The (bright) future of values-friendly films — and filmmaking

DeVon Franklin Dr. Jerry A. Johnson Rebecca Ver Dallas Jenkins Amy McGee Vincent Walsh Straten-McSparran

A Special Report Prepared by The Washington Times Advocacy Department and Inspire Buzz Faith & Film The (bright) future of values-friendly films — and filmmaking Table of Contents

Telling the story that faith is the path...... 3 Breaking ground with national, DeVon Franklin multimedia ‘events’ for faith and family...... 22 Spencer Proffer Values aren’t a niche...... 6 Matthew Faraci ‘Dance’ film weaves four stories of hope...... 23 Spencer Proffer Do we have faith in film?...... 7 Dr. Jerry A. Johnson Faith. Film. And the stories we choose to tell...... 24 Paul Aiello The (bright) future of faith-based films...... 8 Cary Solomon and Chuck Konzelman Why Hollywood doesn’t get ‘faith’ films...... 24 Dr. Larry W. Poland Viewing faith films as start-ups...... 9 Harrison Powell Films help us ‘face and confront’ our core beliefs...... 25 Terry Botwick Storytelling and the power to change the world ...... 12 S. Bryan Hickox Behind the scenes with faith filmmaking ...... 28 Dick Rolfe Everybody has a story...... 12 Jess Stainbrook The cinema: Our country’s collective ‘cathedral’...... 29 Amy McGee The five categories of ‘belief’ movies...... 13 Erik Lokkesmoe God loves Hollywood and so should we ...... 29 Rabbi Jason Sobel ‘The Ten Commandments’ at 60 years: Still timeless and true...... 16 Brian Godawa t m ent Adding more ‘salt and light’ into filmmaking ...... 30

a r Barry Landis 38 years of divine miracles...... 17 y D e p Dr. Ted Baehr and Dr. Tom Snyder The view of a faithful consumer — and devoted dad ...... 31 c a Bryan Schwartz oc A film studies view: Let movies mirror life, even if the ending isn’t neat...... 18 What do Christians want from Christian movies?...... 31 Rebecca Ver Straten-McSparran (with Kristi Stone Hamrick) Adam Holz

‘The Young Messiah’: A daring story All in the family!...... 32 o n Tim es A dv that is worth the journey...... 20 Hallie Todd Cyrus Nowrasteh How Hollywood is messing up faith marketing...... 33 Imagining ‘Joseph’ as ‘the anchor, the rock’...... 20 Jeremy Irion Vincent Walsh

Y Th e Was hi ngt Did a ‘deadly sin’ play a role in faith filmmaking?...... 33 ‘Christian stories can be funny — who knew?’...... 21 Brad Slager Dallas Jenkins A R ED B Christian films — a blessing and a ‘curse...... 35 Breaking out of the Christian ghetto...... 21 Dave Alan Johnson

T PR E P Michael Leaser O N T IM ES

Inspire Buzz is a Los Angeles-based entertainment marketing agency specializing in delivering the values audience. Founded and led by former political strategist AS HI NGT

CI A L R E POR Matthew Faraci, the company motivates audiences, like voters, to turnout for your project. Its motto: “You do the Storytelling, we do the Story-selling.” For more information, visit www.Inspire.buzz​.​ A S P E t H E W | ​​Special thanks to Kristi Stone Hamrick, president of KSH Media, Inc., media consultant, writer, speaker and storyteller, providing clients with an ally who employs strategic thinking and campaign implementation to best share their stories with the media and new markets. Contact her at: [email protected]

Cheryl Wetzstein Larry T. Beasley David Dadisman Patrick Crofoot Special SectionS Manager preSident and ceo general Manager SuperviSor, graphicS

Advertising Department: Thomas P. McDevitt Adam VerCammen 202-636-3062 chairMan director of advertiSing & SaleS

