by 4Him, “Measure of a Man.”)

Now: Right now, the plans are for me and my producer, Saphrin, to meet twice a week to log and look through all the footage that we have shot and then forward it all to our main editor, Nathan Webster. Saphrin and I have also talked about possibly traveling to some of the film festivals around the US to help promote and connect with other filmmakers who would be willing to help with the marketing aspect. We have a lot of work cut out for us. But, we are sooooo excited and thrilled that we are apart of this project, to be able to assist in the advancement of His Kingdom through the arena of media. I still find it mind boggling that I’m directing this documentary. I guess it’s because filming is not my cup of tea, or my greatest passion. I’m truly doing this because of passion behind the content of this film, the calling I felt from the Lord to do this and because of the vision and mission of Nick’s ministry. It’s the Lord directing and orchestrating this documentary! I truly would not be able to do this without Christ and my amazing crew! Thank you Saphrin! You are the best producer ever!!! :) Thank you Chase, Brian, Alan, Mom, Kay and Jacob! You are all incredible!!! :) I’m looking forward to working side by side with ya’ll in the months that follow.

Nick, thank you so much for giving us those two days! It was such a tremendous blessing and all of us enjoyed every minute of it! Thank you so much for your hospitality. You truly made all of us feel at home! Also, Monday night was so much fun, and yes, I’m glad we didn’t do a movie too! We’ll be praying for you and your ministry!

Alrighty friends, I’ll close for now, but I will keep posting weekly, keeping each of you informed on the process of this production adventure. Thank you so much for your prayers and e-mails of encouragement! Keep up the praying!

Because He Lives,
Steph

Monday: CA Update Morning

2008-05-05T13:52:00.002-05:00

Hello Dear Friends!!! :) Right now, I'm posting from Nick's house! We got here safe and sound and got some footage of Nick doing his morning duties and now he is at a meeting at his Life Without Limbs office. The crew and I are heading out to eat and this afternoon will be full of interviews with Nick at his house and possibly at a park. I'll post more later.

Stephanie

Sunday: CA Update

2008-05-05T00:32:00.000-05:00

Hello Again! :)

Okay, so this morning we got up early and Saphrin and I headed to Wal-Mart to get juice and ran by McDonald’s to get some breakfast foods for everyone. After we ate, all of us came together for a devotional time, each of us prayed for the person on our right and spent the morning in thinking and sharing. Then we packed up and headed to Hollywood to get some interviews for the documentary.

As far as the interviews, Saphrin and Alan were able to get around eight people total to talk to in relation to the, “measure of a man,” “roles of man,” and what “true success is in a person’s life.” We were able to capture a lot of footage and enjoyed every minute of being able to ask people what their own personal thoughts were. It was very hard at first with the responses we received, but as time went on, people started getting interested with the project and were more open to being interviewed by Saphrin and Alan.

We were out on the Sunset strip, all afternoon, and afterwards we packed up and went in search of a place to eat. We found a pizza and pasta place that had amazing food! We were all very grateful to sit, laugh and relax after a long afternoon of worrying about our very expensive equipment and having to move our cars every hour so that we wouldn’t have our cars towed.

Then we headed out to find a beach! That’s when things got interesting… LOL! We got extremely lost, confused, worried and had to do SO MANY u-turns that it became a riot! We laughed so hard and just decided to roll down the windows, turn up the music and just sing our little hearts out! Finally, after an hour and fifteen minutes of driving randomly, we eventually made it to our desired destination! It was a beautiful beach, quite dark outside but still it was worth it to put our feet in the icy water and run aimlessly.

Now, we are back at the hotel, we are all pretty wiped but very excited about our plans for tomorrow! We have to be at Nick’s house around 7:30am and shoot until dinner. We have a full day ahead of us packed with questions, places to go, people to meet. Nick has a meeting around 9am at his Life Without Limbs office and Tuesday will come before we know it.

