Biola Media Conference
Mining for Opportunity in the New Hollywood
Truth · Transformation · Testimony
SESSION GUIDE APRIL 21, 2007 07201 Table of Contents Map
Welcome...... 1
Conference Schedule...... 3 Opening Session: 9:00 a.m.–10:45 a.m...... 3 Break: 10:45 a.m.–11:00 a.m...... 3 Workshop Session 1: 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m...... 3 Lunch Session: 12:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m...... 5 Workshop Session 2: 1:30 p.m.–2:30 p.m...... 6 Networking and Book Signing Break: 2:30 p.m.–3:00 p.m...... 8 CAFETERIA SUTHERLAND BANQUET Workshop Session 3: 3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m...... 8 RM. Panel Presentation: 4:15 p.m.–5:30 p.m...... 11 BARDWELL Dinner Break: 5:30 p.m.–7:00 p.m...... 11 ROSE
Film Screening / Q & A: 7:00 p.m...... 11 GYM MARSHBURN
The Briner Impact Award...... 13 METZGER
Session Grid...... 24
Speaker Bios...... 31
Thanks to our BMC Strategy Team...... 44
Our Sponsors...... 45
PROD.WARREN CNTR. STUDIO Get Connected...... 46
Map...... 49
Biola Media Conference 2007 49 Biola Media Conference
Welcome
Welcome to the 12th Annual Biola Media Conference!
Recently, a fellow entertainment ministry friend told me that discussions on ‘how we’re to think about the new studio faith-based divisions or about grass root films like Facing the Giants’ was burning up conversation on their Yahoo group. He encouraged me that he felt this was the right topic at the right time.
This week on Infuze.com, our host Craig Detweiler raises the questions, “Will we see a gold rush, where sub-par products flood the marketplace and spoil this hard earned opportunity? Should we be satisfied to see ourselves as a niche market, what some have termed ‘spiritainment’? Or is our calling more inclusive, to communicate to far more than ourselves?”
We hope you’ve come with questions of your own, and that’s why we’ve gathered—to survey the landscape of new media frontiers, to hear from pioneers in the fields of entertainment and to collectively discover how to “mine” our potential in the new Hollywood.
So grab a pic-ax and dig in!
Peggy Rupple Producer, Biola Media Conference
Biola Media Conference 2007 1
Get Connected Conference Schedule
Creative Organizations that Serve the Entertainment Community Opening Session 9:00 A.M.–10:45 A.M.
ACTORS CO-OP INTER-MISSION Special Guests Gym Website: www.actorsco-op.org Website: www.inter-mission.net E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Caleb Quaye, Musician ACT ONE: WRITING FOR HOLLYWOOD 168 HOUR FILM PROJECT Sherry Shepherd, Actress Website: www.actoneprogram.com Website: www.168project.com E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] PANEL PRESENTATION ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT MINISTRIES LAFSC - LOS ANGELES FILM STUDIES CENTER MOTHER LODE OR FOOLS GOLD? The Future of ‘faith-based’ Entertainment Website: www.A-E-M.org Website: www.bestsemester.com E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] With Hollywood studios starting ‘faith friendly’ divisions, has the Christian community finally The BIOLA MEDIA CONFERENCE MASTERMEDIA INTERNATIONAL arrived? Should we be thrilled by this access or scared by the potential for marginalization into a Website: www.biolamedia.com Website: www.mastermediaintl.org permanent subculture? Hosted by Phil Cooke, panelists Brian Bird, Cheryl McKay, Simon Swart, E-mail: [email protected] HOLLYWOOD CONNECT Dean Batali and Mark Joseph bring their expertise in film and broadcasting, content creation Website: www.hollywoodconnect.com MEDIA FELLOWSHIP INTERNATIONAL and brand development to the topic. E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] HOLLYWOOD PRAYER NETWORK Website: hollywoodprayernetwork.org PREMISE Break 10:45 A.M.–11:00 A.M. E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.Premiseonline.org E-mail: [email protected]
Workshop Session 1 11:00 A.M.–12:00 P.M. Who are the Biola Studio Task Force? Film Cafeteria Banquet Room The Biola Studio Task Force is a group of entertainment industry Brian Bird professionals who believe they have an opportunity to impact a Wagon Train: Ten Essentials for Taking Your Film from Story to Screen generation by coming alongside the future media makers here at Biola It all starts with the script. Brian Bird brings his expertise as a screenwriter of both feature film Mass Communications. In addition to donating their time, skills and and network television. Whatever the medium, here are the keys to creating a film remains resources, Studio Task Force members benefit personally by building Script, Script, and Script! personal and professional relationships along the way. Previously an executive producer of Touched By An Angel, Brian’s Believe Pictures has a multi- “…the Studio Task Force believes that through mentoring relationships, sponsoring conferences, picture deal with Fox Faith that includes the recent film The Last Sin Eater. networking, and building bridges, we become better professionals through giving back to students.” Ralph Winter, Co-Chairman, Biola Studio Task Force TV Sutherland Hall Dean Batali “Our goal is to teach, advise, mentor, and help fund a new generation of Christians who want to Gunfight at the OK Corral: How to Survive Working in Television make a difference through media.” Phil Cooke, Co-Chairman, Studio Task Force Hollywood is a very secular place, and working in television can mean working quite intimately with people who do not share (and are sometimes hostile to) your faith. Dean will discuss the For more information about how you can make a difference here at Biola and beyond, kinds of spiritual challenges a Christian working in television can expect, and share his thoughts email us at [email protected]. on how Christians can influence the content of shows that networks are buying and airing.
46 Biola University Biola Media Conference 2007 3 Conference Schedule Our Sponsors
Dean is a successful television writer and producer who wrote for Buffy the Vampire Slayer and The Biola Media Conference graciously thanks our was the former Executive Producer of Fox’s That 70’s Show. contributing Sponsors for their partnership and support
Acting Rolo 2 (Rose Hall) Kim Dorr True Grit: Integrating your Faith and Your Craft WWJAF. What Would Jesus Audition For? Do invisible barriers of what we “ought” to be as Christians in this industry divide us from truly being in this industry? In so many ways, Christ is at the periphery of our engagement with media and not at the heart. Our true grit will be our digging in, engaging, and being authentic as an actor, agent, or manager in the business.
