‘Book of Mormon Videos’ producers on making the series and the truths found in sacred scripture
Jul 2, 2024
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Elder Dale G. Renlund, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, oversees the production of the ‘Book of Mormon Videos’ series. He discusses the significance of reaching the milestone of distributing 200 million copies of the Book of Mormon and launching its final season. The producers share behind-the-scenes stories, including miraculous challenges faced during filming and the emotional dedication of the cast. They dive into personal connections to scripture and how its teachings inspire hope and faith in contemporary life.
The production of the ‘Book of Mormon Videos’ series emphasizes authentic storytelling while maintaining faithfulness to the sacred text's original teachings.
The release of the fifth season coincides with the milestone of distributing the 200 millionth copy of the Book of Mormon, enhancing its global outreach.
Deep dives
Understanding the Truth of the Book of Mormon
The individual involved in the production of the Book of Mormon video series expresses a profound testimony of its truthfulness, rooted in a lifelong belief since childhood. Through the extensive exploration of the text in the context of filmmaking, the participant has uncovered intricate details and profound narratives that reinforce the Book of Mormon as a true historical document. This experience deepened their connection with Jesus Christ and highlighted the sacredness of the doctrine contained within the book. The production crew's collective effort encapsulated their testimonies, making the series a true expression of faith and spirituality.
Milestones in Distribution and Production Insights
The podcast highlights a significant milestone in the distribution of the Book of Mormon, marking the delivery of its 200 millionth copy, coinciding with the launch of the fifth and final season of the video series. This last season aims to coincide with the Church's study program, offering a deeper visual representation of the Book of Mormon's teachings. The production journey has spanned several years and included 45 episodes filmed in numerous languages, each episode designed to visually interpret the doctrines. Filmmakers faced significant challenges while ensuring that the portrayal remained faithful to the text rather than dramatizing it.
Casting and Character Development
The casting process for the series emphasized finding diverse and authentic representations of the characters from the Book of Mormon. The filmmakers aimed to avoid stereotypes and instead sought active and worthy church members to portray significant roles, including notable figures like Nephi and the Savior. This involved training and acting workshops to cultivate the actors' abilities, allowing them to deliver authentic performances. Stories of serendipitous casting choices emerged, such as discovering a perfect actor for the role of Mormon who had never auditioned previously, highlighting the miraculous nature of casting throughout the production.
Creation of Visual Content and Location Challenges
The production team elaborated on the logistical challenges involved in creating the video series, including long filming days in variable weather conditions and remote locations. Construction of elaborate sets, such as a replica of Bountiful and filming scenes across extensive landscapes, required significant planning and execution. The filmmakers upheld the principle of location neutrality, ensuring the settings aligned with the intention of presenting universal truths rather than implying specific geographic origins. With an emphasis on capturing authentic portrayals of the Book of Mormon's narratives, the filmmakers infused each scene with care and a vision of shared purpose, producing a visual testament to the text.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints launched the fifth and final season of the “Book of Mormon Videos” series in early 2024. Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles serves as the chair of the Scriptures Committee and has overseen the production of the “Book of Mormon Videos.” The Church recently hit a significant milestone in the distribution of the Book of Mormon, and Elder Renlund said the launch of this final season comes at an important time. “In an era marked by the delivery of the 200 millionth copy of the Book of Mormon, it is fitting that we draw attention to the many other ways people can be introduced to the truths of this sacred volume,” he said. This episode of the Church News podcast looks behind the scenes with series producers Aaron Merrell and Jaelan Petrie to explore the storytelling process of creating the videos and the sacred book of scripture they are based on.
The Church News Podcast is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the globe. Host Sarah Jane Weaver, reporter and executive editor for The Church News for a quarter-century, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and most important people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by KellieAnn Halvorsen.
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