How did you come to create the film Champion?
For the past 13 years I have been serving at First Baptist Woodstock in Atlanta, GA as a video editor. This gave me an opportunity to produce videos on a weekly basis that would teach church members or reinforce a sermon illustration. I began to see the positive impact videos had have on our members and how they had longevity. The Lord was calling us to use those gifts and our resources in a greater capacity to reach people for him. Then we began to pray about what was the topic the Lord had for us to share. We kept coming back to forgiveness. We have all experienced un-forgiveness in some way, and we wanted people to understand how they could be free from the burden of un-forgiveness. We wanted people to understand all that Christ had done for them! And that’s how the journey began.
Can you briefly tell us about the story of the film?
Champion is a story about how hotshot race car driver Sean Weathers and businessman Jack Reed’s lives intersect. They both must learn to forgive each other, and learn to forgive themselves for the mistakes they made in the past. It’s a beautiful story of forgiveness, fatherhood, in the power of second chances.
The story of forgiveness is so powerful in this film, and such a central theme. Why do you feel this theme is so important?
I think we can all relate the story of forgiveness in some way. For me, I have seen so much unforgiveness in every area of our lives. Our country is so divided politically and culturally, and we can even see unforgiveness in our own families. I felt God was calling me to share a film that would help people understand how to forgive. When people begin to forgive they can move forward in their relationships with other people. I also wanted people to understand everything they have been forgiven of by Christ. If they can understand that the example then they can begin to forgive others.
The foster care system also plays a very interesting role in the film. Do you have a personal experience with foster care? Is there a reason you felt that foster care was an important component to Gracie’s storyline?
When we began writing the film, my wife and I were going through foster care training. We live in Cherokee County Georgia, where there are 300 kids in foster care. At the same time, I’m a part of a 5,000 member church. So the question to myself was, why is there a foster care issue in our county? Every kid should be in a Christ0centered home. We wanted to show in Champion how someone can be involved in a James 1:27 mindset; to care for widows and orphans. We also wanted to show how families can be restored and come back together.
You filmed in your local Atlanta area. Do you enjoy staying local in your projects? Did you receive a lot of support from the local Atlanta community?
Our church and community was extremely involved in the making of Champion. Church members served as extras and volunteers in every area of the film. Local businesses provided props and equipment. Local restaurants donated meals and snacks. Church members provided host homes for the crew and cast. This really was a community project!
How was filming the racing scenes? Any challenges filming extreme sports such as racing?
We filmed the races on live Saturday nights at the track. It definitely was a challenge as we filmed right in the middle of a working track. Lots of planning went into every shot and orchestrating how the crew operated safely through the pits as cars were coming on and off the track. The crew got some great action racing footage and I think that shows in the film!
We loved the girl who played Gracie. How involved were you in the casting of the film? Did any of the characters change after the film was cast?
One of my favorite parts of making the movie was the casting. I worked with a team of several talented people to help cast Champion. It’s amazing how good talent can make the script come to life. When we saw Faith Renée’s audition we knew we had seen something special! She brought so much heart and depth to the character of Gracie. I can’t imagine anyone else in the role. This was her first feature film.
I’m not sure if any of the characters changed after the film was cast, but I can tell you that the actors bring so much more to the characters than you ever imagined when you read the script. They really add a new level to the characters personality, warmth, depth, and arch. We were so blessed to have an amazing cast on Champion.
How has the story of Champion resonated with you personally?
For me it’s been special to see how Champion has touched people personally. When you hear that someone has forgiven their dad or reconnected with a family member because the film challenged them to walk in forgiveness, that’s very touching. It’s been amazing to be a part of a movement from God as he has used this film to reach people for Him!
I love lists as well, and really enjoyed the ‘lists’ that were featured in the film. Are you a list-maker?
Thanks, that was a lot of fun to include that in the film. I think it makes me feel like I’ve accomplished something if I make a list in the morning and check it off during the day. Especially if you write something down you’ve already done and then immediately check it off, Instant accomplishment!!! 🙂
What do you hope people take away from the film?
I really want people to know that they don’t have to be kept in prison by unforgiveness. They can move forward in their relationships if they will just begin to realize that they have been set free by everything that Christ has done for them. I hope that people realize there is always a way to start over and let go of the bitterness that weighs them down.
How can we find out more?
You can go to Championthemovie.com to find out more about the film, download a 40 days forgiveness devotional and watch the trailer. You can also follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/championthemovie.
Check out the trailer for Champion here!
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