Kim is co-owner of Defining Artists, a boutique talent agency, and serves as the entertainment pastor at Bel Air Presbyterian in Hollywood.
Executive Dealmaking Mayers Aud. (Marshburn Hall) Larry Frenzel And Chris Bueno Dances with Wolves: Negotiating & Dealmaking with Hollywood Will your independent film end up as an expensive “home movie” or as the next break-out success? Can you really tell a good deal from a bad deal? Join us for a practical look at the perceptions and realities of film acquisition and distribution.
Larry is an entertainment lawyer, producer, screenwriter and co-founder of the Carmel Entertainment Group. Larry and his business partner, Chris Bueno, distribute, develop and produce feature films (Facing the Giants) and documentaries.
Marketing Board Conference Room (Metzger) David Riley The Mark of Zorro: Leaving a Memorable Impression For companies seeking to grow and thrive in our new economy, creating a compelling and memorable identity is crucial. The importance of brand development has become central to growing organizations, both small and large. Many of today’s businesses have recognized creative and powerful branding as among their most effective communication tools.
Designing advertising for Disneyland, Universal, Westin, Joel Osteen, and Greg Laurie, David has built DRA into one of the premier design firms in the country.
4 Biola University Biola Media Conference 2007 45 Thanks to our BMC Strategy Team Conference Schedule
Hip, Hip Horray! to the fantastic team of industry pro’s who “dig deep” New Media Bardwell 112 over the course of the year to mine the gold for this one special day! George Temple A Fistful of Dollars: Selling Short Films to the Church Phil Cooke Leo Partible Churches are spending millions of dollars on 2-3 minute videos. This presents a growing Founder and Creative Director, Author, Writer, Comic Book Creator opportunity for Production companies and Independent producers. Learn everything you need Cooke Pictures to know about this new and exciting market for short films. With 28 years in video and ministry, Dan Rupple George Temple created Sermonspice.com, a leading provider of sermon illustration videos. Kathleen Cooke Founder and Sr. Producer for Vice President Cooke Pictures, Actress, Seriously Funny Entertainment With 28 years in video and ministry, George Temple created Sermonspice.com, a leading Event Coord. Biola Mass Communications provider of sermon illustration videos. Peggy Rupple Denny Dansereau Producer, Biola Media Conference Comix Marshburn 4 President of FilmPR Special Projects, Biola Mass Communications Buzz Dixon, Michael Davis, Brett Burner Gold Rush! The Rise & Acceptance of Faith-based Graphic Novels & Manga in America Craig Detweiler Scott Shuford What happens when you combine 2 growth categories of entertainment product sales? GOLD Reel Spirituality, Fuller Seminary President and CEO of FrontGate Inc. RUSH! The intersection of graphic novels/manga with increased desire for faith-based products has created a demand from mass merchants, secular bookstores and Christian retail outlets. Mark Joseph Lisa Swain Come hear from three of the leaders in this field. Producer, Author and President of Interim Chair, Biola Mass Communications MJM Entertainment. Buzz Dixon has over 130 animation credits in film and TV such as Batman, Transformers, Tiny Lori Wahlers Toons, and more, and is creator of the successful Serenity manga series. Michael Davis is well Darian Patterson Promotions Director, Motive Entertainment known as the co-creator of Static Shock! the Emmy award-winning WB & Cartoon Network show President of Location Connection Inc. and the faith based Guardian Line from Urban Ministries. Brett Burner has published dozens of titles into the Comix and Christian retail markets and is currently producing three 8-book manga series. Scott Shuford connects companies to their audience and is nationally recognized Hat’s off to our treasured support staff… for branding, print & web creative as Pres. and CEO of FrontGate Media and FrontGate Creative.
Sandi Nicolaides Gail Patches LUNCH SESSION (Meal provided in Gym) 12:00 P.M.–1:30 P.M. Secretary, Biola Mass Communications BMC Intern Stephen McEveety Robert Briner Impact Award Honoree … and to the SPOTMILL “dynamic duo” for putting on one great show! Steve is an award winning filmmaker who has produced countless films including the Oscar Award winning Braveheart, We Were Soldiers and The Passion of the Christ. Ray Rodriguez Glen Rose Sr. Producer for CR Pictures and Founder CGRose, Sr. Producer Spotmill Erwin McManus Founder of Spotmill Keynote Erwin is lead pastor at Mosaic in L.A., author of numerous books including The Barbarian
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Way and Soul Cravings, and speaks globally as a futurist on culture, creativity, change, and leadership.
Workshop Session 2 1:30 P.M.–2:30 P.M.
Film Cafeteria Banquet Room Jeffrey Overstreet The Good, the Bad & the Ugly: Confessions of a Christian Film Critic Should filmmakers be concerned about getting good reviews? Should film critics give bad reviews to “Christian movies”? Jeffrey Overstreet, film critic for Christianity Today and LookingCloser.org and author of Through a Screen Darkly, tackles these tough questions, shares some highlights from his movie-reviewing experience, reads memorable moviegoer “hate mail”, and reveals how movies—even those made by unbelievers—reveal glimmers of God’s glory.
Jeffrey is a film reviewer, columnist and author of the book Through a Screen Darkly, which tackles the most controversial questions about Christian engagement with art.
TV Sutherland Hall Jocelyn Diaz Round Up: The TV Development Process from Soup to Nuts and What the Networks are Going For How does a television show actually make its way to the air? How does one idea stand out amongst thousands of pitches, get through the gauntlet of development, survive the brutality of pilot season and break through the fortress of testing, screening and scheduling to finally call itself a network television series? and what DO the networks want, anyway? Come and hear the answers to these questions and more from someone who has been through it all many times over and still keeps coming back for more.
