______A Publication Dedicated To Christian Film and TV Stars and Their Many Fans Volume 12 Number 1 This publication is going out to those who have expressed an interest in the great influence film and TV can have on Christianity. Published by Point North Outreach, Inc., a not for profit organization.

Michael Joiner, Story on Page 3 Cecil Stokes, Story on Page 6

Off To A Good Start In 2015 .…...... Page 2 Heaven Bound with Michael Joiner and Friends ...... Page 3 Cecil Stokes, a Heart for God ...... Page 6 Fragile World, A film that will keep you guessing ...... Page 9 Juli Tapken Cast In Epic Western Big Sky TV Show ...... Page 10 The Jesus Revolution, a Documentary Film ...... Page 11 From Sword of the Spirit Publishing, Gramps Goes To College & Love Waits ...... Page 12 Wounded Warriors A Movie That Brings Awareness to PTSD ...... Page 12 Western Film Fair & Nostalgia Convention Short Film Contest Deadline May 15 ...... Page 13 Jenny Cote's next book, one we look forward to, will be out March 30 ...... Page 14 The latest from Brian Godawa ...... Page 15 People & Places featuring Rhonda Fleming and Rebecca Holden ...... Page 16 Off To A Good Start In 2015 Our Mission Statement It was suggested after our last issue that It looks like our twelfth year as a we run our Mission Statement in every issue. publication is off to a good start for faith and This is because we are constantly adding new family productions. Our having to run a readers who may wish to see this description of supplement issue in January is evidence that a what we are about. lot of information is coming in about films, TV shows and other productions that should be of Point North † Outreach, Inc. is a non- interest to all Christians. denominational Christian organization that We have to depend upon networking and highlights, promotes and supports what is being we appreciate the contacts we have received done in regard to faith and family productions. from our readers and others. When we get a call Our publication, Point North † Tidings, is for all or email saying to the effect, “There's a fans of the media who desire to see more faith- ______you need to know about” we try to get to based and family films and TV shows. Our goal it immediately. You will see the result of that in is to inform our readers about these productions this issue. and artists, encourage them to support the films Of course we have to admit that for and TV shows they create that reflect Christian every good tip we receive there are others we values, thereby ensuring a vital and growing sadly do not hear about. Last year we missed market for the programs and films that will out on advance covering a major film we loved, positively impact our culture. Through God's Not Dead though we did do a major publication interviews fans may witness the feature once it came out. transforming power of God's love and saving This is why we must depend upon not grace through His gift of the risen Jesus Christ. just our staff, but our readers like you as well. The Point North † Tidings staff and the media We like to think that both staff and readership stars with whom we work acknowledge and are a team as we share the goal of supporting respect that the Christian walk is a continuing good films, TV shows, stage productions, books process of growth in faith, hope, and love to and special events. reach spiritual maturity. We also seek to share Of most importance we value and need this with non-Christians so that they may support through prayer. We do like to hear from experience the joy of knowing Jesus Christ. you as we are growing together in this venture. It must be added that we do want to add to our readership. Please let friends and family Point North † Tidings know about us and how to be a free subscriber. Editor...... Dr. Fred R. Eichelman They just simply have to email or write us. Special Correspondents...... Nancy Stafford Susannah Hicks That's [email protected] and 545 Columnist...... Kerri Pomarolli Howard Drive, Salem, VA 24153-2167. Printing...... DTS Reprographics Announcing a new Staff Member Publisher...... Point North † Outreach, Inc. Advisory Board: Bootie Chewning, Jayne Crimin, Kathy Garver, Kim Headlee, Rebecca Holden, Richard Lyons, Ron McGehee, Caroline Munro, Samantha Landy, Kerri Pomarolli, Laurie Prange and Grace Lee Whitney Point North † Outreach, Inc. Board of Directors Carolyn Eichelman, Fred Eichelman, Rhonda Fleming, Deanna Lund and Nancy Stafford Director Emeritus...... Joyce Meadows Susannah Hicks has joined our staff as a special correspondent. She already has a solid Office: 545 Howard Drive, Salem, VA 24153-2167 background as a writer and before that as an (540) 389-9400 [email protected] actress. She was recruited by advisory board http://pointingnorth.com member Kerri Pomarolli. Welcome aboard.

