Little Rock news anchor among Arkansans in 'God's Not Dead II'

As a KARK 4 News morning and noon anchor, Mallory Brooks is used to being in front of a camera for an Arkansas audience.

But she's usually doing a live broadcast — not filming a scene for a sequel to a nationally released film that grossed more than $60 million.

The Little Rock news anchor snagged a small role in the faith-based movie sequel God's Not Dead II, which was filmed at various Arkansas locations this summer.

Though Brooks and her character share the same profession, she said they don't share many other characteristics.

She plays "a tough, bulldog-type news anchor" in the film, she said, "which is very different from my role on our morning show."

"I was actually interviewing the producer from God's Not Dead II for a news story, and they happened to be looking for a news anchor for a scene they were shooting the next day," she said. "The timing was perfect, and we filmed the following night."

Shooting for the film, which is a follow-up to 2014's God's Not Dead, was a change of pace from the pressure of a live broadcast, Brooks said.

"The beauty of film is that we were able to do several takes," she said. "Thank goodness."

She shot her first scene in early September and a second scene earlier this week when the crew was in town to finish a few final scenes and wrap production.

"My character is a news anchor covering the story of Grace Wesley, a teacher who is being sued for proselytizing," she said.

Melissa Joan Hart stars as Grace Wesley. Other cast members include David Arquette and Jesse Metcalfe along with many Arkansas actors and extras.

Brooks said she didn't have an opportunity to meet the cast, "but the crew was wonderful to work with, and they said they loved the time they spent in Little Rock for the movie."

Arizona-based Pure Flick Film Entertainment shot much of the film in the state Capitol and the Pulaski County courthouse throughout the summer.

Filmmakers told the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette that incentives from the state drew them to Little Rock. Production companies are eligible for tax rebates on production costs as well as payroll taxes for crew members who are Arkansans. The film's producer, Michael Scott, also said the Capitol's ornate architecture and aesthetics were a draw.

"The film world is fascinating, and it was fun seeing a behind-the-scenes look at how a movie is produced and shot," Brooks said. "I am excited for Arkansans to see this because Little Rock is such a big part of the film. Hundreds of Arkansans are extras in this film, so you're sure to see someone you'll know."

KARK reporter Victoria Price also makes an appearance in the film, she said.

God's Not Dead II is set to hit theaters April 1.

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