CRISSY PASCUAL / Union-Tribune A soundstage has been set up at the back of New Song Community Church for the filming of a movie about a high school student who finds himself in crisis.

CRISSY PASCUAL / Union-Tribune Jim Britts, youth pastor at the Oceanside church, wrote the screenplay for "How To Save a Life," an independent movie.

At the rear of the church, a soundstage has been set up, where cameras began rolling last month for “How To Save a Life,” an independent movie written by resident youth pastor Jim Britts.

Filming on Britts' third screenplay, the first to make it into production, will continue for two weeks at the church and around the community. Britts said film is a way to carry a positive message to troubled teenagers.

“There are so many kids out there that are hurting,” he said.

Britts joined with New Song executive pastor Steve Foster to create the film. Originally, the two planned a small-scale movie with film students and volunteer actors from the congregation.

However, interest in the project grew. Soon Hollywood cinematographer Brian Baugh signed on as director, and independent filmmaker Nicole Franco agreed to produce a full-length movie.

Franco heard about the idea through a friend and was skeptical, but she came aboard after reading the “very good” script.

“My goal is to be involved in filmmaking and entertainment that makes the world a better place,” Franco said.

The screenplay follows Jake, a high school athlete and all-around popular guy, who finds himself in crisis. After Jake's childhood friend commits suicide and he learns his girlfriend, Amy, is pregnant, he contacts a youth pastor and seeks a Christian perspective on life.

Some of Britts' experiences as a youth pastor made their way into the screenplay.

CRISSY PASCUAL / Union-Tribune Actor Randy Wayne (in photo at right) listened to director Brian Baugh (right).

One scene involves the lead character attending a party where he is pressured to play beer pong, a drinking-game version of pingpong. Jake refuses, drops the ball and walks out of the party. The scene is based on a real-life experience described to Britts by a member of the youth group. The young man will be playing opposite the lead in the scene.

The film's positive message was a major draw for cast members such as Deja Kreutzberg, 25, who plays Amy. Her credits include 28 episodes of “As the World Turns” and appearances on television shows such as “CSI: Miami” and “Hope & Faith.” The film's uplifting message was a reason she signed on as the female lead.

“I hope it inspires people to be nicer to other people,” Kreutzberg said.

The production team is in talks with major distribution companies that deal with religious-themed films. The plan is to have the movie released nationally, said publicity coordinator Lisa Frost.

“It's not just a Christian thing,” Frost said. “We hope it will reach a lot of people.”

Monica Unhold is a Union-Tribune intern.