Point North † Tidings Volume 12, Number 1 2 Michael: It is a film called Heaven Bound. Heaven Bound with Torry and I have been friends for a long time. Michael Joiner and Friends Torry is one of writers and will also be my co- star. We have been wanting to work together for years, actually it was Torry who introduced me to a person on Facebook who was responsible for me getting a lead role in The Grace Card back in 2009. We have been close friends ever since. We hung out at Gideon Film Festival a few years back and in Nashville when I last shot a movie there. Torry is a real cutup and when we get together it's crazy. We will probably deviate a little from the script and have some fun improvising. Nancy Stafford will have the role of my wife and I have been looking forward to that. The producers were considering casting her as my wife in The Grace Card, but that didn't work out. So I guess it took a few years and the right script for it to work. I am looking forward to working with her very much. Heaven Bound star Michael Joiner In our first supplement issue to this publication we were pleased to announce a new film, Heaven Bound, that will be produced by Drake Films and Torrent Entertainment this March. We immediately contacted producer Adam Drake who told us that this is a faith-based comedy written by Marshal Younger and Torry Martin and directed by Gabe McCauley. The film will star Michael Joiner, Nancy Stafford, Danny Vinson, Victoria Jackson, Tony Senzamici, Terry Minton, Torry Martin and Sandra Williams. Adam Drake kindly gave us an idea of what to expect. “A financially desperate couple arrives at a mansion and Also starring in Heaven Bound, Nancy Stafford become victims themselves when they are Ed.: You have been successful in two fields, threatened by a dying Christian man who will both acting and as a comedian. What led you not let them leave until they make a decision to this type of career and how was your to follow Jesus” That couple will be Michael Christian faith involved? Joiner and Nancy Stafford. We have Michael: In 1986 I went to California and I was interviewed some of the cast members in the not living as a Christian. I went there and past and this film gave us an opportunity to started working as an extra in film and TV. I talk with actor/comedian Michael Joiner was a real party animal. I had a praying mom whom we have desired to interview for some who was praying for me to give my life to God. time. I would give her a little hope, going to church Ed.: The first thing we want to get to is about now and then and reading the Word, but nothing a film you are doing in March. Something we real solid. Then in 1988 I fully committed my learned from Adam Drake and Torry Martin. life to the Lord. At that time I was working as We would like to hear about that. Bruce Willis' photo double for the TV show

Point North † Tidings Volume 12, Number 1 3 Moonlighting. I started witnessing to everyone atmosphere in general in Los Angeles is very on the set and that caused some trouble. I prayed anti Christian. I am making movies and writing about it and came back home to Indiana and my own films, producing movies for the started working as the drummer for a worship Christian world view. I also continue to do a lot team at Vineyard Christian Center in Valparaiso, of standup comedy all across the nation. I IN. There was a community theater in that town learned that God knows what He is doing and which happened to have won the award as Best He can do whatever He wants geographically, Community Theater in the World. I started circumstantially, as long as you are putting Him going there and auditioning and getting roles first. Trust in him, He knows what He is doing. and really developing my acting chops. I could Ed.: We really loved The Grace Card and sense that God was molding me, preparing me at other work you have done. In our last issue that time. After about four years of theater I we covered another good film that you were also started doing standup comedy. I began to in, Love Covers All, and there was a second make a living that way and in the early nineties I one we covered that your were in. It was was doing a show in Kansas City, Missouri and kind of a documentary, Let The Lion Roar. unbeknownst to me my future wife was in the We had a short interview with Kevin Sorbo. audience. We started writing to each other and I That came out in January and is receiving a soon moved to Kansas City where a year later lot of commentary. It is the first time we we married and started a family. I told her when have reviewed a film that we needed to show we got married, “Some day God will call me contrasting sides and then left it to our back to Los Angeles to more seriously pursue readers to decide whether they wanted to see my acting career.” Sure enough in 2002 we it or not. We knew there might be packed up and moved to Hollywood. From controversy. Did you hear anything like 2002 to 2009 we were in LA. where I was that? landing lots of commercials and starting to get Michael: We knew from the get go there might TV as well as some film roles. We arrived in LA be some controversy. There’s not anything with two boys only to find out we had another anymore that doesn’t have the potential for one on the way. In 2008, Just as my career was controversy (laughs).We had folks asking us really starting to go strong, the economy went to why we didn't use The King James version of a dive and we lost our house which led to us The Bible in The Grace Card. One thing I have moving back to Kansas City. I was devastated learned is that you cannot please everybody and as I was sure God had called me to be an actor. I you shouldn't try to. Some things do deserve the thought to be an actor I had to be in Hollywood. controversy they create. For example there was a God knew better. I felt deep in my heart God man making news a few years ago saying, was telling me not to worry, that he still wanted “There is no Hell.” He deserved the backlash he me to be an actor and to just be ready. was getting for such a heretical point of view.. Sometimes God has to tear that thing we love He was a stain on the body of Christ in my from out heart before he will give it to us, to opinion and in the opinion of many others. In the make sure we have our priorities in line. It case of Let The Lion Roar they were right to let wasn't long after that I got a call from the people decide for themselves about the movie. producers of The Grace Card. They had looked There are things in the history of the church you at my acting reel on line and immediately felt I have to examine and decide upon. This dealt should play the starring role in that movie. After with the attitude toward Jews. If you ask that God opened one door after another. I’ve something in the form of a question you get in since then starred or co starred in over a dozen less trouble than if you are adamant about faith based films, as well as started my own film certain opinions. I think Jesus used that method company, Esther Pictures a lot too. “Who do people say that I am?” Often (www.estherpictures.com) It has been an answer times he used that method when he talked. He to prayer to be able to do what I love and not knew how to work with people's temperaments have to live in the crazy world of LA. There are and so on. some great churches out there, but the Ed.: You have some films coming out this