Special Sections are multipage tabloid products that run in The Washington Times daily newspaper and are posted online and in PDF form onits website. Sponsors and advertisers collaborate with The Times’ advertising and marketing departments to highlight a variety of issues and events, such as The Power of Prayer, North Korea’s ugust 31 • 2016 • A ugust Wednesday Nuclear Threat, Gun Rights Policy Conference and Rolling Thunder Memorial Day Tribute to Veterans. Unless otherwise identified, Special Sections areprepared separately 2 ADVOCACY/SPECIAL SECTIONS and without involvement from the Times’ newsroom and editorial staff. Telling the story that faith is the path...

as a person of faith who watches a lot of entertainment and reads a lot of enter- taining things, the connection is critical and very important. For me, if I didn’t really understand it, or if I didn’t connect to it, then it’s a very hard project to advo- cate for — for anyone to advocate for. So I felt a connection to their story, their journey, and that’s what motivated me to want to help bring their story to the big screen... I felt it would be a great story to inspire people with the revela- tion that miracles are real, and miracles are all around us and we have to look for them. Sometimes we are looking for the By DeVon Franklin quote, unquote big miracle. But a miracle of any size is a miracle nonetheless. And Film producer, author and motiva- we would be surprised how many of tional speaker DeVon Franklin has helped them are around us if we would just look. bring several inspirational films to global And I thought that story did an awesome audiences, including this year’s “Miracles job of putting that idea out there. From Heaven” and 2014’s “Heaven is Q : The movie carried authenticity For Real.” He recently spoke with Cheryl — I know I and others in the audience Wetzstein, manager of special sections at believed the people and believed the The Washington Times, about the future of story... faith-based filmmaking. Going to your point about quality, so

This interview was edited for space and much of my background comes from A SPECIAL REPORT PREPARED BY T he W clarity. being a former studio executive and Q : With successes under your belt, having worked with some of the great- and thinking about the inspirations est minds in entertainment. And having for these kinds of films, what do you learned from them, I try to apply what see coming down the pike ? I have learned to (1) how the story is I go back to the Bible and look at the crafted, (2) what production values we “Miracles From Heaven” images courtesy stories in the Bible, and I see how those have infused in the movie, (3) how the of Sony Pictures Entertainment. stories have endured the test of time. movie is cast and put together, and (4) And what that tells me is that people are how the movie is ultimately marketed happiness, it’s the path to peace, it’s the never tired of stories of faith and stories and distributed. path to miracles. And I believe that when that can inspire them on a personal level My goal is to continuously treat films we believe that, we will see the impossi- and a spiritual level. of faith with the integrity and with the ble happen in our life. And I like to speak

So for me, when I look at the future, care that they deserve. Our stories are on that topic, so that whoever is listening ashington T imes A d it’s amazing and incredible at the op- big stories. Our stories are stories that will hopefully be motivated to begin to portunities that will be afforded us to be can change the world and do change the apply faith in a more dynamic way and able to make more stories that can reach world. So I always want to approach our see more dynamic results that God has people and inspire people in their faith. stories with the most quality possible and already ordained. I think the goal is to find stories that bring in as much attention and awareness Q : Thank you — last question. can organically do that. And, those and care that we possibly can to them. We often have favorite Bible verses stories — whether they are modern, Q : I have heard you speak about we turn to throughout our lives. Do THE WASHINGTON TIMES v whether they are period or whether they the next generation and the impor- you have a favorite Bible verse that D epartmentocacy are futuristic — if there’s an authentic- tance of “building a path to true you keep reflecting on at this stage of ity and a connection inherent in those success.” How does that guide you, reason, so many times, I come across so your life? stories, I believe they will become a plat- especially when picking vehicles for many believers who have dreams and Yes! It’s probably the Bible verse that form in which people can be reached. film? aspirations that they believe — but for is also my birthday, Philippians 4:13, “I Q : So the “faith” genre is alive and Yes, I believe that it’s so important whatever reason they believe their faith can do all things through Christ who likely going to grow? to build a bridge to the next generation. is an obstacle to the manifestation of strengthens me.”