Jocelyn is the Director of Drama Development for ABC where she has contributed to the development of such shows as Lost, Desperate Housewives, Grey’s Anatomy, and Invasion.
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Acting Rolo 2 (Rose Hall) Mark Atteberry Biola Media Conference graciously acknowledges our Giant: Know Your Type and How the Industry Sees You contributing sponsors. Thank you for your support and What makes an actor a star? They know what “types” they play, they target those types and donations. We appreciate your investment into the future then they simply “act like themselves.” In this workshop you’ll learn how the industry will see media professionals of tomorrow. you, what types you will most likely play and the secrets of “being yourself” on camera.
Author of the bestseller, The Actor’s Guide to L.A., and voted one of the top 3 headshot photographers in Hollywood, Mark also acts, and coaches in Hollywood.
Executive Dealmaking Mayers Aud. (Marshburn Hall) Ralph Winter And Susana Zepeda Bad Day at Black Rock: Ten Stupid Ideas About Making Movies Ten stupid ideas. Everyone wants to be in the movie business, but few know what it takes. We look at some of the misconceptions of how people think they can get their movie made and expose the flaws and talk about better pathways to get a movie made. If indeed it should get made.
As studio executive producer of the X-Men and Fantastic Four Series, including Rise of the Silver Surfer, Ralph is one of the most sought after Hollywood producers today, and is presently in development of C. S. Lewis’ Screwtape Letters. Former VP of Martin Scorsese’s CAPPA Productions, Susana is now President of Winter Road Entertainment and is co-producing C.S. Lewis’, The Screwtape Letters.
Marketing Board Conference Room (Metzger) Phil Cooke And Mark Joseph The Big River: Creating and Marketing Faith-Friendly Films to a Mainstream Audience Can films be created to be enjoyed by both a mainstream and faith-based audience? Or must they cater exclusively to one group or the other? Will too much faith-based content turn off more secular viewers? We will explore ways to both create and market films for a broad audience inclusive of both mainstream and faith-based audiences.
-EET ACCLAIMED lLM CRITIC AND AUTHOR Phil is the President and Creative Director of Cooke Pictures and partner in Thomas/Winter/ *EFFREY /VERSTREET Cooke Productions. Mark Joseph is a multi-media producer, media strategist, author and 3EMINAR n founder of the MJM Group. "OOK 3IGNING n AT THE 2EGAL SPONSOR TABLE
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New Media Bardwell 112 Ellerey Gave Christian consumer, and FrontGate Creative; nationally recognized for its branding, print & web Ride the High Country: Compelling Branding for the Digital Age creative for companies including IHOP Corp, Toyota, Damzl and Gloria Jean’s Coffees. In a culture where media is accessed on demand and consumers are getting more and more savvy, branding messages can easily become lost or irrelevant. Ellerey Gave, creative director at Capacity, discusses how they helped reinvent NBC’s on-air brand to be current, relevant, and to Simon Swart bridge the gap between television and all other forms of digital media. Executive VP & General Manager, Fox Home Entertainment Ellerey Gave is the owner/creative director of Capacity, a motion design studio in Los Angeles Simon works with 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment as executive VP and that focuses on concept, branding, and visual storytelling. general manager for North America. A nine-year Fox vet, Swart oversees all DVD division business functions. Swart joined Fox in 1997 first as VP retail operations, then VP of national sales where he Comix Marshburn 4 is credited for helping the company score record business in all its disc categories: new releases, Jim Krueger And Matt Bronleewe catalog, DVD premiere and TV DVD. He previously worked at Buena Vista Home Entertainment and The Big Valley: Crossing Over from One Medium to Another Warner Home Video. Jim has crossed over from comics to feature film, Matt from songwriter and music producer to novelist. If you’ve been told to “find one thing and stick to it” even though deep inside you long to EXPLORE and EXPAND, come hear how two individuals who have chosen to work in George Temple multiple mediums, and have thrown aside the old idea that they are bound to one field of art/ President of Sermonspice entertainment. With 28 years of experience in video and ministry, George has an extensive background in technology and the church. Serving his home church as head Past creative director for Marvel Comics, Jim is presently one of the top 10 award winning of production for over 25 years, George began equipping multiple non-profits, including Campus freelance comic book writers and property creators today. Music Producer for artists such as Crusade for Christ, with the technology and productions needed to reach a highly media-driven Jars or Clay, Natalie Imbruglia, Rebecca St. James, Michael W. Smith, and Plumb, Matt is age. His fervor for outfitting churches and fellow Christian filmmakers with the tools to reach the currently authoring his new adventure trilogy, Illuminated. masses lead him to create Sermonspice.com, a leading provider of sermon illustration videos.
Networking and Book Signing Break 2:30 P.M.–3:00 P.M. Ralph Winter Workshop Session 3 3:00 P.M.–4:00 P.M. Executive Producer Ralph Winter’s numerous production credits put him in demand as one of the Film Cafeteria Banquet Room most successful producers working in Hollywood today. This impressive list Craig Detweiler and Susana Zepeda includes the following Academy Award nominated films, Mighty Joe Young, Star Trek VI, StarTrek Gunslingers: Getting Your Movie Made IV, Planet of the Apes, X-MEN, X-Men United and Fantastic Four. Ralph’s recent films include Thinking like a Producer. How to package your product, work with Producers, and get your X-Men: The Last Stand, Thr3e, and Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. Ralph is the Co- movie made. Chairman of the Biola Studio Task Force and will be filming C.S. Lewis’ The Screwtape Letters in 2008.
