S.T.A.R.S. Mission International
Spirit-led Teen Artists Reaching for Success
STARS Mission International

Check out WayFM's website - the band Taylor is in (Decisions, Decisions) is named on the front page

Hey S.T.A.R.S. Fans: Check out WayFM's website - the band Taylor is in (Decisions, Decisions) is named on the front page for an upcoming concert. Would love to see you there!
Lori

Inspired S.T.A.R.S. Teens Return from "S.T.A.R.S. Florida Opportunities Tour 2008"

                                                                          


Behind the scenes of "My Family's Got Guts". 

  The very fortunate teens selected for this summer's "S.T.A.R.S. Florida Opportunities Tour 2008", discovered a side of Florida that most of us never knew existed or were able to visit.   Exploring the film and entertainment hubs througout the great state of Florida took these S.T.A.R.S. from Florida's historic silent film studios in Jacksonville to the top of the state's Capital with Florida Film Commissioner, Lucia Fishburn.  Even Lieutenant Governor, Jeff Kottkamp, shared words of encouragement and stopped for some pics with the group.  The teens were invited to join the studio audience on televion game show "My Family's Got Guts" and then guest starred on "Coffee Club Live"  - a nationally televised show.   Every day the Lord gave us a great time of devotions and prayer to keep our feet firmly planted, as our imaginations took flight.   

Keep checking back - as we'll post each days adventures on this blog and ad more pictures to our gallery.  
     We are so grateful to our generous friends and sponsors who made this trip possible.
Eternal Pictures - Johan Sturm
Tree of Life Foundation International - Amanda Schumacher
Koch Enterprises - Mark Koch
Ann Fishman - Attornney/Screen Writer
Jack Lansing
Dr. Russ Seger
Horizon Baptist Church
Peggy Williams
Christy and Patrick Taylor
Barbara Lee
Thank you Maddy Curley for being our celebrity mentor.
Thanks to Paul Sirmons for believing in our mission and helping to open doors for our teens. 
Special thanks to our chaperons, Julie Schelhorn, Susan Atkins, John DeMatteo, and David McCloud
Thank you ACE Tours for the great bus and driver.
More acknowledgements to follow on the daily postings.   We have so many wonderful people to thank!

S.T.A.R.S. teens (L-R)Ryan, Taylor, Johnny, Christie and Madison Join Maddy Curley (ctr)
show off their FilminFlorida SWAG on the steps of the Old Capital Bldg. in Tally.   

On the set of "Coffee Club Live" with hosts Herman and Sharron Bailey on left.
Thank you Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp and FL Film Comm. Lucia Fishburn (far right) for such a warm FL reception!

"First of May" Available in Stores NOW!

Looking for a really fun movie to watch on those hot or rainy summer days or in the car on that road trip with your family?  You'll love this film.  And best of all, the Producer/Director is Paul Sirmons.  You may remember Paul and his wife joined the S.T.A.R.S. team when we served the homeless with Hilary Duff a couple weeks ago!  You'll find it easily if you look for the shiny red and gold circus themed DVD cover in the family section at Walmart and other stores.   Here's the official press release....... 
FLORIDA-MADE FAMILY FILM, THE FIRST OF MAY, NOW IN STORES                          The First of May
 
The First of May, the award-winning family film starring Julie Harris, Mickey Rooney, Charles Nelson Reilly and featuring the last screen appearance of baseball's legendary Joe DiMaggio, had its DVD release this week after a successful run on HBO and in foreign markets. 
 
Winner of ten awards, including Best of the Fest at the Chicago International Children’s Film Festival, The First of May was filmed in central Florida utilizing all local film professionals and Valencia Community College's Film Production Technology Program.  Former state film commissioner Paul Sirmons directed the film, and DeLand's Gary Rogers wrote the screenplay based on the acclaimed book 'Golden Days' by Stetson professor Gail Radley.  Rogers and Sirmons produced the movie, while Orlando's Steve Campbell served as Director of Photography and Oliver Peters as editor.  
  
