Hymns and History Documentary

Hymns and History Vol. II in Pre-Production!!

2011-07-22T21:02:00.000-07:00

It has been a long time since our last update, but there has definitely been a lot going on with Hymns and History!! The film has been steadily gaining exposure, and has recently been signed by Questar Entertainment for a major distribution release in August. This arrangement has freed us up to begin working on Volume II, which is currently in pre-production phase.

The time period of Hymns and History Vol. II will likely cover the 17th and 18th centuries, and the four hymns/hymn writers featured will be: 1.The Sands of Time are Sinking (Samuel Rutherford); 2. When I survey the Wondrous Cross (Isaac Watts); 3. And Can It Be (The Wesley Brothers); Amazing Grace (John Newton). Our goal is to be completed by year's end. Tell your friends and stay tuned, more to follow......

Images From the Festival

2010-11-02T11:58:00.000-07:00

Opening Ceremonies at the SAICFF

The room is filling up for "Hymns and History"s screening!

Amy Salter-Rutherford and family perform "Be Thou My Vision"

Doug Phillips (founder of the SAICFF) and family

Abigail and her friend Virginia Phillips had matching dresses!

The venue was amazing

"Hymns and History" at the San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival!

2010-11-02T08:41:00.000-07:00

"Hymns and History" was a finalist at the San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival.

The room was almost full as the film premiered!

Mark Stubblefield with EventBloggers.com posted a report live from the screening. To see what he had to say about the film, visit www.eventbloggers.com.

Mark Stubblefield and son

2010-10-05T15:12:00.000-07:00

We are pleased to announce that hymnsandhistory.com is up and running!

The film is now available on DVD. Go to the site for more information...

www.hymnsandhistory.com

Semi-Finalists!

2010-09-20T07:21:00.000-07:00

We are very pleased to announce that "Hymns and History" is a semi-finalist in the San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival. All praise to the Lord!

Be sure to join us October 27-30, 2010 in San Antonio for the festival!

Click here for more information

2010-09-09T07:27:00.000-07:00

'Hymns and History' is sent off for replication!

Stay tuned for ordering details...

'Hymns and History's cover art is finished!

2010-09-09T07:25:00.000-07:00

Special thanks to Mr. Garrett Taylor for his excellent work!

Cast Party!

2010-08-04T18:01:00.000-07:00

The Second Trailer is Released!

2010-08-04T17:45:00.000-07:00

Listen to samples of 'A Mighty Fortress' (performed by Charlie Zahm), 'All Creatures of our God and King' (performed by Amy Salter-Rutherford and family), and 'Be Thou My Vision' performed by Ross Smithe, as well as the amazing narration done by George Sarris! All in this new trailer!

Click Here to watch the Music Trailer

Hymns and History...

2010-07-20T12:57:00.000-07:00

...is now available for pre-order! Special discounted pricing if you order before August 31, 2010!

Click here to pre-order!

Trailers!

2010-07-19T08:42:00.000-07:00

We are pleased to announce the release of the trailers for "Hymns and History." Enjoy!

Click here to watch the first trailer

Click here to watch the music trailer

First 'Hymns and History' screening!

2010-07-03T11:23:00.000-07:00

Praise the Lord!

Preparing for the show.

After 6 months of hard work...the film is rolling!

Our audience.

Gentlemen (Left to Right: Zyrak, Ryan, Daniel, and Jason)

Ladies (Left to Right: Christiana, Sophia, Beth Anne, and Susanna)

Stay Tuned...

2010-07-01T09:21:00.000-07:00

...Trailer coming soon!

Mission Accomplished.

2010-07-01T09:18:00.000-07:00

We are so pleased to announce that 'Hymns and History' is completed! Praise the Lord!

It has been such a blessing over the past few months to see how the Lord has worked through this project, inspiring many people with an appreciation for His mighty works in history, and in particular Christian hymnody. We are so excited to see what the Lord will do with this film in the weeks and months to come!