This trip has been so God ordained and so exciting for me to see everything falling into place. I just still can’t believe it’s all happening! Prayer has been our strength that has been carrying us through. Please continue to pray for us. Cover this project in prayer from the safety of us traveling, to God’s favor resting upon this documentary, from the words that are spoken to who sees this film in the future. We want every aspect of this project to be glorifying to the Lord!

I’m going to close for now, blessings all,
Stephanie

CA: Saturday Update

2008-05-04T01:20:00.007-05:00

Hello dear friends!

This morning brought us to an early start. Rather, a late one as we never went to sleep! So much too do and so much to talk about. J But the Lord has carried us through these two sleepless days!

We actually got through security filming our crew without the faxes we needed, without the equipment we needed. It was crazy getting all the bags and things together but we had a blast at the same time, just thinking of finally getting to CA after all this waiting. The plane ride went well. Some got to catch a few winks and some didn’t. When we arrived at LAX Airport, we headed to the car rental place and I got to drive a silver PT Cruiser and my Mom got to drive a cream one! All of us crammed our luggage in the two vehicles and headed out to find a place to eat. We found a Chipotle, talked and then skedaddled to our hotel. Come to find out the rooms we had reserved wasn’t reserved because of us doing it over the internet. It was kind of frustrating but eventually things paned out and we were able to get two rooms with each having a king bed and a roll away bed.

This afternoon, we all gathered around and had devotions, prayed for each other and opened up to the things that had been stirring on our hearts and minds. Afterwards, we relaxed at the pool and just allowed ourselves to catch up on rest. We chatted and then headed out to meet a friend of Kayleen’s for dinner at a place called, Islands. On our way back to the hotel we laughed a lot and shared funny stories!

Some of us chose to exercise a little (Saphrin and I and Chase came later on) to get the wiggles out. Now, here I am typing up the happenings of the day and just so overjoyed with how everything is falling into place. As I’m typing, I’m surrounded by my dear friends here in the lobby, this is the only place where we have internet access…they are talking about our plans for tomorrow and what we are wanting to accomplish as far as shooting. My Mom’s asleep, she is so tired! But, she’s been absolutely an amazing Crew Mom! There for us to pray, to encourage and to hug!
Okay, so now I’m going to close because my eyes are about to close.

Blessings,
Stephanie

Leaving For CA!

2008-05-02T16:59:00.002-05:00

Hey Everyone! My crew and I are leaving my house around 6am for the airport! :) Kayleen, Chase, Brian and Saphrin will be spending the night at my house tonight so that way we will be ready for tomorrow! I'm pretty sure we will go out for a late Wal-Mart adventure to get tapes, and anything else we need before we fly out! I'll be posting every night to keep ya'll informed on the details!

Blessings,
Stephanie

April 29th Update

2008-04-29T13:00:00.002-05:00

Wow! Praise the Lord! God has been moving mightily during this whole film production process!

Marketing/Financial Stuff
1. The Lord has graciously provided $8,000 thus far! My Producer, Saphrin, actually sent Mark Cubin (owner of the Mavericks) an e-mail the other day explaining what we, as a team have been doing with this documentary, what are goals and passions are and the dreams we have with marketing this DVD to people across the country. He e-mailed her back on his production e-mail and said that he was very interested in seeing our documentary when it's done and if he likes it, he wants to help us market it! He even said that he normally doesn't e-mail people back but he has somebody else do it because he can't spell really well! I believe this is the Lord's ordaining hand orchestrating everything just the way He sees fit. Even if Mark Cubin decided not to go through with the marketing aspect, at least he will be hearing the gospel presented by Nick in such a personal powerful way. :) THE LORD IS SO GOOD! My producer has also been in contact with Jerry Jenkins' (author of the Left Behind Series) son, Dallas Jenkins, regarding our documentary on how we should go about selling the DVDs and such.

