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LDS Podcast "Latter-Day Lights" - Inspirational LDS Stories
Popular LDS Podcast "Latter-Day Lights" gives members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints the opportunity to share their stories of inspiration and hope to other members throughout the world. Stories that members share on Latter-Day Lights are very entertaining, and cover a wide range of topics, from tragedy, loss, and overcoming difficult challenges, to miracles, humor, and uplifting conversion experiences! If you have an inspirational story that you'd like to share, hosts Scott Brandley and Alisha Coakley would love to hear from you! Visit LatterDayLights.com to share your story and be on the show.
LDS Podcast "Latter-Day Lights" - Inspirational LDS Stories
The Hidden Temple Symbolism of the Cleansing of the Leper: Taylor Riley's Story - Latter-Day Lights
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How do we move forward from being healed to being truly cleansed?
In this week’s episode of Latter-Day Lights, filmmaker Taylor Riley of “Scripture Central” and “Messages of Christ” shares the remarkable story behind “The Cleansing of the Leper”, a Praiseworthy Award-winning short film that brings one of the Bible's most overlooked passages to life.
Together with Scott and Darla, we explore the rich symbolism found in Leviticus 14 and Mark 1, uncovering profound connections between the cleansing ritual, the Savior's Atonement, and the sacred patterns that continue throughout the restored gospel.
Taylor also gives a behind-the-scenes look at filming on the Church's Goshen set, the creative process of translating ancient scripture into visual storytelling, and the importance of helping modern audiences experience the scriptures beyond reading them.
Through powerful insights and personal experiences, this conversation invites us to see ourselves in the story of the leper and to remember that through Jesus Christ, healing is only the beginning, while true cleansing and transformation await all who come unto Him.
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To WATCH this episode on YouTube, visit: https://youtu.be/wrEmY5y0xWg
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To WATCH Taylor’s film, “The Cleansing of the Leper,” visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kl0CCIj0Fg8&t
To WATCH more of Taylor’s work on “Scripture Central,” visit: https://www.scripturecentral.org/
To WATCH more of Taylor’s work on the “Messages of Christ” YouTube channel, visit: https://www.youtube.com/@messagesofChrist
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To READ Scott’s new book “Faith to Stay” for free, visit: https://www.faithtostay.com/
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Also, if you have a faith-promoting or inspiring story, or know someone who does, please let us know by going to https://www.latterdaylights.com and reaching out to us.
“Faith to Stay” by Scott Brandley
Scott BrandleyHey there, as a Latter Day Lights listener, I want to give you a very special gift today. My brand new book, Faith to Stay. This book is filled with inspiring stories, powerful discoveries, and even fresh insights to help strengthen your faith during the storms of life. So if you're looking to be inspired, uplifted, and spiritually recharged, just visit faithtostay.com. Now, let's get back to the show. Hey everyone, I'm Scott
Intro
Scott BrandleyBrandley.
Darla BrandleyAnd I'm Darla Brandley. Every member of the church has a story to share, one that can instill faith, invite hope, and inspire others.
Scott BrandleyOn today's episode, we're going to learn about how understanding and visualizing ancient scripture and rituals like that of cleansing the leper can impact how we present ourselves before the Lord on a daily basis. Welcome to Latter Day Lights.
Welcoming Taylor Riley to the show
Scott BrandleyTaylor Riley to the show. Welcome, Taylor.
Taylor RileyThank you very much. Appreciate it, Scott and Darla. Lots of amazing experiences that have gone into some of this film and other things that we've done recently.
Scott BrandleyThat's awesome.
Taylor in a nutshell
Scott BrandleySo um tell us a little bit about yourself.
Taylor RileyYeah, so I'm in Rexburg. I've been doing film um since I was probably 17 years old, 16, 17, and am entrepreneur at heart. So do lots of different startup businesses. And I have worked with Scripture Central for the last several years. It's a nonprofit organization that uh partners with the church in trying to uh teach ancient scripture, uh more modern scripture as well, and respond to a lot of issues that um Latter-day Saints and Christians are facing in the world today. And so I work on the Messages of Christ team, um, which is a YouTube channel, and we do explainer videos, short films, and that sort of thing. I do other businesses and stuff on the side as well. Um, but in in this case, we'll be focused on the scripture central side for tonight.
Scott BrandleyI can appreciate that. I'm an entrepreneur too, so it seems like you've always got some, you know, some idea going on in your head.
Taylor RileyYes, there's there's always like we gotta do some um some dream or fulfill some sort of wish that that uh I mean we all have them. Everyone wants to do something on the side or has some dream idea that they want to see come to fruition or wish they build, and and so I can't sit still in one spot. So some of it's like marketing for like insurance companies, outdoor master classes. Um, and then I'm like, well, I gotta stay plugged in with Latter-day Saint Creation and the spiritual side and get that fixed as well. So um I'm sure a lot of creators out there kind of dabble with a lot of different things though at once, and that's where I find myself.
Scott BrandleyIt's awesome. So family.
