They came from as far away as Oregon, Texas, South Carolina, Minnesota, and New Jersey. Many came from central and northern Virginia. What drew them together was a passion for film, but more importantly to become involved in filmmaking that would glorify God. It was a truly humbling experience for the cast and crew of Advent Film Group to see some of our supporters join us for a special day of filming at Patrick Henry College. These were supporters who had applied six weeks before, vying for an AFG Film Day invitation. We received applications for over 120 attendees, but could only accommodate 40 people. Fortunately, a few of them were students and parents who were able to join our production team as official crew members for several days or the entire 8-day shooting schedule.

Here is the AFG Film Day schedule sent to our supporters a week earlier:

1. •10:00-11:00AM - Founders Dining Hall (just behind the Lobby) - Observe a critical scene being filmed between Caleb and Rachel as they have "lunch" as she gives him a tour of the college. Some of you will be asked to be extras for this scene. (We will have bagels and scones for you)
   

2. 
   

3. •11:00 - Noon - Founders Hall Lobby - You will be part of the crowd entering the lobby to go to the National Moot Court Championship
   

4. 
   

5. •Noon-1PM - Lunch at the Dining Hall
   

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7. •1:00 - 3:00PM - We will take small groups, one-at-a-time, to observe a "Dorm Room" set at Red Hill where we will be filming several scenes of Caleb and his roommate Dave. (While your "group" waits its turn, this will be an excellent time for you to visit the College Bookstore, walk around the campus, or visit the PHC Library where they are having a small used book sale.) 
   

8. 
   

9. •3:00 - 3:50PM - Town Hall Meeting Room - AFG Briefing and PHC President's Message with Dr. Graham Walker. (We will have some afternoon cookies, etc. for you.)
   

The day began in earnest for cast and crew, arriving at PHC’s Dining Hall at 8:00 AM. It was an early set call despite the previous evening’s filming which lasted until 10:30 PM. AFG Film Day, Wednesday, January 30th would mark our last day of pickup filming on campus. The production team who had filmed the previous summer for 5 weeks of principal photography well remember the PHC Dining Hall. We ate most of our meals there. The college was extremely hospitable to us and the kitchen staff fed us superbly.

What’s interesting is that until this day, we had never filmed at the Dining Hall. It was always something we wanted to do. But logistically, it was difficult because of the noise, traffic, and disruption to the school’s operation. The care and feeding of hungry college students is paramount. Ultimately though, we figured out how to make it work. We would film in-between meals and classes and Chapel service. That meant extreme efficiency for the camera, lighting, and sound crews. And our cast would have to hit their marks and deliver their lines perfectly. Any mistakes would result in going over schedule and not meeting our critical shot list.

As it turned out, this was also the best day to have AFG supporters join us. We needed them as extras in the Dining Hall and for later scenes that would simulate a crowd rushing to attend the Moot Court National Championship. Everything had to go like clockwork. It began with the “talent” (the cast).

Talent makeup was done by 8:30 AM and they were ready for blocking (mapping out their movements within the scene) and line rehearsals. The crew was ready by 9:00 AM as scheduled and filming began. A few PHC students stayed at the Dining Hall to study or observe. The Dining Hall staff continued about their business, being as quiet as possible.

We filmed the medium shots and close-ups between Caleb and Rachel, working to complete them by 10:00 AM, which was the arrival time for AFG Supporters. And they came on time. We were blessed. After quick introductions and greetings, our supporters went immediately to work. We put them in strategic positions at the Dining Hall, filling out empty seats since actual PHC students were attending Chapel service. Students were “students” and their parents were “professors or staff.”

We filmed lots of B-roll shots (these are bits of footage that can be intercut within the main scenes of our principal characters). These include shots such as: students and staff sitting down, talking, leaving, pulling up their chair, writing notes, getting drinks, etc.

By 11:00 AM we were done as scheduled. The main crew packed up gear and grip to head over to another set at Red Hill, where a team was finishing to dress a “dorm room” for Caleb and Dave. The upcoming scenes between the two roommates were retakes from last summer. The Dining Hall scene, just completed, was a replacement to scenes previously filmed during principal photography. These summer clips were okay, but we wanted better ones.

Between 11:00 AM until noon, our supporters were put through their paces. We organized at Founders Hall lobby, then began filming outside. The scene is to show the Moot Court attendees entering the building. It was cold outside, and windy. We did it once, twice, thrice, and two more takes before we got the shots we wanted. Back indoors (at least for the camera and half the supporters). we set up the next part of the entrance scene. The other “unlucky” half, groups 4 and 5 had to wait outside to get their cue to enter. After a few more takes and scenes of supporters and principal cast heading to Moot Court competition, we were done at noon, again as scheduled.

Lunch was for an hour. Cast and crew met with as many of the supporters as possible. At 1:00 PM, the second half of AFG Film Day was set to begin...

(to be continued)