CA Plans/Outline/Interview Questions
2. As for as CA, we are leaving on May 3rd and our filming dates with Nick will be the 5th and 6th. We have a lot of activities planned and questions to ask. This is more of a reality documentary, a lot like the new film that was just released titled, Expelled. We are coming at an angle of filming this as our adventure of going to CA to meet Nick and sharing the experiences that we will have with Nick over the course of two days! Being able to talk about the subject, "the measure of a man," and talking about his life and what God has been doing in his ministry and heart! The Lord also provided a way for us to get a free filming pass for DFW's airport. That way, we will be able to capture the excitement before getting on our plane to head out to see Nick! The outline is coming and so are the interview questions. We are targeting our questions to be leading ones, thus, getting the answers that we are wanting to hear from those we are interviewing. We've also been sharpening our arc, working on the undercurrents that we will be weaving in and through the documentary and making sure all the equipment is in order. Things are coming together!

Prayer Requests/Updates
3. As far as prayer requests go, we need prayer specifically in these areas:
~Kayleen, our photographer, is sick as of right now, and is in need of prayer! Please pray that the Lord would touch her body and that all the other crew members would have strength during the course of this week and next.
~That all the equipment would make it to CA safe and sound.
~Protection as we travel to and from CA, driving, at the beach, at Nick's house..etc.
~Clarity of mind, creativity, guiding the Cinematographer's hands, speaking through Alan as he converses with Nick on camera, for God to give me grace as I direct and make sure things are looking the way they are suppose to be and that God would give Saphrin (my Producer), strength and peace during this crazy time of filming!

Blessings! I will be updating periodically while we are in CA to keep all of ya'll aware of what's happening on our end! :) Love you all!!!!

In Christ,
Stephanie

Fundraiser in Houston

2008-04-20T21:18:00.003-05:00

Wow! Friday, my crew and I left at 3:30 in the morning and drove down to Houston for the fundraiser that was being held at Northland Christian School. It was amazing! Saphrin got to share the logistics and pratical ways they could help with the process of this project and I was able to share my passion, vision and the goals for doing this documentary on Nick's life and ministry. We recieved $1,300 in 45 minutes! How?! Well, one of the students at the school is an amazing drummer and he actually contributed his time to play for 45 minutes while people donated. He played nonstop and was sweating and got all the students pumped! It was so cool! I was so grateful and just blown away with how onboard NCC (Nothland Christian School) is with this project! The Lord is so true to His word. What God orders, He pays!

This week, we are going to be getting in touch with an equipment rental company in LA, working on the outline, interview questions and just finalizing everything. Everything is happening so quickly. :)

Blessings,
Stephanie

April 10th Update

2008-04-10T11:40:00.003-05:00

Hey Everyone! The Lord is providing extravagantly! :) It just blows me away that what ever God orders, He pays! We are now up to $6,365.00! My crew and I are leaving for Houston on the 18th for a fundraiser being held at Northland Christian School. Chaplain Rich Reeves is so on board with this documentary and is wanting to help us get this project off the ground! It's exciting!

I talked to Nick's assistant today and May 5th and 6th are locked in and we have those two dates specifically for us to film this documentary! We will be covering all the legality issues once we get there and work on getting a contract signed and ready so that when the time comes to distribute the DVDs we will be set to go.

This week, my main goal is to really crack down on my outline, work on collecting interview questions, contact people to cover details relating to the topic, "The Measure of a Man,"and make sure all is in order to fly out on May 3rd! Our equipment is in order, several older men in the film making arena are giving their time and energy to help us in any way they can. We are so grateful!

Please keep us covered in prayer!

Blessings,
Stephanie

Going to Houston Again!

2008-03-31T13:52:00.003-05:00

Hello Friends! Just wanted to update ya'll on what's been going on! As of right now, the fundraising process is going great! We are up to $5,000 and the outline is looking good!

Our dear friend, Rich Reeves, Chaplain of Northland Christian School, has invited my crew and I to a Prayer Gathering at the school and they want to be able to donate a good sum of money for this project.

