Benton resident Christopher Stewart’s film “BOO! Do Something” was the grand-prize winner of narrative categtory at the National FilmFest 4-H in Branson, Mo. From left are Bradd Anderson, National FilmFest coordinator; Riley Peak, actor from Ocoee; Stewart, director; Gideon Stewart, crew, of Benton; Jonathan Stewart sound operator of Benton; and Susan Stewart, costume designer of Benton.
The family, owners of S.C. TreeHouse Productions, traveled to Branson to enter their latest film into the National FilmFest 4-H and walked away with grand prize in the narrative category.
Christopher, 15, was the screen playwright, director, and editor of the film, “BOO! Do Something.”
The film, which is approximately 28 minutes long, is based on a moment in the life of Sam P. Jones, one of the great 19th Century evangelists and circuit-rider preacher for the North Georgia and Tennessee areas.
Jones was said to have been “more closely associated with the men in the pew than the men on the platform.”
Stewart researched Jones and tried to capture his winning personality and firm passion for the Lord as well as use historical documents from one of Jones’ memorial services to provide a large portion of the film.
Ocoee native Riley Peak, 16, portrayed Jones.
Susan Stewart, 17, was the film’s costume designer and seamstress. Jonathan Stewart, 13, was the film’s sound operator. And the youngest Stewart, Gideon, 11, worked behind the scenes as well as made a cameo appearance in the film’s opening.
S.C. TreeHouse Productions utilized the local community in several ways for the making of “BOO! Polk County” and the surrounding area provided 54 of the 55 extras with 15 of those being 4-H members.
FilmFest 4-H was co-organized by the Missouri Film Commission and brought in many film professionals from all over the country to lead workshops for the attendees. Youth from 10 states participated in the festival and 11 entries were in the narrative category.
S. C. TreeHouse Productions received a glowing quote from one of the conference leaders, Mike “Tater” Haviland of BOSS Productions, Kan.
Haviland said, BOO! is “a great film with a great message … I was very impressed … it was clearly the frontrunner of all the films submitted [at the festival].”
The vision behind “BOO!” was to create a short film involving someone in history from this area that would make an impact on the modern church. S. C. TreeHouse Productions has also created an accompanying Bible study, which can be used by churches to turn the film into a true learning experience.
The film and its Bible study can be used in one setting or spread across a five-week period.
“BOO! Do Something” will premiere Aug. 26, 6 p.m., at Delano Baptist Church, 144 Carolina Avenue, Delano.
A fellowship will follow and everyone is invited to attend.
DVDs will be available at the premiere or can be obtained by contacting the Stewarts at sctreehouseproductions@gmail.com or visit www.sctreehouseproductions.weebly.com.