I definitely think so. Without question. And storytelling is an awesome way to those dreams. | Wednesday • A ugust 31 • 2016 Q : Regarding “Miracles From do that. I really love the opportunity to I believe God has allowed me to be DeVon Franklin is a film producer, mo- Heaven,” why did you decide to go do movies that can inspire and motivate in Hollywood and allowed me to have a tivational speaker and author of “Pro- with that particular project? and that can also be multigenerational... certain level of success, not just for my duced By Faith” and the New York Times As a person of faith, when I read the The awesome thing about “Miracles own benefit, but also for the benefit of so best-selling book, “The Wait: A Powerful story for the first time in the book form, From Heaven” is that it won the Drama many other believers out there to show Practice to Find The Love of Your Life and it motivated me, it inspired me — what Award from the Teen Choice Awards this that faith does work — to show that all The Life You Love,” which he wrote with Christy went through and the journey of year. There were so many other types of things are possible to those that believe his actress wife Meagan Good. He serves Annabel and the Beam family was just films in that category — and “Miracles and are called according to His purpose. as president and CEO of Franklin Enter- riveting. From Heaven” was awarded the best film And that faith is not the barrier, it’s the tainment, a first-look production company So that was a good indicator that for Drama this year. And that said, in and path. with Sony Pictures Entertainment. Images that this was a story that could probably of itself, how films like this can bridge So much of the work that I’ve been courtesy of Sony Pictures Entertainment. translate very well to the screen. It all generations. fortunate enough to do displays that in starts with “Am I reading it? Am I con- And for me, being a believer and so many different ways. Faith is the path nected to it? Am I moved by it?” Because, being in Hollywood, and for whatever — it’s the path to success, it’s the path to 3 A film for Christ, not commerce The feature-length film JESUS, rated Kings) have had varying degrees of suc- accurate portrayal of the life of Christ G and sometimes called The JESUS cess with faith-based adaptations. ever put to film. Film, first released theatrically by War- But when people have come face- In 1979, JESUS premiered in 250 U.S. ner Brothers in 1979 with a “massive” to-face with JESUS, when they see him theaters. The following year, the film had rollout in only 250 theaters. Over the smile and hear him speak in their own its first international showing in Hindi to last 35 years, JESUS has been translated language, with their own accent, they 21 million Indian viewers. By 1984, film into more than 1,400 languages and seen have overwhelmingly responded. translations had reached 100. In 1985, by more than 6 billion people world- The team at The JESUS Film Project a non-profit called “The JESUS Film wide. It has been recognized by The believes that movies offer the most dy- Project” was founded to continue creat- Guinness Book of World Records as the namic way to hear and see the greatest ing new translations and to expand the “Most Translated Film” in history. story ever lived. Films bring story to number of JESUS Film teams who could Making a successful film about a life in ways that transcends the written travel the world to show the film. beloved historical figure is flat out dif- word. The power of film is magnified By 1993, JESUS had been viewed by ficult. This is true for any story, not just further in oral cultures, where written a half-billion people. Just four years Biblical people and stories. With the communication is scarce. When people later, the film reached one billion view- last 10+ years of successful films proving see the life of Jesus portrayed on screen, ings and was translated into a 400th beyond a shadow of doubt that there is it is life-changing. Even in societies language. Dramatic audio and radio ver- an audience for exclusively faith-based where the written word is prevalent, sions were also developed. In 1999, they By Scott A. Shuford hit the 500 translation milestone, and The continued success of big- The Story of Jesus for Children was pro- budget films with Christian themes duced. By 2001, JESUS had been shown like Miracles From Heaven, War Room, in every country around the globe. Heaven is For Real, and Son of God, and In 2007, the 1,000th translation of TV miniseries like The Bible continue JESUS was completed. That same year, to follow the trail cut by The Passion of a new film Magdalena: Released from the Christ 14 years ago. Shame premiered at the United Nations Match the most powerful story with in New York, and in 22 countries around the most powerful story-telling medium the world. and you have a shot at success. When For the 35th anniversary of the film Hollywood or New York takes a great in 2014, JESUS was remastered for HD t m ent

