Steve Hullfish, a producer and editor of award-winning programs and a Naperville resident for the past 16 years, spent weeks on set in Charlotte, N.C., and several months editing “War Room,” a family-friendly, PG-rated feature movie by Kendrick Brothers that was released last weekend.
“On-site editing last summer for ‘War Room’ was an exciting experience,” says the seasoned editor, who had worked on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” for 10 years, numerous television programs such as “Investigative Reports” and “Cold Case,” and for notable networks such as NBC and PBS, as well as written and published five books.
Reuniting with the cast and crew for the red-carpet premiere in Atlanta, close to where Kendrick Brothers has its home base, Hullfish reflects fondly on the film and crew. “We were like a group of summer camp kids who didn’t want to leave,” he said, adding that he had a small speaking part. “I am the voice on the telephone.”
The film is looking to open on over 1,000 screens and has already reached top Fandango ratings after its premiere last week. Hullfish had previously worked on another Kendrick Brothers movie release, “Courageous,” and is working on his next feature movie with the director of “War Room.”
“War Room” tells the story of a middle-class family that faces life’s challenges with the help of an older, wiser woman, Miss Clara. “She’s almost like a mentor to the wife,” Hullfish said.
Kendrick Brothers is known for movies with a Christian faith foundation, as can be seen in the tag line for War Room: “Prayer is a powerful weapon.”
Hullfish was born in Washington, D.C., but moved around due to his father’s Air Force career. After graduating with a degree in broadcast communications in New York, he decided to follow his then-girlfriend to Chicago — “and I stayed,” he said. “I love Chicago, the city, the vibe.” It’s has offered plenty of exposure to television productions and now the feature film industry.
Married and with a child on the way, Hullfish looked to move to the suburbs. He has been a happy Naperville resident, still living in the original house, for 16 years. “We love the neighborhood we moved to, we know everyone, are friends with everyone,” Hullfish said. His business’ home base and edition suite is at 800 West Fifth Ave.
When not writing or editing, Hullfish spends his time teaching, close and far. He recently got back from three weeks teaching at state-run television in Vietnam, and he is looking forward to more opportunities to share his knowledge. “It was an eye-opening experience,” he said.
Hullfish planned to spend the opening weekend in Raleigh, N.C., with friends he toured with in the early ’80s through the education organization Up With People. “I will take them to see the movie,” he said.
Daina Saleh is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.