Point North † Tidings Volume 12, Number 1 4 year like Chasing Grace, 11 Seconds and had people of all ages ask you how can a Devotion however there is one that has been Christian break into the field of acting or getting a lot of buzz, Christian Movie. comedy. Michael: Yes, “Christian Movie” Michael: One thing for sure is you have to put (www.christianmovieparody.com) That is the God first. One thing I have learned is that a lot one I am producing myself. Years ago when I of people don't realize you have to study your was a stand up comedian, when Facing the craft. Preferably with someone on the west or Giants first came out I watched the movie and east coast. There is a definite technique and all these ideas came into my head of how I can process that the great actors utilize to be as parody this scene and that one.. That’s just how incredible and emotionally effective as they are, comedians think. They take a serious subject and it doesn’t come by doing community and turn it around and try to find the irony. As I theater, with all due respect. God is a very realized that every genre's been parodied except practical God. If you are interested in comedy Christian films, that’s when the idea hit me. I or acting, study. My pet peeve is that a lot of thought it needs to be a Christian that does this faith based actors feel it is something they can as the secular world will be mean and rude if do “naturally”…, just pick up a script and start they do a Christian parody. I started writing the acting. Nothing is further from the truth. script and I pulled from the top films Christians People like Bradley Cooper in American Sniper are familiar with. Courageous, Fire Proof, The study for years and years. There is a technique, Grace Card, Facing the Giants and others. It there is a method. If you want to be effective will pick out the quirks and foibles that you need to understand how that works. God Christians do. I put it all together and it came has called us to be the very best , but He is not out even more hilarious than I expected. Since going to give us free passes. We are called to be the script/movie has been exposed I’ve had witnesses. Pray as if it depends upon God and people beg me to be a part (laughs). As I act as if it depends upon you. With that balance audition people I get great feedback, most you can do anything. commenting that it is the funniest script they have ever seen. Someone might say, “What's the ministry involved?” The ministry is showing the world that we can laugh at ourselves. We've got this reputation, whether it is deserved or not, that a lot of us can be stuffed shirts. I'd like to show the world that “Hey, we can make fun of ourselves and laugh at ourselves and we are good sports about it.” I also created this movie, this script, in such a way so as the audience doesn't have to be familiar with the theme of each movie to get the joke. You will be a bit more rewarded if you are familiar with those films, however. I feel God has called me to make this our first movie and we are hoping to film by May of this year. I'm going to play dual roles, kind of like Eddie Murphy did in The Nutty Professor. There will be a good makeup artist who can make me look unrecognizable. This is my baby as producer, director, writer, actor and I am looking forward to it. It goes like this: A Christian High School football team seeks to win its first ever championship before The Rapture occurs. Heaven Bound producer Adam Drake Ed.: Working in two fields you have likely

Point North † Tidings Volume 12, Number 1 5 Susannah Hicks those that are just around the corner, Stokes is beginning a brand new journey himself. While Cecil Stokes, A Heart for God he is the father of hundreds of hours of television and hundreds of production crews, this summer Stokes will become a father in a far more traditional sense. I recently had the opportunity to chat with Stokes not only about his journey and first steps into filmmaking and entertainment, but also this new journey into fatherhood.

Susannah: Tell me a little bit about your journey into entertainment. When did you first feel called into the industry?

Cecil: God just put it in my lap! I had seven different majors in college because I just couldn’t figure out what I wanted to do. I had to pay my way through college, so I had to work a full time job as well as a study job. The work study job was in the career department so every now and then something would come in saying that someone in the community was interested in hiring a student from Carson Newman. One day Cecil Stokes – not many people in the one of the home shopping networks called in Christian film world or in entertainment as a looking for someone for the summer. I thought whole are unfamiliar with his name. However, if that was a great job and said, “I'll take it!” I one has yet to hear of Cecil Stokes they are sure started that summer and then they kept me on. to become very familiar with the name in the next few months and years to come. Generally, Just like that, Stokes was thrust into the Stokes’ reputation precedes him. It certainly was world of television or at the very least television that way for me. I had heard of Cecil Stokes on productions pertaining to home shopping several occasions long before I had the networks. His job responsibilities in the opportunity to meet or work with the man beginning were simple. He had to hand over the himself. From over a thousand hours of pieces of designer jewelry that the Home television for high ranking networks such ESPN Shopping Network hosts were to sell on air. and A&E to an Emmy award, and with Christian When the hosts completed their shifts Stokes film successes like October Baby, a track record was the man that reclaimed the jewelry, counting like Stokes’ can be long-sought after in the each piece to ensure that all had been brought entertainment industry and very difficult to back in perfect condition. With six to nine hours attain. However, Stokes’ reputation seems to ride each day on his hands while on the job, Stokes a perfect balance between integrity and an astute began to study the plethora of books on business-mind, as well as an inspiring drive to gemology, gold, and diamonds that cluttered his create excellent work. He has the innate ability workspace. He became acquainted with a to create teams of people that feel more like knowledge that far exceeded what was required family than casual crews of business associates. of him but ultimately shaped his future. Mix all that with a man who has a heart for God and a desire to be obedient to His will, and you Susannah: How did you go from low man on have Cecil Stokes. Between the exciting career the totem pole to highly successful producer successes that Stokes is currently enjoying and in a relatively short amount of time?