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Craig is an author, screenwriter and film professor who currently serves as the head of the new Caleb Quaye Film Studies department at Fuller Theological Seminary. Musician/Evangelist Caleb was a well-known studio musician and Elton John’s guitarist for ten years. TV Sutherland Hall He also worked with such rock legends as Mick Jagger, Pete Townsend, and Paul Brian Davidson McCartney. In 1982 Caleb’s life was radically changed when he became a Christian and answered Gunsmoke: Life as a CSI Staff Writer a call to the ministry as a musician/evangelist. Following nine years as an Associate Pastor, Chief Television writers are like the lawmen of the Wild West. Off in their own little towns, they make Musician and Staff Evangelist, Caleb began serving as the National Worship Director for the the rules everyone else has to follow, and sometimes they need to be quick on the draw or Foursquare denomination, ministering all over the United States, England and Europe. Caleb is wind up dead in the street. If the showrunner is the marshal, that makes the writers on staff the pursuing a Masters degree in Intercultural Studies and Global Worship at Fuller Seminary. He also deputies. So what does it take to get that tin star pinned to your chest, and do you really want to serves as adjunct faculty at LIFE Pacific College in San Dimas, CA, equipping emerging leaders in wear it? One of those deputies will answer your questions and help you understand what it takes music and worship ministry. to be the fastest draw in the west? West Hollywood that is.
Brian is a staff writer on the hit television show, CSI: Miami. and previously wrote for various Dan Rupple outlets including Stan Lee Media, working for one of his idols, Stan Lee, the creator of Spider- Producer/Writer man. Dan is the CEO of Seriously Funny Entertainment, a digital media program development company, and Padded Room Productions, a production company Acting Rolo 2 (Rose Hall) specializing in corporate branded entertainment. Formerly, Dan was a Supervising Producer for Anthony Barnao CBS Television (The Price Is Right, Late Show with David Letterman), founding member of the How the West Was Won: Audition Techniques That Will Land You the Job pioneering Christian comedy team Isaac Air Freight, Honorary Chairman of the Christian Comedy This workshop will cover the process of acting and auditioning for film, television and theater. Association, and an adjunct instructor at his alma mater, Biola University. Mr. Barnao will share his insight from his experiences as a professional director, teacher and casting director. Included in the hour will be discussing the issues of pictures and resumes as well as a demonstration of proper auditioning. Sherri Shepherd Actress Anthony’s twenty year career as a casting director for film, television and theatre includes Sherri’s successful comedic acting career includes co-starring roles on Every- Director of Casting for Movies and Mini-series at CBS and Resident Casting Director for the L.A. body Loves Raymond, Less Than Perfect, The Jamie Fox Show , and guest Stage Company. appearances on The View, 30 Rock and David. E. Kelly’s Wedding Bells. In 2005, Sherri appeared in the feature films Beauty Shop and Guess Who. Sherri has just released her comedy CD entitled Exec. Dealmaking Mayers Aud. (Marshburn Hall) No Refund, No Exchange, which contains recordings of her live stage performances. Christopher Lockhart Duel in the Sun: The Art of the Pitch It’s the writer versus the creative executive in this interactive workshop where writers pitch their Scott A. Shuford story ideas for blunt but constructive feedback that focuses on story elements, the performance Founder of FrontGate Media & FrontGate Creative and the commercial viability of the idea. Scott connects the dots between companies and their audiences through FrontGate Media; a cornerstone for companies with a desire to connect to the
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Chris serves as the executive story editor at ICM, a leading talent and literary agency in L.A. with a roster of clients that includes Mel Gibson, Denzel Washington and Steve Martin. Leo Partible Writer/Artist Marketing Board Conference Room (Metzger) Leo Partible wears many hats in the entertainment industry: writer, artist, singer- Simon Swart songwriter, comic book creator, filmmaker, public speaker, and pop culture The Big Country: How to live Out Your Faith While Navigating the Studio System analyst. Leo spent a year as a Youth Pastor before moving to L.A. to work as a storyboard artist. He What pressures do executives face? What kind of difference can your Christian convictions also worked as a film executive, and now uses his experience and talent to create new pop culture make? How has the faith community become a legitimate niche market in Hollywood? Simon experiences for a digital age. He also works with Motive Entertainment and writes for the popular offers four tangible ways to build a career and create a return on investment including his online magazine Infuze Magazine. His new projects include a rock n’ roll soundtrack called The groundbreaking work developing Fox’s faith film division. Trouble with Love based on his graphic novel and film and a soon to be unveiled graphic novel called The Kingdom of David. As executive VP and general manager for North America for 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment, Simon Swart oversees all DVD division business functions. Van Partible New Media Bardwell 112 Comic Creator/Director Matthew Phillips and John Carley Van is the creator/director/writer of Cartoon Network’s half-hour series, Johnny The Final Shootout: Will MySpace & YouTube Evangelize the Broadcast Industry? Bravo. In 1993, while in school at Loyola University, he produced and directed What “secret sauce” did the Internet introduce that traditional media could never cook up? four animated films. After viewing one of his senior films, Hanna-Barbera approached Partible to How is the Internet and online media changing society’s view of traditional media? Come learn develop a project for Cartoon Network’s World Premiere Toons. That project resulted in three seven- how you can maximize the impact of your media and Internet strategies to realize growth minute shorts, two of which were based on his “Johnny Bravo” character. After it’s initial airing, like Myspace and YouTube. Topics discussed include: podcasting, websites, online media, Johnny Bravo was voted the number-one favorite among viewers and plans were made to expand interactivity, online communities, and your digital future. the short into a half-hour series. His third short, Jungleboy, stars a little boy with the manners of an Eagle Scout and the strength of a superhero. Matthew Phillips is the COO of Cooke Pictures and has a career of converging digital media with TV and film for companies like Digidesign, Avid, Warner Bros, Disney, Universal, & Paramount. John Carley serves as President and chief technical officer at www.trinetsolutions. Matthew Philips com, devolping websites, audio/video streaming and webcasts, and provides strategic Internet Producer consulting. Matthew Phillips is the Chief Operating Officer of Cooke Pictures in charge of all big budget, long-form projects. Matthew has built a successful career converging Comix Marshburn 4 digital media with television and film for companies like Digidesign, Avid, Loudeye, Warner Bros, VAN and LEO PARTIBLE Disney, Universal Studios, Paramount, NBC, ABC, and CBS. Matt’s expertise involves interactive The Wild Bunch: From Johnny Bravo to Cartoon Network and Beyond media trends and the convergence with traditional media production. Past digital media successes Van Partible started with the Cartoon Network shortly after it’s initial launch in 1992. From his includes General Manager and Director of Production for the Santa Monica office of Loudeye time in the trenches, Van will discuss the book he has been working on about the history of the Technologies and nearly nearly seven years with Avid Technology. network, how the animation industry has changed, and where it seems to be headed.
