T. C. Christensen

Last updated
T. C. Christensen
T.C Christensen.jpg
Born1953 (age 7071)
Alma mater Brigham Young University
OccupationFilmmaker
Years active1973–present
Notable work

Thomas C. Christensen (born 1953) is an American cinematographer, film director, and writer best known for his work on films related to the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), including Joseph Smith: The Prophet of the Restoration , Gordon B. Hinckley: A Giant Among Men, 17 Miracles , and Ephraim's Rescue . He has made films about the Martin and Willie handcart companies who traversed the plains toward the Salt Lake Valley in late 1856. Christensen is also a member of the American Society of Cinematographers.

Contents

Biography

Christensen grew up in Layton, Utah, with nine siblings. He served as a missionary for the LDS Church in Ohio and West Virginia from 1972 to 1974. He studied filmmaking at Brigham Young University (BYU) and the University of Utah (U of U). [1]

Christensen married his wife, Katy, in 1980. They have two children, Tanner and Tess, both of whom have worked with Christensen on his films. His cousin Ron Tanner has also collaborated with Christensen on his films. [1]

Career

While attending BYU and the U of U, Christensen worked as a part-time cameraman for KSL-TV in Utah for five years. He declined offers to go full-time because he did not want to pursue a career in news. [1] After leaving KSL-TV, Christensen began freelance filmmaking. He credits fellow filmmaker Kieth Merrill as his mentor, with Merrill's children cast in Christensen's The Mouth of Babes. [1]

Films by Christensen have received recognition in several film festivals. His A Pioneer Miracle (also titled In the Arms of Angels) received the Grand Remi Award at the Houston International Film Festival in 2004. [2] [3] Seasons of the Heart , for which he was both director and cinematographer, received multiple awards in film festivals. [4] Christensen has made several films about Joseph Smith, founder of the Latter Day Saint movement (Mormonism). [5] Among these are Joseph Smith: The Prophet of the Restoration and Emma Smith: My Story , both made in cooperation with Gary Cook. [6] Other Latter-day Saint-themed films include the biography of LDS Church president Gordon B. Hinckley, made following Hinckley's death in 2008. [7] Christensen wrote, directed, and produced Only A Stonecutter , the story of John R. Moyle, father of James H. Moyle. [8] Christensen has also been the cinematographer for a large number of films. These include Rigoletto , The Testaments of One Fold and One Shepherd , Forever Strong , and Outlaw Trail: The Treasure of Butch Cassidy . [9] [8] Having collaborated over the years, T. C. Christensen has been described as the "mentor" of Napoleon Dynamite and Nacho Libre director Jared Hess. [10]

On such films as the first Work and the Glory , Christensen's cinematography was considered by some to be by far the best part of the film. [11] Christensen has also made several IMAX films including Texas: The Big Picture and Ozarks: Legacy and Legend. [12] In the summer of 2011, 17 Miracles was released across the country. The film depicts the Martin and Willie handcart companies as they traveled across the plains to the Salt Lake Valley in 1856. [13] [14] In 2013, Christensen's film Ephraim's Rescue about the life of Ephraim Hanks, a notable rescuer of the Martin Handcart Company, was released to good user reviews, and specifically the addressed events of Hanks bringing the first food supplies to the company, who were snow-bound and starving on the Mormon Trail. [15] [16] In 2015, Christensen wrote and directed The Cokeville Miracle which tells the story of the school bombing in Cokeville, Wyoming, in 1986. [17] [18] In 2016, Christensen began working on Love, Kennedy. It is based on the true story of Ogden, Utah, teenager Kennedy Hansen's battle with Juvenile Batten Disease. The film was released in June 2017. [19] [20]

Christensen is a member of the American Society of Cinematographers. [21]

Filmography

All credits come from Internet Movie Database (IMDb). [22]

