The Frozen Chosen-Part 1
A day on the set of The Chosen
A multi-season television series based on the life of Jesus and his followers.
My husband and I were privileged to be background extras on the set of The Chosen during the filming of the Sermon on the Mount. It was our first time on a television set, AKA a hillside cow pasture, and although we knew it would be a fun day, we had no idea what an adventure it would turn out to be!
After making and designing our 1st-century costumes, receiving two negative COVID tests, days of watching dismal weather forecasts for Midlothian, Texas, and a car trip across five states, we finally arrived, with a whole lot of excitement and a little apprehension. The forecast for the day was not promising—below-freezing temperatures and possible rain. We hoped we had packed enough winter clothes to stay warm and dry, but it didn’t seem likely as this was an all-day outdoor event.
Bundled up in everything thermal and fleece that we owned, we arrived at our destination in drizzling, freezing mist. Dallas Jenkins, The Chosen’s director, writer, producer, and social director, did everything humanly possible to create a special and fun environment for everyone, but even he, as amazing as he is, couldn’t control the weather. In hindsight, I believe God wanted us to focus on Him, not the miserably cold temperature. At the end of our day, He had planned a grand finale that would thrill us with a stunning display of his tender care and mighty power.
You can focus on the cold and be miserable or you can find the humor and rise above the number on the thermometer.
Being an extra on a film set is not all glitz and glamour. There’s a whole lot of hurry up and wait.
Things can go wrong—Midlothian’s unexpected and unpredictable weather, below-freezing temperatures, and a mighty wind straight from the North Pole proved that.
Unusual welcome gifts were given to each person upon arrival – packets of hand warmers – which should have been a warning about arctic survival. They were accepted, unaware, but my hands and sandaled feet will be eternally grateful!
Sitting in a field covered in manure was not enjoyable but at least it was frozen.
When it was time to shoot, removing our coats, blankets, gloves, socks, and shoes was reminiscent of the Polar Bear Plunge, but the freezing shock lasted a whole lot longer.
I never knew icicles could form on a person’s eyebrows until my husband proved it.
Using a port-a-potty in the deep freeze was a humbling experience. I just prayed no part of my costume fell off or fell in.
Eating lunch required little effort…chattering teeth did all the chewing.
Nine hours of not being able to feel my toes or fingers was reminiscent of all the artic disaster movies I have seen where there are no survivors. If my frozen fingers and pen had worked, I would have written out my will.
To continue reading, click here.
