September 12, 2005

Lights! Camera! Action!

Local filmmakers’ premier ‘The Narrow Road’ which was filmed in Campbell

By Jeanne Carbone Lewis
Staff Writer

For filmmakers Mark Shepherd and Michael Chance it’s all about the message. Their first film “The Narrow Road” is premiering at the Pruneyard Cinemas. They hope it will be one of many more to come leaving the audience with a positive experience.

The crash scene for “The Narrow Road” was filmed in a mere four hours in Campbell in the middle of the night.

Shepherd and Chance both readily admit that “The Narrow Road” was a learning experience, but more than that the duo wants to create films that inspire the audience to examine their faith.

“So many films are loaded with violence and shock value,” said writer, director and editor Chance in a phone interview from his Campbell area home. “Films can be great entertainment but they need more substance. We need to be lifted up and help the audience with the situations in their life.”

Red light inspiration
Chance said that the idea for “The Narrow Road” came while driving and praying for inspiration. He looked at a traffic light and an idea formed in his mind.

A tragic accident leaves the main character, John Holland [played by Jeffrey Foster] on the brink of death. He questions his choices in life in flashbacks and whether to hang onto the past or change his destiny for a more beneficial existence. It’s about second chances and redemption. Both filmmakers likened the film to “Ladder 49.”

“Mark and Michael are a great pair to work with on the film,” said Andrew Dillon who plays the father in “The Narrow Road.”

“They are a perfect combination. I looked at my character [the father] and his son’s relationship and getting in touch with feelings.”

The crash scene in “The Narrow Road” leading to the character’s spiritual rebirth was filmed at Creekside and Campisi Ways near the Pruneyard Shopping Center. A complicated crash shoot, the area was completely blocked off from midnight until 4 a.m.

“There was a lot riding on this four hour block of time,” said executive producer and director of photography Shepherd. “We had a crew of 15, actors, extras, police and squad cars, paramedics, an ambulance, crashed cars and multiple lighting and camera set-ups. For a crew that had only filmed together one time prior to this shoot, I was amazed how everyone came together. There was an energy present that no matter what, we were going to make this happen.”

Another of the film’s locations was Shepherd’s own church, Campbell United Methodist. One Sunday morning, he heard a sermon that described “The Narrow Road’s” message. He quickly returned with his camera and filmed the pastor at the next service.

“The Narrow Road” took almost three years to complete and cost over $70,000 but it was a dream come true for both men.

Creating movies
At 7 years old, Shepherd borrowed his father’s 8-millimeter camera and created movies with the neighborhood kids, dreaming of the day he could make a film. Born and raised in San Jose, he attended San Jose State and studied TV and film. He is a video producer with his own firm, Legacy Films and Media.

“I believe we all have a calling in life,” said Shepherd. “Mine is to enrich people’s lives through the motion picture stories we tell.”

Some of the cast and crew take a break from filming.

Chance always loved film but he didn’t know exactly what he wanted to do until his freshman year at Prospect High School when he took a multi media pathway class that solidified his life’s course.

A teacher called Shepherd regarding the young man’s work. When he saw the short films the teenager had created, he hired him on the spot. They have been working together ever since and are the best of friends.
“It is awesome working with Mark,” said the 22-year-old Chance. “He is more like a co-director and mentor. The film was really a co-creation of ideas. We’d even pray before shoots.”

With such guidance it looks like the Narrow Road is headed for success. Already, the film’s trailer has won an International Telly Award. The film will be premiering at the Pruneyard Cinemas. Shepherd and Chance have entered the film in Christian Film Festivals and are talking to distributors.

For more information on “The Narrow Road” go to www.thenarrowroadmovie.com or call (408) 985-1130.