My Film Debut
by Chan Vinson

My first movie performance is in the can! Principal photography was completed on Thursday, October 22 for The WordPlayers’ film of Sleepers, Wake!

Since COVID-19 prevented The WordPlayers from performing their annual Advent play, they are producing a movie. The film is an original re-imagining of the events surrounding the “greatest story ever told” penned by The WordPlayers’ own Ethan Norman. Despite having absolutely no acting training or experience, I leveraged my spot on the board and personal friendships into a cameo role. I not only convinced the troupe to give me a part, I even got to name my character – Levite #3. There are not two other Levites in the film…

To avoid future typecasting, I developed a backstory for my character. While by nature Chandler Vinson is typically gentle, Levite #3 had anger problems as a youth and is still rough around the edges. He carries a Beretta at all times and is not afraid to use it. When people are not ready to accept grace he uses his catch phrase, “We can do this God’s way or my way”. If the offender opts for “his way”, Levite #3 pistol whips them with the aforementioned Beretta (which as a matter of record, he christened “Spencer Tiddlywinks”). It’s a shame the part is essentially a non-speaking role because this line would have wowed Christian and Christmas audiences alike.

I have lobbied to have a scar added in post-production for some added character development. Unfortunately this would constitute a rather high percentage of the film’s budget so I am not holding my breath.

To further prepare for my performance, I watched interviews with a great actors to prepare for the role, primarily Nicolas Cage and Andy Samberg’s SNL impression of Nicolas Cage. Once on set, I played with some method acting. I no longer responded to my name but answered only to “Three”. I hope this degree of professionalism impressed director Cole Liles. We are still friends, so there’s that.

As I may never have another opportunity, I made sure to ask the quintessential thespian inquiry: “What is my motivation?” I think I got a good feel for the role. I didn’t have to do a lot of multiple takes from the same angle so I suppose I performed admirably. I may call myself “Three take Three”.

As I likely will have no audible lines (my recitation of the Shema will probably be muted), I used three fingers for some actions to indicate that I was indeed Levite #3. This may be lost to the audience as I don’t know that my hands will receive a closeup. But I will know. And now you will too!

I have not been informed if I will get my SAG card for this effort but I have hired an agent just in case. I also got my parents a credit. “Mr. Vinson’s wardrobe was provided my Bill & Dotty.” I can ask for no more than that.

If interested in seeing this lauded film debut, Sleepers, Wake! will be coming to a digital platform near you this Advent season.

Seriously, we believe you will enjoy the film and find a beautiful message in it. To view the film trailer and learn how you can receive a private link to the film, please see http://wordplayers.org/online-events/