Taylor RileyUh I am married. I met my wife on my mission in California uh during COVID, and that uh I did a lot of media creation there as well. Um the mission was heavily involved with that, especially when COVID first started. And uh since then we've we've hopped around. We're now in Rexburg and have a daughter, and uh she's just the sweet, sweetest heart we could ever have. So um, yeah, and of course, growing, and we're still young, so there's lots to do.
Darla BrandleyWhereabouts in California did you serve?
Taylor RileyWe were in Reading or uh Roseville, so kind of like from Reading to um uh northern Sacramento area. Yeah, yeah.
Darla BrandleyMy daughter was in Sacramento, right during COVID, right?
Taylor RileyYeah, yeah, our neighbor for sure.
Darla BrandleyYeah, no, she said it was the second best mission in California. Oh Roseville.
Taylor RileyYes, uh Roseville probably was compared to no. I both I think were in the best place, best area of California, um, especially during that time. But yeah, there's a lot of a lot of cool innovation that came from that time um when it came to missionary work, and I think uh we as saints learned a lot about how to share the message um online and through media, and that kind of rolled in. It was on so part of a story here is um
Taylor’s work that led him to “The Cleansing of the Leper”
Taylor Rileyit was during COVID, or it was it was like the Christmas right before COVID, I think that the church released the Christ Child film. Um if you recall seeing that, and it was just kind of this really beautiful cinematic, the most beautiful cinematic video that I think they've ever done. And it's just like, wow, this this is different. Um and that when I came home from the mission inspired inspired some of the pieces that I worked on, and one of them was called Abraham and Sarah. Um, and that was kind of a telling of Abraham the story of Abraham and Isaac, but kind of included Sarah more in that picture and like them as a spouse couple. But then in 2024, uh we worked on the cleansing of the leper, and that was the most recent one where we really like I really want to try to tell these stories through um emotional images and like you know, where you can just relate with the reactions of folks rather than dialogue. Yeah, dialogue can sometimes be tricky because like you have to really land it right, like in order to have that right impact. And when you're doing short film, especially on a tight budget, sometimes that can be really tricky. Um so so uh yeah, that's a little bit about my background and kind of leading into the cleansing leper. Did lots of different films um in high school and whatnot, and uh, and then now I I write a couple scripts and and do a couple films um every few years and whatnot, just to to uh relieve that itch that comes.
Scott BrandleyThat's awesome. Yeah, well, you know, one of the coolest things that especially at your age is if you can follow your passion, right? And and really do something you love and get into that while you're young, you know, that's that's a great way to start your career.
Taylor RileySo yeah. There's um so with Scripture Central and kind of the messages of Christ like role that I fit in with um writing, there's a really big opportunity to teach um Latter-day Saints Christian, um, like broader Christian beliefs and doctrines that most Latter-day Saints don't really see, but it's like right there. So like there's a lot of stuff that we we do in our chapels and within the temple that is right there within like the Old Testament and the New Testament, but a lot of Latter-day Saints in particular aren't looking close enough to like really see it. And so when we go to like turn that into film, it's super eye-opening, and they're like, Oh my gosh, I never thought of it. It's like, well, it's right there, and you just didn't quite visualize it. You know, you've seen so many other depictions of um you know the New Testament and whatnot, but the Old Testament has a lot of opportunity because there's there's not a lot of coverage, like not
How the idea for the film came to life spontaneously
Taylor Rileya lot of people have made um stories on some of or films on some of these really, really unique stories. And so what was interesting is like Daniel Smith, he's the producer of the cleansing of the leper. Um, he had come to me and said, I want to work on this, want to work on this film. And I was like, Okay, cool. Like, I want to do something about the cleansing of the leper. I'm like, okay, so what? Like what what's significant about like that story, you know, because again, you just kind of read over it and skim past that. Um he's like, there's a lot of interesting rituals that show up in the old testament, and they are actually connected with the um endowment and with the initiatory ordinances of uh the Latter-day Saint temples. I was like, okay, yeah, we'll we'll look into that. And so I kind of brushed it for a little bit until I was like, okay, we need to we have an opportunity to go film at the church's Goshen set. We have one day to film. And what do we what do we want B-roll for? And originally the thought was just like, let's get B-roll of this ritual so that we could use it for some of our explaining explainer videos. And we said this before last time when we said, let's get some b-roll of Abraham and Sarah, like just go out and do a shoe and just get B-roll. But then as you get to that point, you're like, Well, we're already going through all the effort of getting all the props and the cast there. Just give them lines and just turn it into a short film and so that people can enjoy it, and we can use it for B-roll. And so we already had gone through this with Abraham, and the writing on the wall was coming with the leper, and we're like, All right, we're not doing a b-roll shoot, let's just put a simple, simple script together that we could knock out from sunrise to sundown, um, and and get
Leviticus 14 and Mark 1
Taylor Rileyin and get done. And so I studied through um it's Levitic, uh, Leviticus chapter 14 and Mark chapter one, both Old and New Testament. And when I read it, it so it goes like this you have uh Jesus who has a leper approach him. Um a leper comes kneeling down and says, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. Jesus moved with compassion, put forth his hand, touches him, and says unto him, I will be thou clean. Then the leper, as soon as Jesus speaks, leaves Jesus and he was cleansed, he's and Jesus straightway charged him and sent the leper away, and then says, Uh see thou say nothing to any man, but go thy way, show thyself to the priest, and offer for for thy cleansing those things which Moses commanded for testimony unto him. But he went out and began to publish it much and to blaze abroad the matter. And so there's kind of this unique um piece in here where the leper is told by Jesus to go to the priest and do the things that Moses commanded. But we're not like we're like, yeah, so what is that? Like that could be that could mean a lot of things. Um, that's where Leviticus 14 comes in. So Leviticus 14 is the law that Moses gives to the people, and Moses tells them that if you have leprosy, these are all the things that you need to do. You need to present yourself. And if you have shown that you are a healed leper, um, then you need to go through this cleansing process. So you were somehow healed. Now you need to go through the cleansing process. And the leper was healed by Jesus. Now Jesus is saying, go to the priest and go through this cleansing process and and do the cleansing process that I told Moses essentially. And so here's the cleansing process. It's it's really awesome, really uh interesting. At first reading,