To all of you who have supported us throughout this entire project and lifted us up in prayer, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts! May Jehovah bless you abundantly!

All praise to the Almighty God for seeing us through!

Down to the wire with only two days to go!!

2010-06-28T19:02:00.000-07:00

The rendering team (Josh Smithe and Josh Anderson)!

Communications manager is having computer difficulties!

Composing the score!

Rendering...

Babysitting!

Mr. Sarris,

2010-06-28T17:26:00.000-07:00

Our amazingly talented narrator did an outstanding job!!

Behind the scenes with 'Hymns and History!'

2010-06-23T16:16:00.000-07:00

Singing in the hills of Jerusalem

Many hands make light work

David and friends

"Something is not quite right!"

The modern shepherd

Filming with Francis of Assisi

Francis and family

The birds liked his hair!

Francis in trouble with zoo security

"Is that a real priest?"

Babysitter :)

The tourists loved it!

"Sign our petition."

16th Century?

About to record

Preparing for an encounter with the great Patrick of Ireland

It's hard not to smile

Transportation to the shoot

Gas for Patrick's bonfire!

"This is a must!"

"Now that is a nice fire."

"Well...maybe it needs more gas!"

Getting ready for his big moment

Preaching to a very receptive audience

'Hymns and History' communications manager Sophia Smithe

Exploration and Discovery at the San Jose Mission

First Century church!

Guess who?

Friends of the 'Hymns and History' project

Left to right: Steven Bowman (assistant cameraman),

and Preston Cone (one of the stars of Turn Our Hearts)

What a glorious project that we have

all had the privilege to be a part of!

2010-06-23T13:45:00.000-07:00

We are excited to share this new audio clip of the beloved hymn "O Sacred Head Now Wounded," from the Bernard of Clairvaux segment of Hymns and History!

Click here to listen to 'O Sacred Head Now Wounded'

Be Thou My Vision

2010-06-07T22:16:00.000-07:00

"Be Thou My Vision" is a beautiful old hymn, rich with history. The ancient Irish folk tune "Slane" (inspired by the courageous faith of Patrick of Ireland), and the powerful lyrics (from a poem written by Dallan Forgaill in honor of the same), are coupled in this beautiful arrangement by Ross Smithe, with just the right amount of Celtic flare!

Click here to listen to a sample of the arrangement

All Creatures of Our God and King

2010-06-07T19:01:00.000-07:00

"All Creatures of Our God and King" (written by Francis of Assisi in the 13th century) is arranged and performed by the amazingly talented Rutheford and Salter families in this breathtaking piece!

Click here to listen to a sample of the arrangement

2010-05-31T10:43:00.000-07:00

We finished the LAST filming session for H&H!! Praise the Lord!

This scene of the early church singing (shot on a green screen) is for the 'Be Thou My Vision' segment. It was a great way to gather a majority of the cast from our last film ('Turn Our Hearts') for cameo appearances!

The stars of 'Turn Our Hearts,' Abigail old and Abigail young!

Friends at the Shoot

(Jorden, Ryker, Josh, and Josh)

(Delaney, Valarie, and Julie)

(Skyler with the new Vision Forum interns)

(Ashley and Cody)

(Diane and Cambrie)

(Rick and Callan)

(Rick turned 52, so the film shoot served as the perfect opportunity for a surprise birthday party!)

2010-05-29T17:18:00.000-07:00

Bernard of Clairvaux was the author of the great hymn "O Sacred Head Now Wounded." A very influential figure in his day, he played a significant role in bringing about some of the most beloved hymns of the faith. Our friend, Will Becker, portrayed Bernard in our film. We shot at the San Jose Mission in San Antonio today, and the footage came out splendidly! Special thanks to the Becker family...

Fun on the set...

Mr. Luke Becker

Mr. Becker preparing for his big moment

Preaching to a very receptive audience

Exploring the San Jose Mission...

