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- [00:11]
A
Well, ladies and gentlemen, welcome to a joint recording of Eyewitness, the audio drama podcast, as well as Kingdom Culture Conversations, the Northwest Christian Podcast. We are privileged today in this very special episode to have three guests in the studio. I am joined by Elise, Violet and Mr. Chris Zimmerman, who is the director of both the audio dramas and Northwest Christian's film program. And so I'm really looking forward to this conversation today because a, we have just launched the very first episode of Eyewitness, Ride to Freedom and cz. This is what season? This is season seven. Six.
- [01:01]
B
Six.
- [01:02]
A
Okay, so season six, we have followed the Elysium, the adventures of the Elysium now for six seasons. And then we also this last year launched the movie. And how many movies have we done as a school?
- [01:16]
B
14.
- [01:17]
A
14 movies. Folks, I'm going to take a pause right here and tell you this. The people in the studio right now will be famous. All right? They're freshmen. The two young ladies we're talking to have an amazing amount of talent. They are going to be launched at some point. I hope it's not until they graduate high school, but they will be launched into the atmosphere in terms of their skills. And I'm just so confident God is going to use you guys in amazing ways after graduation. I just hope that you wait till you graduate before your careers take off. It's amazing the gifts and talents God has invested in you. And it's such a privilege, it really is to be able to see that grow and be cultivated at Northwest Christian School. But folks, talking to you now, you need to invest some time in both the podcast I witness. You can go to iwitnesspod.com or just search on any podcast platform iwitt the letter I and then witness and check out any of the six seasons. But then you can also now go to northwestchristianfilms northwestchristianfilms.com and check out any of the 14 films that we have produced. But most specifically, these two young ladies were characters in this last film and it was called 1017. Now, I can't give any spoilers. I don't want to do that because that's half the fun. But there may be. Imagine if Star wars crossed over with Marvel.
- [03:00]
B
As Elise would say, the old timey movie.
- [03:03]
A
The old timey movie.
- [03:04]
B
She was making fun of my movie interests.
- [03:06]
A
Oh, is Star wars an old timey movie?
- [03:11]
C
I don't know. I love Star Wars. I mean, I guess.
- [03:15]
A
Oh, goodness. I guess we are old men, cz. I guess we are old. Oh, well, all right. Well, it is it's really. It's a privilege to have everyone in the studio today, because, as I mentioned earlier, we launched season six, and this season is called Ride to Freedom, and we'll get into that in just a minute. But really, I want to spend a few minutes with these two young ladies, because, folks, you need to invest yourself in these platforms so that you can say, ten years from now. I knew these girls win. I saw them when they were back at Northwest Christian School in Phoenix, Arizona, and now they're huge. They're walking the red carpets and so on. So, so excited for you guys. Let's start with Elise. Elise, you are new to the films and to the podcast. You play also a new character named Sarah. But before we get to Sarah, tell us about Elise. You're a freshman. I am, yeah. And so how long have you been at Northwest Christian?
- [04:16]
C
This is my first year.
- [04:17]
A
Okay, so this is your first year, and what are the things that light you up? What are your areas of interest? Maybe extracurriculars. I'm gonna guess fine arts, because you're talented in that respect. But are there any other areas? Like, what are your favorite areas to study?
- [04:33]
C
I like English because I want to be a writer, so I feel like that can help in the writing world and how to have better structure. I love to dance, which goes with fine arts. And I like science, too.
- [04:51]
A
Ooh, science. Science is. In my humble estimation, it is the most important subject area in all of school. But that's another podcast episode. Elise, tell me a little bit about your aspirations for writing. Is this something? Before coming to Northwest Christian, did you ever imagine that you would pursue film or podcasting? It? Was this kind of an area of intrigue for you, or was it something you just said? Hey, here's a neat door. I'm gonna knock on it and see what happens.
