A Filmmaker’s Journal
Twelve years ago, I met a man who altered my life forever. Mike, a producer and fledgling screenwriter, had spearheaded the formation of a production company called St. Michael Movies. And now they were casting their second feature film Promises to Keep, a second-chance-at-love drama. Since the main character was a devout Catholic based on Mike himself, Mike took an intense interest in getting the casting right.
I had a smaller role. But two days into production, Mike said, “Stop! He (the lead actor) doesn’t believe what he’s saying!” Referring to the auditions, he said, “But that other guy, What’s-his-name–he did.” I was “What’s-his-name.” And it was true. I’m not a Catholic, I’m just a garden variety Jesus-follower. But the character Jonathan had struck a chord with me. And yes, I did believe what I was saying.
So I was re-cast in the lead! And a few days later production resumed. It was terrifying playing, with minimal prep time, a character who had roughly as many lines as Hamlet. Mike was new to screenwriting, and so, although he wrote good dialogue, he wrote too much (it was trimmed down during editing). But we got there. And in the process I came to know Mike, who I often teased for being “more Catholic than the Pope.”
I struggled with one scene, in particular, in which my character prays with a rosary. I had to find a way into his inner life—because that’s what acting is all about. The key, I discovered, was that, where I’m inclined to “just talk to God,” Catholics tend to express their faith through what I call “the two S’s,” symbols and sacraments.
I did find a way in, fortunately, and gave an honest and heart-felt performance, I think. In the process, Mike and I became good friends (although our relationship has been tumultuous at times). And a year later, Mike shocked me by allowing me to become the first non-Catholic (and first non-him) to write a feature film for St. Michael Movies.
Healing River, starring Christine Jones, my gifted leading lady from Promises to Keep, became my first feature film as a writer-director-producer. After receiving dozens of film festival awards, it went on to become one of the highest-rated inspirational dramas ever premiered on Amazon Prime.
Promises to Keep isn’t perfect. But it has a tenderness and earnestness rooted in the real-life character of Mike himself–the man who altered my life forever. So, if you’re looking for a romantic drama to watch on Valentine’s Day weekend, this might just be it.
To watch or order Promises to Keep, click here.
Catholic by birth and UU by choice I can understand what it must have taken in the area of mindset to become one with the symbols and sacraments -as doing it in reverse is no picnic in the park either.
Thanks a lot for sharing this trailer!
You are great 🌹🌹🌹
Thanks a lot for sharing this trailer!
You are great 🌹🌹🌹
Aw, thank you, Luisa.
🙏🙏🙏
Cool story!
Thanks, b!
So cool! Thanks for sharing!
My pleasure, Crystal!
I will watch the power of a promise later.
I looked at the trailer on Youtube Mitch and it looks decent. Very cool.
Thanks, M.
Mitch, Momo and me are going to watch this movie tonight, if we can find it streaming. We love good faith based movies, and this one is right for us.
Great. It’s at Amazon Prime (small fee, but no commercials) and on Tubi (free but with commercial interruptions). Enjoy, Phil.
Once you made a promise, it is the bond till the end
Remarkable. I didn’t know this was part of your offerings. Wonderful to see.
Thank you, Rusty.
Tubi! Not heard of that…. will look and see! Thanks!
My pleasure. Enjoy.
Just added to my watchlist, Mitch. Presby by birth, Lutheran school, married Catholic boy and converted. Man, do I know my religions! Still a Presby at heart. I know I’m going to love this. Congrats, Mitch!
Thank you, Nancy!
I see how our God used Mike to bless you. The talent that is in you Mitch I believe is a gift from the most high! Have a great week ahead.
Aw, thank you, Cora. And you too.
Mitch, your story is a fairy tale come true. I thoroughly enjoyed “Healing River” and “Promises to Keep.” I highly recommend them to anyone who needs a faith injection. 🙂
Bless you, Nancy.
I love how things happen for a reason, and God is always there whether we know it or not. He worked his magic through Mike. Best to you, Mitch.
Aw, thank you, dear Jennie.
You’re welcome, Mitch.
Watched it tonight.
Cool! 🙂
Sounds like a wonderful movie! And this just goes to show what can happen when you open your heart to other ways of expressing faith. Congratulations on your acting career, Mitch!
Thank you, Ann.
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I have Prime so I can look up Healing River. Is Promises to keep available on Prime too?
Yes, Iba, both are available on Prime.
Thankyou Mitch.
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