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Creator, director, and writer of Cartoon Network’s Johnny Bravo, Van is currently in production Cheryl McKay on a Johnny Bravo video game for PS2. Leo Partible wears many hats in the entertainment Screenwriter industry: writer, artist, singer-songwriter, comic book creator, filmmaker, public speaker, and Cheryl McKay has been professionally writing since 1997. She wrote the feature pop culture analyst. film, The Ultimate Gift, based on Jim Stovall’s best-selling novel. It stars James Garner, Brian Dennehy and Abigail Breslin (Little Miss Sunshine). It won a Crystal Heart Award PANEL PRESENTATION 4:15 P.M.–5:30 P.M. at the Heartland Film Festival. Cheryl wrote the DVD, Gigi: God’s Little Princess, based on Sheila Walsh’s book, as well as a teen dramatic special, Taylor’s Wall, for Family Theater Productions. She THE WILD, WILD WEST: New Frontiers In Entertainment was also teamed with best-selling author, Frank Peretti, on the Wild and Wacky, Totally True Bible With YouTube’s viewership passing network television, everyone is wondering where the next Stories series, writing children’s books and audio dramas. Cheryl holds an M.A. in Screenwriting gold strike will occur. How are the networks retooling to deliver content for the digital era? Will from Regent University and studied through Act One: Writing for Hollywood. She is a current fellow new distribution channels result in new art? In the meantime, is anyone actually making money with the Art Within Labs writing fellowship, working on a feature script called “Killing Hope.” off the Internet? What will advertising/marketing/programming look like in the future? Hosted by Craig Detweiler, expert panelists Mike Klausman, Dan Rupple, Paul Lauer and video performer Joanna Repsold will help us navigate the wild, wild west of digital media. Erwin McManus Lead Pastor/Author DINNER BREAK (on your own) 5:30 P.M.–7:00 P.M. Erwin McManus has led Mosaic, a community of faith in L.A. known for its spiritual creativity and cosmopolitan diversity, since the early 90s. Widely FILM SCREENING / Q & A 7:00 P.M. known as a thought-provoking communicator on such issues as culture, creativity, change, and leadership, Erwin’s travels have taken him to over 30 countries speaking as a futurist, activist, artist BELLA Gym and spiritual leader. Erwin is also the author of An Unstoppable Force; Chasing Daylight; Uprising: Q & A to follow A Revolution of the Soul; The Barbarian Way; Stand Against the Wind and Soul Cravings. BELLA Film Screening @ 7:00 p.m. A romantic drama and winner of the Toronto Film Festival’s top honor, The Peoples Choice Award. Jeffrey Overstreet Film Critic/Author Jeffrey Overstreet calls upon a decade of experience as a film reviewer and columnist for his popular website, LookingCloser.org, Christianity Today , and Risen. His work has also been published in Image Journal, Paste, and Relevant. His reviews landed him on the cover of The Seattle Times’ Pacific Northwest Magazine, and his work has been noted in TIME Magazine. Publisher’s Weekly review of Jeffrey’s new book, Through a Screen Darkly , reports “Overstreet’s greatest gift is the masterful way he brings a spirit of discernment to the world of film…Two thumbs up!”
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sales and marketing at both Universal Internet and webBASIS, where he pioneered initiatives with Hewlett Packard, Cisco, and Oracle.
Christopher Lockhart Executive Story Editor at ICM For almost a decade, Christopher has served as the Executive Story Editor at ICM, a leading talent and literary agency in L.A.. His roster of “A” list clients include Mel Gibson, Denzel Washington and Steve Martin. Chris also coordinates the prestigious ICM Trainee Program and collaborates with producer Julie Richardson (Collateral) on projects such as A Rhinestone Alibi (Paramount) and The Midnight Man (Dimension). He created Story Conference, a series of free screenwriting seminars and earned an Emmy nomination for his writing workshop, The Inside Pitch. The subsequent DVD release won the 2005 Aegis Award and is used in film schools around the world. Chris reaches out to writers globally via www.twoadverbs.com and his Q&A blog, The Inside Pitch. He is a member of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, judging their national awards as well as the Final Draft Screenwriting Contest and the Sacramento Film Festival.
Steve McEveety (Robert Briner Impact Award Honoree) Producer Steve literally grew up in the entertainment industry. As a boy he appeared in episodes of Gunsmoke, My Three Sons, and Star Trek. McEveety became an assistant director on Real Genius and Early Frost. He then served as a production manager for films like The Trip To Bountiful, Flatliners, and Mel Gibson’s Forever Young and associate produced Hotshots. Through Icon Productions McEveety produced What Women Want, Payback, Anna Karenina, Immortal Beloved, The Man Without A Face and Braveheart, which won five Academy Awards. He also served as Producer for The Passion of The Christ, Paparazzi, We Were Soldiers, 187 and Airborne, which he also wrote. He is currently in pre-production on The Monkey Trial. McEveety has recently formed “The Mpower Company,” involved in all aspects of the arts including film, TV, radio, cell phones and the Internet.
