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Track star runs his way onto big screen |
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Thursday, 14 February 2008 |
 Appalachian freshman Jake Goodchild runs in a track meet in the upcoming film “Me & You, Us, Forever.” Special to The Appalachian; http://www.meyouusforever.com/statechamp.htm
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by KELSEY OHLEGER
Intern Lifestyles Reporter
When freshman Jake R. Goodchild began running seven years ago, he ran for the competitiveness of the sport.
At that time, he had no idea his ability would earn him a role in a big screen movie.
On Feb. 15, the film “Me & You, Us, Forever” will premiere in 83 cities in 34 states, including 10 North Carolina cities.
The movie is a Christian film produced by Dave Christiano.
This film is not only Goodchild’s first, but actually his very first time acting.
“[Christiano’s] daughter was a freshman on the track team during my junior year,” Goodchild said. “I
was asked to be the main character’s flash back because he saw how much I looked like the actor… I
took the role because it was one of those opportunities in life that you can’t turn down.”
Goodchild’s character is the 17-year-old flash back version of “Dave,” a man who is being forced into
divorce and cannot help but think about his high school sweetheart.
Like Goodchild, his character is also a high school track star.
Although he fit the look for the part, Goodchild had no previous acting experience.
“I have wanted to act because I’ve always been the type to joke around and try to entertain people, but
since I played sports, I never had time to try out for school plays. I’m also a big movie buff so I’m
interested in acting.”
Goodchild filmed his role in the movie over a period of three days beginning in North Carolina and
ending in Spartanburg, S.C.
 Actress Kathryn Worsham (l) plays out a scene with Appalachian State freshman Jake Goodchild (r). Special to The Appalachian; http://www.christianfilms.com/myuf.htm
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At the beginning of the production, he was overwhelmed and unsure of what to expect.
“It was definitely a different experience, but I knew what I was there for and I approached it like a job. I
just tried my best to do what [Christiano] was looking for.”
Kathryn Worsham, from Houston, plays Goodchild’s fictional girlfriend in the film.
The two met on set during the first day of filming.
“In between takes we were talking and we got to know each other pretty quickly,” Goodchild said. “We
both knew what we were there for and it wasn’t hard to just act natural.”
Christiano’s isntruction also helped Goodchild find the ability to be natural.
Even when the actors grew tired, Christiano helped to motivate the cast.
“Sometimes I didn’t know what to do and Dave just told me to be myself and act as if I would. He had
a very descriptive image of what he wanted and I just tried my best to
do that,” Goodchild said. “His energy just made you want to do more
takes and make them even better.”
Although Goodchild has had a beneficial jumpstart into the business, pursuing acting is not high on his
list of priorities.
“Right now I’m focused on school and track, but if anyone approached me to act for another movie I would be all for it.”
Goodchild currently competes in the Heptathlon and Decathlon events for Appalachian’s varsity track
team.
These events include combinations of pole-vault, shot put, discus, javelin, long and high jump, hurdles
and different distances of sprints.
Goodchild will view the movie for the first time on the release date.
He is traveling to Hickory for the night with his closest friends to share the experience.
“I’ve never seen myself on camera except for sports related experiences so it’s going to be interesting
watching myself act for the first time. I will be even more nervous because it will be on the big screen,”
Goodchild said.
For more information about the movie, and Goodchild, visit MeYouUsForever.com.
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