Point North † Tidings Volume 12, Number 1 6 Cecil: As low man on the totem pole, I was run solely by Stokes, is celebrating its sixteenth working on Thanksgiving and the host came in year in existence. The road to the current success with laryngitis. I thought to myself, well, I'm the company enjoys today was not a linear ride. either going to get a promotion or get fired. So I Though Stokes and his business partner had took her jewelry and her microphone and went been diligent to create a solid business plan on-air in her place - my first big risk in along with a long list of contacts, the time span television. between the creation of the business plan and the solidified relationships of contacts proved to be First big risk indeed, though one that a bit too lengthy. In the end, those contacts had paid off in dividends, and perhaps still does in a moved on in traditional business fashion and multitude of ways even today. While Stokes their best laid business plans seemed to be going was on-air that very first day and in the middle waste. However, this is where Stokes' already of his very big risk, the previous host's manager solid reputation, his tenacity, and his called into the station and had a note slipped to extraordinary work-ethic provided his company Stokes during the broadcast. The note said, with success when all seemed lost. Ironically, "Monday morning, be in my office. You have a the same company that he and his business new job." All those hours of studying and all that partner had left in order to begin Tentmakers curiosity had given Stokes a tremendous amount became the same company that offered of knowledge, far more than any of the other Tentmakers their first show. Within that first year hosts seemed to have. After two years at that Tentmakers produced 25 episodes of television. network Stokes was made aware of a position Within five years the company was consistently with a larger documentary based production producing over 200 episodes per year. company within the same city. Shortly after learning about the position with a larger Though Stokes’ ride to a successful company and with college graduation just business by anyone's standard was rather quick, around the corner, Stokes found himself in a there is much, much more to the man and the meeting with said company. He was told, “You artist within. Just as Tentmakers transitioned sound very qualified, very likeable but we don't from its rocky start to documentaries and the have anything right now. Call me again in two lucrative business of commercial making, Stokes weeks.” Stokes ever so diligently did, seventeen himself is a man of transitions. Stokes has spent times in fact. Each call ended the same way. On a great deal of time teaching at writing and the eighteenth call nine months later, the man, so filmmaking conferences across the country. He impressed by Stokes’ tenacity, changed his tone also has spent time working and speaking with and told Stokes to come in on Monday and they youth in and outside of Charlotte, North would find him something to do. Yet another Carolina, specifically leading a youth group at a risk paid off tremendously, and Stokes quickly local church. He teaches young men what it's moved up the ranks. like to come from nothing and realize with the Lord, the sky is the limit; reminding them that Susannah: What was the trajectory of your their past does not have to indicate the reality of positions within that company? their future.

Cecil: I started at that company and worked Susannah: What message or words of there for five years as a researcher, then as a wisdom do you hope to impart to the groups writer, to associate producer, and then to of men, women, and youth that you work producer. I learned every kind of job there was with? in producing a TV show. Cecil: I tell the boys I work with, or groups I Five years later Stokes left that speak with that I was born in a trailer, off a dirt company, and along with the man that had road, with pigs in my backyard and I have previously hired him began their own company. walked the red carpet. You can do anything I That company, Tentmakers Entertainment, now have done, and more!

