Though the premiere of JC Films’ “Dispatched” is cancelled, fans of the faith-based movies can catch the newest local project on Amazon Prime. In fact, the police drama “Dispatched” is one of four JC Films projects that has been picked up by Amazon and other digital platforms. Also streaming are “Child of the King,” “The Zombie Club” and “A Promise to Astrid.” The latter film has been viewed more than 12 million times.

 

“We have so much content out there – on Amazon, as well as Hulu, Vudu, Roku and Tubee, which is a big one right now,” said President of JC Films Jason Campbell. “We are totally blessed. In all, we have 17 of our films streaming.”

 

Since the pandemic quarantine period began, JC Film watching through these platforms has quadrupled, Campbell said. Daily, the movies account for about 260,000 minutes of streaming.

 

“In addition to that, retailers such as Walmart, Dollar General and others are doing a wonderful job with DVD sales, which have spiked at about 30 percent,” Campbell said. “All our films are back into circulation because of the COVID-19 pandemic. People are buying more DVDs because they are home. There has been a tremendous spike in our films around the world.”

 

“Dispatched,” which included a collaboration among local law enforcement agencies – Bridgeport Police, Clarksburg Police and the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department – had been scheduled to premiere Sunday, April 19 at Bridgeport United Methodist Church. The film stars Michael Sigler, Jeff Moore, Katherine Shaw, Barry Daily, Dennis Marburger and Kathy Sanders and, of course, Dean Cain, featured in all JC Films projects.

 

“It was really neat that we were able to use three different law enforcement groups as resources,” said Campbell. “The agencies provided police cruisers, equipment, personnel and plenty of insight for the film.”

 

Working with all the law enforcers and observing their behavior, character and true integrity, really made an impression on Campbell. Although he witnessed plenty of staged police action, he has also in recent months witnessed the law enforcers in real action.

 

“You think sometimes that in these small towns, these acts of chivalry don’t exist, but they do,” he said. “They regularly engage in acts of selflessness and bravery to keep the community safe.”

 

Cain plays the role of Police Chief Patterson with Ford portraying Officer Carl Thomas and Barry Daily playing Officer Jerry Campbell, Thomas’s friend. Sigler portrays the mayor. In total, there are about 35 roles, many played by locals. Several others serve as extras in the movie. Campbell even makes an appearance as the pastor.

 

 Campbell said he aspired to create a good film and he is quite pleased with the outcome.

 

“It shows how God can really intervene in hearts and lives and change them. It shows that goodness prevails,” he said. “This film is about miracles and hope.”

 

Based on the book of the same name, “Dispatched” follows the story of Officer Carl Thomas, revered by his police colleagues for his fearlessness in going after the bad guys. But Thomas had a dark side. As the movie plays out, God changes the heart of the street-hardened cop and by working through Thomas, affects an entire community.

 

Among other locations, filming took place at Brickside Bar & Grille, Bridgeport United Methodist Church (Johnson Avenue), Bridgeport Police Station and Winnie’s.

 

“Dispatched” was the 20^th film produced by Campbell and JC Films. See a full list HERE.

 

The latest film is “Being Trump,” filmed in Clarksburg, Bridgeport and Morgantown areas. Filming wrapped up just prior to the COVID-19 quarantine and is scheduled to be released June 1.

 

“It’s a funny film that I think will get some national attention,” Campbell said.

 

One stay-at-home orders are lifted, Cain will return to Bridgeport for the shooting of three more JC Films.