The Becker Family (minus Anna)

Young Patrick

2010-05-26T19:27:00.000-07:00

Young Patrick was played by our friend, Kenny Kennedy. As with all the others so far, the Lord allowed this shoot to go very smoothly and we got all the footage we needed in record time. A special thank you to Kenny for being such a good sport!

"Constantly I used to pray in the daytime. Love of God and his fear increased more and more, and my faith grew..."

Such were the words of young Patrick while tending to his masters swine herds during his captivity in Ireland. He would return to Ireland in his later years as a missionary.

Patrick Of Ireland

2010-05-25T20:03:00.000-07:00

We had another wonderful time of filming with our friend, Dr. James Vernier, as Patrick of Ireland (Be Thou my Vision). Shot on location at the Vernier's beautiful ranch, we all had fun dressing up like Irish peasants and lighting a bonfire (although it was 90 degrees out)!

Dr. Vernier (Patrick of Ireland)

Charles and Joshua (getting ready to light the bonfire)

Jonathan and Joel (young Irish peasants).

Natasha and Christianna (fair Irish maidens).

Patrick in Ireland

Stay tuned...more Patrick pictures to come!

"All Creatures of Our God and King" Recording Session

2010-05-18T19:03:00.000-07:00

Amy Salter Rutherford, her husband Chaney, and her mother Andrea Salter came to the studio to record "All Creatures of Our God and King" for the Francis of Assisi segment of H&H. They did an absolutely phenomenal job!! Here are some photos of the recording session. Audio clip of the the recording also coming soon!

"A Mighty Fortress is Our God"

2010-05-10T23:05:00.000-07:00

Our friend Charlie Zahm finished his vocal recording of 'A Mighty Fortress is Our God." His vocal talent is truly amazing!

Click here to hear a sample of the recording

"O Sacred Head Now Wounded" Vocal Audition

2010-05-10T22:53:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos of a vocal audition for "O Sacred Head Now Wounded." This hymn will be done a capella, in chorale fashion.

"Francis of Assisi/All Creatures of Our God and King" Segment

2010-05-10T22:47:00.000-07:00

Filmed some footage the other day for our "Francis of Assisi/AllCreatures of Our God and King" segment. Our reinactor here is John Ehrlich of San Antonio, TX. In light of Francis' renowned love of nature, we felt an approriate setting would be at the local Botanical Gardens, and at the zoo, too! It was a great time, and even the birds cooperated!!

"David" Segment

2010-04-26T21:32:00.000-07:00

Filmed some more footage today for the opening segment, again featuring Andrew Jasso, our "David" reinactor. He is really doing a great job in this role, and really looks the part, too! We filmed this footage at a neighbor's ranch in Comfort, TX. The Lord blessed us with a beautiful setting, and a beautiful day!

Our Script is Finished!!!

2010-04-22T21:43:00.000-07:00

Script writing is officially finished!! Next step is to have it proofread for accuracy, continuity, clarity, etc., before sending it off to Mr. Sarris to begin recording the narration.

Introduction/David Segment

2010-04-15T20:24:00.000-07:00

We are so blessed to have the multi-talented Jasso family involved in H&H. They are incredibly generous with their time and talents, and are proving to be an invaluable asset to the project! The prodigious musical talents of Aron and Andrew are going to be highlighted in the introductory segment to the movie, including an original "chant" of Psalm 23 in Hebrew by Aron, and a passionate, masterfully executed violin rendering of the same piece by Andrew. In addition, Andrew is going to be our "David" reinactor in this opening segment. We already filmed some of that footage in back of our house, and will be doing some more in a couple of weeks on a neighbor's property, with a flock of sheep.

Click here to hear Aron chanting Psalm 23 in Hebrew:

Click here to hear Andrew's violin rendition of the piece:

"Hymns and History" Documentary Project

2010-04-08T10:05:00.000-07:00

We are very excited to be starting a new film project, for entry into the 2010 San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival (Lord willing!!!). Our plan is to do a documentary entitled "Hymns and History", which will focus on some key figures and events in church history, and some of the great works of hymnody which are connected with them. This first installment will cover the time period from the first century through the Reformation. Some of the great hymns of the faith we will be highlighting are "Be Thou My Vision", "O Sacred Head Now Wounded", and "A Mighty Fortress is Our God". More details to follow....