Point North † Tidings Volume 12, Number 1 7 Much of Stokes’ success is directly due and what are the next things that God wants me to his inspiring relationship with Christ. His to do. relationship with the Lord is anything but In 2013 Stokes recognized that there stagnant. Stokes relies continually on prayer and were few shows with family values on the Lord to guide his steps. After thirteen years television. While a large secular agenda is very focusing on documentary-based television and much alive and well in television today, Stokes then commercials, Stokes felt a growing desire saw the glaring need for something that is family to dive into the more creative realm of friendly, something that a family can sit together filmmaking. Sitting in filmmaker Jon Erwin's and watch without embarrassment. Stokes’ next office one day, the two were discussing what scripted project utilized his long history in films they wanted to make. Erwin mentioned television and was intended to provide that he had always wanted to make the film something that a family could watch together. In October Baby. Intrigued, Stokes asked what the late 2013 Stokes and his producing partner, story was about. The story had yet to be written Joshua Summers, brought back together the and Erwin wasn't exactly sure what it was about October Baby cast, along with a young new himself, all he had was a title. Both Erwin and female writer, and set out to produce the TV Stokes hopped on Google and begin researching pilot The Summers Sisters. Filmed in 2014, The October Baby and to what that title might Summers Sisters was recently screened in pertain. That's when Stokes came across the Charlotte, North Carolina and is currently being phrase “abortion survivor,” a phrase with which vetted by several family-friendly networks. neither Erwin nor Stokes was familiar. After Indeed, The Summers Sisters is a show with reading numerous articles about abortion content safe for the whole family and yet survivors and their tragic yet often inspiring applicable to the struggles that families in stories the inklings of the October Baby script America face. began to come to life. Today October Baby is one of the most successful Christian films to The creation of a show with family date finding success both in the Christian market friendly content could not have come at a more as well as within the secular market. Gary perfect time for Stokes himself. After years of Goldstein in the Los Angeles Times writes that prayer regarding having his own family, this this is "a film whose poignancy is hard to deny summer Stokes will likely be part of his most whatever side of the abortion debate you fall important story. If all goes right and is within the on." With the success and impact of October will of the Lord, Stokes will be providing a Baby behind and fueling him Stokes went back home for two boys that he hopes to adopt this to making commercials. However, this time it summer. As we spoke about this exciting time in was so he could continue to produce films and both his career and his personal life, I couldn't projects that matter. help but find parallels between the two. As a television and film producer he takes an idea, Susannah: Most people would assume that finds a crew that becomes a family, creates a set after a successful film like October Baby one that becomes a home, and delivers heartwarming would immediately jump into producing stories of humanity full of love and grace no another film. Tell me a little bit about your matter the plot details. As an adoptive father he decision to continue producing commercials. will be doing the same thing in a much deeper way. He will be adopting a crew of siblings, Cecil: After October Baby I went back into providing a forever home, and living a story of doing commercials because October Baby was a family full of love and God’s grace. I can't wait movie that mattered, and it moved people so to watch on screen what Stokes will produce in deeply that I didn't want to become a movie the future as he is inspired by his new family maker that just made something. I want to make and by the beauty that God will no doubt bring things that matter. So I spent a long time trying from this experience. to figure out which scripts I'd want to work on

Point North † Tidings Volume 12, Number 1 8 A film that will keep you guessing: Rosalie, played by Alexa Jannson, doesn't have the only story to follow. There is Fragile World her best friend Britt (Noelle Perris) who works for a recording company and is challenged to find a possible singing star based upon an amateur made CD that someone had discarded. Noelle played a not so loyal friend in Leaving Limbo, however in this film she plays the type of good friend that Rosalie needs.

Alexa Jannson and Noelle Perris Central to the story is a park. It is here that many homeless and desperate people are drawn and there is a young preacher (Augusto Valverde) and his helpers who minister to them. Rosalie is often there to help. One homeless man, Fitz (Marco Aiello), is a would be musician who like Rosalie is delusional thinking that he has made it as a rock star, rather than homeless, living in a palace. In a sense we all live in a fragile world Sandy in her research learned that within our minds. There are times when we delusional patients have a small percentage of cannot cope with life and create worlds of our their brain that knows the truth. She has made a own. We possibly have all created “what if” film that successfully explores mental illness fantasies some time or another in our past. But and God's love. Is the dashing stranger in what if those fantasies become real? Rosalie's life real and will Britt find that rock star? You have to see the film to find out. Writer/Director Sandy Boikian, who gave us the excellent film Leaving Limbo, explores the illusionary world of Rosalie, a lonely interior decorator. She has a history of delusions and falls for a dashing stranger who may or may not be real. Rosalie lives in a very fragile world with a mind in need of emotional and spiritual healing. As you watch the film you get to the point where you wonder what is real and what is unreal. We somehow felt as we did when watching two classic thrillers, the Bruce Willis film Sixth Sense and Nicole Kidman's The Others. You know you have to watch it more than once. And you will know that Sandy Marco Aiello Boikian has done it again.

Point North † Tidings Volume 12, Number 1 9 Juli Tapken Cast In Epic Western Anderson, Writer/Producer and two other team members to include Donna Ava Messer and Big Sky TV Show Janie Hughes, among others.

Included among the A-list actors interested in working with Big Sky is Matthew McConaughey.