“First of May” is a circus term describing a novice performer in his first season. Eleven-year-old Cory (Dan Byrd, Aliens in America) is a foster child shuttled from family to family. Carlotta (Harris) is an elderly woman the world has forgotten and rebelling against the strict rules at her nursing home. Together, they find friendship and family when they run away and join a traveling circus. Mickey Rooney costars as the excitable circus owner who gives Carlotta and Cory the chance to show “what an old has-been and a First of May can do," with Charles Nelson Reilly as a clown who takes Cory under his wing.  The movie used the Clyde Beatty - Cole Bros. Circus that winters in DeLand for their circus scenes.
 
The DVD, released by Questar, Inc., contains a newly-produced bonus feature, "Joe DiMaggio: A True American Hero," that celebrates DiMaggio’s life on and off the field.
  
The First of May, rated 'G' by the MPAA and awarded the Dove Seal of Excellence, is available at Walmart stores and other retailers, as well as through Netflix.  Dr. Ted Baehr and MovieGuide magazine gave it an extremely positive review.

Hilary Duff and S.T.A.R.S. Teens Serve Homeless in West Palm


Hilary Duff invited teens from S.T.A.R.S. Mission International and United Global Youth Leaders to join her in serving a meal to homeless individuals at Curry Park recently.  The ministry group "Arts in Compassion" has been holding Sunday worship services and caring for the needy for several years at the park.  They along with "Boca Harvest", founded by Stan Curtis, arranged for a wonderful meal to be prepared and our S.T.A.R.S. teens were thrilled to assist with serving those who came.   Industry professionals and friends of S.T.A.R.S. Mission International, Paul and Sherry Sirmons, Christy Lee Taylor, Chris Wallace and Kim Stryker (S.T.A.R.S. Founder), joined the teens in service.

The ministry of S.T.A.R.S. Mission International stresses the importance of "service to others", as part of developing a balanced and healthy perspective on life.   Hilary Duff sets a great example for these young people.  She activly supports "Blessings in a Backpack", as well as, other charities.  Serving along side her was a blessing to the young artists who participated.  In the near future, S.T.A.R.S. Mission International will be assisting Sunday morning worship services held by "Arts in Compassion" as they use their gifts and talents through music, prayer, interpretive dance and drama to reach the hearts of the hurting and needy in their local community.        Visit our gallery for more pictures of this event!  http://photos.stars4him.com/GallerySlideshow.aspx?gallery=102734 

S.T.A.R.S. Pros Partner during 168 Film Fest on "Siezed"

Maddy Curley and Kyle Stryker enter the 168 Hour Film Festival with "Siezed".   The film is about  "the rise and fall of two ambitious doctors struggling with the motive of empowering their own personal fame and vanity".  Check out the details on www.imdb.com , watch and rate the trailer on  http://youtube.com/watch?v=47XK3Asswq4 .   Now, view the entire film on Spike.com.  http://www.spike.com/video/seized/2969074  

Global Heart Awards go to..............

The Tree of Life Foundation International's "2008 Global Heart Awards Banquet", held at the Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach, Florida, recognized 2 films for their outstanding impact on society.  The films were "Bella"  and "Noelle".  In addition, 2 of our S.T.A.R.S. teens, Krystal Reyes and Lauren Schumacher, recieved awards for their work with United Global Youth Leaders.
We are so proud of our brothers and sisters who persevered in the making of each of these wonderful films and to our teens for their volunteer work.  To watch all or part of the awards banquet see:   http://www.bnnreports.com/charity/TOLFI/index.html  and pull down "select recipient" to watch an individual award presentation.  Be sure to check out the video about The Tree of Life Foundation and the amazing work they are doing throughout the world.

S.T.A.R.S. Event "Beauty from the Inside Out" Pics are here:

Our thanks to Paul Polisena for the pics!           
www.polisena.com

"Bella" Available on DVD May 6, 2008

After a successful theatrical release, Lionsgate is releasing Bella on DVD on May 6th.  Because of your help Bella became the #1 Top Rated movie in the world by the New York Times Readers Poll, Yahoo, Rotten Tomatoes and Fandango. After a successful theatrical release Lionsgate is releasing Bella on DVD on May 6th. Please help us get the word out. Thank you for helping Bella make a positive impact on the world!
God bless,
Sean Wolfington.
Here are the Websites:
www.BellaTheMovie.com
www.BellaNews.com
www.BellaResources.com
www.YouTube.com/BellaTheMovie
www.BellaMoviePictures.com Bella did it!!! *Bella held over $1 million for the 4th week in a row and has earned a place at the table for Thanksgiving, the biggest movie season of the year!

