ZAC HEATH | WRITER & DIRECTOR

Originally from Arkansas, Zac Heath has taken a very atypical path to Hollywood. He began his career as a professional actor right out of college; performing in various shows at regional theatres across the country and appearing in two films. When the actors/writer's strike of 2001 threatened to halt movie productions, Zac went back to school- to Seminary. He worked as a theatre director as he got his Master's Degree from Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, KY. It was in Seminary that Zac met Craig Luttrell (Paul)- the only two Seminary students who, instead of going to a church after graduation, moved to Hollywood. Rather than going to film school to become a film director, Zac decided to learn hands-on by working on as many films as he could as a crew member in various positions. Over the next two years, he worked on 6 feature films including Dreamer, War Eagle (where he met DP Derrick Sims), Love's Unfolding Dream and Love's Unending Legacy.

Currently, Heath lives in Malibu with his beautiful wife Kerri. He hopes to continue to make more movies that are inspired by his faith and beliefs.

DERRICK SIMS | DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY & EDITOR

Derrick Sims graduated Cum Laude from Henderson State University with a BA in Mass Media and a minor in Theatre Arts. Some of his more notable films are: "The Battle for Marks' Mill", a war documentary that premiered in IMAX in December 2005, "Murderous," a documentary that premiered in 2006, "Say I Love You" and "One Night," two narrative shorts that won the audience award as well as best narrative at the Arkadelphia Film Festival in 2006. Also in '06, he worked as behind the scenes cameraman/photographer and assistant script supervisor for the film "War Eagle," starring Brian Dennehy, Mary Kay Place, and Mare Winningham. More recently, Sims was the color corrector on the short film "No Greater Love", directed by Zac Heath.

Sims is currently living in Rogers, AR, with his wife Alaina.

JOSH ODOR (JASON)credited as Josh Lauri

Josh Odor lives in Chicago where he works as an actor. Over the past few years, he has performed in numerous theatrical productions as well as commercials and films. Most recently, he played the role of Darrell Royal in the Universal Pictures movie The Express.

A Note from Josh:

When I met Craig Luttrell (Paul) in Mrs. Olsen's First grade class at Johnson Elementary in Spencer, IA, I didn't like him. His head was too big and he was all around goofy. So I kicked my table scraps from the day's art project under his desk. When Craig asked if I kicked table scraps under his desk I said "No". And we were friends. Craig's family ended up going to the First Congregational Church, like my family. So there was more time for us to write stories, draw pictures, design haunted houses and get in trouble with my mom, the Jr. Choir Director. The Luttrells eventually moved away but I never forgot Craig and credit him for being the one who first introduced me to imagination and the creative life. So when Craig called to invite me to audition and eventually be a part The River Within, how could I not jump at the opportunity to work and play with my old buddy again? Little did I know I would also get to become a part of the Heath family, as well as the family of this generous cast and crew.

Just a side note, my mother, Lauri Beth, sings with Angels now. The story of The River Within seemed like the kind of thing she might have pushed my way, or at the very least would have liked to see. So I dedicated this performance to her. Thanks Mom.

CRAIG MORRIS (PASTOR DAVID) | COMPOSER

Craig Morris was born and raised in Piggott, Arkansas. He graduated from Paragould High School and attended Arkansas State University and University of Arkansas at Little Rock before moving to Nashville, TN in 1981 to pursue a career in songwriting. He has written songs recorded by Ray Charles, Reba McEntire, Andy Williams, The Oak Ridge Boys, John Conlee, and Gene Watson...among others. He toured as pianist and harmony singer with Ronnie McDowell, Pam Tillis, Dobie Gray, Donny and Marie Osmond, Craig Morgan and currently tours with Loretta Lynn. He was a staff singer on The Nashville Network's "Nashville Now" country variety show hosted by Ralph Emery and the lead singer for the country quartet, 4Runner who toured with Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Kenny Rogers and others. With 4Runner, was nominated for the Academy of Country Music's "Best Vocal Group" and was a featured musical guest on NBC's Tonight Show with Jay Leno. He has sung on several network TV series and a handful of feature films as well as jingles for Chevy Trucks, Salvation Army, McDonalds, Burger King and others.

Currently Craig is living the dream of spending time with his teenage son and daughter and lovely wife in the area where he grew up.

CRAIG LUTTRELL (PAUL) | UNIT PRODUCTION MANAGER

Craig Luttrell grew up in Iowa where he began acting with his dad in community theatre. He attended Iowa State University where he majored in Speech Communication and graduated with honors. In 2003 he studied at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland on a Rotarian Ambassadorial scholarship. Craig and Zac Heath met while both were attending Asbury Theological Seminary; he played the lead in two plays that Heath directed. Craig has appeared in theatre and film productions in Los Angeles, Iowa, Kentucky and Scotland.

Craig currently attends Asbury Theological Seminary in Kentucky, where he is working on a 2nd Masters Degree.