Juli Tapken is making a big splash in the big film pond. Her roots are the stage, while performing in the live musical comedy Smoke on the Mountain and other live shows in Branson, Missouri since 2000. She also sang and acted in many live productions during her school years growing up in Oklahoma, where she also won the crown of Miss Northern Oklahoma Juli Tapken College in 1993. Now, equipped with these Actress Juli Tapken, Branson Missouri, incredible acting experiences, she dipped her toe is very happy to accept a role in the new family- in and suddenly has over 10 IMDb credits since friendly western television series, Big Sky. picking up this new endeavor of film acting in late 2013. Big Sky is only the beginning of an Big Sky is a 19TH century western series impressive list of credits including Providence unlike any other. While family oriented with a by the makers of The Good Book and two films feel akin to Bonanza and Little House on the with Fire Catcher Productions, The Reins Maker Prairie, the show is going to present the old west and The Colors of Emily. Juli has many other with realism and powerful action-filled, cliff- great feature films, commercials, short films, hanger scenes that will keep the viewing music videos and the title of Miss Filmmaker audience waiting in anticipation till next weeks International 2015 on her resume. You will find episode. The writing and stories are brilliant, Juli's story at www.julitapken.com with plots filled with twists and turns. Big Sky will not be boring! The huge cast includes Big Sky and Juli Tapken are sure to be a Native Americans portraying traditional and great team, watch for this on your TV sets at non-traditional roles, and actors from all over home! the United States including retired, Reserve and To learn more about Big Sky, you can disabled American Veterans in key roles. Big view these links: Sky is assembling a huge cast that is working together as one big family. Presently there are http://www.bigskytvshow.com/home over 150 cast in Big Sky from all over the USA and that is just the beginning. https://www.facebook.com/bigskythetvshow

The powerhouse team responsible for https://www.facebook.com/TheBigSkypost Big Sky are CEO Julie Bumgarner Executive https://twitter.com/thebigskypost Producer/Writer and Dianne Turner Casting Director/Producer. Co-creator and Writer/Composer Rick Balentine. Dennis

Point North † Tidings Volume 12, Number 1 10 The Jesus Revolution narrative film, Woodlawn, a true sports story set in 1973 starring Sean Astin. (Woodlawn will be released in theaters across America in November 2015.) To turn potential into product they have hired young filmmaker Brian Ivie, director of the upcoming viral sensation The Drop Box (coming to theaters in March 2015), to bring the visceral and cinematic energy that such an emotional topic demands. After the Kickstarter campaign concludes, Ivie and his team plan to travel across America documenting “far-out” and “mind-blowing” stories from the movement, culminating in a road trip adventure up the California coast. Will they be driving a production van for their journey? Not quite. They will be in a 60s-era tour bus, with “The Jesus Revolution” emblazoned across each broadside. The idea, Ivie says, “Is to hit the road and experience it for ourselves. That’s how we’ll bring people into the movie. And hopefully, into more than a movie.” What is certain thus far is that this is no historical infomercial. It is a dynamic story of One of our directors, Nancy Stafford, yesterday, today, and the enigma of tomorrow. put us onto this documentary. A Kickstarter The producing team for the film includes Mike campaign has been launched bringing us news Wildt, Bryce Komae, Will Tober and Dan of a documentary feature film that will tell the Atchison. Executive Producers are the Erwin untold story of America’s last great spiritual Brothers and Pastor Michael Catt of Sherwood awakening. The Jesus Revolution, also known Church. The production’s creative team includes as the “Jesus Movement,” was a public, director of photography John Rutland and writer nationwide revival that first appeared amongst W.A. Fulkerson. the hippies of San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury You may follow the fundraising district in 1967-The Summer of Love. campaign on Kickstarter. Shareable and Unplanned and unpredictable, the spirit spread printable memes are now available on like wildfire from coast to coast in nothing less than miraculous fashion. A man literally carried The Jesus Revolution Facebook page. a wooden cross from LA to DC, students at Asbury University refused to end chapel service Kickstarter: www.thejesusrevolution.com for a week straight, over 150,000 people gathered at the Cotton Bowl where Johnny Cash BackupLink: and Billy Graham praised the Lord, but this is https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/115 only one side of the story. Countless desperate, 3177084/the-jesus-revolution) broken nomads and hippies found what they were looking for all along, and it was something Facebook: far greater than superstition. www.facebook.com/revolutionbeginswith The Erwin Brothers, co-directors of me. prominent faith-based films such as October Baby and Mom’s Night Out, first devised the idea for a documentary on the Jesus Movement For additional information, contact: while doing research for their upcoming [email protected].