- [05:22]
C
Yeah, I always, like, wanted to do anything in, like, the film industry. So since I was little, I was always like, I'm gonna write stories, and I'm gonna be like, on the camera. Cause my old school had the same thing, so I was excited to do that. And then when I came here, I was excited to know that there was also a film program here.
- [05:41]
A
That's really cool. Let's give a shout out to that old school.
- [05:44]
C
Oakes Christian school.
- [05:45]
A
Oaks Christian in California. California. Very cool. A great school. So as you look at this opportunity as it's unfolded, you're moving into both the podcasting and the acting. Do you have a preference? Is there one that you prefer over the other?
- [06:04]
C
Well, this is my first time doing a podcast, so it was definitely exciting. I don't know. They're both very fun, maybe I would say on screen, because you get to see your facial.
- [06:22]
A
Yeah, it's multidimensional, you could say.
- [06:26]
B
I think also the experience is shorter for the people involved with the podcast. For the performing side, it's typically one day. Ours with Elise was maybe an hour and a half. With Violet, probably about two hours, and then they're done, and then they don't get to experience it until the episode comes out. Whereas the movie, there's, you know, table reads, rehearsals, and then multiple days of filming. It's a lot more camaraderie building with the rest of the cast as well.
- [06:57]
A
That makes sense.
- [06:58]
B
And then, because the. When we do the podcast, it's one person at a time, so we don't sit around with multiple mics and record everything. It's just one person recording their lines, and that's it.
- [07:10]
A
So, Elise, that's a really, really good point. When you. When you record your lines, how full of a sense of the story do you have?
- [07:20]
C
Well, you definitely get told kind of what's going on, but for me, I just only know what's going on with the stuff I'm reading, so I don't know if that answers.
- [07:31]
B
They're given the whole script. For someone like Elise, who's brand new to it all, we kind of gave her a little backstory of previous seasons that are important for the one we're working on so she understands where her character fits and the rest of the story. With Violet, she's been around since season two, so she's very familiar. And she listened to season one prior to recording season two and five seasons to cram in. For someone like Elise, that's a lot
- [08:02]
A
to ask, so that's awesome.
- [08:07]
B
Started to butt in.
- [08:08]
A
No, I love that. I love that. And so now we're gonna move to Violet. Violet is our veteran. You've been on now five seasons of Eyewitness. And how many of the movies have you been in?
- [08:18]
D
Two. Three.
- [08:21]
B
Oh, we were friends. 1017.
- [08:24]
D
Oh, yeah. Three.
- [08:25]
B
Whoa.
- [08:26]
A
Okay, so 1017. We were friends. And then what was the other?
- [08:31]
B
Stolen spotlight.
- [08:32]
A
Stolen spotlight.
- [08:33]
D
It was, like a little thing. It was like. It got me into it. And I auditioned originally for the movie because I saw the poster, and I was like, this is interesting. And I actually auditioned just to see if I was, like, good enough to get in, because I had an audition for a different show, and I wanted to see where I was at. And then I got the email and I was like, oh, cool. I got in and then it just became like my favorite thing ever.
- [08:59]
A
So just that initial, and I love that because I think that's what schools should do is just spark some intrigue and inspire you to try new things. And here it is, an area of, wow, vast talent.
- [09:10]
B
Now let's go also real quick with Violet. Her original audition tape didn't have any audio. There was an error with it.
- [09:16]
A
Oh, really?
- [09:17]
B
So when I watched her audition tape, it was just, yeah, no sound. And sometimes, you know, you think, okay, well, too bad and you move on. But her non verbals were really strong and so I emailed her back and said, hey, you don't have any audio. Do you have something you can send me that has this fixed? And she did immediately. And then she got in. And then Elise, when she auditioned for 10:17, there were a lot of really talented people and she was there. And I wasn't sure. Elise is pretty soft spoken, at least in the bigger settings. And so I thought, I'm not sure if she could handle being in the movie or not, but I think she could. And so the original scene that you were in was only two people. It was originally only Abby and Priscilla's characters. One who only tells the truth and one who only lies. So I went back and rewrote it to include Elise because I liked her audition. That way she could have a chance, especially being brand new to Northwest.
