Heyborne said he's quite proud of the movie. And he's also happy that "Sons of Provo" is "a real change of pace. And believe it or not, it's actually us singing and dancing in the film. So I hope we don't come off as complete idiots. Or if we do, I hope people enjoy watching us come off as complete idiots. That would be all right. It would be par for the course."

He's also proud of his work in "Saints and Soldiers," in which he plays a British spy during World War II, complete with an accent that was honed through his improv work with the Comedy Sports troupe in Provo.

"I'm excited to be in my first R-rated movie," he said, joking about "Saints and Soldiers' " rating, which ignited a local controversy a couple of weeks ago. 'I'm hoping it will give my career that needed edge."

Though Heyborne shot all these films while living in Utah, he's now in Los Angeles, where he and his wife, Trisha, and their two young children moved over the holidays. He's hoping that his success here will also translate there. "I'm trying to be realistic about it. It's hard work to make it as an actor — doubly so in Hollywood. I mean, you may be the big cheese in Utah, but here you're simply another face with a few movies on your r�sum�. And it takes time just to get the casting people to recognize your face or name."

When they decided to make the move, Heyborne and his wife came up with what he calls their "seven-year plan." "Hopefully by then I'll be making money. Otherwise, we'll be back here."

Although he jokes about being in the (currently) R-rated "Saints and Soldiers" — and although that film does have him "smoking" (with stage cigarettes, not tobacco) — Heyborne said he is concerned about the kinds of roles he'll play. If a part conflicts with his LDS values, he says he simply won't take it. "Fortunately, nobody wants to see me with my shirt off."

While on "Saints and Soldiers," Heyborne met fellow LDS actor Corbin Allred, who also lives in L.A. — and who is already a seasoned veteran, though he's still in his 20s. Allred has been acting since he was 12, starred in a TV sitcom ("Teen Angel") and has more recently been seen in guest spots on such high-profile shows as "ER" and "CSI." "He was very supportive, and the fact that he is still so successful and so humble makes you believe it can really be done."

However, he has been busy auditioning for guest spots and bit parts in television series and pilots. Most recently, Heyborne auditioned for a role on the ABC sitcom "It's All Relative," which, from his perspective, seemed to work. "I think it did very well, but you know how it goes, Hollywood people will say anything to humor you. I've got my fingers crossed. Obviously, that doesn't help pay the bills, though."

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E-mail: jeff@desnews.com