My team and I will be flying out of DFW on May the 3rd and we will be flying back on May 7th. After we have filmed the largest portion of the documentary we will start putting on fundraising auctions to help cover the additional duplication costs.

Blessings,
Stephanie

Crew Meeting!

2008-03-18T17:12:00.013-05:00

Yummy! A coffee shop is always the best place to meet people!!!

Alrighty, so my crew and I got together last Saturday and covered all the details and just had a wonderful time regrouping and having some fellowship time! The money is coming in, slowly, but it's coming! We are around $5,000 we now need $8,000! That would allow us to add some more creativity to the project, color it up some. Michelle, my sister, is working on a theme song as of now. She and I will be cracking down on the documentary outline and get things organized before May! Here are a few shapshots from our get together!

Some of the crew, missing my Mom and Alan

Me (Director) laughing, can't remember the reason! :)

Evan (Executive Producer and Composer)

Chase (Director of Photography) and Saphrin (Producer)

Me and Michelle looking serious

Evan and I talking about the music score

Chase... deep in thought

Brian (CO-DP)

Some of the crew: Chase (DP), Michelle (My Sister), Saphrin (Producer), Kay (Photographer), Brian (CO-DP) and Evan (Executive Producer and Composer)

After our meeting at the coffee shop, we headed to an Italian restaurant and had an amazing time hanging out and getting to know each other better! The Lord is so faithful!

Blessings, Stephanie

March 5th Update

2008-03-05T01:16:00.006-06:00

Alrighty, so much has happened since I last posted! As of right now, our filming dates have been moved to May, because of Nick’s schedule. He will actually be in Singapore this March and that is why he won’t be able to give us those specific days. We told him we understood but needed to make sure we had days that could be locked so we could keep moving forward with our fundraising process. He said, “Stephanie, I’m giving you these two days that won’t change!” May 5th and 6th! Praise the Lord! It’s so hard because Nick is gone so much and has soooo many commitments, and truly, he is doing this for us because he believes this is God… but really it’s a sweet favor! It’s also a blessing because it allows us to have more time to raise the funds and prepare and sharpen our outline. The Lord’s timing is absolutely perfect!

Okay, so I've been thinking about who are audience will be with the current direction of this documentary. Instead of it being directed towards just the men in our world I want it to be balanced! Instead of it being the "measure of a man" meaning a male, I'm wanting it to be about man in general. Genesis 1:27 states, "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them." Mankind! I want men and women to be able to relate to this documentary. I want it to be about the heart, character, integrity of man (men and women)…etc! God looks at the heart! Nick is a picture of what the measure of a man should be! Through society's eyes, Nick is not the ultimate persona of a man. He is not tall, he is not buff, he won't be able to carry his children, hold his wife's hand, run marathons, lift weights, etc. But, it's his heart that truly speaks of the true measure of an individual. It's the Lord reigning on the throne of his heart. It's total surrender to the call and mission that God has appointed him to accomplish. It's deeper than what our physical eyes can see! These are the thoughts that I have relating to the content of this documentary!

Also, we just received word that a sweet friend has donated $1,000 today! We are close to $3,000! We are totally in awe of the Lord right now! God provides when we choose to believe and walk by faith no matter how different our schedule may look right now. We truly could have just quit when we heard that we couldn’t film this month. But instead, we went back to what God had revealed to me last year, in October, when I asked Nick about his project. We both new this project was God. I don’t know what the outcome will be; my expectations are in Christ alone! He’s the one who holds this! Blessed be His mighty and beautiful name!

Our team has changed due to the change of dates. But, the Lord is in control and he will bring together a team who will be united to go to CA and do this in His name! It’s looking like my Mom will now be the Crew Mom, and my brother, Alan, will be going as one of our interviewers!

Please keep up in your prayers! If you would be interested in helping in the fundraising aspect, please contact me at: downpourproductions.stephanie@gmail.com

Blessings,
Stephanie

Prayer Meeting this Sunday

2008-02-29T12:49:00.002-06:00

We are having a time of prayer/worship/blessing/fellowship and food this coming Sunday at my house! (We are leaving on the 24th of March for CA!) Everyone interested in hearing about, The Nick Project, and meeting the crew is welcome to come! Please feel welcome to come!