Point North † Tidings Volume 12, Number 1 11 involves a subject that seems to be taken less From Sword of the Spirit seriously in our schools today than ever before. Love Waits deals with chastity, peer pressure and Publishing bullying. There are love stories involving two different age sets, however we were drawn most Sword of the Spirit Publishing under the by the things that teens are faced with today. direction of Donald James Parker has had There is great information on a movement several films come out and recently we had the growing popular in some churches where young opportunity to view two of them. people make a vow before the membership that The first, Gramps Goes to College, they will not have pre-marital sex. Putting God reminded us a bit of the forties classic Mr. first works and is beautifully illustrated. We are Belvedere Goes To College and we consider this especially impressed by the acting of Brittany its equal and it has a special religious message Mann who has the lead. For one so young she is that is similar to God's Not Dead. In this case building quite a resume including Colors of Gramps, played by Donald James Parker, enters Emily which Jenn Gotzon contacted us about. college for some special classes including one As the script writer and director for both taught by a biology teacher who is a strong films we had to ask Donald if he had a specific evolutionist. There are debates as would be target audience. We appreciate his answer. “I expected and Gramps gets his message across in do not do things like most people. I don't have a ways that all ages can learn from. He also narrow range target audience. I just sit at the serves as an advisor to students and even computer and type and stories come out. I'm becomes a match maker. What is amazing is hoping that I have a Holy Ghost writer. I'm not that Donald is in nearly every scene and not only trying to make money nor make art. I'm trying to acts, he is involved in many physical activities get the messages that God lays upon my heart that a younger man would find it hard to keep up unto the street. I was amazed that young kids with. seem to like my work.

Wounded Warriors Movie Brings Awareness to PTSD We’re excited about this film project because Producer/Director Michael Gier goes above and beyond the average film production. Not only will the film honor veterans with the story content and production quality but Gier will give back a huge chunk of the film's net profits to veterans. PTSD is a serious problem that many of our soldiers deal with and Gier believes that soldiers and veterans are a valuable group of individuals who deserve our help. They should not be streamlined or forgotten. Normally investors fund a film and receive 50% of the net profits. However, Gier is focusing on funding the film through individuals Brittany Mann and Donald James Parker and corporate donations so that he can donate 50% of the film’s net profits to non-profit organizations that benefit veterans. The second film is one that we wish Teaming up with experienced could be seen by every young person as it filmmakers including Screenwriter Bob Burrus,

Point North † Tidings Volume 12, Number 1 12 Line Producer Patrick Ingram, and Associate actually give back to those who served on our Producer Teres Byrne, Gier also brings in behalf. Vietnam War consultant Tom Matteo (recipient Go to the film’s website to watch the of six Purple Heart Medals) and songwriter promo video, donate, and to get more details Roger Stephens (who wrote the song Wounded about ways you can help. Warrior, which was performed by Billy Dean). www.WoundedWarriorsMovie.com The team hopes that the movie will help audiences understand what our soldiers go through and to instill in viewers a sense of gratitude for the protection they offer.

Western Film Fair & Nostalgia Convention Short Film Contest Deadline May 15

The deadline for entries in the Western Short Film Making Contest is May 15. That is when films have to reach the head of this project and the preliminary judging committee. Just a couple reminders were sent to us to pass on. This does not have be a film dealing with the old The film is inspired by true stories and West nor with the West itself. The desire is for focuses on the reconciliation between two films submitted to have the type of values those veterans, a father and a son. The son battles with great old films had, to be family friendly. The PTSD, which actually began in childhood when film may be any length up to forty minutes. The his Vietnam War-traumatized father failed to top five will be shown at the Western Film Fair deal with his own demons. The emotional abuse & Nostalgia Convention in Winston-Salem, NC the boy suffers is intensified by later experiences July 8-11. A special panel of guests will judge in Afghanistan, and he turns to alcohol to deal the top three films. First prize is $1,000., with it. The film not only highlights the effects Second $500. and third $250. Those three will of PTSD on a young Veteran’s family, but also be given full media coverage and will be the courage it takes the entire family to endorsed for showing in film festivals and other overcome the difficult battles. venue. If any interested person has not received While individuals and corporations can a packet from WFF&NC then please email make donations to the film, the website also [email protected] and the packet will be includes a page full of fundraising ideas for promptly emailed back. So far the guest stars those who would like to go above and beyond. for the July event include Henry Darrow, Patty Michael hopes to garner support of those who Duke, Kathy Garver, Kristy McNichol, Judson are ready to take action now on behalf of Mills, Nia Peeples, Don Reynolds, Karen veterans…not just to make another movie, but to Sharpe, Nancy Stafford and Fred Williamson.

