After seeing a strange light in the sky, three mysterious men from the east risk it all and travel hundreds of miles to find and worship a new born King.
Magi is a dramatic short film produced by BVG Films which explores the account of the Magi from the Bible in Matthew chapter 2. Many misconceptions about the Biblical account of Christmas have made their way into our traditions today, including the story of the Magi. Magi colorfully imagines their backstory and what their motivations might have been to take this treacherous journey.
PRODUCTION
Principal photography for Magi began on October 24, 2022 and was completed on November 11, 2022. Utilizing the stark beauty of California’s Central Valley, Magi was filmed in various locations including Big Valley Grace Community Church, Del Rio Vista Gardens in Escalon, CA, McSwain Recreation Area in Snelling, CA, Chance Cattle Co. in Hornitos, CA, and Centenary Church in Modesto, CA.
CAST
Aaron Fullan is an actor, composer, and social media influencer from Clinton, Iowa. With a strong following of 260,000+ on social media, his self-produced videos have garnered millions of views from loyal fans across the globe. Above all, Aaron seeks to honor Jesus Christ with the gifts and talents that he’s been given.
Aaron plays the role of Gaspar, the youngest of the three Magi. Find out more about Aaron at aaronfullan.com
As a student of film acting at Film Acting Bay Area in Emeryville, California, Adam Thayer studied all aspects of acting for film. Much to his delight, his training has equipped him with the skills needed to be equally as effective behind the lens as well, and his work behind the lens has already earned him recognition as a casting director, and as assistant director on several different projects.
Adam plays the role of Balthazar, one of the three Magi. Find out more about Adam on Adam’s IMDB page
Pete Xifo was born and raised in So Cal, except for a brief sojourn to Paris France, where he spent several years of his childhood, you can call him a native Californian. On camera he’s portrayed hard grizzled Cowboy Villains, an Amish Farmer, a Wizard, as well as Doctors, Lawyers, Professors, Shrinks, Judges, Grandpas and even the occasional Rabbi and of course, Santa Claus.
Peter plays the role of Melchior, one of the three Magi. Find out more about Peter on Peter’s IMDB page
An Oregon Book Award Nominee, Nick Zagone has a Bachelor of Theatre from Willamette University and a Master of Fine Arts in Playwriting from University of Nevada-Las Vegas. He is resident playwright at Prospect Theatre Project and resides in Modesto, California.
Nick plays the role of King Herod, a central figure in the story of the Magi. Find out more about Nick at nickzagone.com
Aneika Wynn is reprising her role as Mary, mother of Jesus, from the 2021 BVG Films project, Hope Has A Name. Aneika resides in Manteca, CA.
ADDITIONAL CAST
JC Mellor as Parthian King
Athil Singh as Parthian Guard
Jasmine Wright as Shira
Victoria Takacs as Prisoner
Dean Medek as Nahash
Billy Ollis as Roman Commander
Roy Dooley as Scribe
Jim Tygart as Priest #1
Dave Storm as Priest #2
Matt Tanis as Roman Soldier
Eric Bjerke as Roman Soldier
Randy Bonander as Roman Soldier
Linden Seekford as Roman Soldier
Tiffany Tilghman as Dream Sequence Woman
Paige & Ellie Ramirez as Dream Sequence Mother and Child
Marinn Wolf as Dream Sequence Woman
Robin Bjerke and Dream Sequence Woman
Alyssa Martin as Dream Sequence Woman
And last but not least, Greyson Martin as Jesus
CREW
Executive Producers – Chad Pippin, Robin Bjerke, Vincent Moretto
Screenplay – Vincent Moretto
Story Development – Chad pippin, Robin Bjerke, Vince Moretto
Director – Robin Bjerke
Assistant Director – Linden Seekford
Additional Assistants – Marinn Wolf, Parker Mead
Casting Director – Robin Bjerke
Director of Photography – Vincent Moretto
Film Editing – Vincent Moretto, Michael Barnes
Visual Effects – Michael Barnes
Camera Operators – Daniel James, Charles Rumble, Vincent Moretto
Focus – Michael Barnes
Key Grip – Scott Visser
Lighting and Electronics – Tim Giannosa, Vincent Moretto
Audio – Matt Tanis, Parker Mead, Evan Sink, Randy Bonander
Artistic Director – Roberta Prather
Set Construction – Matt Tanis, Tim Giannosa, Tony Kennedy, Jarod Bates, Marinn Wolf, Tiffany Tilghman, Parker Mead, Amy Burrows, Debbie Crepps, Roy Dooley.
Set Decoration – Roberta Prather
Wardrobe – Roberta Prather, Deb Dooley, Donella Mildrexler-Morris, Kaula Scallorn, Pam Giannosa
Make Up Artists – Alea Woods, Roberta Prather, Deb Dooley, Madison Giannosa
Catering – Heidi Rumble, Michelle Caiole
Host Homes – Phil and Alice Magner, Jon and Francie Byron, Phil and Danni Blake, Jeff and Rachel Thompson, Lonnie and Nancy Skiles
Traveling Arrangements – Kaitlynn Morgan
Special thanks to Lloyd Pareira at Oak Valley Exotics for providing camels and being a real trooper over a long day on the set.
Special thanks to Bertha at Del Rio Vista Gardens, Skip and Danielle at McSwain Recreation Area, Jeff Chance of Chance Cattle Co, and Deanna and Melanie at Centenary Church for working with us and allowing our team to film at your beautiful locations.