a r story with deep spiritual connections and updated with a new musical score, and personal meaning, and does the updated sound effects and dialogue, and

y D e p work to let Christians know their film new visuals. Work was also in process c a exists, the audience shows up. That’s on Version 2.0 of the Jesus Film Media oc true of any identifiable market: faith, app, which made it easier for people ethnic, sports, or lifestyle. If they build to find videos of Jesus in their own it, and build it well, Christians will come. language. That year, The JESUS Film In fact, interest in faith and family values Project set a new goal to reach 5 bil- from the Bible have broad appeal, not lion people by 2025. They have already o n Tim es A dv just to Christians. Year after year, the reached that goal. industry research done by my colleague For the first time, JESUS has just Dr. Ted Baehr at MovieGuide conclu- released for streaming and video-on- sively shows that this content not only demand through all of popular services has broad appeal, but tends to generate including iTunes, Google Play, Amazon,

Y Th e Was hi ngt the most revenue. Microsoft, and Christian Cinema. If you This is not a new revelation for Hol- haven’t seen JESUS, it’s time to catch up. lywood, but in these “progressive” days, If you have, here’s a new opportunity to A R ED B faith and family values had fallen out of have your friends over and enjoy JESUS fashion, and were a bit left behind by the together in the comfort of your home.

T PR E P Hollywood and New York communities. No film in the entire history of film

O N T IM ES It’s no surprise that the greatest story has reached more people, touched more ever told can make for great film and hearts, and changed more lives than television, both in terms of actual story JESUS. AS HI NGT CI A L R E POR content and in values presented through stories like The Blind Side, Sarah Drew’s Scott A. Shuford goes to the movie the- A S P E

t H E W gritty portrayal of Dr. April Kepner on ater by night and works by day as the | Grey’s Anatomy, or even on The American Chief Engagement Officer of FrontGate Bible Challenge hosted by Jeff Foxworthy, Media. The IAC and WebAward win- which debuted in 2012 to become GSN’s ning firm has served on the marketing highest-rated program of all time. campaigns for close to 100 Christian But what you might be surprised to films. Scott has been featured in The know is that according to the New York Daily Beast, ADWEEK, and other pub- Times, the most-watched film in all of stories, and sometimes a blockbuster au- films are surely cultural flashpoints. lications, and as a speaker for at the history is not a big-budget studio film dience, we have seen more major studio JESUS is a factual, historical, non- International Christian Visual Media with star-power names attached. It is a portrayals of Biblical people and stories. denominational presentation of the Conference, Visual Storytelling Network, Christian film. Yes, you read that right. Some of the most gifted filmmakers of story of Jesus taken directly from the Comic-Con International and more. The #1 most-watched film of all films our time like Darren Aronofsky (Noah) Gospel of Luke. According to critics ugust 31 • 2016 • A ugust Wednesday ever produced is a movie called JESUS. and Ridley Scott (Exodus: Gods and and church leaders, JESUS is the most 4 Advertorial Watch JESUS Now On Demand

•  ,/!&+$1,1%""4,/(&*"0Ǿ &01%"*,0141 %"!Ɯ)*&+%&01,/6 • 3"/Ǜ &))&,+3&"4&+$0,#1%"  &)* • "/)6ǗǚǕ*&))&,+-",-)"%3"%!1%"&/)&3"0 %+$"! 641 %&+$  • ,011/+0)1"!Ɯ)*&+%&01,/6Ǿ&+,3"/ǖǾǙǕǕ)+$2$"0 • %"*,01 2/1"-,/1/6),#1%")&#",#%/&01"3"/-211,Ɯ)* A SPECIAL REPORT PREPARED BY T he W ashington T imes A d THE WASHINGTON TIMES v D epartmentocacy | What will you do with JESUS? Wednesday • A ugust 31 • 2016