- [10:22]
A
So what was your character's impetus? There was the character that lied, character that told the truth.
- [10:28]
C
And then you were mine only to ask questions.
- [10:31]
A
That's right. That's right. That movie was such, just such a mind blowing experience. It was so different. I had to watch it three times that weekend. And I feel like I'm still processing what. I was traumatized. It was such a good deal. So, Violet, tell me a little bit about your aspirations. We've talked to you before on the podcast and you are a very accomplished individual. Your performance in We Were Friends was crazy good. Crazy good. And so you've obviously got some traction and you're headed in a really positive direction. If this is the direction you feel like God's leading. Where do you feel like God is taking you in terms of career and the future? I mean, you're a freshman.
- [11:25]
D
Yeah.
- [11:26]
A
So you don't have it all figured out. But what are those areas of intrigue for you? What are the things you think I might want to look into this?
- [11:33]
D
Yeah, definitely. Like all areas with, like, acting and like, I've always Loved. Like, I've done drama and musicals, like, all of middle school and this year too, and definitely, like, doing stuff, like, alongside with, like, college and stuff would be, like, really fun. Like, if it's like, voice acting or, like, little, like, things to audition for, like, whatever's open, whatever, like, doors God opens for me. Like, I definitely just want to try it and see what happens.
- [12:01]
A
That is so cool. All right, so let's do this. Let's put Mr. Chris Zimmerman, CZ, as we call him, let's put him on the spot. All right. Off Mike. We were talking about an interesting movie idea that you all have had. Elise, I have to imagine that as a writer, you have had some inspirations. Maybe the muse has encouraged, maybe a particular thought or a direction. And Violet, I understand that you have actually undertaken the process of starting to write a script.
- [12:37]
D
Yep.
- [12:38]
A
So let's put CZ on the spot and make a pitch right now. What are the stories that are burning in your minds right now? What would you want to. What would you want to produce?
- [12:49]
B
Probably better than the Running Dead.
- [12:52]
A
Folks, if you're just joining and this is CZ's fault for having brought this up. Okay. I believe it would be a great movie to produce something called the Running Dead. Now, of course, it's something akin to the Walking Dead zombie virus, but the Walking Dead is not scary because as the name implies, they're walking. They're walking and all you have to do and these goofballs run into buildings where they're going to get trapped. If I were being chased by the walking dead, I would run out into the prairie and just run and run and run. I think a much scarier movie would be. Wait for it, the Running Dead. The high school cross country team is infected with a zombie virus, and these are the fastest kids in school. That's terrifying. But my idea has. At least you're new to the idea. Is there any traction here with you?
- [13:50]
C
I think there's something there.
- [13:51]
A
There's something there, yes. Cz, did you hear that?
- [13:55]
B
I'm killing off.
- [13:56]
A
Listen to the talent.
- [13:59]
C
Sarah always returns.
- [14:02]
A
Okay, so what are those ideas? If you have any notion you started a script and don't speak specifically because this is a podcast that goes out internationally. And so we're going to want to make sure that you copyright your very good ideas before you say, but what are some areas like for you? Have you undertaken any writing?
- [14:24]
C
I have. I used to take a creative writing class. I would try to write a book every year.
- [14:30]
A
A book every year?
- [14:32]
C
Yeah. Or at least get the basis of it. And then I kind of just have multiple projects that I just try to figure them all out. I'm writing one right now that I've had since seventh grade.
- [14:43]
A
This is so cool. I'm so glad I asked this question. So I don't want to get into specifics, but can. What kind of genre of writing. What kind of genre of reading are you most. Most appeals to you? And then what is the genre of writing that you most enjoy engaging in?