Biola Media Conference 2007 37 The Briner Speaker Bios Impact Award
A Tribute to Stephen McEveety Huffington Post. His books include The Rock & Roll Rebellion and Faith, God & Rock ‘n’ Roll, Pop Robert A. Briner Impact Award Honoree Goes Religion and recently launched a news website, Bullypulpitnews.com. The Briner Impact Award was created to honor Robert A. Briner, an Emmy-award winning television producer and global pioneer in sports media. Briner worked with acclaimed athletes like Arthur Ashe, Dave Mike Klausman Dravecky, and Michael Jordan. Bob’s most enduring legacy was his President of CBS Studio Center influential book, Roaring Lambs. He encouraged artists and media Michael Klausman is the Senior Vice President of West Coast Operations & professionals to integrate their faith into American pop culture. Bob Briner pursued excellence, Engineering for CBS and the President of CBS Studio Center. Mike is responsible always striving to “give people the chance to choose good things instead of bad things.” for the marketing and operation of the CBS Studio Center and CBS Television City, negotiating contracts as landlord for CBS Entertainment Division, CBS News West Coast Bureau and CBS Producer Steve McEveety exemplifies Bob Briner’s lofty ideals. He has given filmgoers good Advertising and Promotion. and enduring things like Braveheart and The Passion of the Christ. He has demonstrated professionalism, excellence and a steadfast faith in an array of memorable projects.
Jim Krueger “Steve McEveety had been making the kinds of movies that Bob Briner dreamed might someday Comic Writer/Filmmaker be made in 1993 when he wrote his book Roaring Lambs,” said Mark Joseph a friend of the late Former creative director at Marvel Comics, Jim was named by Wizard Magazine Briner and member of the Briner Impact Award committee. “Briner spoke often about the need to as one of the top 10 award winning freelance comic book writers today. His be excellent and to take one’s beliefs and life experienes into the public square. This is exactly what original work includes the Foot Soldiers, Alphabet Supes, The Clock Maker and the soon-to-be- Steve has done.” released, The Last Straw Man. Other writing includes the award-winning Earth X trilogy for Marvel Comics, as well as Avengers, X-Men, Star Wars, Matrix and Batman. Future projects include, Mi- Through Icon Productions, McEveety produced acclaimed films like What Women Want, Payback, cronuauts, Galactic for Dark Horse Entertainment, The Lion, Looking Out For No. One, and Justice Anna Karenina, Immortal Beloved, The Man Without A Face and Braveheart, which won five League for DC Comics. Academy Awards. He also served as producer for The Passion of The Christ, Paparazzi, We Were Soldiers, 187 and Airborne, which he also wrote.
Paul Lauer Steve executive produced the upcoming feature, Bella, which won the audience award at the 2006 Founder of Motive Entertainment Toronto Film Fest. He is currently in pre-production on The Monkey Trial. McEveety recently formed As the founder of Motive Entertainment, Paul designed and executed the highly- “The Mpower Company,” which is involved in all aspects of the arts including film, TV, radio, cell successful marketing campaigns for The Passion of the Christ, The Polar Express, phones and the Internet. and The Chronicles of Narnia. The films he has marketed have grossed over $1 billion in domestic box office and DVD sales. Lauer previously created and launched YOU! Magazine, published McEveety joins a stellar group of past honorees which has included Touched By An Angel producer worldwide in six languages; Youth Beat, a syndicated youth page; Catholic Singles; the World Youth Martha Williamson, X-Men producer Ralph Winter, ABC News Senior producer Jody Hassett, Jars Day Music Festival; and four books aimed at teens. He has worked with numerous celebrities and of Clay singer Dan Haseltine, Chicago Tribune Assistant Editor Lou Carlozo, author and rock critic sports stars, hosted radio and TV shows, and appeared on CNN, Fox, and TBN, and in over 50 Steve Turner and others. Steve McEveety was chosen by a panel which includes Dr. John Mark newspapers and magazines, including The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times and The Wall Reynolds, Mark Joseph, Bob Briner’s widow Marty, record producer and film directorS teve Taylor, Street Journal. He also spent two years launching Internet start-ups as Senior Vice President of columnist Terry Mattingly, and music executive Barry Landis.
36 Biola University Biola Media Conference 2007 13 Soul Cravings Ad_Biola:Soul Cravings Biola Ad 4/11/07 1:43 PM Page 1
Speaker Bios WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE? The search OF your life is the search FOR your life. Kim Dorr Talent Agent Kim Dorr has worked in entertainment with on-camera talent for over 20 years. She developed and ran the Casting Department of The Arthur Company, an independent TV production company, for 9 years. In 1993 Kim became a talent agent at the Bobby Ball Agency, In 2002, Defining Artists, an adult theatrical boutique agency, was born out of the Adult Theatrical Department of BBA. In 2005, Kim took over ownership of Defining Artists with her partner, Dede Binder-Goldsmith. After completing her MDiv degree, Kim received a call to Bel Air Presbyterian Church as the Designated Associate Pastor of Entertainment Ministries.
Larry Frenzel AVAILABLE Entertainment Lawyer/Producer WHEREVER Larry is an accomplished entertainment lawyer, producer and screenwriter. He is BOOKS ARE SOLD the co-founder of the Carmel Entertainment Group, which distributes, develops and produces feature films and documentaries. CEG’s feature acquisition/distribution projects SOUL included Facing The Giants, which was released by Sony/Provident Films and Samuel Goldwyn CRAVINGS Films, taking in over 10 million in box-office to date.
Ellerey Gave Creative Director Ellerey Gave is the owner/creative director of Capacity, a motion design studio in Los Angeles that focuses on concept, branding, and visual storytelling. Their www.soulcravings.com www.myspace.com/soulcravings current work includes the latest rebrand of NBC’s on-air identity, branding and content for Cartoon Network, and several other projects with clients like Sci Fi Channel, NFL, CMT, MTV, Vh1, Honda, Fine Living, and the U.S. Navy.
Mark Joseph Producer/Author CRAVE FILM SERIES ON DVD Mark Joseph is a multi-media producer, media strategist, author and founder of AVAILABLE JUNE 2007 the MJM Group. He produced the rock soundtrack for The Passion of The Christ, and spent five years as a consultant for Walden Media, developing and marketing films including www.indelibleonline.com The Chronicles of Narnia and Ray. Mark co-founded the Damah Film Festival and produced two short films, The Bridge and Cupid. He is also a regular columnist for Foxnews.com and The
Biola Media Conference 2007 35 Speaker Bios
Michael Davis VP UMI Media/Producer Michael is well known as the co-creator of Static Shock!, the Emmy award- winning WB & Cartoon Network show that is currently the highest rated animated show on the Cartoon Network. In 1992, Michael co-founded Milestone Media which sold over 10 million comic book copies worldwide. In 1994, as president and CEO of Motown Animation and Filmworks, Michael created and placed into development television shows at Disney, ABC, WB and Fox. Michael has been profiled in Black Enterprise, the New York Daily News, the New York Times, CNN, BET, MTV, and The Today Show. Michael’s latest creation is the faith based Guardian Line from Urban Ministries where he serves as VP of New Media.