YearTitleRoleNotes
1973Wheels of FireCinematographer & EditorDocumentary
1978The BridgeCinematographerShort - As Thomas R. Christensen
1979Kenny Rogers and the American CowboyCinematographerTV movie
1982The Ghost of the Great Salt LakeDirector
1987The Touch of the Master's HandDirectorShort - as Tom Christensen
1988 On Our Own Cinematographer & ActorTV movie
1990Quest for a Go-GetterDirector of photographyVideo Short
1991Dream MachineCinematographer
1991In Your Wildest DreamsCinematographer
1992The ButterCream GangCinematographerVideo
1992Split InfinityCinematographer
1992On the Way HomeCinematographerVideo short
1993 Rigoletto CinematographerVideo
1993 Seasons of the Heart Cinematographer
1995FedoraCinematographerShort
1995Reach for the StarsDirector of photography
1995The Dark KnightCinematographerShort
1995Ozarks: Legacy & LegendCinematographer
1995San Francisco: The MovieCinematographyShort
1995Valencia, SpainCinematographer
1996Treasure ChestCinematographerShort
1996Turning PointCinematographerVideo short
1996Last ResortCinematographer
1996Clubhouse DetectivesCinematographer
1997WitnessCinematographerShort
1997Trail of Hope: The Story of the Mormon TrailCinematographerTV movie documentary
1997The King's FalconCinematographerShort
1998No More BathsCinematographer
1998Follow Your HeartCinematographerShort
1998Angels in the AtticDirector of photography
1999Olympic GloryCinematographerDocumentary short
1999A Kid Called DangerCinematographer
1999American Prophet: The Story of Joseph SmithCinematographerDocumentary
1999Christmas MissionCinematographerVideo short
2000Navigate your DestinyCinematographerShort
2000The Testaments: Of One Fold and One ShepherdCinematographer
2000Baby BedlamDirector of photography
2000Message in a Cell PhoneCinematographer
2001WallsCinematographerShort
2001Bug Off!Cinematographer & Writer
2001The Penny PromiseCinematographer & Writer
2001Horse CrazyCinematographer
2002Journey to HarmonyDirector of photographyShort
2002Lewis & Clark: Great Journey WestCinematographerShort
2003A Pioneer MiracleCinematographer & WriterVideo short - Alternative title: In the Arms of Angels [23]
2003Texas: The Big PictureCinematographerDocumentary short
2004 The Work and the Glory Director of photography
2005Down and DerbyCinematographer
2005A Warm HeartDirector of photographyShort
2005Praise to the ManCinematographer & Writer & DirectorVideo
2005 Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration Cinematographer & Director
2006Roving MarsCinematographerDocumentary short
2006Outlaw Trail: The Treasure of Butch CassidyDirector of photographyAs TC Christensen
2006Rainbows of Paradise: The Pageant of the Long CanoesDirectorDocumentary short
2007Take the LeadCinematographerVideo short
2007Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric AdventureDirector of photographyDocumentary short
2007The Legacy of Aotearoa: Land of the Long, White CloudCinematographer & DirectorVideo documentary short - as TC Christensen
2008 Emma Smith: My Story Cinematographer & Co-director
2008 Forever Strong Cinematographer
2008Gordon B. Hinckley: A Giant Among MenCinematographer & Writer & DirectorVideo
2008Only a StonecutterCinematographer & Writer & DirectorVideo short
2009The Jerk TheoryCinematographer
2009Treasure in Heaven: The John Tanner StoryCinematographer & DirectorVideo short
2010The Killers: BootsDirectorVideo Short
2010That Promised Day: The Coming Forth of the LDS ScriptureDirector of photographyVideo
2011 17 Miracles Cinematographer & Writer & Director
2012Everything's FineCinematographerShort
201212 Dogs of Christmas: Great Puppy RescueCinematographer
2012Gathering of FriendsCinematographer
2013 Ephraim's Rescue Cinematographer & Writer & Director
2014Scriptures LegacyCinematographerTV Short
2015 The Cokeville Miracle Cinematographer & Writer & Director
2017Love, KennedyCinematographer & Writer & Director
2017 The Stray Cinematographer
2019The Other Side of Heaven 2: Fire of FaithCinematographerFilming
2019 The Fighting Preacher Cinematographer & Writer & DirectorFinalist for the 2019 narrative-feature-film AML Award [24]
2024Escape From GermanyCinematographer & Writer & Director
2025Standout: The Ben Kjar StoryCinematographerDocumentary

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gordon B. Hinckley</span> American religious leader and author (1910–2008)

Gordon Bitner Hinckley was an American religious leader and author who served as the 15th president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from March 1995 until his death in January 2008 at age 97. Considered a prophet, seer, and revelator by church members, Hinckley was the oldest person to preside over the church in its history until Russell M. Nelson surpassed his age in 2022.

