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Carole Mikita ReportingBusinessman Larry Miller and Latter-day Saint filmmaker Richard Dutcher made a joint announcement this morning about a couple of up-coming movie projects. They also put to rest their long-rumored rift which put one of these films 'on hold' for more than a year.
Richard Dutcher, Filmmaker: "This year, we're gonna make another run for it. This time, I feel like we're better prepared."
Richard Dutcher burst onto the cinematic scene in the year 2000 with the surprise hit 'God's Army', the movie about Mormon missionaries in East Los Angeles. The film, made for less than half a million dollars, grossed more than $2.6 million at the box office.
One year later "Brigham City" a murder mystery set in a small Utah town, was made for about the same as its predecessor. it grossed just under a million, but this one was hailed by critics across the country. Fundraising came much easier the second time.
The reason, Larry Miller was the key investor. Shortly after a news conference he pulled finances back on the next film out of concern over the box office success of Brigham City. But now Miller is back, first to help complete funding of 'God's Army 2: States of Grace'.
Richard Dutcher: "The film is designed with not only LDS missionaries but there are a few other faiths represented in the film, and represented very positively."
And then Miller is back on track with funding for 'The Prophet: The story of Joseph Smith', which has been on hold for a year and a half because of what he calls a misunderstanding.
Larry H. Miller: "I said to Richard, right out of the shoot, I was wrong on those. That kind of laid the groundwork for us to talk very candidly and openly."
"God's Army 2" will begin shooting in January; "The Prophet" also next year. Preliminary cast includes actors Val Kilmer as Joseph Smith and F. Murray Abraham as Gov. Ford.
