By Heather Bowser
A new movie centered on the life of Joseph Smith will replace 'The Testaments' in the Legacy Theater on Dec. 23, 2005, the 200th anniversary of the birth of Joseph Smith.
'We are thrilled, honored and humbled with the opportunity to make this movie,' said Elder Donald L. Hallstrom of the First Quorum of the Seventy, who is the executive director of the audiovisual department of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 'We feel we can tell the story like no one else can.'
Producer Ron Munns, who has also produced movies such as 'Special Witnesses' and 'Spiritual Crocodiles,' said this film depicts the challenges of Joseph''s life up to his martyrdom.
'We''re doing this film because President Hinckley wants it done,' he said. 'It''s the President''s film and we are hoping those not of our faith will also be moved to appreciate and the challenges he overcame.'
Munns said that each morning, the cast and crew gather to start the day with a prayer. He said many cast and crewmembers regularly comment on the 'special spirit' prevalent on the set.
'We''ve had a lot of special experiences working on the film,' he said. 'I think one of the wonderful things that''s happened is the coming together of a wonderful cast. I''ve been really impressed with how well they get along. They really love each other.'
The Church interviewed actors from all over the world to find the perfect actor to play the adult Joseph, Munns said. After nearly a year of searching, the Church chose 29-year-old Nathan Mitchell, from Springville, Ore., to play the part.
'I''ve been preparing for this all my life,' Mitchell said. 'I have strived to keep myself worthy with the standards of the Church.'
Monday''s filming in the Provo Motion Picture Studio included scenes with Joseph in the early 1820s on an Erie Canal set.
Dressed in the traditional attire, Mitchell related his experience on the set of his biggest role. Mitchell has previously played Joseph in other church films.
'There are experiences everyday that open my eyes a little bit more to what the experience is like for Joseph,' he said. 'As I''ve had these small experiences, I''ve kind of realized that''s how the Lord dealt with Joseph. Just a little bit at a time.'
The film''s crew consists of more than 100 people and includes a cast of 35 to 40 individuals. Depending upon the scene, up to an additional 250 to 300 local extras play townspeople.
The Church anticipates 'The Testaments' will be available on DVD shortly after the Joseph Smith movie replaces it in the Legacy Theater.