“Project Regent” Underway in Hampton Roads

Make it work; “Project Regent” is underway.

After months of preparation, the production with the working title Jesse & Naomi (“Project Regent”), Regent University’s School of Communication & the Arts (SCA) first-ever feature film began shooting Tuesday, Jan. 20.

Read Variety’s report of the filming here.

Regent is partnering in the production with Home Theater Films under the leadership of veteran Hollywood actor Corbin Bernsen, best known for his roles in Psych and L.A. Law.

Now, the actor is focusing on his producing role, with his main mission to help bolster the economies of the local film markets. He will also play the role of Father Grayson in the film.

The film follows the comedic story of young New Yorker, Jesse (Chelsey Crisp, Fresh Off the Boat, Reconciliation), who uproots her life and begins again in Small Town America alongside her ex-mother-in-law, Naomi (Marilu Henner, Taxi, Unforgettable). The pair finds themselves out-of-sorts in a season of forgiveness and adjusting to life on the other side of unexpected trials.

Several actors from the Regent Theatre and SCA community have acting roles, including Dr. Gillette Elvgren, professor and Dr. Eric Harrell, associate professor. Several Regent students will also appear in the film.

Additionally, the feature will serve as a feather in the “filmography caps” for students in Regent’s Film and Television program. Students will assist in an official capacity in many of the pivotal behind-the-scenes roles of filming, including the roles of director and producer; earning them the advantage of fusing course credits with professional experience.

As a result, students will gain a professional film credit to their résumés—a notoriously difficult market to break into otherwise—before they’ve even graduated.

“It’s absolutely key that our film and television curriculum be connected directly with a feature film project like this,” said Dr. Mitch Land, dean of SCA. “There’s no better way to learn the process than actually making a product that truly represents the entire process of storytelling from beginning through production and on to distribution.”

The feature project will continue to film through Feb. 10 in various locations. For real-time behind-the-scenes updates search #projectregent on Regent’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages.

Learn more about Regent University’s School of Communication & the Arts.