*Bella went from the #17 top film to the #12 top film and we have a higher ranking than films that are in thousands of theaters and we are in only 456 theaters!

*According to www.BoxOffice.com Bella is ranked #5 on their POWERSCORE going into Thanksgiving, ahead of Mr Magoriums Wonder Emporium, Dan in Real Life, Lions for Lambs, Saw 4 and Love in the Time of Cholera. Here is the link to see the POWERSCORES: www.boxoffice.com/numbers/os/

*Bella
is still the #1 Top Rated Movie on Yahoo, Fandango and the New York Times readers poll

*Eduardo gave an unbelievable Key note speech at the White House Friday for National Adoption Day. After his speech he received a standing ovation. Here is a link to an article and video: www.cbn.com/cbnnews/271464.aspx

Here
is the excerpt from the article:

“A film called Bella is sparking nationwide debate about adoption. It's film's leading man, actor/producer Eduardo Verastegui, spoke at the White House as United Nations unofficial ambassador for adoption."Families have changed their lives forever after adopting a child. Because it's not only that a family can give a child a home, but they themselves would have the gift of motherhood and fatherhood. So in adoption… everybody wins," Verastegui said.

Now that Bella will be in theaters for Thanksgiving we need your help to stay through out the holiday season!

If you are interested in helping Bella here is what you can do:

1. Send this email to your entire data base and ask others to do the same
2. Adopt a theater by buying all the tickets for a particular Showtime (cost of $1500-$3000) or Adopt a market by buying 5k-10k tickets. To do this visit: HelpBella.com
3. Buy tickets and give them to friends and family. Invite everyone you know to the movies – it is a film you can invite everyone to see
4. Promote Bella through every means possible, online and offline. To do this read below and get all the tools you need at BellaFaith.com
5. Volunteer to promote Bella in your market. Contact Amanda@MetanoiaFilms.com

Click here for the details about how you can help: www.massmediamail.com/sendtofriend/?Page=BellaEmail

If
you only have a little time go to movies.yahoo.com/movie/1809423607/info" href="http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1809423607/info" target=_blank>http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1809423607/info and give Bella an A+ if you love Bella and forward this email to others. (Please do not do this if you do not believe Bella deserves it.) Please send this email to your entire data base so we can get the word out and send a message to Hollywood that films like Bella have an audience. Thank you for your unbelievable support of “Bella” – because of your efforts countless people’s lives have been transformed forever.

God bless you!

The Bella Family

After the film, post your comments on our blog, too and we'll be sure to forward them. Remember to add your email address to our blogcast, if you haven't done so already.
Blessings,
Kim

West Palm Beach Bible Study - NEW LOCATION

Join fellow teen artists each Tuesday night from 6:00pm to 7:30pm at Prelude Pictures for a time of networking and Bible Study geared to the young artist.  We are very grateful to Mark Koch for his ongoing support of this program and for opening his prayer room for our teens.  Thanks Mark!  For more information, email: Kim@stars4him.com

"Why Me" is Major hit on Godtube.com

Maddy Curley
stars in the Godtube hit "Why Me"
   If you ever attended a S.T.A.R.S. event with Maddy Curley or are a "Stick It", fan don't miss her in "Why Me".  She not only co-wrote the script, but also stars with Josh Holt in the short feature shot and edited by S.T.A.R.S. long time partner Kyle Stryker.  Godtube.com aired the entire film Tuesday, January 22, 2008 and offered an interactive broadcast,after the film, with Maddy.  Be sure to visit Godtube.com and look for "Why Me" http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=fec20c9a40ab4bacf90d&page=3&viewtype=&category= .  You can comment and rate the trailer, too.  So, show your love for Maddy and Kyle and support this project.  God Bless!