Ron Hall: First of all, it's a big relief after 8 years in development and two previous failed attempts with major studios. That said, I'm very happy with the end product and the release date as I believe our film is an important message for our country. It's not the color of our skin that divides us, it's the condition of our hearts. <3
Ron: Yes, there are many deja vu moments for me in the film. Some very happy ones and several quite painful. I admit that it's strange to see actors using our family names and recreating scenes that happened in real life. I feel Renee captured the essence of Debbie very well as she only had still photos and my recollections to learn about her. She took the role very seriously as she consulted with me daily to make sure she portrayed her character accurately.
Ron: I was very involved in the casting of the film as I was the only living person who knew everyone.
Ron: I personally selected Greg Kinnear to play me in the film. But it was Mary Parent, our lead producer from Hollywood, who closed the deal.
Ron: Yes, Djimon's portrayal of Denver was incredible. Considering that Denver was quite a bit older and with a different accent, I was skeptical until the camera started rolling. Seeing Djimon in action, I realized he is one of the greatest character actors of all time. He "nailed" it!!
Ron: My favorite moment was when our director, Michael Carney, shouted "it's a wrap!", and I knew we had a great film in the can. Immediately, Djimon thrust his hands in the air like a fighter who had just won a heavyweight championship. The euphoria of that moment will stay with me forever. Luckily, I captured his radiant smile on my iPhone.
Ron: My favorite scene is what I like to call "cinema magic." Near the end on the film, Debbie and Denver sat next to each other on a dilapidated sofa against a burned-out building near the mission. For nearly a minute there were no words spoken as they both realized the next time they would see each other would be in heaven.
Ron: Boy, that's a LOONNGG story. But, the short version is that it is being released in God's perfect timing.
Ron: Yes, the soup kitchen, where we filmed our mission scenes, was completely remodeled at a cost of nearly $500,000. This money did not come from our production budget but from the generosity of our friends. It was a gift to the homeless community of Jackson. We were disturbed by the condition we found it in and didn't have the heart to leave it that way.
Ron: Yes, they both have seen the film and are very proud of it. However, it only depicts two years of our lives and the closeness we shared as a family is not fully portrayed on the big screen.
Ron: My greatest hope is that people will begin to see the homeless through the lenses of God's eyes and be willing to show some love to the unlovable. Also, I hope it's a call to action for people to get involved in making a difference in their communities.
Ron: The new book titled Working Our Way Home is a continuation of our story Same Kind Of Different As Me. it begins with Debbie's death and ends when Denver joining Miss Debbie in Heaven 11 years later. It's told in the same style with alternating chapters, one in my voice and one in Denver's. I jokingly say we were the real "Odd Couple" with a calling to change the world.
Ron: There's nothing I would like to add. Thanks for this opportunity.
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