Mitch Davis is an American film director, writer, and producer noted for his 2001 film, The Other Side of Heaven, about the trials and adventures of a missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, John H. Groberg. His movies range from intense dramas to lighthearted, family-friendly comedies. He has written seven films, directed five, and produced three. He is from Escondido, California. He attended Brigham Young University (BYU) and the University of Southern California.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Henry B. Eyring</span> American religious leader

Henry Bennion Eyring is an American educational administrator, author, and religious leader. Eyring has been the second counselor to Russell M. Nelson in the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints since January 14, 2018. Previously, Eyring was the first counselor to Thomas S. Monson in the First Presidency from 2008 until Monson's death on January 2, 2018. Eyring was the second counselor to Gordon B. Hinckley in the First Presidency from October 6, 2007, until Hinckley's death on January 27, 2008.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mormon cinema</span> Films with themes surrounding Mormonism

Mormon cinema usually refers to films with themes relevant to members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The term has also been used to refer to films that do not necessarily reflect Mormon themes but have been made by Mormon filmmakers. Films within the realm of Mormon cinema may be distinguished from institutional films produced by the LDS Church, such as Legacy and Testaments, which are made for instructional or proselyting purposes and are non-commercial. Mormon cinema is produced mainly for the purposes of entertainment and potential financial success.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Deseret Book Company</span> American publishing company

Deseret Book is an American publishing company headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, that also operates a chain of bookstores throughout the western United States. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of Deseret Management Corporation (DMC), the holding company for business firms owned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Deseret Book is a for-profit corporation registered in Utah. Deseret Book publishes under four imprints with media ranging from works explaining LDS theology and doctrine, LDS-related fiction, electronic resources, and sound recordings such as The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square albums.

Sheri Linn Dew is an American author, publisher, the executive vice president of Deseret Management Corporation, and chief executive officer of the Deseret Book Company, headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah. Dew has also been a religious leader in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and an inspirational speaker. In 2003, she was described as “the most prominent single [unmarried] LDS woman right now.”

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mormon handcart pioneers</span> 1856–1860 American religious migrants

The Mormon handcart pioneers were participants in the migration of members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to Salt Lake City, Utah, who used handcarts to transport their belongings. The Mormon handcart movement began in 1856 and continued until 1860.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Janice Kapp Perry</span> American songwriter

Janice Kapp Perry is an American composer, songwriter, and author. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she has written over 3,000 songs, some of which appeared in the church's official hymnal, and in the Children's Songbook. Some of her most well-known songs include "I Love to See the Temple" and "A Child's Prayer."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ephraim Hanks</span>

Ephraim Knowlton Hanks was a prominent member of the 19th-Century Latter Day Saint movement, a Mormon pioneer and a well known leader in the early settlement of Utah.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Minerva Teichert</span> American painter of Western and LDS art (1888–1976)

Minerva Bernetta Kohlhepp Teichert was a 20th-century American artist who painted Western and Mormon subjects, including murals of scenes from the Book of Mormon. She received her art education from the Art Institute of Chicago and the Art Students League of New York, and was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Religious-themed artwork by Teichert includes Christ in a Red Robe, Queen Esther, and Rescue of the Lost Lamb. She painted 42 murals related to stories in the Book of Mormon which reside in Brigham Young University's (BYU) Museum of Art. Teichert was the first woman invited to paint a mural for an LDS Church temple.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Susan W. Tanner</span> American Mormon leader

Susan Winder Tanner was the twelfth General President of the Young Women organization of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 2002 to 2008.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bryant S. Hinckley</span> American academic

Bryant Stringham Hinckley was an American author, religious speaker, civic leader and educator. He served as a prominent mid-level leader in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the early 20th century. His books were primarily designed for a Latter-day Saint audience.

John Max Madsen is a general authority of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He has been a general authority since 1992.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bradley R. Wilcox</span> American professor

Bradley Ray Wilcox is a professor of ancient scripture at Brigham Young University (BYU) and has been a counselor in the Young Men general presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints since April 2020.

<i>17 Miracles</i> 2011 American film

17 Miracles is a 2011 historical adventure film directed by T. C. Christensen. It was released in 2011 by Excel Entertainment Group. Based on the experiences of members of the Willie Handcart Company of Mormon pioneers following their late-season start and subsequent winter journey to Salt Lake City in 1856, the film emphasizes miracles individual participants reported having during the journey. The film was released in select theaters across the United States in the summer of 2011.

Hartt Partridge Wixom was an American writer who specialized in the topics of hunting, fishing, wildlife and environmental protection, and Latter-Day Saints (LDS) history. His most recent works focus on early LDS history: Jacob Hamblin (2008), Profiles in Mormon Courage (2007), and Critiquing the Critics of Joseph Smith (2005). Another book on early LDS history, Edward Partridge (1998), is a biography of Wixom's great-great-grandfather, the first presiding bishop of the LDS church. In 1998 Wixom gave the annual Juanita Brooks Lecture at Dixie State College in St. George, Utah on the subject of Jacob Hamblin. In 2009 Wixom was the featured speaker at the annual Jacob Hamblin Days celebration in Kanab, Utah.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">John Rowe Moyle</span>

John Rowe Moyle was a Mormon pioneer and a settler of Alpine, Utah. He was a master stonemason for the Salt Lake Temple, and was the carver of the inscription "Holiness to the Lord" on the temple's east side.

