Could “Camp Hideout” be the next “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” or “Back to the Future?” The film’s director, Sean Olson, says his new movie is a “breath of fresh air” for moviegoers, and has that 1980s movie feel to it.
The inaugural movie from what has been called the “world’s first Christian fan-owned movie studio” releases in theaters nationwide on Sept. 15, and it has some well-known Hollywood names behind it, including Christopher Lloyd of “Back to the Future” fame.
Appropriately named Called Higher Studios, its first foray into Hollywood is a PG-rated family comedy that brings together humor, faith and a heartwarming narrative. The film promises to be a delightful experience for families seeking wholesome entertainment.
The mission of Called Higher Studios goes beyond just making movies; it is a call to action for Christians to unite and spread the message of Christ through the medium of film. The studio’s website emphasizes its goal to “produce quality faith-based content that spreads the gospel of Jesus Christ and also transcends storytelling” and asks the question, “What if Christians came together to spread the name of Christ through movies?”
“Camp Hideout” comes on the heels of the tremendous success of faith-based films in the past few months. “Jesus Revolution” wowed audiences this spring and summer. “Sound of Freedom,” starring Jim Caviezel, has made nearly $200 million at the box office since being released on July 4.
“The Blind,” a story about Duck Dynasty’s Phil Robertson and his family, is set to release Sept. 28.
“For me, as a filmmaker and a father, it was exciting to make something that not only my kids could see but their friends could see as well,” Olson told cinemadailyus.com. “We didn’t have to worry about the content of it. We treated all of the kids with a lot of respect as the driving force of the movie. We treat it as a smart movie that parents don’t have to worry about when it’s playing in the other room.”
Through crowdfunding, Called Higher Studios has allowed Christians to become stakeholders in the company, giving them the opportunity to shape the kind of movies that their children and grandchildren will watch. This innovative approach to film production fosters a sense of ownership and involvement within the Christian community.
At its core, “Camp Hideout” is a story of resilience, faith, and discovering one’s purpose. Olson says there is a “Ferris Bueller aspect to this movie, like ditching school and all of the ensuing shenanigans.”
The plot revolves around Noah, a teenage boy who seeks refuge in a Christian summer camp to escape from two bumbling adversaries. It’s within the confines of this camp that Noah discovers hope and purpose amidst the backdrop of Christian values.
The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Amanda Leighton of “This Is Us” and “Trolls: The Beat Goes On!” fame, as well as Corbin Bleu, known for his role in the beloved “High School Musical” franchise.
However, the movie’s standout feature is the involvement of the legendary Christopher Lloyd, celebrated for his iconic roles in the “Back to the Future” trilogy. Lloyd’s participation in “Camp Hideout” adds a touch of nostalgia and charisma that is sure to resonate with both parents and children alike.
Getting Lloyd to join the cast, Olson says, is a major coup for the studio.
“I think he was the perfect person to play this type of character in the movie,” Olson says. “He not only resonates with the kids, but parents and event grandparents as well. He was a complete pleasure to work with.”
Established in 2019, the studio’s journey to bring this heartwarming family comedy to theaters faced delays due to the global pandemic. Nevertheless, the perseverance of the team has resulted in a film that promises to touch the hearts of viewers.
Jason Brown, a producer at Called Higher Studios, expressed the studio’s commitment to family-friendly entertainment.
“You can watch this movie with your kids,” Brown says
Brown also highlighted the genuine enthusiasm of the cast: “Christopher Lloyd thought it was a great script and wanted to be a part of it,” Brown says. “It’s a testament to the script and the storytelling that those actors wanted to be a part of it.”
As “Camp Hideout” prepares to hit theaters, it serves as a testament to the power of faith, unity and storytelling. With its commitment to wholesome entertainment and spreading the gospel, Called Higher Studios promises to continue delivering meaningful films that leave a lasting impact on audiences. {eoa}
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Shawn A. Akers is the online editor at Charisma Media.
