Behind the Scenes of The Chosen: Trevecca Student Naomi Nekrasov’s Summer on Set of the Hit TV Show

Written by Naomi Nekrasov

"What's your name?" Jesus asked.
"I'm Naomi," I said, handing him an ice pack to help endure the 95-degree heat.
"Thank you," he said as he shook my hand with a smile, and turned away.

He wore that ice pack as he ascended the stage, the crowds screaming "crucify Him!" at the top of their lungs just the same as they had for the last five days.

This scene is just a taste of what it was like to work on the set of the hit biblical TV show "The Chosen." As a film & television student at Trevecca, I had the privilege and opportunity this summer to intern on Season 6 of this incredible show that follows the life, death and ministry of Jesus and His disciples.

From day one of this internship, I found myself working in the costume department of the show, a department that I soon learned is like a four-headed monster. One team within costumes is just in charge of organizing, laundering and setting dressing rooms for the main actors; another is occupied with actually creating the costume pieces; a third team is in charge of monitoring and maintaining the costumes while the actors are wearing them on set; and the final team is in charge of costuming the background actors, or "BG" as they are affectionately called. I had the honor of trying out a little bit of the work in each area - some days I was sewing hats for the background citizens, other days I was steaming the main characters' tunics, and still others I was handing out ice packs and fanning the actors on set in the blazing summer sun.

Working on "The Chosen" is a labor of love - all of us interns worked long 12-hour days just like the rest of the crew. We often woke up before sunrise to get to set on time, and for two weeks we even worked all night long and slept during the day! (We joked about becoming Batman those weeks.) Through the grueling hours and the unforgiving heat of Texas, I was absolutely struck by the resoluteness and positivity of the entire crew, including my fellow interns. Those of the crew that are outspoken in their Christian faith infused the entire culture of the set with the mission that they feel called to-spreading the Gospel through the medium of film. Their kindness, determination and faithfulness was contagious. So often, I heard crew members talk about the fact that there was something different about this set, including the fact that they had never been treated and taken care of so well on any other Hollywood production.

I think our moods were also often boosted by the heavenly array of foods and desserts that were supplied to us for free every day for lunch, for which I am eternally grateful.

Not only were the spiritual aspects of this internship so unique, but the responsibilities we took on as interns were also extremely rare for a production of this scale. Our leaders stressed to us over and over again that there are no other internships that bring film students in and allow them to actually work with lighting gear, interact with the actors, build their costumes, cook food for the crew and actively perform in so many other essential roles. The practical skills that we were taught were invaluable. I personally got to learn how to operate industrial sewing machines and learn skills in costume production including using patterns, building and repairing armor, embroidering stitches and so much more. Our department heads were so willing and ready to teach us their trade and set us up for success on future productions.

A little over a year ago, I was writing a similar article recapping my internship last summer at Kingdom Story Company, and I know at that time I had no idea, no plan, that I could possibly be writing a new story after returning from working at "The Chosen" for seven weeks. I did not have an inkling of the impact that it would have on my life, but I am so grateful that I know it now. The practical skills I learned, the training on set and the scenes that played out before me were all extremely valuable experiences, but the biggest thing I'm taking away from this internship is the connections I built while I was there. Much like the bonds between the characters in the show itself, the friendships I made on and off set were forged by spending hours and hours together doing hard work, laughing, crying, talking about movies and everything in between. I hope to build my career in the film industry on connections like these - friendships with filmmakers who want nothing more than to make movies together for the glory of God.

I am so grateful to Trevecca's film department for helping me to take part in this adventure, and especially to my professors Seth Conley and Adam Drake. For all future film students, I highly recommend applying for this internship.

If you would like to learn more about "The Chosen" or watch the show, you can check it out at thechosen.tv. Season 6 is set to premiere in 2027, and I cannot wait to witness in full the beautiful work of art that 5 & 2 Studios has worked so hard to produce and the ways this Season will impact viewers.

And, for just a few seconds, I'll get to see my name up there on the big screen when the credits roll. But, even if my name isn't there, and I was only able to help bring Scripture to life on screen. Dayenu! It will be enough!