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Principal Photography Begins In Nashville On "The Second Chance" Starring Acclaimed Christian Music Artist Michael W. Smith

Principal photography began September 29 on "The Second Chance," starring award-winning and multi-platinum recording artist Michael W. Smith in his first leading role in a feature film. The film is directed by Steve Taylor from an original screenplay by Taylor, Chip Arnold and Ben Pearson.

Smith plays Ethan Jenkins in the film, which revolves around Jenkins and Jake Sanders (introducing Jeff Carr), both passionate pastors who worship the same God from the same book… but that’s where the similarity ends. White and well-to-do Ethan is comfortable in his music ministry at the media-savvy suburban mega-church, The Rock; Jake is a street smart African-American who ministers to the gang members, teen mothers, and drug addicts of the urban Second Chance.

When they are suddenly thrown together in a tough neighborhood and forced to work side by side, Ethan discovers there is no boundary between the streets and the sanctuary. But can the faith these two men share overcome the prejudices that divide them to give themselves and a struggling urban church a second chance?

The film is produced by Taylor, Clarke Gallivan and Coke Sams in association with Ruckus Films. Executive producer is Ben Howard. Franklin, Tenn.-based Cedar Partners is financing the project.

Over his twenty-year career, Michael W. Smith has amassed an impressive catalog of achievements. His 18 albums have garnered multiple honors including an American Music Award, 3 Grammy Awards and 40 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards. In addition, he holds 13 Gold and 5 Platinum albums and has been named one of People Magazine’s Most Beautiful People. In addition to being a celebrated artist, Smith has scored film projects and written 11 books. His tours consistently rank among the largest in the country and he has performed to capacity crowds throughout the world. Constantly giving back to the community, one of his current projects is Rocketown—a nightclub for teens in his hometown of Nashville, Tenn. —which serves as safe place for young people to enjoy music and for artists to be discovered. He is married to Debbie Smith and they are the proud parents of five children. Healing Rain, Michael’s 18th album, releases October 26.

Ben Howard and Michael Hagerty formed Cedar Partners in June of 2003. With a combined 25 years of industry experience at companies such as Big Idea Productions, Integrity Music, Reunion Records, and PriceWaterhouse, the partners have a long history of successful ventures in entertainment, primarily targeting the family and Christian audiences. Their current ventures include Propeller Consulting, specializing in creative development and marketing for kid and family brands; Seeds music series; and a joint venture with Extreme Writers Group, a music publishing firm.

“The Second Chance” will shoot in and around Nashville through the month of October. The film is slated for a Fall 2005 release.

Source: Reunion Records