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Where were you when the Challenger disaster occurred?
February 6th, 2018
For people of a certain generation, January 28, 1986 is a defining moment. After months of eagerly anticipating the launch that would bring a teacher into space, everything changed in a split second. For people who were school-aged at the time, it was the first major news milestone they experienced. They can usually recall with clarity where they were, what they were doing and who they were with when the day unfolded. They remember the images of columns of white smoke cascading down after the shuttle broke apart and the collective feeling of grief for the seven crew members on board who were not coming home. The memories are lasting for so many, including 1997 Episcopal graduate Barclay Mullins. Mullins remembers being at Trinity Episcopal watching the tragedy unfold with classmates, like thousands of others across the nation.
Now, 32 years later, Mullins is an investor in the movie "Angry Men", which tells the story of that fateful day. He is also an extra in the film, which goes behind the scenes to explore the events leading up to the disaster and the decisions that led to the launch. Mullins says the project was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up because of the importance of the story. However, he couldn’t have imagined the serendipitous turns the project would take along the way.
As the film was being cast, Mullins says the group received an unexpected phone call. Coach Les Miles had heard about the project and wanted to be involved. The project’s organizers, who were ecstatic to have interest from such a recognizable figure, cast Coach Miles as a bad guy. In the film he portrays the role of NASA engineer Nelson, who was determined to see the launch go on despite concerns about freezing temperatures and their potential impact on the orbiter’s o-rings.
Sharing a scene with Coach Miles only added to Mullins’ excitement. He is also thrilled to once again be working with filmmaker Nathan VonMinden whose 2011 film “Uganda Man” was made for less than $5,000, but earned more than $200,000. “Angry Men” was shot in San Antonio, Texas because of VonMinden’s connection to the city. Crews were given access to film inside city hall and the local army base, and even San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg made a guest appearance. “A lot of people in this film have a lot of experience,” says Mullins. “I’m very curious to see where this goes.”
After graduating from Episcopal 21 years ago, Mullins, himself, had places to go. He graduated from LSU and lived in Virginia and Texas before coming back home to Louisiana and settling in Lafayette. Over the years he has done everything from selling books and insurance to being a camp counselor and PODS franchise owner. However, of all of his endeavors the film business just seems to make sense for him. “I like to make people laugh. When you think about it we’re all acting all the time,” he says.
Mullins has led a full life since his time at Episcopal. He’s experienced triumph, uncertainty, pain, joy and everything in between. He says it was the painful moments that taught him an important lesson: “Live life by the Golden Rule and treat everyone the way you want to be treated.” He says he learned similar lessons while at Episcopal. “It did create structure, discipline and responsibility. You had to work for everything you got,” he says. Looking back he feels blessed to have been a member of the school community since the seventh grade. Last year, Mullins attended his 20 year class reunion. He enjoyed reconnecting with fellow classmates and says it was fun to share stories, memories and photos.
Among the photos shared were snapshots of Mullins’ two-year old daughter Nola. (Yes, her name was partially inspired by a love for the city.) When he thinks about what he’d like Nola and his former Episcopal classmates to know about him, he hopes his life adventures inspire them to follow their passions and pursue their dreams.
“Life experiences and struggles have brought me to my best version of myself,” says Mullins.
Barclay Mullins is optimistic for the future and his latest project, “Angry Men”. The project, like Mullins’ own life, is filled with passion and unexpected twists and turns.
The Episcopal School of Baton Rouge 2024-2025 application is now available! For more information on the application process, to schedule a tour, or learn more about the private school, contact us at [email protected] or 225-755-2685.
Posted in the categories All, Episcopal Alumni.
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