Cast and Crew at ChristyFest™ 2008
The following Cast and Crew members are scheduled to appear ChristyFest™ 2008.
To read more about their events, please check out the ChristyFest™ Schedule!
 CBS Series |
 Crew CBS Series |
 Executive Producer/Writer [PAX] |
 CBS Series & PAX Movie |
 CBS Series |
 CBS Series & Pax Movies |
 Pax Movies |
 CBS Series & Pax Movies |
We are pleased to welcome Bonita back to ChristyFest™ this year. Much loved for her unforgettable portrayal of Mary Allen, Bonita has a sparkling personality and great sense of humor. Bonita will happily answer questions about her character and explain about her experiences on the set. She will also be pleased to sign autographs and chat with fans. Bonita now has her own youngin' - and has fun tales of the time she's had to "borrow" children for her role as the prolific Mary Allen!
Please note that due to circumstances beyond our control, Bonita Allen could not attend CF 2008.
Crew CBS Series
Lane Batot worked on several aspects of the Christy series, and engagingly shares about his experiences. He has been involved in several productions over the years, and has varied experiences in many interesting fields. Lane graduated from Western Carolina University in 1982 with degrees in Anthropology and Biology. He also spent a summer in Africa with Jane Goodall. Currently he is a keeper at the Cypress Swamp and Australia exhibits at the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro. ChristyFest™ is delighted to have him back!
Executive Producer/Writer for the PAX Movies
Tom is an award-winning Writer, Producer, and Director. His television credits range from Science Fiction (Farscape, Quantum Leap, Swamp Thing) to action adventure (The A-Team, Walker Texas Ranger, Hunter) to family drama (Fame L.A., Twice in a Lifetime, Catherine Marshall's Christy).
A veteran of writing, producing, and directing - and still quite busy with it - he is also currently an active member of the Director's Guild and Writer's Guild of America. Additionally, he is a charter member of the WGA's Writers Education Committee. He has also served on the Writer's Peer Group Executive Committee and College Emmy jury at the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
Tom Blomquist currently teaches at Cal State University at Long Beach. He is a treasured guest, and friend, of many here at ChristyFest™ where he talks about his experience on the series and films and helps all attendees learn, love, and appreciate the work behind creating the legacy of Christy.
You can learn more about Tom by checking out the Related Links.
We are pleased to welcome Jo to ChristyFest™ this year. Jo was the Casting Director, on location, for the Christy CBS Series. Jo has had a hand in helping shape many important movies -among them, The Color Purple, The Client, The Thin Red Line, and many other influential films. In 1997 she received an award for "Best Casting for Feature Film" from the Casting Society of America for her work on The People Vs Larry Flynt. She was also nomination for this award in 1999 for her work on the much loved October Sky. ChristyFest™ is delighted to have Jo this year!
Buck is back! Ever a booming presence, Jeffrey "Buck" Ford will be at ChristyFest™ 2008. Bursting with creativity Buck has seemingly done it all - acting, writing, martial arts and everything in between [and beyond]. Most recently he has penned the poignant story of his family "River of No Return". Buck is the eldest son of "Tennessee" Ernie Ford and shares with readers his experiences growing up and maturing. Buck also does voice-over work for radio and TV and is working on his first novel.
Originally from Ohio, Mike is a transplant down to Tennessee where he currently resides. He is a loved regular to ChristyFest™. Those meeting him the first time might be expecting a scowl or some sort of rude greeting but Mike is nothing like Bird's Eye Taylor in real life. Friendly and informative, Mike is happy to share his memories of working on the series and the PAX movies.
A veteran of many projects, on and off the screen, Mike's creative past lends flavor and fun to all his stories. ChristyFest™ welcomes back the best loved 'bad guy' of the cove!
You can learn more about Mike by checking out the Related Links.
Brenda Lilly is an accomplished writer, having worked on a wide variety of projects. A veteran of Christy her repertoire includes many other wonderful works such as creating the critically acclaimed period show, Saving Grace. Brenda is currently developing Gentle's Holler, a new family friendly screenplay based on Kerry Madden's novels set in Maggie Valley, NC. Brenda also teaches a screen writing course at Western Carolina University. She will be producing the play Return of an Angel in Asheville in the Fall and heading up the screen writing competition committee for the Asheville Film Festival. We are delighted to have Brenda at ChristyFest™ 2008!
Andy Stahl is a veteran of film and TV having participated in a multitude of projects. He is a fan favorite for his superb portrayal of Tom McHone in the Christy Series and PAX Films. Andy has lived in various places in the US and abroad, and is always busy whether it be with acting, family, or pursuing some of his other varied interests. ChristyFest™ is pleased to have Andy at the Festival this year to hear about his latest antics and projects!