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"To Save A Life" set for Theatrical Release

North County Times - January 17, 2010 - By Dan Bennett: 

OCEANSIDE: Film empowering teens set for major release.

It began with a simple observation of a complex problem: Many teens out there are hurting. From that came an idea for a film. Jim Britts, the youth pastor at New Song Community Church in Oceanside and a former film student at Biola University, began taking the stories that he and his wife, Rachel ---- an English teacher at Oceanside High School ---- heard from teens, and converting them into a screenplay.

The result is the full-length feature film "To Save A Life," opening Friday on 430 theater screens nationwide, including ones in Oceanside, Vista, San Marcos and Escondido.

The film's official world premiere and red-carpet event happens Thursday night at the Regal Oceanside 16 in downtown Oceanside, and the city has designated Jan. 22 through 24 "To Save A Life" weekend.

"Every day my wife and I talk to teens who are in some kind of pain," Britts said last week. "I wanted to make a film that would bring hope to hurting and lonely students.

"This may be the most hurting generation of teens of all time," he added. "One out of eight teens is depressed in a major way. And we wanted to make a film to be messengers of hope."

Britts' screenplay tells the story of all-American teen Jake, who suffers a series of setbacks and challenges that nearly overwhelm him before he learns to rely on friendship and faith to deal with and overcome his problems.

The film, shot during most of 2008, stars several successful Hollywood teen actors, including Randy Wayne ("Grizzly Park"), Deja Kreutzberg ("Law and Order," "CSI: Miami"), Kim Hidalgo ("The New Adventures of Old Christine") and Sean Michael Afable ("Akeelah and the Bee").

The film also employed dozens of North County residents, and numerous local volunteers, including many from New Song church. The film includes songs from popular North County band and worldwide hitmakers Switchfoot.

Orin Mozon, a 17-year-old El Camino High School senior, has a speaking role in the film. "I was there every day, doing whatever I could to help out," Mozon said. "That's the way it was on this film, people from the community just showing up and helping out. Seeing how filming worked from the inside was fascinating. I think a lot of the kids learned some things."

Mozon, who plans to attend Point Loma Nazarene and major either in music and ministry, or film, says "To Save A Life" carries an important message. "It's really about preventing teen suicide, and along with that, dealing with the loneliness so many teens feel," he said. "If we can prevent a suicide everywhere this film plays, we've accomplished something huge."

More faith-based films have played in mainstream theaters during the past 10 years, with good box-office results. Mozon cites such films as "Facing the Giants" and "Fireproof." "I think the success of those films shows there is a need," he said.

A novelization of the story is also now available in bookstores. "It's been quite a process," Britts said. "We originally wanted to make a film that would have an impact in San Diego County. Then one day I got a call from my mom telling me that a childhood friend of mine married a woman whose brother is Brian Baugh, a successful cinematographer."

Baugh told Britts that he related to the film, and became its director. Britts, New Song's Executive Pastor Steve Foster and the church itself came on board as producers, along with independent filmmaker Nicole Franco.

Financing was raised, and eventually Samuel Goldwyn Films stepped in as distributor and marketer of the film. The film is also supported by Outreach Inc., a Vista marketing firm that has promoted such films as "Passion of the Christ," "The Chronicles of Narnia" and "The Nativity Story."

"We've screened the film to 15,000 people so far, mostly teens, youth groups and church groups, and the reaction has been amazing," Britts said.

Local audiences will recognize some of the settings, he added. "We filmed at Guajome Park Academy, MiraCosta College, at Oceanside Harbor, on the beach," Britts said. "We're very thankful for the support the community provided as we filmed." The film is opening in 80 major metropolitan cities this weekend, and will eventually open in numerous foreign markets. After the theatrical run, the film will be available for special licensing by youth and church groups, then enjoy a major DVD release.

"It's the type of film that can attract an audience for a long time, and we expect new teen audiences will get something positive out of the story for many years in the future," Britts said.

Britts and his wife are now working on a screenplay that will help empower teens to assist orphaned African children.

"There are so many stories to tell that can help empower teens, including helping themselves lead happier lives," Britts said. "We hope to show them how they can help each other do that."

To Read the story online at North County Times, CLICK HERE

News Archive

Our Best Month Ever - April 2009
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Community church becomes set for feature film
San Diego Union Tribune - July 2008

Southern Calif. Church Enters Movie-Making Business
The Christian Post - July 2008

New Song members put their faith into 'Action'
North County Times - April 2008

Pastor Hal Seed answers The God Questions in this one-hour radio interview
Click here to listen

Firestorm Ignites Ministry
ECCU Ministry Resources Video - March 2008 E-Publication

Church Plants Seed of Hope 
San Diego Christian News - November 6, 2007

There's no place like home, but this church comes close. New Song opens its doors to more than 400 evacuees
SD Union Tribune - October 26, 2007

Church lives up to 'community' name
NC Times - October 25, 2007

Evacuees spend days eager for news about home
NC Times - October 24, 2007

The Christian Post - March 15, 2007

North County Times - January 18, 2007