Where: Stephanie's House
send me an e-mail to get my address: downpourproductions.stephanie@gmail.com
When: Sunday, March 2nd
Time: 2pm-4:30pm

Blessings,
Stephanie
www.dallaschristianfilmmakers.org
www.downpourproductions.blogspot.com

Preparing for CA

2008-02-27T18:47:00.010-06:00

"I will walk by faith, even when I cannot see." (Walk By Faith by Jeremy Camp)
Tirsha (LWL), Holly (LWL), Saphrin, Me, Chase, Nick (LWL) and Kyle (LWL)
*Life Without Limbs Team

We are in the process of fundraising! My family and I sent out 170 letters, sent out e-mails, I have posted information about this project on forums, I'm making phone calls...etc. We are trying to get the word out about, The Nick Project! The film project has been about faith from day one! I have been encouraging my team for us to not walk and focus on what our physical eyes can see but rather what God wants to do, the impossible! :)

I'm reading an amazing book titled, "Daring To Live On The Edge," by the man who started YWAM. It has caused me to want to live by faith with every cell and fiber of my body! To not allow physical circumstances to shake me! The Lord has been making me smile so much recently, He is constantly putting me into situations where I have to completely depend on Him! I know, that if God is for this, nothing can stand against it. If we are meant to go, we will go! My heart is for the Lord to receive all the glory and honor with the pre and post production process! My heart is for the vision of this project! To see young men and woman rising up and taking their place and living lives of purpose and dedication, and having the soul drive to further the Kingdom of the Lord! I want this especially to be a battle-cry for the young men of this world, nation and day to be the men of God that the Father is crying out for them to be. To realize that the measure of a man is not how tall he stands, how wealthy he is or how intelligent he is….it goes down to the heart, it’s what’s inside a man that really matters.

Last weekend, I met with Saphrin and we worked on the documentary outline. We organized our thoughts and ideas and correlated our shoot list within the different categories of the film. We talked and shared our plans for CA relating to travel arrangements, finances, equipment, music score..etc. We also went to Hobby Lobby and picked out shirts for our crew. Saphrin, Jacyln and I dyed them and rinsed them and sweet Saphrin did the fabric paint job! They look amazing! We will all be wearing them on our way to CA! We are planning to leave DFW on March 24th!

"If the first reason to live by faith is to prove the reality of God, the second reason is to see our faith increased. All of us are given a measure of faith, according to Romans 12. Faith is a gift, but it must grow through use. Faith increases as we exercise it. it's like physical exercise. The difference between the Arnold Schwarzenegger's and the rest of us is their commitment to increase strength and muscle mass by exercise. 'No pain, no gain,' they remind us as they throw a hefty medicine ball our way. If we never have needs in our lives, if we can do everything without God's help, how can we learn to trust Him? The disciples in Luke 17:5 cried, 'Increase our faith.' They had seen Jesus do so many miracles. Surely He could instantly impart faith to them. But they had to go through the same process we do. Like life breathed into us, faith is a gift from God. but for our faith to increase, it must be used and tested."
~From: Daring To Live On The Edge by Loren Cunningham and Janice Rogers

Blessings,

Stephanie

Letter

2008-02-19T14:42:00.006-06:00

Last September, I broke my foot and was restricted to a cast for eight weeks. During that time, one of my Mom’s precious friends encouraged me to “live each day to the fullest” and said, “Stephanie, even though you are laid low, your spirit can be up!” She proceeded to tell me about Nick Vujicic {http://lifewithoutlimbs.org} and encouraged me to watch his videos online. I did, and my mouth fell open. I was speechless. Here was a man who was born with no arms or legs, but is a worldwide traveler and motivational speaker with the sole intent of sharing his testimony and preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This man, despite his disabilities, has proven that with God, all things are possible! His joy and smile radiate the beautiful truth that the Lord can use anyone if they have a willing heart!