The cleansing process
Taylor Rileyyou're like, what the in the world? So he says, Um, bring two birds that are alive and clean, cedar wood, uh, scarlet, and hyssop. And then you have a clay bowl, you pour water in the in that bowl, and then you you slit one of the the birds um there, and and then the blood goes into the bowl. That bird is then tied with cedar wood, hyssop, and scarlet, and dabbed into that bowl of water and blood, and then sprinkled onto the leper. And then after this, um the other bird, because we had two birds, the other bird is let free into a field, an open field. And we'll break some of this down here because I just think this is really interesting, and there's reasons why we wanted to show this. So the the bird is then let free. Then the priest has to tell the leper, okay, leper, you need to go wash your clothes, you need to wash your hair, you need to shave your hair. Uh, in this case, they would be shaving their beard, they'd be shaving their eyebrows. Um do this, uh tarry abroad and you out uh out of your tent or out of your house for seven days, and then on the seventh day, uh shave all that, and then come to the temple on the eighth day, bring three lambs, bring oil, and bring uh let's see, flour. Okay, so then he needs to show up with all these things. So first we have the birds, then we have the cleansing and the shaving, and then we have come to the temple and bring your offering. So that's what I was reading. I'm like, what? But but when he shows up at the temple, some really fascinating stuff starts happening. So the priest is taking this jar of oil, and this is where, as Lattery Saints, you can start to perhaps draw some lines or or comparisons between your experience um in the temple. Um, and so he says, uh, the priest shall take some of the log of oil and pour it into the palm of his left hand. The priest shall dip his right finger in the oil that is left in his left hand, shall sprinkle of the oil with his finger seven times before the Lord. And so the priest has taken the oil and he's dipping in his hand, and then he's sprinkling it towards the door of the temple. Um, then they take the lambs back behind into the courtyard, they sacrifice the lambs, and then they bring that blood forward, and then they put the blood on the leper's um ear, on his right ear, on his right thumb, and on his right toe. And then um after that, it they also pour oil on his head, and he's anointed as a he's anointed in that way.
Takeaways from the film
Taylor RileySo that's kind of like setting it, setting the stage for all of this, um, as far as like the context of what I was being asked to write and to depict. And again, it was just like, what like this is not something that we typically will ever show. But if we can show it right and do it right, then there will be a couple of things that we hope people would get out of it, and that would be that people would start to understand that um becoming cleansed before the Lord is a process and it takes a lot of effort on our part. Um, and and in this case, like when you start to break down this this ritual, you have one bird that is being sacrificed while the other is being set free. And when you think about that, like like Christ is that bird that is being sacrificed for us, and we are the bird that's set free. Um, there's other areas, other things you can think about, like the blood, the water that is being combined and mixed and sprinkled on the leper to cleanse him. Um that cedar wood is involved with this, almost like you know, the wood. And you can think of like comparisons like the wood of the cross, the sacrifice that goes into that aspect. Um, the shaving and the cleansing there, you know, anytime people are gonna become cleansed before the Lord, there's often like a washing process, and in that, like the Lord asks us to be baptized and to be cleansed, um, and to uh take our his name upon us. So when he goes through the process of shaving, uh it's like, yeah, okay, so what? Like I shave every day, but not in that culture, not in that culture. If you shaved, like this was humiliating. This was like this was like um masculinating. Yeah, it's like walking in this the sacrament, um, into the sacrament, and basically just standing at the very front and not being able to take the sacrament in front of like everyone. That that could be the feeling that maybe someone who was shaved might have felt just like exposed, you know, and like oh that guy is that guy's going through it. Yeah, it's a very vulnerable thing. Um, you have that part of the process, and then you have this part where you're to bring an offering before the Lord to his house and where he is going to um take that sacrifice where all you have to do is bring those items and you are cleansed. Like there's there's really nothing that you need to do uh personally other than just bring that and and he would cleanse you. Um not maybe not a big deal, um, but really important because maybe you had to sell certain things in order to get those those lambs or um the oil or the flour, whatever. Then once that's done and the lamb is sacrificed, you have that blood that's being put on the ear and the thumb and the toe. And with those pieces there, you're thinking about like you're like Jesus is taking this from you from head to toe, like his blood is covering you from head to toe. So, again, kind of going back to like what are we doing and how are we gonna cover this? Um, again, just thinking about it being a b-roll shoe originally, but after starting to read through this, um, the the thought that kind of came to me was like we need to show this in a way that that this is the experience of someone who has wanted to change for so long and like wanted to come clean for so long, finally feels like that freedom that comes from the Lord and uh and is doing everything out of gratitude, like has nothing but gratitude filling their heart, and they just want to express that through complete obedience, um, and uh and and like that fulfilling uh feeling that comes is overcoming. Um because otherwise we would just read this text as you know, the leper is healed from Jesus, and then just like you know, and it's done.
