What an outstanding premiere of a wonderful story based on the life of David Rosenau. A police officer to a narcotics detective to a pastor. This movie was filmed in Wisconsin and actually had four people from Branson involved in it. I can say that it was involving, had the audience laughing and crying at times. If a movie has this and can still be based on such a life, then it will definitely go places.
The premiere was held recently at the Branson IMAX for its first showing, besides to a small audience in Wisconsin. Both showtimes were well attended, and thank you for showing up to support our "Branson Stars." Between the two showtimes, they had a question-and-answer time with the stars and with the producer and director. The director shared about upcoming other movies that are in the works and the Branson possibilities. What an exciting time to be a Bransonite!
The stars talked about their roles or features in the movie and what it was like to be on site for the filming. Steven spoke about getting the era times backgrounds and objects, especially on a select budget. Lots of things were borrowed and made by the staff at the direction of other professionals. Beth Zambo, wife of Steven, spoke about the wardrobe situation. She stated that the difficult part was the family growing and the era that this was portraying. There were approximately 40-plus actors and actresses in this movie. This is the eighth feature film that they have produced. They started casting for this film in June 2023, and the film was completed and shown for the first time in September 2024.
This film was written, directed and produced by Steven Zambo and Salty Earth Productions. We definitely need more films like this in our lives right now.
Salty Earth Productions are the owners and producers of this film and so many more wholesome family films. Salty Earth Productions is a not-for-profit organization out of Fort Atkinson, WI. You can find their many other movies online at their website: saltyearthpictures.org .
I had a chance to ask the stars some questions.
1. What is your name, character and where are you from?
2. What got you inspired to get into entertainment?
3. What is your favorite thing about this movie?
4. Who is someone you would love to have a meal with (dead or alive) and why?
5. Tell me anything else you would like to share.
And here are their answers.
Peggy Lee Brennan
1. My character in the movie is Linda, and I play the wife of "Brian" who is also my real life husband, Geoffrey Hastings Haberer.
2. I started dancing when I was little but my inspiration for theater really came when Sr. Antonia and Sr. Ramonde in high school asked me to audition for the lead in “Bye Bye Birdie” (our school production), and I got the role of Kim (Ann Margaret's part in the movie) and the rest is history. That’s when I got the bug and that’s what I’ve done for my professional life.
3. It was such a joy to work with Salty Earth productions. We met the producers/creators/ writer/director Steven and Beth Zambo over three years ago at the Branson film festival and were so impressed with some of their films we had seen screened, and we knew we wanted to work with them. The experience was so professional, creative and overall uplifting. We filmed in Wisconsin where Salty Earth is based and the entire community comes together to make it happen. Steve and Beth’s daughter, Jessica, is the DP and editor and we were so grateful to be surrounded by such talent.
4. The person I would most want to share a meal with would be Jesus Christ. He knows and loves me more than I could ever imagine, and I would ask about the plans He has for me in this “latter” half of my life, etc. I would thank HIM for HIS mercy and grace all these years as well!!!
5. I love that I got to work on a movie that uplifts all that I believe in. I hope to get to work again on more projects with this fabulous group of people!
Geoffrey Hasting Harberer
1. My character in the movie is Brian and I play opposite "Linda," who is played by my real-life wife, Peggy Lee Brennan.
2. My first play was “The Very First Christmas,” written and directed by my mom, Maureen Haberer. This was the first of several Christmas shows that we, as a family, put on for the local community. I was four months old (the youngest of four children), so my older siblings played Mary, Joseph and Angel Gabriel. I don't remember that one too well, but they said that I was great! LOL!!
Our subsequent Haberer Family Christmas productions included “Scrooge,” “The Littlest Angel,” “A Tree Grows In Brooklyn,” “Christmas At Gettysburg” and “A Christmas Carol.” I went on to perform in my Ramsey, NJ High School theatre productions. In college I sang with the Rutgers Glee Club and performed in college theatre productions, while earning my degree in special education.
Upon graduation, I moved to NYC to study method acting at the famed, (William Esper Studios) and within six months I was performing professionally in and out of NYC.
3. It was a joy to work with Salty Earth Productions. Shooting the film in northern Wisconsin was fun because the crew was magnificent, the community was supportive and the locations were pastoral.
4. The person with whom I would most like to share a meal is John the Baptist. My first question would be, "John, how did you know at first sight that Jesus was the Savior about whom you had preached about and how were you able to maintain your unshakable faith to the death?
5. It's a joy to be a part of creative projects that glorify God and uplift the truth.
Lance Brown
1. My name is Lance Brown, originally from California, now a Branson local for the last three years. In the movie I play the lead character David Rosenau. Based on a true story, about an undercover narcotics detective turned pastor.
2. I got into entertainment by going to clown college at 17, the last one in 1997 with Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Since then, I’ve worked on everything from cruise ships, as a comic to various TV shows and minor movie roles. This is my first lead role.
3. My favorite thing about this movie is the power of a story and testimony and following God's call. You can affect others in such a powerful way…One By One!
I love that the film shows a real journey or faith with all the trial and errors along the way. Also, I love that it has such a wide range of emotion involved. Drama, even some comedic moments, it’s truly a beautiful story and film. (Make sure to bring some tissues!)
4. I’d love to have a meal with Jim Carrey. He was the first comedian I saw that inspired me to go on this entertainment journey, and over the years, I feel he’s so close to receiving the gospel; I’d love to pray with him.
I was able to meet Jerry Lewis before he passed and that was such a blessing.
5. My prayer is that this film inspires believers and to help even one person and non-believers to see a real journey of how beautiful it is to trust In Jesus.
Also, there were moments while filming I could sense God with us, in the scene, and I hope it comes across the screen and the audience, too! I hope that they can sense God is right there with them, too!
Dale N. Green
1. I play the role of "Slicer," a big-time drug dealer. I live in Branson West, but am originally from Seal Beach, California.
2. I started acting in plays since grade school, active in drama in high school, and minored in theater arts in college. But my biggest lifelong passion is screenwriting.
3. In the film, I love how God took Dave through so many diverse jobs and roles in order to train him for the most important role of all.
4. I would love to have dinner with my mother and father to share with them what they've missed in my life.
5. God's gifts to us become our gifts to Him.
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