- [15:01]
C
Well, I love reading, like, kind of any genre. I think my personal favorite would be a mix of, like, action and then romance and fantasy. I also love mysteries, but genres that I like to write would be kind of, like, dramatic, like, action, like romance, stuff like that.
- [15:25]
A
Okay. Is there a book that you would recommend to something maybe you've not written, but a book that you have read recently that you would recommend to our listeners?
- [15:35]
C
I love the book called Five Survive. It's a mystery book about these kids in a camper, like, on their way to a school field trip, but just so many plot twists, and they just none of them know what's going on. And it kind of felt like the movie just, like every second there was, like, a twist. And it just like your brain really has to think while you're, like, reading it. You don't know what happened next.
- [15:59]
A
That's fun. All right, Violet, loaded question here. You started a script. What is the genre in focus again? Broad terms. But what. What. What are you thinking in terms of a potential movie?
- [16:15]
D
Definitely mystery.
- [16:18]
A
You're both familiar with it?
- [16:20]
D
Oh, yeah.
- [16:21]
A
Okay.
- [16:21]
D
Wow. It's a group project.
- [16:23]
A
Oh, it is.
- [16:24]
D
Yeah.
- [16:25]
A
Okay. How fun is this? They have a trailer.
- [16:29]
D
It's not done. We. We had to scrap all the footage that we already collected because we filmed it vertically on accident, because we actually filmed at the premiere for 10:17, and we're scrapping all of it to do it horizontally because it will look better, so.
- [16:48]
A
Oh, okay. All right. Very interesting. Well, this is. This is what I love. And cz, this is when we started doing this. This is the kind of. The moment that we hoped is that students would take the launch pad that you have established at Northwest Christian and then launch into this sort of activity. I just think this is so cool. And I think the technology lends itself now. The accessibility to technology and to the software that's out there now. It's amazing. Literally, anyone can do this now. But just because you have the. And you want to talk to this Chris. Just because, like, for example, I may have an idea in which I do the running dead. All right. But it. I may have access to cap cut and all these things. Somebody should probably take it away from me. I have a reputation at the school for abusing and overusing AI. Oh boy.
- [17:46]
D
We notice.
- [17:47]
C
We saw the posters.
- [17:48]
D
Yeah, yeah.
- [17:50]
A
So that's my reputation. So obviously just ideas and accessibility isn't enough. What is it, CZ that takes it next level?
- [18:01]
B
I think God given talents because both Violet and Elise are incredibly talented. And for someone like Violet to be talented at that level, 8th grade is unusual as well as Elise and as a freshman and she's brand new to the school so, you know, don't have any history with her. But they're both incredibly talented and they, they take direction really well on the sets. They're easy to be around and fun to be around and they are very uplifting to their fellow cast members. So there's a lot of things that are naturally, they possess naturally that God's given them that not everybody else has. You know, there's someone like, you know, the type, a type brain probably would not do very well in their environment with performing and listening and taking direction, all that. They're incredibly talented. And there's a reason why I've used Violet so many times, because when I'm writing something, it's a no brainer that she'd be perfect for this part. Same with Susannah Schrock, you know, and then we get new people in like Elise and it's like, okay, let's rewrite something to fit her in because she's that good as well. Or we can see glimpses of. She will be even better after this experience and stuff like that. But it's just, it's the natural things that God's given people like these two that make it beyond just level of accessibility.
- [19:36]
A
Yeah, I love that we know from the psalms that God gives us the desires of our hearts, those intrigues, that passion for reading, passion for writing, passion for acting, voice acting or camera acting. It's something that God birthed in you. I think that's so cool. So now let's talk about Ride to Freedom. You don't, don't give us any spoilers, okay? Because I've only listened to episode one. That's one of my rules. I don't see the movies. I don't. I trust CZ so completely. I don't see the movies. I don't listen to the podcasts until they come out because I want to experience it. And boy, 1017 was the ultimate culmination of. And really just the reward of that attitude because it was something I experienced in the movie theater, and it was. It was so fun. And I would say Stolen Spotlight was the same way.
