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EXCLUSIVE: Highly Anticipated Teaser Premiers Today

12/25/06

  
     
 
"People have been trying to imagine how this movie will look and feel, being that it's an independent film production," said Writer / Director Gerald Hartke. Over the last year, word about the film Nicholas of Myra has been spreading across the country and overseas. "We've been receiving a lot of attention from all over the world," Hartke stated, "and I know people wonder whether this film will have the aesthetic of a true big-screen production in the 'Hollywood' style. Now they will finally have a chance to judge with their own eyes." The two-minute teaser will give fans their first look at actual footage from the film and, without revealing too much of the plot, will grant Saint Nicholas devotees a few hints about the story the filmmakers are telling. Looking forward to the opportunity to share that story with the growing number of fans, Hartke adds, "To all those who have been frequenting the film website over the last year, I am proud to say, Merry Christmas! And enjoy the teaser of what is to come!"
  
     
     
 
 
     
 

EXCLUSIVE: Nicholas Of Myra Movie Teaser To Premier On Christmas Day

12/04/06

  
     
 

On December 25th, the official www.nicholasofmyra-movie.com website will proudly present the worldwide premier of the motion picture teaser for Nicholas of Myra: The Story of Saint Nicholas.

The highly anticipated two minute preview will feature the first motion picture footage to be released from the epic film. Western New Yorkers can look for a sixty second promotional spot, advertising the exclusive Christmas Day event, to appear on local Time Warner cable stations. The spot is set to begin airing on December 6th, the Feast Day of Saint Nicholas. It will then continue to run during holiday programming until the teaser's exciting premier on December 25th, when, beginning at exactly 12:01am eastern time, www.nicholasofmyra-movie.com will offer the world its first glimpse at Nicholas of Myra: The Story of Saint Nicholas.

  
     
     
 
 
     
 

Documentary TV Star Completes Role In Saint Nicholas Epic

10/16/06

  
     
 
 
 
During a break in filming, actor Alexander Foos (Theophanes) smiles for the camera as production still photographer Jeffrey T. Barnes snaps some publicity photos for the epic Nicholas of Myra.
  
     
 
Fourteen year-old California native Alexander Foos, star of the television documentary Dwarf Family: Meet The Fooses, recently completed a major role in the motion picture Nicholas of Myra: The Story of Saint Nicholas. "Alex plays Theophanes, an important part in the film," said Writer / Director Gerald Hartke. "Right now, I don't want to reveal too much about the character and how he relates to our story, but he does become an integral part of the origins of Saint Nicholas." During two separate trips to Western New York in August and September, Foos spent nearly eight full days shooting scenes for the historical drama.
  
     
 
Months before final casting for the part of young Nicholas' dwarf friend Theophanes, Producer Justin Sammarco had been given the task of finding an actor to fill the role, knowing immediately that he would have to reach outside the Western New York talent pool. After an exhaustive search for a young actor that fit the character's description, Sammarco learned of the Little People of America organization online and came across pictures of the Foos family. "I remember when I received a picture of Alex," said Sammarco. "I ran it downstairs to Jerry who was in the soundstage preparing for the day's shoot. I believe I said one word as I held up the picture...'Theophanes'. Jerry grinned like a child on Christmas morning, then gave me a big kiss on the cheek I'll never forget." "I was thrilled when Justin made contact with the Fooses," said Hartke. "I then got a chance to watch the TV documentary about their family and became even more excited about casting Alex as Theophanes."
  
     
 
A few weeks later, Foos arrived in Western New York accompanied supportively by his mother to begin his filmmaking odyssey. "In order to get the performance we needed," said Hartke, "we really put this young man to the test as an actor. There was one particularly rigorous sequence involving Alex that took days to shoot, but he never complained. He was completely devoted to the project, and that devotion will pay off when moviegoers witness the exciting and touching moments he has on screen." When asked to reflect on casting Foos since discovering the first-time actor, Sammarco replied, "Alex was more than prepared. He was very professional, hard working and most of all very talented."
  

Alex Foos on location in Western New York (photo by J. Barnes).
 
     
     
 
 
     
 

United Kingdom/United States St. Nicholas Society Endorses Film Epic

7/17/06

  
     
 

"The World needs to know the story of Nicholas," said the founder of the UK/USA St. Nicholas Society, Canon Dr. James Rosenthal, during his recent visit to Wonderworker Studios. Although he agreed to make the journey to Western New York to meet the filmmakers for Nicholas of Myra, he had yet to read the screenplay for the film. "Jim asked if he could get his hands on the script once he arrived," said Writer/Director Gerald Hartke. "He spent that first afternoon in his hotel room and read all one hundred and eighty pages. Surprisingly, after he finished it, he wouldn't say anything to me -- he just grinned."