Craig Detweiler Author/Writer/Educator Author, screenplay writer, and film professor Craig Detweiler is at the forefront of the Art/Faith movement. He currently serves as the head of the new Film Studies department at Fuller Theological Seminary. His credits include the screenplay for the films Extreme Days and The Duke for Buena Vista. Craig is the co-author of the book A Matrix of Meanings: Find- ing God in Pop Culture.
Jocelyn Diaz Director of Development for ABC Jocelyn Diaz has been at ABC for six years. As Director of Drama Development, she takes pitches from writers, buying 60-70 scripts to develop during pitch season. She has contributed to the development of such shows as Lost, Desperate Housewives, Grey’s Anatomy, Invasion, and What About Brian. Originally from Washington, D.C. she started as an assistant at ICM.
Buzz Dixon President, Co-founder for Realbuzz Studios Buzz’s extensive career includes over 130 credits in film and television such as G.I. Joe: The Motion Picture, Batman, Transformers, Tiny Toons, and more, and now the very successful Serenity manga series. His experience extends to interactive games (The Terminator) and serving as former VP of Creative Affairs for Stan Lee Media.
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Speaker Bios
e-media they had a production deal at New Line Cinema to produce Urban Films. Later, Zepeda signed on with Martin Scorsese to be his Vice President of CAPPA Productions. Currently, Zepeda is the print President of Ralph Winter Productions where they have a deal at Twentieth Century Fox. event media John Carley Technical Officer John serves as President and chief technical officer at www.trinetsolutions.com, where Trinet develops cutting edge websites, does audio/video streaming and webcasts, and provides strategic Internet consulting. Trinet web clients including Billy Graham, Harvest Crusades, as well as businesses like Coca Cola, Sony, and Toyota Racing. John helps casts vision for use of internet solutions for businesses and ministries, by helping them use function and application to communicate their messages. John also currently serves as a Internet Committee President for the National Religious Broadcasters. 4-430
Phil Cooke Director/Author According to CNN’s Paula Zahn, Phil Cooke President and CEO of Cooke “FrontGate Media gave me a media plan that allowed me to directly reach my target audience... more than 2 million people through their media family.” Pictures and founding Partner of TWC Films, may be the only working producer —Lindsay Dye, Media Planner, Carat - agency for New Line Cinema in Hollywood with a Ph.D. in Theology. His blog at philcooke.com is considered one of the most insightful resources on the web on issues of faith, media, and culture. His upcoming book: “Brand- ing Faith: Why Some Churches and Non-Profits Impact the Culture and Others Don’t” will change “FrontGate Media is by far our best performing partner. the way non-profit and religious organizations use the media to tell their story. Phil is Co-Chairman No one else comes close to this level.” of the Biola Studio Task Force. —John Strobel, Director of Strategic Alliances, World Vision
Brian Davidson TV Writer/CSI Miami In a tragic fall from grace, so typical on the streets of Hollywood, Brian Davidson sold his soul to become a writer for network television. Currently, Brian is enslaved at CSI:Miami, where he backstabbed his way up from Script Coordinator. Prior to this, Call us today at 949-206-9806 to start planning your next campaign! Brian enjoyed starving for his art, writing for various outlets including Stan Lee Media (where he www.frontgatemedia.com worked for one of his idols, Stan Lee, the creator of Spiderman) and Mattel Games. But the project he is most proud of is undoing all the good his wife, Marni, has done with their two children, Ayla and Tallis.
Biola Media Conference 2007 33 Speaker Bios
Brian Bird Producer/Writer Brian Bird has worked as a writer and producer in Hollywood for more than two decades, most notably as the Co-Executive Producer and writer on the final four seasons on the series Touched By An Angel. In 2005, he partnered with Michael Landon, Jr., in a new film venture, Believe Pictures, with a multi-picture commitment from Fox Faith. The company’s first film in that commitment is an adaptation of the best-selling faith-based novel The Last Sin Eater by Francine Rivers. Bird is writing and producing the next two films in the Believe Pictures/ Fox Faith slate, The Redemption of Sarah Cain, due in theaters in August, 2007, and Jake’s Run to be released in September 2007.
Matt Bronleewe Songwriter/Producer Matt is best known for his production and songwriting work on GRAMMY nominated Natalie Imbruglia's debut album Left of the Middle and with other artists such as Jars of Clay, Rebecca St. James, Michael W. Smith, and Plumb. He is one of the most visible and respected producers in Contemporary Christian Music today. Matt is currently penning a trilogy of novels for West Bow Press a division of Thomas Nelson. Illuminated , which hits the shelves in late summer 2007.
Brett Burner Creator/Publisher/Writer for Lamp Post As publisher of Alias Comics and Cross Culture (now Lamp Post), Brett has published dozens of titles into the Comix and Christian retail markets. As a www. tho m a s wi nterc o o k e. c o m creator, he is now producing three 8-book manga series through Zondervan. Brett is also the teaching pastor of Immanuel Church in La Mesa, CA.
Susana Zepeda Cagan Producer Susana Zepeda began her career as the assistant to the Sr. V.P of Touchstone Pictures. Later she was a development executive for producer Edward Feldman (Witness), where together they worked on 101 Dalmatians and The Truman Show. In 1998, Zepeda started El Norte Productions with director Gregory Nava (El Norte, Mi Familia, Selena). Together
32 Biola University Speaker Bios
Mark Atteberry Actor/Acting Instructor/Author Mark has acted in countless commercials, TV shows such as FOX’s Justice , voice over gigs and feature films including hits like Demolition Man and The Hulk. Mark co-authored The Working Actor’s Guide to L.A., a best selling reference book on acting. He wrote and directed two indie films, Dysfunctional and Rabbit’s Revenge, an underground hit at the Slamdance Film Festival. Mark was recently chosen as one of the “Top Three Headshot Photographers in Hollywood” by L.A. Casting Directors and currently teaches classes on Acting, Image and Marketing here in Los Angeles in his own acting studio, aptly called the “Be A Working Actor Studios.”