Darla BrandleyIt is interesting that Christ though, because he hasn't he hadn't sacrificed yet, he hadn't had done the atonement yet. He still was following the law of Moses, and this is what you still need to do, and this is still what needs to happen for you to be cleansed, right? Yeah, I find that very fascinating.
Taylor RileyYeah, it's like um, and the leper like has to one believe that Jesus did heal him and then go through these actions. Um, and there's a whole conversation that can be had there about like grace, works, faith works, etc. of just like believing that our Lord can heal us and change us, and then like we go through these steps. And when I when we were doing this, I'm like, man, we have it way easier than these guys. Like these guys were shunned from their house for like seven days, and like, you know, there is a whole lot that uh, you know, I'm not gonna discount the experiences that we have to go through and and the the things that we have to overcome in our day, but this was a little bit more public um in many cases.
Darla BrandleySo there's that sometimes that's good because then then they actually feel like they've done the steps and and and people see it and see that they've made progress. Where sometimes because it's all internal now, like you know, for at least for me, you know, like it's internal that maybe I don't do I really do I really deserve it, or you know, I don't know. Sometimes being internal and not being out there and doing those steps can sometimes make you feel like you're not there yet. I don't know. I'm yeah probably just off a field.
Taylor RileyWell, it is that's true because like self like having uh accountability to um you know to church leadership to maybe a bishop or to uh leaders of sorts is is helpful in moving you forward, um, or even you know, those that uh you can confide in with some of uh your your sins or transgressions that you're trying to overcome, your weaknesses. Um yeah, we all have those that we are trying to overcome. Uh those of the Old Testament and the the process that they go through to seek atonement is just like it's uh it's baffling in some ways. So
Casting Gavriel Wise LaDue + the process of filmmaking
Taylor Rileyso yeah, we study the script uh or study the the material. Start piecing this together. And kind of like I had mentioned, I like to try to go for a style that's similar to the Christ Child because it's calling for less dialogue and less uh requirement from the cast to memorize lines. And if we can get some good cinematography, then we could try to tell the story with that. So that was the goal. Um, and then we have the material that we're trying to embed into this story. And we're on a super crunch timeline. We have less than a month to piece all of it together. Um, and again, one day to make it happen. So you're trying to find livestock, you're trying to find all the props and extras, and uh, and so we had a really great uh volunteer group that came together. Um, many wonderful hands, including Spencer Nelson, who filmed the project, um, the film, and then Daniel Smith, the producer, um uh Skylar Sorensen as associate producer, and uh a several amazing uh cast members, including including um Gabriel Wise Ledou, who has premiered recently as the new Jesus uh for the church's videos, the Easter videos. Okay, so so yeah, so that the new Jesus that we're seeing coming out in these new films, um, that's Gabriel. So in Facebook, you do a lot of casting calls in Facebook, Facebook groups, and I put out a casting call for the leper, and a couple people were responding and commenting on it and stuff, and I just like I wasn't feeling it with the people that were responding, but then someone liked the post, and I clicked on the likes and it was Gabriel, and I was like, I checked out his profile, I'm like, that guy, that's the guy. Why didn't he like why hasn't he engaged? And so I reached out, I'm like, dude, I I know you saw the post, like I think you would be perfect for this. And he's like, I really want to do it, but I'm waiting for a big role. I'm like, okay, and he's like, and so I don't know if I could shave my head, and I'm like, okay, I understand that. And he's like, it's a really, really big role. Like, all right, I get it. Uh but well, if you can, you know, let me know. And so he was kind of like waiting, and he couldn't really get back to me about whether or not he could do the role. And then last second, I was like, Hey, are you in? And he's like, I can do it. I'm like, okay, awesome. And so he comes aboard as leopard, and yeah, the mo the pinnacle of the film was the shaving, and that's my favorite part, is because it's just like this really tender moment of him, you know. I hope you could have a chance to watch it, but it's basically that we've we watched it. You guys did, and hopefully, listeners can go through and see this moment where like um you are being transformed, and you're kind of left in your own thoughts. It's like that moment of self-reflection of like, this is the moment of like becoming something new, and it's it's the transformation that's taking place. Do you guys know what I'm talking about?
