Production Begins on Sequels 2 & 3 of 'THE WORK AND THE GLORY' Series

Production Begins on Sequels 2 & 3 of 'THE WORK AND THE GLORY' Series

VONORE, Tenn., April 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Principle photography began last week on the next two films based on THE WORK AND THE GLORY series, announced by Scott Swofford, Producer and President of Vineyard Productions (best known for the Academy-Award(R) nominated documentary, AMAZON). The two films, produced consecutively for a total of 55 days, are helmed by Sterling Van Wagenen (best known for producing the Academy Award(R)-winning TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL and co-founding the Sundance Film Institute and Festival with Robert Redford) and with returning stars Sam Hennings (AVIATOR), Brenda Strong ("Desperate Housewives," "Seinfeld"), Jonathan Scarfe ("Judas"), and Eric Johnson ("Smallville").

Helmer Van Wagenen describes the cast: "This remarkable group of actors comprises the finest ensemble cast ever put together to deal with this period of history in any media. They are all wonderfully well-trained, with great experience not only in feature films and television, but theatrically trained as well. This is very important to me in terms of that fundamental foundation that really fine actors have."

Joining such epic motion pictures as THE LORD OF THE RINGS and THE MATRIX, Vineyard Productions has decided to film both installments of the film back-to-back. Swofford states, "We have opted for consecutive production in order to keep the character and story arcs energized and intact. Also, with this many up-and-coming cast members on board, we have capitalized on the opportunity to have them all in one place at one time."

These next installments in the series continue the early 1800's saga of the fictional Steed family, journeying through an overlooked time in the history of the United States that was fraught with religious intolerance and persecution. Swofford continues, "This period in American History is diverse and the challenges that these characters face are very complex. In fact, these two films lead up to the first time in American History when a standing governor issues an extermination order on his own citizens. The Steeds will face the challenges brought on by that conflict and go forward to find moments of hope and joy, despite the conflicts."

Screenwriter Matt Whittaker (SAINTS AND SOLDIERS) skillfully adapts author Gerald N. Lund's novels, "Like a Fire is Burning" and "Truth will Prevail," portraying fictional characters interwoven with the lives of such historical figures as Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, and Missouri Governor Lilburn W. Boggs.

Detailing events leading up to the founding of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the first film, THE WORK AND THE GLORY, opened Thanksgiving weekend 2004, achieving the highest-ranked per screen average during the 5-day Thanksgiving weekend for films on more than 3 screens.

Vineyard Productions, in its ten-year history, has produced and managed media projects with budgets totaling over $150 million, including fifteen large format films such as MYSTERIES OF EGYPT, and SHACKLETON'S ANTARCTIC ADVENTURE, for clients including WGBH/Nova, National Geographic, Walt Disney Pictures, and Columbia Pictures. In addition, Vineyard has produced eleven independent feature films, and over 100 commercials and other media presentations. With experience in historical re-creations, dramatic pieces, and documentaries, Vineyard has worked in 46 countries on all continents, with nominations for every major media award including an Academy Award(R), CINE Golden Eagles, and film festival honors.

Source: Vineyard Productions

CONTACT: Gina King, Unit Publicist of Vineyard Productions, +1-801-263-3443, or mobile, +1-801-652-3766, gina2king@hotmail.com

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