5 Values aren’t a niche

“values” encompasses not just faith, Christians, 3 percent are Orthodox, 2 good lessons. but rather everything from “The Blind percent are Mormons, and 2 percent For this group, it’s not just about Side” to “The Pursuit of Happyness” are Jewish. The values audience is passing time, it’s also about reinforc- to “The Peanuts Movie” — entertain- more digitally savvy than most of the ing values and learning something. ment that tells inspiring, virtuous population, more likely to be parents Because the values audience is stories families can enjoy together. than adults as a whole and more likely family-oriented, its members view The values audience is huge — 37 to prefer getting content from Ama- entertainment as an opportunity to percent of the U.S. entertainment zon than from Netflix as compared to spend quality time together, spurring market. That’s slightly more than the general population. conversations that extend far beyond a one in every three moviegoers. Are The values audience looks like film to the dining room table, the car, they white? Yes, but less so than the America — it’s young, diverse and, as Little League games and, yes, Sunday general U.S. population. In fact, this a famous journalist said to me, “an ex- discussions following a sermon. group is much more heavily African- tremely sophisticated consumer. They Hollywood is missing the opportu- American and Hispanic than the are dialed in and you can’t fool them; nity to make loads of money in failing to appeal to the values audience. Photo by Bradford Rogne Photography Although it has produced values- By Matthew Faraci oriented movies that were megahits, it has done so only sporadically. The problem, ironically, is the in- ar too many in entertain- dustry’s fundamental lack of faith. ment share the miscon- Fifty-two million customers are ception that the so-called enough to carry any project — TV “faith-based” audience is or movie — to success. Trust that the a niche market. values audience will embrace values- Sure, you can get oriented content, and you’ll see more enough folks together to success at the box office and beyond. make “God’s Not Dead,” “War Room,” When new data like this reveals “The Bible” and “Duck Dynasty” big game-changing insights, savvy folks Fhits, but that’s the limit. The “faith- will want to change their approach. based” audience is otherwise per- Here’s a few thoughts. t m ent

a r ceived as a small but uber-dedicated If you are a content creator, look segment of aging, white, Chick-fil-A- for compelling, inspiring stories that

y D e p eating, Southern evangelical church- can capture an audience’s imagina- c a goers who look and talk like “The tion. Hollywood used to make mov- oc Simpsons”’ Ned Flanders. It’s a group, ies like this all the time: “Chariots some believe, interested exclusively in of Fire,” “Mr. Holland’s Opus,” “Toy low-budget, preachy, Bible-thumping Story,” “Home Alone,” “The Lord of films. the Rings” trilogy, “Rudy,” “Forrest But a groundbreaking, first-of-its- Gump,” “Field of Dreams,” “Rocky” o n Tim es A dv and “Horton Hears a Who?” are but a few examples. You could probably Are the members of the jot down 25 other such titles right off values audience people the top of your head. That’s the sweet of faith? Of course, but spot. Tell a great story (and keep it

Y Th e Was hi ngt clean, please), and you have a winner. “values” encompasses If you’re focused on marketing, find not just faith, but rather the right story first and then market A R ED B everything from “The as follows: Respect the audience’s Blind Side” to “The intelligence. Create marketing cam- T PR E P paigns that communicate clearly why

O N T IM ES Pursuit of Happyness” viewers should care about the story to “The Peanuts Movie” and what the value proposition is. You — entertainment that don’t have to sell them with a bait and AS HI NGT CI A L R E POR switch; they like their trailers straight tells inspiring, virtuous up and honest.