Darla BrandleyYes, and and actually I felt like he in the portrayed like like almost like a relief, like uh he was doing this because he really was like, This is where I need to be.
Taylor RileyYeah, there's like a lot of volunteering in that in the process, and it's not like oh, I'm being forced to shave my head. Like, how many times are we told that like you need to like do this and like you need to be better, you saints, and and this, and you're just like, Oh, shave my head, you know, versus like I'm gonna shave my head and like I'm gonna shave my eye because this is what I need to do, yeah. Yeah, so it was almost like it was a sacred experience for him, yes, very yeah, and and those experiences like I have had, and many saints have had, and in Christians who I think you just get to this moment of you're like, I don't want to be what I used to be anymore, and I'm excited. Like I will do whatever I need to do, and I'm excited, and like this moment just feels like it's the spiritual momentum, like behind you, pushing you uh into that sacred space, and to to feel that support from like the angels around you, um, those on the other side, and you and sometimes those in the community. Um, those are my favorite experiences in life, and that I feel like was this moment for the leper, and moments that we should all be seeking after all the time. So, anyways, Gabriel, a good man. He decided he joins the project, and I just loved his work, like he just did a phenomenal job and exceeded the expectations that we had for this role. And um, I wasn't even there for that, was the only scene I was not there for because I was working with the extras trying to get them ready, and so I was just like trusting, and that's probably why it was the best scene because I wasn't there, other people were working on it. Um, but I was trying to get everything ready because we were down to the last hours of the day. And after watching it, like when I watched it for the first time, I was like, you nailed it, and he never told me about this other role until I saw the pictures in the media coming out months after of him as the the Jesus in the new Easter videos, and I'm like, dude, is this the role that you were like talking about? He's like, Yeah, I'm like, how you shaved your head, and how did it work? He's like, it grew back fast enough, and and they they ended up calling me back and wanted me, and I'm just like, wow, and I think they did some extensions and other things too. But I was just mind blown. I'm like, what a blessing. Um, what a blessing to have worked with him and and to uh for him to have had the opportunity to play that role as well. So it's just a fun little tender mercy that was kind of put in there um on short notice and under unique circumstances. So so, anyways, we get um we get going and we get filming, and like I said, we have a day. So things uh in those early hours of the day are starting to move really slow. We're like, are we gonna catch up? We finally catch up on script, and right like right as we needed to get out of Goshen, we were able to finish filming um those last shots, and it was just a huge relief that we were able to do that. And uh we walked away with the cleansing of the leper, uh, the untold story as a short film. Um, and the experience that I had in this production was was one where I felt like where I started to really internalize, like we all truly are the leper, and we all have these experiences that we need to be going through, um, these cleansing processes, and it's gonna look different for everyone. It might not look exactly like the law of Moses did, where it's just step by step by step. It might be kind of a roundabout way that you end up getting to the goal. But um, but in the end, Christ does receive us at the door um of his temple uh to tell us you're cleansed, you're not just healed, but you're now you're cleansed, and it's kind of a two-step process. So you you might have moments in your life where you feel like Jesus has healed you or like he's he's touched your life, and those are like those awakening, like enlightening moments, and then from there comes like the purification, and like when you feel like those moments hit, like lean into them because I feel like that's when you really need to purify for something in your life, some sort of revelation or something that could come um to prepare you for what the Lord has. So that's just kind of a really high-level recap of some of the some of the context of the story and then a little bit of the production.
Scott BrandleyYeah, there's some really cool parallels, you know, between what you share in the movie and and some of the beliefs that we have as members of the church, right? So I really appreciate you pulling those out because we like you said at the beginning, we don't see a lot of that, we don't focus on a lot of it in the in the church, but when you see it, you're like, wow, that's pretty powerful, right?
Taylor RileyYeah, you have a lot of comparisons.