<i>Ephraims Rescue</i> 2013 American film

Ephraim's Rescue is a religious historical drama film by T. C. Christensen, released in 2013 by Excel Entertainment Group. It is based on the true stories of Mormon pioneers Ephraim Hanks and Thomas Dobson and their experiences in the handcart brigades. The film was released in select theaters across the United States in the spring of 2013.

<i>Trek: The Movie</i> 2018 American film

Trek: The Movie is a 2018 comedy film. It was written and produced by David Howard and directed by Alan Peterson. The film is distributed by Excel Entertainment Group—the distributors of 17 Miracles, The Work and the Glory, and The Cokeville Miracle.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Toone, Trent (March 6, 2013). "T.C. Christensen: the man, the movies, and the stories that matter". Deseret News Publishing Company. Deseret News. Retrieved 9 May 2018.
  2. "2015 Remi Winners – Worldfest-Houston". worldfest.org. Retrieved 2018-05-10.
  3. A Pioneer Miracle/In the Arms of Angels , retrieved 2018-05-10
  4. Hicks, Chris (April 24, 1994). "'Seasons of the Heart' wins another award". Deseret News Publishing Company. Deseret News. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
  5. "American Prophet: The Story of Joseph Smith (1999) - Overview - TCM.com". Turner Classic Movies. Retrieved 2018-05-10.
  6. Means, Sean P. (November 25, 2015). "Tayva Patch, actor in several LDS-themed films, dies at 62". The Salt Lake Tribune. The Salt Lake Tribune. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
  7. Moore, Carrie A. (2008-11-21), "Movie details early life of President Hinckley", Deseret News
  8. 1 2 Toone, Trent (March 6, 2013). "17 films from the resume of T.C. Christensen, creator of '17 miracles'". Deseret News Publishing Company. Deseret News. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
  9. "Rigoletto (1993)". www.ldsfilm.com. Retrieved 2018-05-10.
  10. Walch, Tad (2005-07-26), "BYU duo win Telly Award by a nose", Deseret News, retrieved 2009-06-05
  11. Vice, Jeff (2004-11-24), "'Work' beautiful but disappointing", Deseret News, retrieved 2009-06-05
  12. "Biographies: Latter-day Saint and/or Utah Film Personalities: C". www.ldsfilm.com. Retrieved 2018-05-10.
  13. Fidel, Steve (2010-08-30), "T.C. Christensen's '17 Miracles' aims to be more than just a handcart story", Deseret News
  14. Davis, Allan (2012). "17 Miracles. Directed by T.C. Christensen". BYU Studies Quarterly. 51 (4): 185–188. Retrieved 9 May 2018.
  15. Hilton III, John (2014). "Ephraim's Rescue, written and directed by T.C. Christensen". BYU Studies Quarterly. 53 (2): 187–189. Retrieved 9 May 2018.
  16. Toone, Trent (May 31, 2013). "'Ephraim's Rescue' another powerful pioneer tear-jerker". Deseret News Publishing Company. Deseret News. Retrieved 9 May 2018.
  17. Toone, Trent (June 4, 2015). "Sharing the 'Miracle': Mormon filmmaker wants 'Cokeville' retelling to reach many faiths". Deseret News Publishing Company. Deseret News. Retrieved 9 May 2018.
  18. Haddock, Sharon (March 13, 2015). "'The Cokeville Miracle' a story of faith and answered prayers". Deseret News Publishing Company. Deseret News. Retrieved 9 May 2018.
  19. Toone, Trent (May 1, 2017). "TC Christensen's new film based on inspiring life of Utah teen who died from rare disease". Deseret News Publishing Company. Deseret News.
  20. McDonald, Hannah (June 2, 2017). "'Love, Kennedy' is touching, if a little heavy-handed". Deseret News Publishing Company. Deseret News. Retrieved 9 May 2018.
  21. "Members - The American Society of Cinematographers". theasc.com. Retrieved 2018-05-09.
  22. "T.C. Christensen". IMDb. Retrieved 2018-05-09.
  23. "'A Pioneer Miracle' (also known as 'In the Arms of Angels')". Harold Communications. Daily Herald. July 24, 2017. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
  24. "2019 AML Award Winners" by Andrew Hall. Dawning of a Brighter Day. Association for Mormon Letters. 2 May 2020. Accessed 2 May 2020.