- [20:33]
B
That was a whole experience that was
- [20:34]
A
a wholly different experience. That's a Choose your own adventure film, folks, where you were moving from theater to theater. If you've not seen that again. Northwestchristianfilms.com this group is just so amazingly creative. So let's talk about Ride to Freedom. Okay. We know the premise, right? It's the Freedom rides from the 60s. And so this is a storyline that's tied back to the civil rights movement. And obviously, we're a school that focuses on biblical worldview. And so we're promoting this idea of sanctity life. And within the idea of sanctity of life, we recognize that race is a non issue. Right? Race is something that God gives us to create the diversity that makes the kingdom so rich. We celebrate that and enjoy it. And I think this story is going to powerfully illustrate that. But it started right away with a twist. I did not see this coming. And you can't do that, cz. I'm an old man with a heart issue. Okay? And so you can't. I'm okay if you end something with a big twist, but if right out of the gates, you hit the listener with a twist of just what you did. Holy cow. I'm sitting there in my car and I'm like, ladies, are there any other twists ahead? Do I need to buckle up and just settle down and take my medicine and keep going?
- [21:56]
D
Definitely buckle up. Don't stand up. Stay seated. Really stay seated.
- [22:02]
C
Make sure that buckle is in tight.
- [22:04]
D
Yeah.
- [22:05]
A
Okay, so I'm gonna ask one more question and no spoilers, but we've seen the return of Alex, okay. And Alex historically has been a little bit of, oh, they're giggling now. And so I'm worried that I'm striking.
- [22:18]
B
Part of it is Violet has information that nobody else has her and Susannah
- [22:24]
A
Schrock about the character.
- [22:26]
B
Well, about the future of Eyewitness in general, because season seven's already done. We've already written it, she's already read it, and I've gotten her feedback because her character is very heavy in this one in the next season. And I wanted her to give me the honest response as I was writing it so I would send her and Suzanne, I'm like, here's first episode. What do you think? And then at the end of the final episode, she says, I didn't know if I was supposed to laugh, cry, or cheer.
- [23:00]
A
Oh, my goodness. So in this sense, I touched on something. I'm gonna let this go now because I have a fence. If I pull this thread too hard, it's gonna ruin my desire to be spoiler free. But Alex sparked. There's something that's going to happen in this storyline that I'm very intrigued about. And so, folks, every Monday, Eyewitness drops. Now let's talk a little bit about season seven. Give us a little bit of a preview.
- [23:28]
B
That's every Friday.
- [23:30]
A
Season seven is there? Oh, it's every Friday. The episodes drop. That's right. So this coming. This coming Friday, we'll have season two.
- [23:37]
B
By the time this episode comes out, it might all be already done.
- [23:41]
A
Okay. Okay. Very good. So talk to us a little bit about season seven. Cz, can you lay the premise? And you know what? This is such a bad question, because if I had asked this question three months ago about season six, he would have given me an answer. But with that twist in the first episode, I know that already, your answer would have been nonsense.
- [24:01]
B
I honestly don't know if I can share much, and I think Violet could probably back me up. I can't share much without spoiling any of it.
- [24:08]
D
It's too good.
- [24:09]
B
It's all too good.
- [24:10]
A
Wow.
- [24:12]
B
We do have. We have a lot of new people coming into season seven who have not been part of Eyewitness before.
- [24:19]
A
Okay.
- [24:20]
B
And then season eight is already mapped out. And that's.
- [24:23]
A
My goodness.
- [24:24]
B
That's going back to the roots of season one.
- [24:27]
A
Okay, so when you talk about the roots, are we talking about we started this thing in. In God's Word, and we started with a New Testament story
- [24:40]
B
going Old Testament.
