By Gina Groeger

gina@newsroom.byu.edu

The director of "God's Army" is shifting his cinematic focus from missionary work to murder.

Richard Dutcher's current project, "Brigham City" is a murder mystery based in a small Utah town.

On its third week of shooting, the film should be completed by Oct. 31, said Julina Hall, Dutcher's executive assistant.

Most of the filming is taking place in Mapleton, just south of Springville.

The films cast consists of 50 actors with speaking roles and approximately 500 extras, said Jennifer Buster, casting director.

Matthew Brown, a main character in the film, plays the part of Deputy Woodruff, Buster said.

Brown said he has enjoyed working with Dutcher.

Dutcher called Brown and asked him to be in "Brigham City," after Brown acted in "God's Army."

Although "Brigham City" is a different feeling from "God's Army", Brown said he is loving it.

Brown, who is not a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said he feels like he is now.

In preparation for "God's Army," Brown read The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ, attended church and read other LDS literature.

Carrie Morgan plays the part of Sheriff Clayton's secretary, Peg.

Morgan is from Colorado and was formerly a theater teacher at BYU.

Dutcher is sensitive to the cast. It is rare to find a director so attuned to the actors, Morgan said.

Emron Pratt, 22, a junior from Dallas, Texas, majoring in Latin American studies, participated as an extra in the film.

Pratt said he thought "God's Army" was good and wanted to participate in this film.

Aside from directing and writing the film, Dutcher also plays the part of Sheriff Wes Clayton, Buster said.

The main characters are members of the Sag's Screen Actors Guild, Buster said. The extras, however, are all volunteers.

Wilford Brimley, a native Utah actor, also plays a main role in the movie.

Buster said the hope with this film is to reach a broader based audience, not just members of the LDS Church.

"God's Army" made over $2.5 million and hopefully "Brigham City" will do just as well, Buster said.



Copyright Brigham Young University 17 Oct 2000