by Regina Jarsak and Allen Morris
Several Tylerites were recently involved in the collaborative process of producing their own award-winning, widely distributed feature film titled “3.” Many in Tyler, a city that loves theater, know making a movie is collaborative; however, many do not know how to move from an abstract idea to a completed film.
The film follows Kai Jones, a young man stumbling through life until an encounter with an oracle, portrayed by Eric Roberts, changes everything. Told he has only three days left to live, Kai races to repair relationships, rediscover purpose, and find the girl who might change his future. Anna Grace and Caleb Ruminer star in the film, along with Michael Paré.
What many viewers don’t know is that the film’s heart beats with unmistakable Tyler DNA. From the writer to several cast members to the producers behind the scenes, “3”is deeply rooted in East Texas artistry, mentorship, and decades long creative friendships. For Tyler residents, the film is more than a story; it’s a showcase of homegrown talent stepping confidently onto a world stage.
The Tyler Team Behind the Camera
The film’s journey from idea to finished feature is itself a Tyler story. The late Chris Abraham, beloved in Tyler for his years emceeing the Tyler Film Festival, spent two decades in Los Angeles pursuing acting. During the pandemic, he shared an idea with a director he met in his time in LA, Peter Ney: What would you do if you knew you were going to die? That idea became the seed planted in Ney’s ear and the beginning of “3’s” journey.
Abraham later asked his friend from the Tyler theater scene, Michael Ward, to write a short film which later became the feature. Another lifelong friend of Abraham’s, Parker Clark, entered the picture next. Parker’s mother, the late Carla Sue Garrett, was beloved in Tyler, and his father, attorney Charles Clark, remains a respected figure. Abraham approached him with the script and asked him to help secure funding. Parker’s brother Collen Clark supported his venture, as well as other family and friends.
A landman by trade, Parker unexpectedly found himself entering the role of an executive producer in his early 60s. Parker embraced the challenge, eventually also taking on a small acting role in the film. Parker said, “I learned so much about what it takes to make a movie … I want to do it again.” To manage logistics, Parker recruited Sandy Deerman, a producer with deep ties to both Tyler and New Mexico. Her connections helped secure New Mexico as the filming location, where financial incentives made the project possible. Together, this Tyler anchored team—Ward, Abraham, Clark, and Deerman—built the collaborative engine that powered “3” from concept to completion.
A Story Born in Tyler
The film’s writer, Michael Ward, has lived in Tyler for more than 30 years. A longtime educator—25 years teaching in Tyler public schools and universities. Ward has also been a fixture in the local theater community. His experience writing plays laid the foundation for “3.” When he heard Abraham’s question, “What would you do if you knew you were going to die?” Ward expanded the idea into something more urgent. “Three months gives you time to skydive or climb mountains,” he said. “But three days? You can’t change the world in three days—but you can change your heart.” Ward said the film’s message is clear: no matter how much time you have left, live fully, love openly, and repair what matters most. Ward’s connections to his life of film and theater in Tyler led to old friends joining the billing. “Some of these people aren’t just friends—they’re family, ” he explained.
The Doctor from Tyler
One of those actors is Josh Carpenter, who plays Dr. Ren, the sharp witted physician who delivers Kai’s life altering news. Carpenter grew up in Tyler before moving to New York, Los Angeles, and New Orleans for professional acting work. He returned home two years ago to be closer to family and quickly reconnected with Ward. Carpenter joked that he had “a tall skinny guy” ready for the cast. Ward took him up on it.
A Principal with Tyler Roots
Another familiar Tyler name is Kevin Crank, who portrays the school principal, a role he approached with the insight of someone who lived it. Crank grew up in Tyler, attending Andy Woods Elementary, Hubbard Junior High, and graduating from Robert E. Lee High School before heading to Baylor University, where he and Parker Clark became fraternity brothers. “I consider myself a Tyler boy,” said Crank, who spent eight years as a teacher. After acting professionally for more than 25 years, Crank was invited by Parker to read the script, which he called “a page turner.” He later auditioned for the principal role and also invested in the film.
A Brother. A Student. A Musician.
Another Tyler native, Caden Crawford, plays Eli—Kai’s brother. Born and raised in Tyler, Crawford’s connection to Ward is equally long standing. Ward was his high school theater director, and Crawford’s father taught theater at Tyler Junior College for nearly 50 years. “Michael has known my family forever,” he said. “3” is his first film role, though he spent years performing on stage. “It’s strange seeing yourself on screen,” he said.
A Hometown Premiere
The film’s Tyler screening at Liberty Hall on March 13, 2025, was a milestone for the cast and crew. “It was special,” Ward said. “So many people I care about were able to see it.” Liberty Hall, a historic downtown venue restored into a performance space, provided the perfect backdrop for a film born from local creativity.
Where to Watch
“3” is available on Fandango, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, YouTube, and many other streaming platforms. For more information visit www.official3themovie.com.