Symbolic comparisons
Taylor RileyUm, okay, there's a a couple things I would love to touch on here, like symbolic comparisons that that overlooked. Um, so when you look at like anointing, the whole that whole concept of anointing, why would like the most scum of scums be anointed? Like, why would the leper of all people on the street be someone who would have the opportunity to be anointed? Because that was not a common thing with with these like um offerings, these processes that people would go through. So, like the Bible, you have all the laws, right? Moses presents 600 something laws, and if you break this law, then you gotta provide a bit a guilt offering and a sin offering and a trespass offering, and but the leper is one of um, if not the only ones that has the process of being like anointed in that. So again, why would the most bottom of the totem pole or of society be anointed? What does messiah mean? What does Christ mean? What are those translated as the anointed one? That's the translations for Messiah and for Christ in Greek and Hebrew. And so Jesus is anointed, the high priest is anointed, so Aaron's anointed, like at the concept at the dedication of the tabernacle. Um, he goes through this process of being cleansed and um blood sprinkled on him and whatnot, or you know, in in that whole process, and then you have the leper. So Christ, the high priest, and then the leper. And I think the story of the leper is that we are all the leper, right? And so we we can all be anointed through this process and and through uh the story teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ, Latter-day Saints, we do become anointed. Um, everyone on this earth has the opportunity to go receive these ordinances at the temple and to present themselves as clean and holy before the Lord. That's that's an open ticket for those that are willing to take it and follow those steps to become anointed uh kings and queens, priests and priestesses. That's a huge blessing that uh we are also overlooked because you're like you walk away and you're like endowed, and you you know, you got your temple bag, and and that was your first day, and you're like, cool, I'm anointed. I'm a I'm a king. Like, do you realize? Like, do we really understand that the identity with that? So that's cool. Just a just an extra little thing there that um in the process was just like wow, you're constantly learning. Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Scott BrandleyThat's awesome. Um, I
On filming in Goshen
Scott Brandleydo want to you just share a little bit about going to Goshen and seeing the set there. Because I mean most members of the church aren't gonna go to Goshen to see the set. Can you tell us a little bit about it? Um, and what that experience is like, yeah, for sure.
Taylor RileyUm it's like a giant block of styrofoam in the middle of nowhere. Uh it's like styrofoam covered with concrete, but it looks really pretty. Um, yeah, so Goshen is is uh kind of out near um south of Utah Lake. So it really is in the middle of nowhere. I don't know if the church does tours or not still out there, but for those that don't know, you know, this is where the chosen has been filmed for many scenes, especially Jerusalem scenes. Um the churches filmed the Bible videos there, which I think was the first kind of the primary reason why Goshen was originally built was to get those Bible project by or Bible videos um produced. And then from there, there's actually a lot of Book of Mormon videos that have been produced there. Um in uh everyone's at this point probably seen the first episodes of the of Nephi, you know, that's taking place in Goshen, you know. So lots of that has been filmed over the years in Goshen. Um it is a it is a very big set as far as like the numbers go of how big and all that the acreage, I couldn't tell you, but it is it is massive, and it's very interesting walking into different set, different pieces of the set, and you're like, I recognize that, but it's different, or like I've seen that before, but it's different. It's all because of camera angles, guys. It's mind games, tricks. Uh the way that cameras can can portray certain areas and spaces to appear bigger or smaller, it's it's a fun thing. Um, and so like the I think the coolest part of Goshen is probably the temple area because you have um you have the court of the Gentiles, which is the large, the very large open courtyard with the pillars that people often see in the videos. So that's the court of the gentiles. Um, and then and that's Solomon's porch. That's the big um colonnade there that you've got. Now, for the filming's sake, they only have one side of Solomon's porch created. They don't have it's not three or four-sided like you would um expect to see in real life. And so there's times where like I'm watching the shows and I'm like, oh, they they generated that. They generated that because like they're creating the box, they're creating the corners, and it's like it's not there. So from a filmmaking perspective, it's kind of fun seeing those different pieces. Um, but yeah, they've got one large colonnade, they've got um the I forget what the entry gate there is that goes into the court of the women, but that's the gate between court of gentiles, court of the women, and that's where we put the leper to present himself to the priest. So we wanted to film this, like he's like just got healed by Jesus, and he's like, I'm going to this temple, I'm gonna make a scene, I'm gonna run through the court of the Gentiles, and we're like, let's have fun with the pillars and everything, and and the people, and so that's why we picked that spot because it most people can recognize it from the chosen or from the Bible videos. Um they runs through there and then he's presenting himself right outside the court of women. And if he had run through the court of the women, it probably would have been way too big of a scene and and kind of almost unrealistic, like from a scholar point of view. So the court of the women is where you have those big posts, and the posts are where the menores go. So these posts, I forgot the actual name of them, but I think they're like 75 to 100 feet tall. Um uh historically, they're much shorter for the set, but I believe in the chosen, the chosen does put menorahs on top of the posts as it's supposed to be. Um, you have the Nikonor gate, which is that big golden door that we show. Beyond that, everything that you've ever seen beyond that is CGI, like beyond that Nikonor gate to build the actual temple um uh construct with like the inner court and like the Holy of Holies, and yeah, beyond that gate, it would be very expensive for tithe payers. So uh that's why they don't do that, guys. Um, we can do UCGI for some things. We didn't use uh we didn't recreate that, but um, you'll see in the chosen, you'll see the the front golden plates plating of uh the temple itself of Herod's temple um in the New Testament era. So yeah, to film in those places, um really special, really unique. You you have uh sort of reverence there because you know what has come before you um with all the productions, and it's uh you want to live up to that sacredness and respect. Um and and of course, there's that expectation too, naturally, um, from from the staff and from uh you know everyone that you're connected with, but everyone's professional and whatnot and and maintains that spirit. And so um hopefully that paints a little bit of a picture, but yeah, like I said, it's it's a game of angles. You walk down one street and then you could flip the other direction, and a totally different scene is filmed and in the other direction. So very unique experience, I will say.