Point North † Tidings Volume 12, Number 1 13 Jenny Cote's next book, one we look will get to cheer the miraculous rise of the forward to, will be out March 30 Church against the backdrop of murder, intrigue and power struggles of Imperial Rome. This book is recommended for ages 10 and up. Approximately 600 pages, book Six is the exciting conclusion of the two-book saga of Acts following The Wind, the Road, and the Way. The release date is March 30, 2015. It will be available online or in bookstores. For signed copies and more information on Jenny L. Cote, please visit www.epicorderoftheseven.com. An award winning author, Jenny developed an early passion for God, history and young people, and beautifully blends these passions together in her two fantasy fiction series, The Amazing Tales of Max and Liz® and Epic Order of the Seven®. We consider her the new C. S. Lewis. She opens up the world of creative writing for students of all ages and reading levels through fun and highly interactive workshops. What we especially like is how she researches her books by not just reading books, but also visiting the locales where her stories will take place. She has future books in the planning that will involve the American Revolution and World War Two. This has meant traveling all over the Eastern United States and Europe. On her journeys Jenny gets the feel of Ever since Jenny Cote's last book, The the real people she writes about and fittingly one Wind, the Road & The Way we have been of them in the future is C.S. Lewis whose home looking forward to this book. In covering The she has visited and desk she has sat at. We enjoy Book of Acts the Author needed two books and having the opportunity to cover this amazing the first half was brilliant. The stage is now set author. for an epic battle between the Fire of God and the Fire of Lucifer. Which Fire will ultimately be victorious to catch and blaze across the Roman world and throughout history? The events of Acts leading to Revelation come to life as the Order of the Seven animal team surrounds the early believers who face impossible odds and take the gospel to the ends of the earth. We will journey with Paul through his trials, imprisonment, shipwreck and struggles, and be the first to read his powerful letters that will define Christianity’s core beliefs. We will also experience the heartache of the martyred disciples and those whose blood is spilled in the arenas of Rome as they cling to faith in Christ and the coming Revelation. We

Point North † Tidings Volume 12, Number 1 14 The latest from Brian Godawa be given. These are not books for children and there are sections that film wise would clearly be rated R. Brian researched the regions described in the Bible at that time and these were evil pagan people who wanted to wipe out the seed of Abraham. Their societies were corrupt and the descriptions of the acts of these civilizations, though real, will be pretty rough. The next book planned is Jesus Triumphant.

A few years ago we reviewed the first two books in a special series by Brian Godawa, Noah Primeval and Enoch Primordial. Since then he has written five more in what is called Chronicles of Nephalin. Using scripture as well as ancient Jewish and Mesopotamia manuscripts Brian has woven a history that tells of the giants. These were the mighty men that came from the union of fallen angels, now demons, and human women.

From the time of Noah the author has written epic books about Gilgamesh later to become Nimrod, Abraham, Joshua, Caleb and now David. The Bible tells us about these men and their encounters with the Nephalin and fallen angels and Brian tries to fill in the blanks. He carefully supplies an appendix that shows his sources and explains how there is a war between the “Seed of the Serpent” and the “Seed of Eve.” His latest is David Ascendent. We easily remember the giant Goliath, however there were other giants who had to be dispatched by David's own mighty warriors. Some might think the author is taking license in his surmising what he considers real stories from the past and for this the author tries to provide evidence from the Bible. At the very least his books will have the reader checking the sources that may be found in scripture. There is an important caution that must

Point North † Tidings Volume 12, Number 1 15 People & Places Congratulations to Point North † Outreach/Tidings Advisory Rhonda Fleming Continues Board Member Rebecca Holden To Make a Difference Joel Diamond, former Sony Executive, The Rhonda Fleming Family Center serves two times Grammy nominee, and multi-platinum homeless and low-income families, especially young record producer eloped over New Year's with single-parent families. The majority of parents Rebecca Holden, Knight Rider co-star, Breck entering the Rhonda Fleming Family Center are Girl, General Hospital series regular, and former foster youth, who lack the family-based recording artist. They walked down the aisle to support system available to many of their peers. The their own recording "Dreams Come True" on-site licensed daycare and preschool program (Rebecca's new CD single, co-written & provides care for our residents' children free of produced by Joel and released internationally on charge. Silver Blue/Summit Records), which is now the "#1 Most Requested & Most Popular" Wedding Song in the world on YouTube, with over 12 Million views. Diamond says, "Since thousands of people around the globe are using our song for their wedding videos, why shouldn't we?" To watch the newest YouTube Lyric Video Google: Dreams Come True "Official" Wedding Lyric Video go to http://youtu.be/R7dM9E7ZGUY

Jayshawna Jones, one of the young ladies Rhonda has been helping through Path. The Rhonda Fleming Family Center (at the Gramercy location) also houses PATH’s Family Solutions Center, which provides a wealth of services for homeless families in need of crisis care. The RFFC offers temporary and permanent housing placement, and linkages with employment, physical and mental health, child care and other community- based services. The program is one of six Family Solutions Centers in Los Angeles County and central to the County’s efforts to provide coordinated, regionally-based services to families experiencing homelessness. Web: www.epath.org F: www.facebook.com/PATH Joel Diamond and Rebecca Holden LABlog: www.povertyinsights.org You may donate at www.imaginaryfeast.org All gifts will be matched dollar for dollar!

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