Smuggler's Ransom- OFFICIAL THREAD

The Smuggler's trailer was played on "Rejoice" a show on TCT this morning, it also airs 3 more times today if you can catch it on TV, or online... please do so!

http://www.tct.tv/index.php

Cloud Ten CEO Andre' van Heerden was on the show talking about the film as well!
 
This movie is always a topic of conversation whenever I get together with other DVXusers. i don't know why, but it always comes up. even at Luis' bbq someone eventually mentioned SR. it's awesome.
 
Zak Forsman said:
This movie is always a topic of conversation whenever I get together with other DVXusers. i don't know why, but it always comes up. even at Luis' bbq someone eventually mentioned SR. it's awesome.
Click to expand...

That's cool! I sure hope it's an inspiration to everyone to get out and make it happen!

I know you already are doing that! :Drogar-BigGrin(DBG)
 
Congrats Brandon! Must be an awesome feeling having finished copy in hand.

Was really disappointed not seeing more churches on screening list. So if I want to light a fire at my local place of worship, who do I have them call to arrange a screening?? Be helpful if you could give us a peek at the terms to prepare them . . . - and can we sell copies at the screening . . fundraiser?? you get the idea.
 
pixelated said:
Congrats Brandon! Must be an awesome feeling having finished copy in hand.

Was really disappointed not seeing more churches on screening list. So if I want to light a fire at my local place of worship, who do I have them call to arrange a screening?? Be helpful if you could give us a peek at the terms to prepare them . . . - and can we sell copies at the screening . . fundraiser?? you get the idea.
Click to expand...

Hey man, the people to get a hold of is Cloud Ten Pictures (www.cloudtenpictures.com) you can set up a screening, and work out the details for DVD sales at the screening as well.... I'm not the guy to go through for that... let me know if you need me to give them a heads-up.
 
First review is in from the DVD release!!


POSSIBLE SPOILERS BELOW!

Smuggler’s Ransom
Starring: Anthony Tyler Quinn, Marina Resa, Alexandra Harber, & Katherine Norland.
Written & Directed by Brandon Rice & Daniel Noa

Some of the best movies I’ve ever seen were the independent low-budget films that came out of nowhere and made a huge impact upon everyone who views them. In reviewing Christian films, I’m accustomed to seeing low budget productions, but I have the ability to see past the quality, and see the heart, passion, and character behind the film, instead of how much money was put into it. As we all know, it’s the STORY that truly makes a film shine or not, and how well that story was executed with what the cast and crew had to work with.

When I saw the opening scene for ‘Smuggler’s Ransom’, watching a masked runner trek across the desert on a mission began to intrigue me. This was a wonderful job at setting up one of our main characters and giving us an insight into what his job is. Bill Donely works for the US Government, protecting top-secrets from international spies, and any undercover job that is assigned to him. After watching him complete one job, we see him receiving a whole new mission which sets up the premise of this film.

The daughter of a Soviet Nuclear Physicist, under US Protection, is discovered smuggling bibles in Romania. The communist party is willing to trade his daughter’s freedom for his surrender back to their country, but the United States isn’t willing to negotiate. Instead, they send in Bill Donely on a top-secret rescue mission to bring her back home safe and sound. Bill prepares for this new mission, but what he doesn’t prepare for, is the impact that a young Christian bible smuggler can make on his life and how strong-willed she is to follow her own set of rules.

Anthony Tyler Quinn does a brilliant job as Bill Donely. Most of his work has been limited to small roles in popular television shows, but here, he gets a great opportunity to showcase his talent in a starring role. His on-screen presence is convincing, and very professional.

Playing opposite to Quinn is Marina Resa, who plays Carman Gonsolo, the young bible smuggler. Her experience in acting is not as full as Quinn’s, but with talent like this, it wont be long before we see her in more projects. Her presence is effective and strong. She delivers her lines with conviction and passion, which makes me wonder if she’s already adopted the message of her characters faith, as her own.

The story is filled with enough action, suspense and drama to keep the pace rolling and doesn’t depend on the gospel message alone to entertain you. But it doesn’t lack on it either. The salvation message is clearly delivered and beautifully presented. I was impressed with the timing of it, and the way it fit into the story, without disrupting the pace.

Beautifully shot, and well directed, ‘Smuggler’s Ransom’ has earned it’s right among some of the better works of ‘Christian’ film. The only drawback, besides some minor lighting issues, would be the features length. ‘Smuggler’s Ransom’ clocks in at just 45 minutes and ends rather suddenly. I was actually left wanting more, and since it was so short, I felt I deserved a bit more. How I wish we could have seen a reunion between her and her father back in America, and a follow-up to the already-saw-it-coming redemptive scene, which falls close to the end.

Had we been given more, this would rate more as a full-length feature, but instead it felt more like a short film by a group of well-seasoned filmmakers with a lot of heart, but low on cash.

“HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, ‘Smuggler’s Ransom’ is filled with plenty of heart that will touch your soul.” - OneWayFilms
Click to expand...
 
That's awesome dude! Way to go...looking forward to "No Greater Love"! Looks like a great story and some really strong acting!

Daniel
 
My copy from Amazon just came in the mail. Good stuff! Really dig the artwork. Looking forward to watching the final version.
 
Brandon,

Just out of curiosity how did you make the initial contact with Cloud Ten? Did you already know someone working there or did you just contact them with your film information/trailer/etc.?

I'm just curious because we are working on a feature that I think fits the other titles currently on their distribution list (along the lines of Smugglers Ransom).

Thanks and heard you almost have picture lock on "No Greater Love"...congrats!

Daniel
 
Actually, I simply contacted Cloud Ten through their website, with a link to our website and trailer, and then weeks later I was contacted by them, and then a long series of phone calls and then finally finishing the film and sending it to them, etc. etc. and here we are today...
 
Thanks! We're really encouraged to continuing to hear positive feedback on this film, which was made with blood, sweat and tears.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top