Since early 2006, word of the independent film epic, Nicholas of Myra: The Story of Saint Nicholas, has been gaining momentum on the worldwide web. From forums to websites, the motion picture has become an entertainment, religious and historical topic of discussion across the internet. "In early 2006, I was contacted by the founder of the UK / USA Saint Nicholas Society, Canon Dr. James Rosenthal," said Writer & Director Gerald Hartke. "He had actually found out about our film on the internet and was immediately interested in flying to the U.S. from his home in London, England to visit the production facilities."

Following Canon Rosenthal's visit to Wonderworker Studios in June of 2006, Hartke says that word of mouth began to accelerate. "We suddenly appeared on discussion forums and related websites, as well as gained web traffic for our own site from across the United States, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Italy, France, Russia and even as far as New Zealand," stated Hartke. "It was amazing how fast and far word did spread." For the past two years, Canon Rosenthal has been graciously spreading word of the film during his overseas travels. "The funny thing is," added Hartke, "I haven't even been able to read what most of the foreign websites are saying about the movie!" By January of 2008, Nicholas of Myra had been highlighted on the front page of the most prominent site in the world regarding the film's subject. "The Saint Nicholas Center (www.stnicholascenter.org) is operated by Carol Myers, who has become a welcomed proponent of the film," noted Hartke. "I believe her site receives around a million hits a year from all over the world. Needless to say, it has helped draw attention to us."

Meanwhile, Canon Rosenthal continues to support the film internationally and has even discussed holding an event in London, where the motion picture would make its overseas premiere. "We owe Canon Jim a great deal of thanks," said Hartke. "Although, I sometimes wonder if it was the power of the internet, or a greater power that brought him to us."

To listen to an audiocast of Saint Nicholas Society founder Canon Dr. James Rosenthal and Nicholas of Myra star Matthew Mesler, discussing the future of the film and the efforts of The Society around the world, click here.

It is not often that an independent film company would attempt to tell a story as vast as Wonderworker Picture's Nicholas of Myra: The Story of Saint Nicholas. It is even more unlikely that an independent film company has ever covered such a wide variety of locations for a single motion picture. Not to mention, within a 200 mile radius. "People didn't believe it was possible to do this in Western New York," said Gerald Hartke, the writer and director of the film. "And that made me want to try it even more." Although the motion picture is being produced in Western New York, Hartke is adamant that it will look as though it could have been shot at locations around the globe. "At first it was not an easy sell to potential investors, but now that people are beginning to see the results, it doesn't seem so unbelievable."

As momentum builds for Nicholas of Myra's end of year premiere, Hartke hopes to keep raising the bar of expectation for the film by strategically releasing images to the public. "As the year progresses, we'll be revealing more and more of the scope of what we've been shooting. However, I've always disliked it when imagery from a film is carelessly revealed before the film is even shown in theaters. Many times it can spoil the story for the audience." With the best interests of the audience at heart, Hartke promises that is not going to be the case with Nicholas of Myra. When asked to comment on the newly released behind-the-scenes images from the film (see below), Hartke was pointed. "No matter how revealing the images that we show you seem to be, rest assured, they were chosen because they reveal nothing that would compromise the power of this untold story. And they only scratch the surface visually of what you're going to see in the finished film."

Wearing period costuming, a group of Western New York equestrians awaits the director's call for action (photo by Gerald Hartke, Sr.).

Matthew Mesler rehearses his first scene together with co-star Robert Vincent Jones, who portrays the pivotal 4th Century Roman Emperor, Constantine The Great (photo by Gerald Hartke, Sr.).

Moving into position for a wide-angle shot of the building, two cast members ascend the sprawling front steps of Albright-Knox (photo by Jeffrey T. Barnes).

During the film's snow-filled opening sequence, the driver of a horse-drawn sleigh makes his way through the streets of 1820's New York (photo by Jeffrey T. Barnes).

Executive Producer Beth Jordan gets ready for her cameo appearance as an early 19th Century New Yorker (photo by Jeffrey T. Barnes).

Actor Matthew Mesler (above) portrays Nicholas of Myra, the historical Greek bishop who became immortalized as a beloved Christian saint (photo by Jeffrey T. Barnes).

Although the film Nicholas of Myra is still in production, Director Gerald Hartke has announced that plans are underway for the film's premiere to be held in Buffalo, NY during the 2008 Holiday Season.

From the beginning, Hartke had been adamant about his intention to premiere the film in his hometown. Yet, early last year, word had spread from a Buffalo online news source that the film's premiere screening would be held in London, England. "Yes, we have been presented with an opportunity to have a London premiere for the film," admitted Hartke. "And yes, I would like to hold an event in London as well. But I assure you, the first time anyone in the world sees Nicholas of Myra, it will be in Buffalo New York."