Darla BrandleyThat's fun. That's so fun.
Scott BrandleyYep.
Taylor’s future plans
Scott BrandleySo what's what's in your future? What are you what are you working on, or what are you plan on doing moving forward?
Taylor RileyWe have discussed uh different projects that would be focused on the tabernacle of Moses, um specifically the anointing of Aaron. So kind of in a similar vein of thought, because uh again, just trying to help people like visualize those experiences that like, oh, if I could watch this like in temple prep, and then you know, you you go into the temple and you're like, Oh, cool, yeah, same thing. It's just buildings white. Um, you know, not not the same thing, but to to be like, wow, I feel like this is a pattern, and and for that mental bridge to happen in in people's mind to connect would be a great thing, um, because there's a lot of misinformation on social media that just kind of makes it makes the temple seem so um uh so different in in a negative way. It's just like it um yeah, yeah, there's the cultish things that people will try to make the temple out to be. And it's like you know, if you can call it cultish now, then you might as well just call Moses and every the sons of Aaron and everything that they ever did cultish. This is a pattern that just continues. So to answer your question, to try to visualize and show those kind of things would be the projects, like the works for the future. Um yeah, hopefully in in a way that people can be like entertained but educated at the same time. So most of the work that I do um is kind of like that. Like uh I might not uh lean towards like the Hollywood like complete entertainment, but just kind of try to fill the gap there of the education and and historical accuracy so that people can you know see like okay, this is how it actually would have looked, and it's it's uh pretty uh historically accurate, and I can appreciate that.
Scott BrandleyYeah, yeah. Well, I I think it adds an appreciation for even some of the things that we do, but it it adds depth to it and meaning too. So I think that's really cool.
Darla BrandleyAnd a
The importance of visualization and representation in LDS scripture
Darla Brandleyvisualization always is is very strong um educator. I think that's why you know movies are so you know prevalent even within the church. They make tons of videos and things like that, just because it's a good teacher visualization and and having it right in front of you.
Taylor RileyYeah, and and LDS content creators like always need to be careful about depicting you know temple ordinances, temple ceremonies, right? You but you can't go wrong with just sharing and and showcasing what the Bible does and like how it explains it as it was written. Um there's there's been things that people have tried to produce in the past that have kind of gone beyond that, and you're like, oh, you're kind of getting into eight areas you probably shouldn't. So if there are creators out there that uh are feeling a little the liberties coming when when thinking about that stuff, just I would highly advise, like do not do not go that direction, just stay within the scriptures and you'll be safe and can still educate. Um there's there is a sweet spot there. So but um yeah, I think that there's different things out there, like the the Christ child that have done a lot of good in inspiring a lot of creators. Um, that has been inspiring for me um and just create a different kind of spirit. Uh the chosen also does an excellent job. I'm sure you guys have talked a lot about the chosen and it's amazing. Um they do a great job, they get a lot of flack because people. You will say stuff about the historical accuracy side, and it's like, guys, sometimes they're not really going for that. Just calm down. They're just they're trying to help you understand and just like enjoy the scriptures. So yeah.
Scott BrandleyYeah. And and to appreciate what Christ did for us, right? Yes. Even from a high-level visualization, just what you're doing, right? Like it just adds so much more depth to that relationship between you and the savior, even if it's not 100% accurate. It's it's mostly like, you know what I mean?
Taylor RileyYeah, it does a good job. Someone was asking, like, do you guys are you gonna get any b-roll or show any b-roll in your film of like Jesus healing the leper? I'm like, no, we're not even gonna try to compete with the other Jesuses out there. But but I I could say I I should have said yes and said, Hey Gabe, will you act as both the leper and not realizing that you know, of course, we did have a Jesus on set uh the new one. Um so no, I think I think it would I think it was good not having that.
Darla BrandleyIt was more of of the of his personal experience, not everything else, you know, the whole big story. It's just his personal experience, and sometimes just having that personal experience with with our savior and our own personal experience with them is is can be very potent.