- [24:41]
A
So now we're going Old Testament. Okay, so season eight will go Old Testament. How intriguing. So back to God's word. What about the characters of Miles and Quinn?
- [24:51]
B
Well, part of that is just availability of the people that played them.
- [24:56]
A
Yeah. Because Chanel will be at that point, she'll be an alumni, and Tanner's gonna be, you know, who knows where he'll be?
- [25:06]
B
Sophomore or junior.
- [25:07]
A
Yeah. At university. And just his career there is gonna be blasting off because he's as talented as they come, which is why we're
- [25:13]
B
trying to do things like, you know, Emily and Violet being a freshman, we get to use her, if she still wants to for the remainder of her high school years. But we're able to start bringing in new people like Elise or someone that Samantha introduced me to, a young actress. So, you know, we can build in new characters. And that's the whole goal, is to try to keep this moving forward while people and characters just kind of come and go. So this is Chanel's last season, and her role is very minimal because.
- [25:51]
A
What do you mean? It's her last season.
- [25:55]
B
It's Quinn's last. Real
- [26:00]
A
interesting. Because she's graduating or because. All right, I can't ask too many more questions. And listeners, if you've not heard it, you just need to get yourself right now to eyewitnesspod.com it is so much fun. All right. So much fun. And season six is out now. Season seven is in the works. We're going to end this session with a loaded question for our two young ladies. If this script sees the light of day, if you see this thing published and you make it into a movie, maybe we make it into a movie here. I don't know. We make it into a movie. What is it called?
- [26:43]
D
Ours?
- [26:44]
A
Yes.
- [26:45]
D
Oh, that's easy.
- [26:47]
A
Or you already have a title. All right, it is.
- [26:51]
B
Okay.
- [26:52]
C
Should we say it at the same time?
- [26:53]
D
Okay.
- [26:54]
C
Yeah.
- [26:55]
D
Okay. Tundra Tornado.
- [26:59]
A
Tornado. That is. Tundra Tornado.
- [27:04]
D
Yeah.
- [27:06]
A
Wow. Intriguing. All right, well, there you have it, folks. Breaking news from the podcast headquarters, the Northwest Christian School. Keep your eyes out for the future blockbuster, Tundra Tornado. Tundra Tornado. All right, I want to close this episode, but I have to ask one question. What is this like if you had a 10, 15 second elevator pitch? Description of this movie, what's it about? Obviously, a tornado.
- [27:34]
D
Two senior girls, on their way to get into their dream university, stumble across a mysterious video on YouTube about an ex government official saying that government agents are using weather experiments as weapons. And they investigate.
- [27:55]
A
Oh, my goodness.
- [27:56]
D
It's full of twists and turns.
- [27:58]
A
This is so creative. I love this. And there you have it, folks. I think the mic drop moment. This is what happens when you make. This is the crucial mistake that's happened at Northwest Christian School. You take energy, resources, and time, and you commit it to the talents of young people like you two, Violet and Elise, two amazing young ladies. God has given you so much energy and excitement and passion, and then to that, he's given talent. God given talent. And you put all that in a mixing bowl, man, the cookies that come out of that are amazing. You guys are doing amazing things, and I have no doubt that you're going to do incredible things in the future for the kingdom. And as we close, I want to say, cz, thank you. Thank you for being sensitive to God's holy spirit. And I see it in so many ways. I see it in the casting, I see it in the writing. I see it in just the way you conduct yourself with the cast. You've got a God given talent yourself. And thank you for putting that on the altar and seeing it be made manifest in the lives of these kids. It's incredible. And folks, thank you. Thank you for listening to this, this episode. And in addition, thank you for going to northwestchristianfilms.com you have to watch these two young ladies in 1017. And then thank you for going to Eyewitness Pod or any podcast platform and searching I the letter I witness W I T N E S S. And this season is season six. It's called Ride to Freedom. Thanks for, thanks for tuning in. Take care,
- [29:59]
D
Sam. Sa.