“Beyond the Mask” is a story set in the American Colonial Period whose central character, William Reynolds played by Andrew Cheney, is a chief mercenary for the British East India Company. After being double crossed by his former employer, played by notable actor John Rhys-Davies (Lord of the Rings, Return to the Hiding Place and more), Reynolds makes his way to the American Colonies.
Kara Kilmer stars in BEYOND THE MASK, the revolutionary new family adventure film in theaters nationwide on April 6; Photo Courtesy of Burns Family Studios.
Hoping and working to redeem his name, this former mercenary now hides behind a different mask in to thwart his former employer. As his past life closes in on him, Will must gain the trust and help of his beloved Charlotte, a woman whom he loves but to whom he has been lying. He must also secure the trust of a colonial leader and intellectual, Ben Franklin. Reynolds races against time to defuse a plot that could have devastating effects on the birth of the new nation.
The Burns brothers on the set of ‘Beyond the Mask’; Photo Courtesy of Burns Family Studios.
In a lovely exclusive interview with producer Aaron Burns, Aaron shared how among their professional key production staff (as well actors), many had been homeschooled. Further, young Christian homeschoolers were involved in building sets, catering, and other crew work. Aaron told how this had been an asset for their production because it facilitated a good work ethic and team spirit with Christian character qualities throughout the production. Aaron told how he has been mentored and influenced by Steven and Alex Kendrick who are pastors first and filmmakers second.
Having privately screened this film, this action adventure movie has effective sound and original music by Jurgen Beck that enhances the action and suspense. The use of dialects is consistent and believable. Diction is clear and understandable. Aaron has shared in the exclusive interview that John Kirby, who has coached the young leads in the Chronicles of Narnia, has been the acting/dialogue/dialect coach for “Beyond the Mask.”
The directing for the movie by Chad Burns and cinematography by Ethen Ledden are also effective. The movie breaks new ground in the faith-based category not only in genre but in its large number of CG (computer-generated) effects. Costumes and set are also impressive. Crew have built a 150-foot section of a 1700s-era city street that includes Ben Franklin’s shop, as well as half of a sailing ship.
Charlotte (Kara Kilmer) and Will (Andrew Cheney) narrowly
escape an explosion of historic proportions; Photo Courtesy of Burns Family Studios.
Aaron Burns in the exclusive interview has also shared that his team with Burns Family Studios has intentionally written and produced a movie for the whole family. “Beyond the Mask” is a new family film that brings history to life in a faith-filled adventure that celebrates redemption, grace, and the true freedom that can only be found in Christ. Paul McCusker of Focus on the Family Radio has written the screenplay.
Pick up the film out today, September 8th, on DVD!
Written by Diane Howard, Ph.D. (Performance Studies)
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