Committed to be Missionaries in the Entertainment World

UPDATE March 16, 2010

Carey,

It was great to see you in Colorado Springs a few weeks ago. Even since then things have really been moving and I had to send you an update on Ruth and the kids.

I told you that they signed with JoAnn Smolen and Penny Middlemiss (theatrical and commercial print respectively). It has been an incredible couple weeks to say the least. After a preliminary visit to LA in February to get headshots, website registrations, etc., they headed back just 10 days ago to start the adventure of auditions and classes. JoAnn introduced us to Deb Lemen who has been a joy to work with as an acting coach. She has worked with the kids on a scene read workshop and helped them produce their reel. At the same time, both Matthew and Rebekah have been auditioning almost daily.

JoAnn and Penny are unbelievable!

Rebekah signed and has already shot a commercial for Mercedes Benz (“Blue Efficiency”) at Paramount Studios. It is set in the 1890s and there clearly was no skimping on the budget (a couple snapshots are attached). Rebekah also has been at several fittings for big-name retailers and worked for Cherokee today, with a few others pending. Tomorrow, both Matthew and Rebekah will be filming a Disney Channel promo at Santa Monica pier! Matthew also booked a short film called The Legend of William Cole as one of the leads. The production is overtly Christian and we couldn’t be more thrilled. And we have three or four more opportunities that appear to be likely as well.

Right now, the blessings abound. But we remember what a long road it has been and what a commitment it takes to make this happen. We treasure the fact that you were so bluntly honest, yet exuberantly hopeful for us and for everyone in our group (January, 2009). Thank you for the opportunities that you, through AMTC, created for us. And thanks for your support for the various local managers, like our sweet and awesome Karin Bisogno, who put in so much time on behalf of the contestants. It can be discouraging and taxing, but the support all of you provide has been the salve to keep us motivated.

Obviously, we’ll keep you posted as we continue to seek God’s direction. Matthew and Rebekah remain committed to being missionaries to the entertainment world, and that ambition as well stems from your encouragement and example. You and your team will always reside in our hearts and our prayers. Thanks again.

Brad Miller
Law Office of Brad A. Miller
(719) 338-4189

January 23, 2009

Dear Carey and Karin,

Our son, Matthew, always had interests and abilities that were different from his older siblings and the kids at school. He is popular and well liked, but as parents we sometimes wondered if he would continue to find a niche since he never wanted to join the soccer or basketball teams that his schoolmates were part of. He preferred to talk with parents and teachers on the sidelines, or to comfort someone who didn’t fit in, or, generally, to entertain! We found some local theater opportunities and in each case he was cast in a prominent role and performed well. But even in quiet Colorado Springs, we soon realized that the entertainment world is not necessarily dominated by Christians or others who share our worldview. Nonetheless, we had been praying each night with Matthew and his constant refrain was that he wanted to find a way to glorify God with his talents and to share his faith with other actors.

On the other hand, our daughter, Rebekah, was blessed with a variety of interests and abilities. She made it to state finals in gymnastics, but she also loves performing whether it be singing, dancing or dressing up for a show for the family at the holidays. When she was cast in a role in our high school musical, we knew by the way she sparkled on stage that she too had a joy and desire to use her gifts in this way.

But we despaired as to how to explore our children’s gifts and desires. We were somewhat daunted by the prospect of learning about the industry and trying to discern who to trust and how to safely proceed. Then, like others we have since talked to, we heard the advertisement on the local Christian radio station. Matthew practically jumped out of his seat and we were soon off to the audition. Afterwards, you (Carey) said a few private words of encouragement to Matthew and suddenly he knew that his ambitions could be realized and he had a sense of purpose and drive that has not waned since. Rebekah and my wife (Ruth) had an opportunity to meet Karin who was so gracious and obviously caring and we immediately decided that we were going to give AMTC a try.

Our time with Karin and MODA was precious. She created a safe environment where participants were able to trust that their best interests were being supported. We met amazing people like Nelson Diaz and Barry Shapiro, all of whom were there to teach and to care for our kids. Karin, Jennifer and Tim were each fantastic in their respective roles; honest about what we needed to work on, while genuinely supportive. They spent far more time than they had to in order to be sure our questions about song choices, clothing, haircuts and whatever else came to mind were answered. We soon learned to trust their professionalism and going into AMTC this winter we felt well prepared.

Well, that is sort of true. I don’t think anyone could have prepared us fully for the incredible experience of the conference itself. Each staff member was warm, welcoming and available. Everyone from the sound technicians who made the kids comfortable with their lavaliers, to the sweet young ladies who kept the kids calm, relaxed and ready prior to going on stage, to you and Bob, soon began to feel like family. It was a very professional atmosphere and everything was crisply run, but it was so very comfortable at the same time. Matthew and Rebekah never had any negative encounter or experience and the way it was managed absolutely enabled them to perform their best every time.

We took advantage of the opportunity to have Rebekah and Matthew participate in a variety of competitions. They each did all of the acting competitions. But they also did a duet and Rebekah danced and they each modeled. Matthew even tried stand-up comedy. To our surprise and delight, they scored well and even were invited to participate in the talent show and top 40 show. I would encourage anyone following us to work closely with their local director to explore all of the possibilities at AMTC. We certainly never anticipated that our kids would stand out as singers at this point in their “careers,” and yet it turned out to be one of their strongest performances.

Matthew and Rebekah now have the opportunity to meet with agents in NY, LA and elsewhere. We plan to spend at least the summer in NY and to see what develops. The agents that we met at callbacks were wonderful and we are blessed to have some good options. Matthew even got a chance to audition on camera for a movie role. Carey, thank you for creating this event and for investing so much love and dedication into it. Our small investment already has been returned ten-fold and we have not even begun the process of pursuing the opportunities that AMTC created for us. It is our prayer that Matthew and Rebekah can glorify God in the way that you are through this ministry.

Brad Miller
Law Office of Brad A. Miller
(719) 338-4189
www.bradmillerlaw.com