This is the 10th Anniversary for the filming of the award winning film Polycarp in which I play the title character. The experience of making that movie proved to be far more momentous and impactful in my life than I ever anticipated. To celebrate this anniversary I am re-publishing my diary from those days which I wrote on the back of the daily sides, with explanatory comments and added memories.

Pictured here (left to right): Ryan-Iver Klann (Maximus), Justin Lewis (Justin), Rusty Martin (Germanicus), Ted Rich (Irenaeus)

Tuesday, July 23, 2013. With a call time of 7:30 a.m., I finally shot my first scene--a short action sequence, no dialog. [A walk through the busy marketplace with the two leading ladies.]There is a lot of "hurry up and wait" on a movie set. A lot! I was supposed to be in another scene, but it got bumped because of delays.

Memory: I had walked through the outdoor marketplace set, still unfinished, when I arrived a few days before. But when I stepped over the cables and through the narrow door onto the set I remember the feeling of immediately passing through time back to the 2nd century Asia Minor, with all its sights and sounds—and smells. The fishmonger’s goods were not as fresh as they were yesterday and they were…fragrant.

On this day also I got to meet Rusty Martin (Germanicus) in person. Later that day Justin Lewis (Justin) and Ryan-Iver Klann (Maximus) also arrived. 

We had all been previously introduced in a group video call, but that’s not the same as meeting the people in person. This film shoot would have a beginning and an end, but the friendships endure—for which I am thankful to God.