Wonderworker Pictures has just announced that the upcoming trailer for the film Nicholas of Myra will be made available for streaming and download in high-definition from the film's official website. The two and a half minute sneak-peek is set to premiere by Christmas Day and Director Gerald Hartke is thrilled by the decision to have the motion picture trailer offered in HD. "All along we've been using digital high-definition technology to make the film," stated Hartke. "Now, people will have an opportunity to see the true beauty of the film's pristine all-digital imagery."

Look for the new trailer to premiere between now and December 25th.

"I thought it would be a good way to say thank you to all the fans who have been loyally following the production," said Director Gerald Hartke; about his decision to release a nearly completed scene from the film Nicholas of Myra. "It's the scene I began editing first and takes place about midway through the movie," he stated. "I did this rough cut more than a year ago, but I just didn't want to release any edited footage that early." Hartke believes that the scene, although small in scope, exemplifies the power and emotion of the epic story he and his production team are telling. "The film, as a whole, is intended to transcend the historical nature of it all," he admitted. "Even though the script was written as a period piece, the actors have performed each scene with timeless emotion... allowing a modern audience to easily relate to the characters on screen. So, to our worldwide web audience, we wish you a happy Saint Nicholas Day and hope that you enjoy the scene!"

With an introduction by the director, music by Composer Seth Stachowski and featuring star Matthew Melser (seen performing the title role for the first time anywhere), the three-minute clip premieres here on The Feast Day of Saint Nicholas, Thursday, December 6th, at 8 pm.

"My response has been that at different points in the film he will look like each of them." Presently, it has been six years since Hartke first came across a brief account of the historical Saint in an old Encyclopedia he had stored in his closet at home. "I'd never heard the name Nicholas of Myra before," he tells. "Yet there it was, right on the pages of an old 1965 World Book Encyclopedia." What Hartke had found was the seemingly forgotten tale of a selfless child from late third century Asia Minor who grew to become a heroic Bishop and future Saint. It was the story of Nicholas the Wonderworker, patron saint of children and seafarers. "Right away I felt that it could be a powerful tale for someone to tell cinematically," said Hartke, "but only if you told it right." When beginning the research for the project in December of 2001, he still had very little knowledge of the man or the Greco-Roman period in which he lived. "In order to make the story as compelling as possible," said Hartke, "I knew that I needed to study every aspect of Nicholas' life, the world around him and the events that occured." After spending much of his time between 2001 and 2004 studying the history and lore of Saint Nicholas, Hartke eventually became an authority on the subject.

Matthew Mesler (Nicholas) poses opposite actor Clint Byrne on the set of Nicholas of Myra: The Story of saint Nicholas (photo by Gerald Hartke).

Hartke acknowledges that not everyone will agree with his interpretation of the historic figure, but that every man, woman and child will be able to relate to the character in the film. "As far as I know, this is the first time in cinematic history he will be portrayed as a real human being," informed the director. "You'll see his life story, all the way from childhood through adulthood, and even beyond. That is where the real drama lies in Nicholas' tale, how he became the legendary gift-bearer." Hartke, who took nearly three years to write the epic screenplay, vows that the film does not attempt to undo the mythic aspects of the character. "I think the story will inspire people of all ages to believe, more than ever, that he truly is immortal."

During the Summer of 2006, Canon Dr. James Rosenthal, the founder of the UK / USA St. Nicholas Society, paid visit to Wonderworker Studios to meet the cast and crew of Nicholas of Myra: The Story of St. Nicholas. The private event was not disclosed to the media, but Nicholas of Myra Co-Producer and Videographer Anthony Vescio captured footage during the two day visit for documentary purposes.

Combined with commentary from the film's star, Matthew Mesler, and other members of the production staff, the documentary short grants fans a first-ever look at some of the activities that occured during the visit and sheds new light on the scope of what's to come, as the independent feature strives to reach an international audience.

To view the exclusive web documentary, A Visit From Canon Rosenthal, click here.

Producers Christopher Santucci (foreground left) and Paul Mergenhagen (foreground right) ready a camera for the next scene, while Director Gerald Hartke (background right) makes a last minute costume adjustment on the actor shrouded in red, Nicholas of Myra star, Matthew Mesler (photo by Jeffrey T. Barnes).

"Our story covers Nicholas' entire life," Hartke informed. "So trying to keep the pace we are at, throughout production, is tough." For their most recent location shoot, the production team had to arrange for more than a dozen actors, horses, riders and even a camel. "We also had to create costumes and props for each person that was going to appear on camera," added Hartke. "Not to mention, we needed to build a full-size covered wagon that would be appropriate for the period." Even with the overwhelming logistics involved, Hartke has seen his crew rise to the challenge. "Time and again they've overcome production obstacles," he noted. "As a team, they work very well together."