After I watched the videos in amazement, my brother Alan said, “Stephanie, you should make a documentary about Nick!” I was inspired. I wrote up a film synopsis and presented it to the Dallas Christian Filmmakers {http://dallaschristianfilmmakers.org} at our September meeting. As I read Nick’s story aloud to my fellow members, I started crying – the impact of Nick’s life truly affected me. At the time, I had been walking through some difficult, faith-shaking, and heart-wrenching days and Nick’s joy and hope helped me realize that God does have a destiny for each of His children no matter what circumstances are thrown at them. By God’s great grace, my proposal was accepted and my documentary was made our 2008 film project and I became the director!
My vision and goal for this project is to reach my generation to the core. Addressing what really matters, that the measure of an individual should go beyond the surface of one’s own skin. I have witnessed a spirit of lethargy and entitlement among those in my generation; too often I’ve seen a lack of passion, clarity of vision and hope for a greater purpose in life. I want this especially to be a battle-cry for the young men of this world, nation and day to be the men of God that the Father is crying out for them to be. To realize that the measure of a man is not how tall he stands, how wealthy he is or how intelligent he is….it goes down to the heart, it’s what’s inside a man that really matters.

A month later, I spoke with Nick face-to-face in San Antonio. As we sat backstage, I told him about my desire to create a documentary about his life and ministry. Nick said and still says that he completely believes that this project is God-ordained and he is totally onboard! In fact, just this last month, a team and I traveled to Houston to obtain our first amount of footage of him for our documentary. It was an amazing time! But that was only the beginning, and we are now making plans for our next steps to accomplish our goal – to finish this film (which is entitled, “The Measure of a Man”) by next January for the 2009 San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival {http://independentchristianfilms.com}.

My remarkable film crew and I have planned our next step: we are scheduled to meet Nick in California during the last week of this March to film the majority of “The Measure of a Man”. However, we can’t do any of this without your help. We are seeking your support in two ways:

(1) Your prayers.
Please pray: 1) that we will have safe travels, 2) that God will receive glory in everything we do, think, and say and 3) that the Lord will use this film to impact lives for His Kingdom.

(2) Financial support.
Asking for help in this area is very difficult for me. However, on behalf of my team and this project, I humbly ask you (if the Lord leads you) to partner with us in achieving our financial goals for “The Measure of a Man”. Our balance that we need to raise is $13,000 and we need $10,000 of this by the end of March, and $2,000 by the first week in March. Checks will need to be made out to Heritage Family Church with the memo line being: The Nick Project. Online donations will be made available by Feb. 24th. {www.heritagefamilychurch.org}Checks need to be made out to: Heritage Family Church P.O. Box 398 Roanoke, TX 76262 C/O The Nick Project

For updates about “The Measure of a Man”, please visit http://downpourproductions.blogspot.com/.

Thank you so much!

Many Blessings,
Stephanie Carrillo
downpourproductions.stephanie@gmail.com

Back from Houston

2008-02-10T23:47:00.000-06:00

Wow! Just got back from Houston today! It was a long week-end, long drive...but fun, exciting, amazing, packed with truth, miles, movies, singing to music, documentary brain-storming, prayer times, taking notes, spending time with Nick and his team, eating with leaders in the ministry, relaxing in a field while watching the sun set, worship, laughter, late nights talking to Kay, Saphrin and Chase, taking photos, dove chocolates, two mile walk up the country road, tears...etc! Here are some snapshots of our precious time in Houston! We ate with Nick and his team members and discussed the documentary in greater detail and we are planning on shooting most of the film's footage in March! We will be heading to CA next month! :) The Lord is truly directing our steps! The LWL team members have been so supportive and welcoming!

Our goal is to watch some footage tomorrow night at Chase's house and then Saphrin and I are going to be meeting this week to talk about budget, portfolio and fundraising! Busy week ahead, that's for sure!