Anthony Barnao Casting Director Anthony has also been a casting director for film, television and theater for over twenty years. In addition to casting independently, Anthony has served as a private acting coach, Director of Casting for Movies and Mini-series at CBS, Head of Casting for Empire Pictures in Los Angeles and Rome and was the Resident Casting Director for the L.A. Stage Company. Film directing credits include the feature Annie’s Garden and the short films The Home Branch and The Swiper.
Dean Batali Executive Producer/Writer Dean Batali, ended his six years as the Executive Producer of FOX’s That 70’s Show. In addition to writing for the first two seasons of Buffy the Vampire Slayer (WB), he was a staff writer on NBC’s Hope and Gloria and wrote for Duckman, Bruno the Kid, Mickey’s Campfire Tales, and Nickelodeon’s The Adventures of Pete and Pete. Dean is currently 2ECEIVE A &REE $6$ 0LAYER writing and developing comedy programming.
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Biola Media Conference 2007 31 50 million videos sold 2 television series 1 theatrical motion picture with another on its way 14 years of letting kids (and adults!) know that God made them special and loves them very much
Committed to enhancing the spiritual and moral fabric of society through creative media
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©2007 Big Idea, Inc.
Movie clips that illustrate and inspire.inspire.
The Bridge The Last Day The Baptism You Are Free A bridge operator John Dau tells how he Nacho is concerned Dusty sacrifices his life must choose between felt rejected by God about his partner’s for Major Campbell, saving his son or the during his suffering salvation as they who was caught trying train’s passengers. in Sudan. prepare for a fight. to escape.
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UNLEASHING THE POWER OF ART FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD
The Grove Foundation for the Arts grant recipients include:
Seeds Visual Arts Ministry Raising the Barre Dance Ministry Three Trees Theatre The Veracity Film Project
949.369.6767 www.thegrovecenter.org WeAre
More than 90 percent of American teens say their faith is important to them, with fully one third reporting that it’s the most important thing in their lives. JCTV is currently the ONLY faith-based entertainment network in the U.S. designed for 13-29 year olds. WeAre distinct. JCTV’s programming includes original and exclusive reality shows, talk shows, extreme sports and comedy. Our featured concerts and music videos cover the full spectrum of today’s music — alternative, hip hop, urban, rap, WeAre rock — you name it. diverse.
We see the future as a promise, not a threat. So instead of adding to the general state of confusion, we offer answers that can change lives for good, forever. WeAre different.
www.jctv.org A NETWORK
Carmel Entertainment Group, LLC, develops, produces and distributes motion pictures and television programming that tell engaging, entertaining and redemptive stories in which truth and hope prevail.
We are currently seeking feature films and documentaries for distribution and licensing, as well as projects for development and production. Please call or email for submission criteria.
Phone: (714) 639-2203 [email protected]
Feature Films: Facing The Giants, Secret of the Cave, Mr. Dungbeetle, Faith Like Potatoes.
Documentaries: The Case for Christ, The Case for Faith, The Case For A Creator, A Man Named Pearl, Drive Thru History & Drive Thru History-America (series), Dear Francis, The Cambrian Explosion, The Privileged Planet, Unlocking The Mystery of Life, Prophesies of the Passion, Head Coach. www.carmel.tv Session Grid Session Grid
Workshops Session 1 · 11:00 Session 2 · 1:30 Session 3 · 3:00 Meeting Room
Brian Bird Jeffrey Overstreet Craig Detweiler and Susana Zepeda Film Bonanza: Ten Essentials for Taking Your The Good, the Bad & the Ugly: Cafeteria Banquet Room Gunslingers: Getting Your Movie Made Film from Story to Screen Confessions of a Christian Film Critic
Jocelyn Diaz Dean Batali The Round Up: The TV Development Brian Davidson TV Gunfight at the OK Corral: How to Survive Sutherland Hall Process from Soup to Nuts and What the Gunsmoke: Life as a CSI Staff Writer Working in Television Networks are Going For
Kim Dorr Mark Atteberry Anthony Barnao Acting True Grit: Integrating your Faith Giant: Know Your Type and How the How the West Was Won: Audition Rolo 2 (Rose Hall) and Craft Industry Sees You Techniques That Will Land You the Job
Larry Frenzel Ralph Winter and Susana Zepeda Christopher Lockhart Executive Dealmaking Dancing with Wolves: Negotiating & Bad Day at Black Rock: Ten Stupid Ideas Mayers Aud. (Marshburn Hall) Duel in the Sun: The Art of the Pitch Dealmaking with Hollywood About Making Movies
Phil Cooke / Mark Joseph Simon Swart David Riley The Big River: Creating and Marketing The Big Country: How to Live Out Marketing The Mark of Zorro: Leaving a Board Conference Room (Metzger) Faith-friendly Films to a Mainstream Your Faith While Navigating the Memorable Impression Audience Studio System
Matthew Phillips and John Carey George Temple Ellerey Gave The Final Shootout: Will MySpace & New Media For a Few Dollars More: Selling Short Ride the High Country: Compelling Bardwell 112 YouTube Evangelize the Broadcast Films to the Church Market Branding for the Digital Age Industry?
Buzz Dixon, Michael Davis, Brett Jim Krueger and Matt Bronlewee Van and Leo Partible Burner Comix The Big Valley: Crossing Over from One The Wild Bunch: From Johnny Bravo to Marshburn 4 Gold Rush!: The Rise & Acceptance of Medium to Another Cartoon Network and Beyond Faith-based Novels & Mange in America
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