Director Gerald Hartke captures footage of a caravan crossing the terrain at an undisclosed location outside Buffalo, New York (photo by Gerald Hartke, Sr.).

With Solomon's wagon leading the way, actor Ian Clark (right) and some fellow cast members prepare for the next shot of the day (photo by Jeffrey T. Barnes).

(Above) actress Jamie Elvey portrays Johanna, a young, misguided woman who crosses paths with the caravan and a particularly selfless young man named Nicholas, intent on helping her to discover the power of hope and generosity (photo by Jeffrey T. Barnes).

For more than two years, the cast and crew of Nicholas of Myra: The Story of Saint Nicholas have been hard at work creating one of the most ambitious film projects ever attempted. Now, the film's producers are offering fans a dramatic new look behind-the-scenes at this epic undertaking. Comprised of candid on-set photography, production stills, preliminary visual effect shots and related conceptual art, the three-minute audio/video montage reveals over thirty never-before-seen images from the elaborate production. Accompanying the montage, is the compelling and previously unreleased musical track "Legend of The Gift-bearer" from the upcoming motion picture soundtrack by composer Seth Stachowski.

To view the exclusive behind-the-scenes montage, click here.

Unit Production Manager Paul Mergenhagen (foreground) readies actors Alexander Foos (Theophanes) and Michael Dentico (Nicholas) for a scene on location in Allegany State Park (photo by Jeffrey T. Barnes).

Actress Gabrielle Reina (Nonna) and actor Norman Sham (Nicholas of Termeseus) share some thoughts between takes on the set of Nicholas of Myra: The Story of Saint Nicholas (photo by Jeffrey T. Barnes).

Headquartered at the 4,000 square foot Wonderworker Studios facility for the past fifteen months, the production staff, headed by Unit Production Manager Paul Mergenhagen, has literally worked wonders with the film's budget. "We've been able to come in under budget thus far through ingenuity, a bit of skill and a lot of imagination," said Mergenhagen. "The progressive affordability of the digital technology involved has also played a major factor," added Hartke. "I'm anticipating that the post-production phase will become ridiculously affordable before we really get into it."

Director Gerald Hartke (left) discusses an upcoming scene with actor Keith Wharton (Epiphanes) on the soundstage at Wonderworker Studios (photo by Jeffrey T. Barnes).

Film Composer Seth Stachowski recently put finishing touches on his epic score for the upcoming motion picture Nicholas of Myra: The Story of Saint Nicholas. Stachowski, a music graduate of The University at Buffalo, began part-time work on the score more than a year ago, while the film was still being prepped for principle photography. After reading the screenplay, the talented composer was able to write and record nearly a dozen tracks of music for the film by the end of 2005.

Word of Stachowski's talent soon spread. By the summer of 2006 he had been offered the position of band leader for the Cirque du Soleil show out of Montreal, Canada. It was to be a full-time position that would begin in November and would require a relocation for Stachowski as well as extensive traveling. Suddenly, Nicholas of Myra Director Gerald Hartke realized that he was under the gun to figure out a way to make both opportunities work for Stachowski. "I asked Seth if he thought he could do the entire score the way he did the first dozen or so tracks... based on the screenplay," said Hartke. "I knew it was something that had probably never been attempted before, but I reminded him that the whole process of making Nicholas of Myra fell into that category!"

"I have never written music for film based on a screenplay before," stated Stachowski. "So this has been a very interesting way for me to work." With only three months to compose enough music for what is most likely going to be a three hour film epic, and without so much as raw footage to look at, the task of creating the soundtrack was daunting to say the least, even for a skilled composer such as Stachowski. "Jerry and I had spent a lot of time talking about the concept for the music," said Stachowski. "Our communication is quite good and I think we figured out, pretty early on, a way to communicate with one another and make it work efficiently."

By November 2006, Stachowski had miraculously completed the score, just in time to relocate to Montreal and take on his new job with the Cirque du Soleil. "Seth ended up writing more than seventy orchestral tracks," stated Hartke. "I think he recorded close to two hours of music, some of which, I can honestly say, is the most powerful stuff I've ever heard. I am so proud to say that this is the score to Nicholas of Myra."

Stachowski, a native of Buffalo, also composed some recent music for three National Geographic documentary films, including Napoleon's Final Battle as well as films on Peter The Great and Catherine The Great. He hopes to return to Buffalo in 2007/2008, once Nicholas of Myra is completed, to oversee the orchestration of his sweeping score as it is put to the final picture. "Seth is, without a doubt, going to be a very successful composer," added Hartke. "It certainly will be an honor to know that this score was his first major work."