Later that evening, Rosenthal stood in front of the Nicholas of Myra cast and crew at a welcome dinner to celebrate his arrival. With a grin still evident on his face, he began to share the thoughts that had put it there. "I've traveled the world in search of St. Nicholas," stated Rosenthal. "I never imagined my journey would end in Buffalo New York. After reading the screenplay, I feel as though my journey is complete. I believe this is going to be a worldwide success."

The St. Nicholas Society now endorses the upcoming film and the potential for a London premier has already been discussed by Rosenthal. Hartke admits, "I occasionally have to pinch myself. The responsibility we have with this film is beginning to sink in."

  
     
     
 
 
     
 

EXCLUSIVE: Director Reveals First Finished Image From Motion Picture

6/19/06

  
     
 

After years of imprisonment, Nicholas (Matthew Mesler) receives word from an unlikely messenger that a crusade has begun.

  
     
 

"With this motion picture, we are trying to emulate the look of the classic film epics that many of us grew up on," stated Gerald Hartke, director of Nicholas of Myra. "It is going to be family entertainment that we hope, once completed, will be enjoyed for years to come."

Paying homage to the films of old, Hartke and his production team have developed a widescreen image that utilizes modern digital processes, while maintaining the cinematic aesthetic of early film epics like Ben-Hur and The Ten Commandments. "This is the origin story of Saint Nicholas," added Hartke. "We felt the movie demanded the look and feel of a film classic."

Expect future Nicholas of Myra updates to reveal more in depth information about the modern technology behind the epic film.

  
     
     
 
 
     
 

Founder Of St. Nicholas Society To Visit Wonderworker Studios In June

4/24/06

  
     
 

International eyes will be on Western New York in early June as Canon James Rosenthal - founder of The UK / USA St. Nicholas Society - travels from his home in London, England to meet the cast and crew of the motion picture production Nicholas of Myra: The Story of St. Nicholas. Rosenthal, who recently agreed to work as a historical consultant on the film, has anxiously stepped up his plans to visit Wonderworker Studios in Western New York, where the film is being made. "I am so grateful," he wrote in a correspondence from London, "for this triumph for good, history, and so much more."

  
     
 
Nicholas of Myra star Matthew Mesler is excited about the idea of Rosenthal's journey to Wonderworker Studios. "It will be incredibly inspiring to meet a spiritual leader and expert historian who has devoted his life to his faith and to St. Nicholas," stated Mesler. Gerald Hartke, the film's Writer and Director, believes Rosenthal will enjoy witnessing some of the magic at Wonderworker first hand. "After visiting the film's website," commented Hartke, "Jim was excited enough to plan a trip here from overseas. That being said, I'm really anxious to see what his reaction will be once he visits the film studio!"
  

Director Gerald Hartke examines props in the artist workshop.
 
     
 
 
 

Foreman Bill Riester (second from left) oversees set construction on the Wonderworker soundstage (above photos by Jeffrey T. Barnes).

  
     
 
 
 

Star Matthew Mesler discusses his transformation into the title character with stylist Nancy Riester in the hair & makeup room.

  
     
     
 
 
     
 

Epic Gains Early International Buzz

2/13/06

  
     
 

Although the film has yet to be completed, Nicholas of Myra: The Story of St. Nicholas has already caught the attention of an international audience. From The United Kingdom, France, Italy, The Netherlands and even as far as New Zealand, the motion picture project has drawn a growing number of fans from overseas.

Since mention of Nicholas of Myra: The Story of St. Nicholas in the Hollywood Reporter, news of the production has turned up in various cities across the globe. While attending the Cannes Film Festival in France last May, Dutch filmmaker Jean Olf Lammers had been reading literature regarding upcoming American movies and came across the title of the film. "I had been researching St. Nicholas for my documentary The Time Journey of St. Nicholas," said Lammers, in a phone conversation from The Netherlands with Nicholas of Myra Writer / Director Gerald Hartke. "There is a great amount of interest in my country for stories about St. Nicholas."

Canon Jim Rosenthal, founder of The UK / USA St. Nicholas Society (www.stnicholassociety.com) and Director of Communications for the Anglican Communion News Service in London, recently contacted the Nicholas of Myra production after learning of the motion picture. "This is the answer to many prayers," he wrote in an e-mail to the film's official website, adding, "words can't express how excited I am about your project." Rosenthal, who also co-authored the book St. Nicholas: A Closer Look At Christmas that has sold 40,000 copies since its release in 2005, plans to maintain a regular correspondence with the production. As an authority on St. Nicholas, he has traveled the world collecting artifacts and pictures from relevant historical sites. Rosenthal seems most enthusiastic about one of his next trips, as he prepares to travel to The United States this year to visit Wonderworker Studios and the set of Nicholas of Myra.