Coming Together

2010-04-08T10:04:00.000-07:00

We have been hard at work on script writing and story boarding, as well as some initial filming and editing. The visual layout of the film will consist of a combination of some animations, still image pans, as well as silent dramatization with voiceover. Lord willing, we may include some interviews as well. We are estimating the film will be upwards on an hour. This is indeed a quantum leap over our last 15 minute endeavor!

The Lord is bringing together a phenomenal cast and crew to assist in the project! Our narrator is going to be George Sarris, veteran voice artist and performer, and our musical talent will include Charlie Zahm, Amy Salter-Rutherford, Aron and Andrew Jasso, and others. Dr. Joe Morecraft, renowned pastor of Chalcedon Presbeterian Church, has also agreed to do some interviews, and we are praying the Lord will allow the logistics to fall into place for that. Our silent dramatists include Dr. Jim Vernier (Patrick of Ireland), John Erlich (Francis of Assisi), and Thomas Rickstrew (Martin Luther).

Luther Segment

2010-04-08T10:01:00.000-07:00

We went down to some historic church buildings in San Antonio to film some footage for our Martin Luther segment. It was a lot of fun, and everybody did great. Almost too good, perhaps, because one onlooker thought Mr. Rickstrew was a "right proper monk!"

Hymns and History Documentary

Hymns and History Vol. II in Pre-Production!!

Images From the Festival

"Hymns and History" at the San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival!

Semi-Finalists!

'Hymns and History's cover art is finished!

Cast Party!

The Second Trailer is Released!

Listen to samples of 'A Mighty Fortress' (performed by Charlie Zahm), 'All Creatures of our God and King' (performed by Amy Salter-Rutherford and family), and 'Be Thou My Vision' performed by Ross Smithe, as well as the amazing narration done by George Sarris! All in this new trailer!

Hymns and History...

Trailers!

First 'Hymns and History' screening!

Stay Tuned...

Mission Accomplished.

Down to the wire with only two days to go!!

Mr. Sarris,

Behind the scenes with 'Hymns and History!'

We are excited to share this new audio clip of the beloved hymn "O Sacred Head Now Wounded," from the Bernard of Clairvaux segment of Hymns and History!

Be Thou My Vision

All Creatures of Our God and King

We finished the LAST filming session for H&H!! Praise the Lord!This scene of the early church singing (shot on a green screen) is for the 'Be Thou My Vision' segment. It was a great way to gather a majority of the cast from our last film ('Turn Our Hearts') for cameo appearances!

Fun on the set...

Mr. Luke Becker

Mr. Becker preparing for his big moment

Preaching to a very receptive audience

Exploring the San Jose Mission...

The Becker Family (minus Anna)

Young Patrick

Patrick Of Ireland

We had another wonderful time of filming with our friend, Dr. James Vernier, as Patrick of Ireland (Be Thou my Vision). Shot on location at the Vernier's beautiful ranch, we all had fun dressing up like Irish peasants and lighting a bonfire (although it was 90 degrees out)!

Stay tuned...more Patrick pictures to come!

"All Creatures of Our God and King" Recording Session

"A Mighty Fortress is Our God"

"O Sacred Head Now Wounded" Vocal Audition

"Francis of Assisi/All Creatures of Our God and King" Segment

"David" Segment

Our Script is Finished!!!

Introduction/David Segment

"Hymns and History" Documentary Project

Coming Together

Luther Segment

We finished the LAST filming session for H&H!! Praise the Lord!

This scene of the early church singing (shot on a green screen) is for the 'Be Thou My Vision' segment. It was a great way to gather a majority of the cast from our last film ('Turn Our Hearts') for cameo appearances!