By Brian Blackwell, Message staff writer
EDMOND, Okla. (LBM) – The Skit Guys, a Christian comedic duo who have performed at the 2021 Louisiana Baptist Convention Annual Meeting and the 2012 Youth Evangelism Celebration, will debut their first-ever family film May 13 at theaters nationwide, including several in the state.
According to the movie’s website, “Family Camp” chronicles the journey of two “polar opposite” families who find themselves sharing a cabin for a week at rustic Camp Katokwah.
During a competition for a camp trophy, the two fathers (played by Tommy Woodard and Eddie James, known as the Skit Guys) find themselves lost in the woods after a comedy of mishaps and therefore the two men have to work together to find their way out of the woods.
The film was produced by Provident Films, producer of such films as “Overcomer,” “War Room,” “Courageous,” “Fireproof,” and “Woodlawn”, Educational Media Foundation, parent company of K-LOVE, the largest contemporary Christian radio network in the United States, and Roadside Attractions, whose movies have grossed more than $500 million and garnered 23 Academy Award nominations.
Woodard and James have wanted to make a comedy feature film for more than 20 years. When Brian Cates, one of the film’s directors, came up with the idea for Family Camp five years ago, little did they know of the difficult days that lay ahead with the COVID-19 pandemic.
“When we began this project, we knew families needed this but had no idea how much hope and healing they would need a couple of years later,” Woodard told the Message. “It was a dream come true for Eddie and me. As kids, both of us surrendered our dream of making a movie to the Lord and He was so kind to grant that back to us years later.”
Nearly 900 theaters (including those in Alexandria, Baton Rouge, Covington, Harrahan, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Slidell, Shreveport, and West Monroe) are scheduled to show Family Camp for the next two weeks.
Woodard said it is critical for families to buy tickets and show up this weekend because additional theaters could add the movie to their lineup if sales are strong during the initial screenings.
“After what all of us have gone through these last two years, we need hope and a chance to laugh,” Woodard said. “Our motto is have heart, humor and Him [God]. Our desire and request is God will use this movie to make people laugh but also help families find hope.”
Woodard said he especially hopes this movie draws in an audience that may follow the Skit Guys’ comedic routines even though, they do not attend worship at a local church.
“We hear from people who say their dad won’t go to church but will watch the videos,” he said. “This is great way to get the message to those who may not go to church.”
The Skit Guys have performed together since they were members of the youth group at First Baptist Church, Edmond, Okla., and officially formed the group in 1996. Since then, they have performed at churches, conferences, and other events around the world.
