Yep, that slack-jawed yokel is my Beloved Husband, in character as an extra for a short film, The Candy Shop.
What? You didn’t know he was an actor?
Well, he’s not really. I mean, he had dreams of being one. He even did some community theatre before we met. But he’s never seriously pursued it.
And in spite of this photo, taken today in downtown Atlanta, he hasn’t suddenly changed careers to act in movies.
Some of you might know what Charlie does for a living, but for those who don’t, here’s how he keeps me in Lindt Truffles and shoes:
He’s a writer.
Yep. A work-at-home-in-shorts-if-you-want-to writer.
Not just that — he actually earns a living as a writer.
I KNOW. I caught me a rare one, I did.
Charlie’s been writing and earning a living at it for 16 years. Before that, he was a community college dean who (oh the irony!) hated to write and took years to complete his Master’s dissertation.
Through a set of circumstances that I’ll have to share another time, he was clearly led to take a new job in 1994: Writer for John C. Maxwell, leadership expert.
And that’s been my husband’s day job for almost two decades: partnering with Maxwell, translating John’s work into literary form.
So why is Charlie on a movie set this weekend, when he has no plans to become an actor? And already has a good job with a great employer?
Because this movie is special.
Why is it special?
Because Charlie Wetzel wrote it.
Oh yeah. I said it.
My husband wrote a screenplay that is being made into a movie.
Through another strange set of circumstances, over the past couple of years Charlie has found himself partnering with the people at Whitestone Motion Pictures. It’s a small boutique film company based just outside of Atlanta that, in owner Brandon McCormick’s own words, makes fairy tales.
Here’s how Brandon describes what they do.
And here’s my take: Whitestone creates fantasy like Tolkien and Lewis did. Good vs evil, heroes vs villains. From a Christian worldview, but not overtly Christian.
Charlie’s worked with them on three short films so far. He’s even credited as a screenwriter on IMDB!
What a gift. What a blessing. I’m incredibly proud of Charlie and what he’s accomplished.
Now, as for the movie currently being filmed? I think it deserves its own post.
I’ll just say for now that it’s on a weighty topic. And they’re striking a delicate balance between emotional intensity and sensitivity to the people impacted by the topic.
And I’m sorry about the gushing, but I’m super proud of Charlie.
If you’re interested, here’s the most recent completed Whitestone movie that he contributed to:
It’s 22 minutes long and in HD, so you might want to wait for it to load. (Or if you’d prefer, you can turn off HiDef by clicking the “HD” at the bottom of the screen.)
Shameless Spousal Plug — OVER.
14 responses so far ↓
1 Natalie // Aug 20, 2010 at 2:07 pm
Very cool, Stephanie! You have every reason to be proud!
2 Billy Coffey // Aug 20, 2010 at 2:10 pm
That’s. Just. AWESOME.
3 Cassandra Frear // Aug 20, 2010 at 2:15 pm
And you should be proud. Very. Congratulations.
4 Beck // Aug 20, 2010 at 2:26 pm
WOW. That was gorgeous! My kids rushed in to watch it with me.
5 jasonS // Aug 20, 2010 at 2:56 pm
What a great tribute. That’s the right kind of pride there! When I read the title about an extra husband, I was afraid you were going to make a shocking revelation of Utah proportions, but so glad I was wrong.
Way to go, Charlie!
6 katdish // Aug 20, 2010 at 3:01 pm
Okay, “spousal plug” just gave me involuntary shivers, but I’m sure I don’t think you mean what I think you mean. Seriously, super awesome and exciting!
Maybe Charlie should write a screenplay for a couple of books I’ve read that were written “from a Christian worldview, but not overtly Christian.”
7 Candy // Aug 20, 2010 at 3:01 pm
So proud to say I “know” Charlie – you know, as the extra husband of my imaginary friend. Congrats, Charlie!
And you forgot to mention that he’s a chef. That would totally make him a rock star, well, except for the head cheese….
8 joyce // Aug 20, 2010 at 3:52 pm
Wow, that’s exciting!
9 Carma // Aug 20, 2010 at 9:06 pm
Wow. That is a great movie. I’ve heard about Charlie through John Maxwell. It’s good to ‘meet’ his wife, too. Thanks for ‘the shameless spousal plug’. Very well deserved.
10 Screwed Up Texan // Aug 21, 2010 at 12:45 pm
My husband’s uncle is an extra/plays a very teensy small part in the classic family movie, Rigoletto. If you’ve never seen the movie it’s a wonderful family movie. We love watching Uncle Marty in the movie too.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1d7QEUh3q2k
(one of his extra parts is as a member of the mob)
I love it that your husband earns a living as a writer. I’ve always thought that (and being an artist) would be wonderful things to do.
11 Screwed Up Texan // Aug 21, 2010 at 1:47 pm
BTW, I watched the movie you posted and it is beautiful…always wondered the story behind the tinman.
12 Wendy // Aug 21, 2010 at 1:58 pm
Spousal plugs? I thought this was a family show…
Loved Tinman when you posted about it before. Can’t wait to see the new finished product! Praying for fewer roadblocks.
13 Helen // Aug 21, 2010 at 3:20 pm
Congrats to you both!
14 Ann Kroeker // Aug 24, 2010 at 4:49 pm
Did Charlie buy a magic golden keyboard back in ’94?
Kidding–far better than magic and gold, it sounds like Charlie’s following the Holy Spirit when He whispers in his ear, “Turn to the left here…now right…”
Your High Calling friends are celebrating with you and Charlie!
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