JUPITER CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, November 10, 2023 – Life is full of amazing opportunities. When one is offered, it is important to take it. The JCS Varsity Football and Cheer teams were offered a unique opportunity – to be extras in a movie production.
JCS had the opportunity to be extras in a movie starring Dean Cain, who is well known for his role in Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman and produced by Jason Campbell. The film 4th and 44 follows the true story of Marty Reichman, who gave up on everything but went back to college at age 44 to play Football. The movie was filmed by JC Films Studios, a Christian film company started in 2014. I interviewed Ava Camejo (Cheer) and Joe Licata (Football) about their recent opportunity, and both had a lot to say about their experiences.
When Joe first heard about the chance to be an extra in the movie, he jumped at the idea because he wants to pursue film as a career in the future. Joe was slightly dissatisfied with the quality of some of the uniforms, and the lack of actors, but was excited to gain more knowledge about how the film was made and learn more about the industry as a whole. For Joe one of the most memorable parts of the film was getting to hurdle one of the main actors for a scene. Joe explained that the team was filmed stretching before some JCS players had to play for the opposing team during filming due to there being only 3 actors. Licata enjoyed talking to his fellow teammates and having another chance to wear the pads even after the season’s end.
The filming was done on Friday November 10th, which was a half day in honor of Veterans’ Day. After school, the Football team took some time to relax in the locker room and shoot baskets before grabbing pizza for lunch. After lunch (around 2:00) JC Films Studios and the actors began to arrive at the school and the team suited up. According to Joe, they were in the locker room waiting to be called out for their scene for more than an hour while waiting for the Cheer squad to finish shooting.
Ava explained that the scene took several hours to film. The director knew exactly what shots he needed, and didn’t waste time. She was surprised by how quickly the process went due to the movie production’s efficiency. Ava says that she has been an extra in a documentary before, but she enjoyed getting to share the experience with her friends. She was able to meet Marty Reichman who was extremely kind and thanked everyone for their help in making the movie. The movie production was a good experience for Ava, and she would be interested in being an extra in future movies. Ava explained that, “As many opportunities as you can get to get your name out there, take them.”
Overall, the JCS Football and Cheer teams scored a great opportunity to be extras in a movie thanks to Mrs. Toi Stepp who arranged it. Both Ava and Joe as well as their teammates had a great time with friends, and experiencing being extras in a Christian film production.