Leaving tomorrow for Houston!

2008-02-05T16:36:00.001-06:00

I can't believe we are leaving tomorrow! Kay, (my sweet friend who is an amazing photographer) and Saphrin (my wonderful producer) are going to be spending the night with me tonight and then we'll head out around 3:30-4am ish and pick up Chase (assistant DP) on our drive down to Houston! It's going to be one long morning because we have to be at the school before Nick speaks at 9am.

Yesterday was crazy! Had to pray alot and just commit this project to the Lord! Anyway, I read this devotion this morning and it blessed me so much, I hope it blesses you as well! Please keep us in your prayers!

In His Service,
Stephanie

Utmost for His Highest
January 19th

When the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and behold, horror and great darkness fell upon him —Genesis 15:12

Whenever God gives a vision to a Christian, it is as if He puts him in "the shadow of His hand" (Isaiah 49:2). The saint’s duty is to be still and listen. There is a "darkness" that comes from too much light-that is the time to listen. The story of Abram and Hagar in Genesis 16 is an excellent example of listening to so-called good advice during a time of darkness, rather than waiting for God to send the light. When God gives you a vision and darkness follows, wait. God will bring the vision He has given you to reality in your life if you will wait on His timing. Never try to help God fulfill His word. Abram went through thirteen years of silence, but in those years all of his self-sufficiency was destroyed. He grew past the point of relying on his own common sense. Those years of silence were a time of discipline, not a period of God’s displeasure. There is never any need to pretend that your life is filled with joy and confidence; just wait upon God and be grounded in Him (see Isaiah 50:10-11 ).

Do I trust at all in the flesh? Or have I learned to go beyond all confidence in myself and other people of God? Do I trust in books and prayers or other joys in my life? Or have I placed my confidence in God Himself, not in His blessings? "I am Almighty God . . ."— El-Shaddai, the All-Powerful God (Genesis 17:1). The reason we are all being disciplined is that we will know God is real. As soon as God becomes real to us, people pale by comparison, becoming shadows of reality. Nothing that other saints do or say can ever upset the one who is built on God.

February: Houston

2008-02-03T19:03:00.000-06:00

Well, today I started packing for Houston! I am so thrilled about seeing Nick again, meeting his team, getting footage for the documentary, praying with them, hanging out with them...etc.! My heart is so full of joy and anticipation of the mighty and amazing things that God has in store for this project! Every step has been so ordained by the Lord! The passage that I've been standing on is Isaiah 61. It says,

The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor. They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations. Aliens will shepherd your flocks; foreigners will work your fields and vineyards. And you will be called priests of the LORD, you will be named ministers of our God. You will feed on the wealth of nations, and in their riches you will boast. Instead of their shame my people will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace they will rejoice in their inheritance; and so they will inherit a double portion in their land, and everlasting joy will be theirs. "For I, the LORD, love justice; I hate robbery and iniquity. In my faithfulness I will reward them and make an everlasting covenant with them. Their descendants will be known among the nations and their offspring among the peoples. All who see them will acknowledge that they are a people the LORD has blessed." I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign LORD will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations.

My team and I will be leaving from my house this Wednesday morning and will be there until Sunday afternoon. I will be posting daily to keep everyone updated!

Blessings,
Stephanie

January: Brain-Storming

2008-01-22T22:16:00.000-06:00

Well, we had a DCFM meeting last weekend, and we went head strong into brainstorming about my documentary on Nick Vujicic! I am so excited about this project! The Lord is truly writing this reality-like documentary! I'm so glad He holds the pen! So, the plan is to head down to Houston, in Feb., to start collecting some footage of the life and ministry of Nick. My producer and I are going to put together a portfolio to give to individuals, churches and businesses to start the fundraising process! Also, within the next couple of months, we will be putting together a promo video to be able to hand out to spread the word about this project!

Blessings,
Stephanie