It crossed Kevin Downes’ thoughts that “The Greatest Christmas Pageant Ever” could possibly be the following “Elf” or “Christmas Trip.”
Audiences watch these movies each December as a part of their household traditions. Why not Downes’ “Pageant,” based mostly on the beloved 1972 guide by Barbara Robinson?
The producer rapidly pushed the thought out of his head.
“You’ve bought to overlook about it,” Downes advised The Hollywood in Toto Podcast. “As a result of if that turns into your driving motivation it’ll be a letdown. But it surely’s definitely behind our minds.”
“Pageant” follows a frazzled mother’s try and direct the native establishment. The problem? Dwell as much as previous productions whereas coping with the present’s irascible stars.
That’s the Herdman clan, the city’s nastiest youngsters.
Downes, whose spectacular resume contains “American Underdog,” “Extraordinary Angels” and “Jesus Revolution,” mentioned his workforce’s purpose proved much more essential – introduce the Nativity Story to viewers.
Many will not be acquainted with that non secular story. That describes the younger Herdmans, who study of its non secular magnificence through the story.
“Pageant” isn’t set in 2024. The time interval is fuzzy, with a discernible lack of sensible telephones or TikTok references.
“We needed this to be accessible to all audiences, whether or not you’re 80 or eight,” he mentioned. “You’re probably not enthusiastic about the time interval it’s in. You’re enthusiastic about the story itself. That was all very intentional.”
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The movie is trustworthy to the supply materials, however the manufacturing didn’t let that get in the way in which of artistic inspiration. Stars Greer and Holmes have severe comedian chops, and director Dallas Jenkins of “The Chosen” fame allow them to unfastened.
“The improv was nonstop with these two,” Downes mentioned. “Typically instances they’d improv to get themselves puffed up and prepare to go. Even when it’s a severe scene or a severe second, it’s simply nonstop improvisation.”
Downes is an integral a part of the blossoming faith-based movie motion. His resume speaks for itself, relationship again to early entries like “Mothers’ Night time Out” (2014) and “Woodlawn” (2015). What “Pageant” does it carry the Nativity Story to the display screen with out pushing away secular audiences.
The story comes first. Preaching? That bought left off the display screen.
Films like “A Christmas Story,” “Christmas Trip” and “Elf” are entrenched in western tradition. Downes needed to make a yuletide film that put the emphasis again on Christ with out leaving laughter and tears behind.
“It’s wanted. I don’t suppose it’s been accomplished, a minimum of not in a very long time,” he mentioned. “[‘Pageant’] brings again the authenticity, the that means of Christmas in a manner that’s accessible to all audiences, and households gained’t be offended. It doesn’t even matter what your faith is … it’s nearly small-town America.”
To listen to extra from Downes, together with the deeply private connection Jenkins dropped at “Pageant,” hearken to the complete episode.