Local Journalists Shine in New “God’s Not Dead” Movie Premiere

Rock Hill Journalists Star in New Movie

Who, What, Where, When, Why

In a surprising turn of events, three well-known York County journalists—Lucas McFadden, Renee O’Neil, and Nickie Huckabee—have made their film debut in the newest installment of the “God’s Not Dead” series. The movie, titled “God’s Not Dead: In God We Trust,” features the trio portraying journalists and was filmed in York, Chester, and Mecklenburg counties. Premiering on September 13, 2024, the film highlights the ongoing struggle regarding the role of faith in politics.

The Storyline

The plot revolves around Pastor David Hill, who is running for Congress against the incumbent Peter Kane. Kane advocates for strict separation of church and state, while Hill argues for the inclusion of religious values in public policy. According to the IMDB summary, “The fight becomes a beacon of hope for people seeking moral leadership in a divided world.” The movie’s narrative sets the stage for an engaging clash of ideologies, making it particularly relevant in today’s socio-political climate.

Local Filming and Background

The movie was filmed in various significant locations across the region, including a church in York, downtown Chester, and the campus of Winthrop University. McFadden and O’Neil were quick to seize the opportunity to play journalists in the film when they learned of it through their networks. “There’s a lot of reporter scenes, and that’s kind of how Lucas and I got involved,” O’Neil shared.

Behind the Scenes

O’Neil portrayed an anchor giving commentary on Hill’s debate performances, while McFadden stepped into the role of “reporter number one,” capturing the essence of a real-life news environment. Huckabee, who has a 34-year background in journalism, found it easy to slip into character. “I thought, why not do something different in this season of your life,” she remarked.

Movie Premiere Excitement

Following the film’s release, O’Neil and McFadden attended the premiere at the RedStone Theater in Indian Land. They cheered and celebrated their on-screen moments, drawing attention from fellow movie-goers who recognized them. O’Neil highlighted her excitement about making three appearances in the film, stating one of her lines as a commentator was about Hill “drawing a line in the sand,” showcasing her seamless transition from journalism to acting.

Long Hours and High Hopes

Both O’Neil and McFadden spent hours on set waiting for their scenes to be filmed. O’Neil reported to set at 2 PM on a Friday and didn’t conclude filming until almost 1 AM Saturday. Meanwhile, McFadden estimated he was on set for around eight hours for a scene that lasted roughly thirty minutes. Both expressed their validation when they saw their lines appear in the final cut of the film.

A Dream Come True

Seeing their names in the credits brought a sense of fulfillment that both McFadden and O’Neil cherished. O’Neil noted, “It has always been a dream of mine to be a movie star.” McFadden resonated with her sentiments about the fulfilling experience that connects their journalism past with a new artistic venture.

Conclusion

The participation of these local journalists in “God’s Not Dead: In God We Trust” highlights the unique interplay between media and film, allowing them to share their stories in a new light. The movie is currently available for viewing on streaming services such as Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV, providing audiences with a taste of both local talent and compelling narrative.