To order your copy of St. Nicholas: A Closer Look At Christmas, written by Joe Wheeler & Jim Rosenthal, click here.

  
     
     
 
 
     
 

Nicholas Of Myra Production Sets Up Shop As Wonderworker Studios

1/30/06

  
     
 

Executive Producers Gerald Hartke and Thomas J. Mallare announced today that the epic production, Nicholas of Myra, is now headquartered in a 4,000 square foot studio and soundstage facility located in suburban Western New York.

"We're filming the story of Saint Nicholas," said Hartke. "Since he was also known as The Wonderworker, we thought it would be a perfect name for our studio." The location boasts a 2,000 square foot soundstage with an additional 2,000 square feet of studio space for makeup, wardrobe, motion picture property and a fully equipped screening room. "With the exception of a few large-scale set pieces," Hartke adds, "the majority of the interior sets are being constructed right at Wonderworker, where a big portion of the film will be shot."

Return here in the coming weeks for your first glimpse of Wonderworker Studios and the exciting movie magic that is being created there for the motion picture Nicholas of Myra.

  
     
 
 
 
 
     
 

Regal Cinemas Hosts First-Look Screening

12/26/05

  
     
 
 
 

The limited edition poster (pictured above) was on display at a recent big-screen showing of the behind-the-scenes featurette The Myth, The Man, The Movie: A First Look At The Making Of Nicholas Of Myra.

  
     
 

On December 6th, the Feast Day of Saint Nicholas, a group of special guests gathered at Regal Cinema's Transit Center to get their first big-screen look at the making of the epic Nicholas of Myra. The invitation-only event gave attendees a chance to view The Myth, The Man, The Movie: A First Look At The Making Of Nicholas Of Myra on the silver screen, then mingle with the film's cast and crew at a post-event Christmas party hosted by Samuel's Grand Manor in Williamsville.

  
     
 
The purpose of the evening was to present Western New York business men and women with an opportunity to get involved in the making of the film. Other special guests of the cast and crew were also on hand. To listen to a recording of the night's introduction by the film's Writer/Director, click below.
 
Director Gerald Hartke speaks to the audience prior to the screening.
     
 

PARENTAL ADVISORY: Audio clip should be reviewed by a PARENT to judge whether the content is appropriate for their CHILDREN. Click here to listen.

  
     
 
 
 
 
     
 

Director Reveals First Image Of Actor In Role Of Saint Nicholas

10/17/05

  
     
 
 
 
After spending several years imprisoned for his faith, Nicholas' devotion is put to the test as he begins to ponder whether his God has forsaken him and the people of Myra (photo by Gerald Hartke).
  
     
 

From Edmund Gwenn (Miracle on 34th Street, 1947) to Tim Allen (The Santa Clause, 1994), several actors have worn the whiskers and donned the red and white suit over the last hundred years of cinema. Now, Writer/Director Gerald Hartke is asking a relatively unknown actor named Matthew Mesler to take the legendary role of Old Saint Nick where no screen actor has taken it before - back to its origin - for the historical drama Nicholas of Myra. "After viewing other artwork and CG images depicting the title character, fans who have frequented the website over the last several months have been clamoring to see what Matt actually looks like in the role," said Hartke. "I wanted to give everyone a glimpse, without revealing too much of the character right now. There will be much more to reveal in the weeks to come."

"I cover the life from twenty years old to sixty-three," said Mesler, a twenty-nine year old father of two. "I just want to be as believable as possible. And it's hard for me to draw on life experience to be sixty-three, because... (laughs) I don't think that's possible." The blond-haired and bluish-eyed actor is undergoing a radical transformation for the film. Key Make-up Artist Kimberlie Reszetucha and Hairstylist Nancy Riester have been given the task of, not only aging Mesler, but, changing his overall appearance - from the color of his hair and eyes to the tone of his skin. When asked about the importance of make-up and hair in his performance, Mesler said "It's critical that it be believable and seamless. Kim and Nancy are two incredibly talented artists who pay such close attention to detail." Mesler doesn't seem to mind enduring long hours in the make-up chair. "I would give anything to play this part," he added. "For where I'm at in my life right now, I couldn't ask for a better role to have an opportunity to play."

  
     
     
 
 
     
 

 

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