Taylor RileySo yeah,
Advice for LDS filmmakers
Taylor RileyI I agree. Yeah, so I I would say like for those that are are listening from the creation side of things, like the Latter-day Saint Creation, who are are just you know looking for different opportunities. There's because there's a lot of folks that have messaged me and and said like, hey, how do you how do you get into like filming these different things and stuff? And um and and I think really just trying to find jobs that align with that. So like if you're wanting to film more Latter-day Saint stuff, like trying to get as close into that community as you can to find those kind of opportunities, even though it can be really difficult, sometimes it means volunteering, sometimes it means um doing things that might not pay as well. I would venture to say that most Latter day Saint creation jobs don't pay the dream wages that you wish you were making at you know, little Hollywood Studio. Like it's just not realistic. So, like if you can find a good job that like pays the bills and and a little extra and gets you excited um and gets you into that space where you're doing what you're enjoying where you've wanted to be, creating Latter-day Saint content, then work towards those directions. Um, sometimes opportunities will just land. You have to be actively looking for it. Like I said, like I had found Gabriel on Facebook, you know. So like get plugged in to different groups and communities, find different job boards and and that kind of thing out there. Um, try to piece together a portfolio, go out there and partner with a buddy uh who can act or who can film you, whatever role that you might fit in, um, and just have hope that the content that you can produce will do well. Don't overthink it. Find a story in the scriptures that is really unique. You know, if you do decide to create something with the liberties, go for it. I would I'd recommend like you could try to copy the chosen and do something like the chosen or like the Christ child, or just kind of find your unique twist of it. But um, if you are trying to create Christian or Laraday Sync content, just simply open up history, go find a way to read it and interpret it and feel it in your heart, and then start putting it to script, keep it simple and go. Don't overthink this. People want to write some really elaborate scripts. I cannot say that this this is a very elaborate script. This is just putting a lot of scripture onto film, and that is what a lot of people are actually looking for. They just want to see like what was this actually like at this period or this time.
Scott BrandleyYeah, well, and in your film, it's a short film, it's about nine minutes long, and it just tells that one story, but it does it in a really simple but powerful way. Thank you, you know.
Taylor RileySo yeah, it doesn't need to be a full feature. It's it's it's maybe start small, maybe start with a couple scenes um that just mean something to you, and then once people can start to see that and and build that confidence in you as a creator, then the next project. There's projects that I've been turned down um that I've had big ideas for and have been super excited about, and it's like that's a little bit too big. And you're like, Yeah, you're right, you're right. But that doesn't mean that you can't try and keep and keep pushing the bill.
Darla BrandleySo yeah, I and maybe later too.
Taylor RileyYeah, you can save like table for later, just write down your ideas. Um, you'll probably have better, like the idea will probably be better a couple years down the road. Yeah.
Darla BrandleyOr the opportunities will be different, you know.
Scott BrandleyI agree. Yep. Well, this has been super fun. Thanks for coming and hanging out with us. Um, as we kind of wrap up, we usually ask people to share any final thoughts that they might have. So any anything
Final thoughts: It’s okay to be the leper
Scott Brandleyyou'd like to share?
Taylor RileyYeah, Scott, Darla, I appreciate the opportunity to share the message of the leper with you and to just let everyone know that inside we are all the leper, and it's okay to be the leper. It's okay to go through this process and to accept the leprosy that is within us all. Um, we can change, we can be healed through Christ. And on behalf of the messages of Christ team, we appreciate the opportunity to show the film in this way and and for um these two wonderful hosts here, Darla and Scott, to present the opportunity to share the message with you all. Um and to that creator community, again, just keep pushing forward. There is a lot of messages in the scriptures that need to be shared with people around the world. There are countries that are very, very hungry for this information or to see these stories, especially in their own language. And the more that you can do to push the gospel in that way, um, the more and more it prepares our world to receive the savior and uh to receive the word that he'll give us at that day. But uh again, thank you, Scott and Darla. I really appreciate this.
Scott BrandleyYeah, you bet. Well, and you never know who that one sheep is gonna be, right? And that makes all the difference. So I really like what you just said, the word all the leper, because sometimes the we don't carry it on the outside like a leper, right? We don't carry our wounds or our scars on the outside, it's on the inside. But Christ heals all of us, and I love that idea. So we didn't say this at the beginning, but you actually won a praiseworthy award for this film from the LDS PMA, which is really cool. So, congratulations to you and your team on that. And then um, we will include a link to the video in the footnotes of this podcast. So, anyone, if you're watching, go check it out, go watch it, go share it so we can get this out there for Taylor and his team, and just share this amazing story of the cleansing of the leper. Awesome, Taylor. Thank you so much for coming on. We really appreciate you.
Taylor RileyThank you very much. I again I appreciate the opportunity, Scott and Darla. You guys are wonderful beings. I love hanging out with you, and uh, we are super grateful. Uh, the team, Messages of Christ, we are super grateful for that award. It was such a surprise and and a sweet little blessing to go on top of the work that everyone put in. So thank you.
Outro
Scott BrandleyYeah, you bet. And you know, we wish you and your team all the best going forward. And everyone that's watching, if you want to help get this video out, first of all, we'll include it in the show notes so you can go watch it. But make sure you go and share that video specifically so it gets out to the people that need to watch it, but also do your five-second missionary work and share this podcast so people can get to see the story behind the video. And that's just another cool way that we can get this light and this story out into the world. So thanks again, everyone, for tuning in. If you have a story that you'd like to share, um, just like Taylor, go to latterdaylights.com and send us a post and we will get you on the show. Or email us at latterdaylights at gmail.com and we will get that as well. So once again, thanks for coming on, Taylor. Thanks everyone for tuning in, and we'll talk to you next week with another episode of Latterday Lights. Till then, take care. Bye.