A S P E stories families can t H E W There’s a massive opportunity for | enjoy together. storytellers to share wonderful tales that make the world a better place. kind study conducted by National Re- Oh, and here’s a dirty little secret for search Group for VidAngel, a hugely the financially minded: Clean sells. popular service that streams filtered content to families, reveals otherwise. Matthew Faraci is founder and First, a little language lesson. general population, and includes more they know when you’re pandering.” president of Inspire Buzz, the only “Faith-based” mischaracterizes Democrats (36 percent) than Republi- From their diversity, “E Pluribus entertainment marketing agency the audience. Their real motivator is cans (33 percent). Unum” applies in a uniquely Ameri- exclusively specializing in de- values — entertainment that funda- Surprised? can way. Members of the values audi- livering the values audience. mentally speaks to the values they Thirty-three percent are born-again ence are united by a single, power- ugust 31 • 2016 • A ugust Wednesday hold dear. Christians, 22 percent are Roman ful core driver: the desire for clean, Are the members of the values au- Catholic, 15 percent are mainline wholesome content that, like the 6 dience people of faith? Of course, but Protestants, 12 percent are evangelical beloved sitcoms of the 1980s, teaches Do we have faith in film? as tell, the story. Viewers not only But will that power be for good or faith values. identify with a character’s story and for evil? This is the other way to ask Those faith films should cover al- lines, but also actually see how it is and answer the question, “Do we have most every genre, but should explore acted out. Film adds visual power to faith in film?” “worldview” questions, such as: the story. It is not just entertainment We should ask ourselves about the Where did we come from? (The power. It is emotional power and edu- faith content of every film. If the con- origin of life) cational power. tent of film has an educational effect, What does it mean to be human? This is why Andy Warhol said, “It’s not just entertainment value, shouldn’t (The meaning of life) movies that have really been running we want films that are pro-faith and What has gone wrong? (The prob- things in America…. They show you pro-virtue? “Good” films should be lems of life) what to do, how to do it, how to feel more than “good” entertainment, but How can it be made right? (The about it, and how to look how you feel have content about the good, the true redemption of life) about it.” and the beautiful. Where is everything heading? (The By Dr. Jerry A. Johnson So we have faith in film’s power as The best content is obvious. future of life) o we have faith in film? There are two ways to answer this question and both of them mat- ter. Here’s why. Asked one way, the question considers whether film matters. Do we have Dfaith in film as a medium? Do we be- lieve in the power of film? The answer has to be yes. As the great theologian Jack Nicholson once said, “We learn how to kiss or to drink, talk to our buddies — all the A SPECIAL REPORT PREPARED BY T he W We should ask ourselves about the faith content of every film. If the content of film has an educational effect, not just entertainment value, shouldn’t we want films that are pro-

faith and pro-virtue? ashington T imes A d ​Image courtesy of National Religious Broadcasters things that you can’t really teach in so- Roma Downey, president of Light​W​orkers Media, talks about ​this year’s “Ben-Hur,” which she executive produced, during cial studies or history — we all learn Proclaim 16, the National​ Religious Broadcasters’ International Christian Media Convention in Nashville, Tennessee. NRB them at the movies.” President ​and​ CEO Dr. Jerry A. Johnson (right) and radio talk show host Bob Lepine interviewed ​Ms. ​Downey, Feb. 23, 2016. While Nicholson is considered one of the great actors, actually not a THE WASHINGTON TIMES v theologian, his observation reflects a Imagine a movie today that equaled a This is the way to have faith in film; D epartmentocacy biblical parallel. 1965 cast of Max von Sydow, Charlton it is to have films of faith. Stories matter. Stories have power. Heston, Dorothy McGuire, Claude Yes, suspense films can do this. So The Bible is mostly a book of stories, Rains, Telly Savalas, Shelley Winters, can drama, comedy, action, sci-fi, and all of them telling one great story. Martin Landau, Roddy McDowell, almost every other kind of movie. It Those stories, and that story, can John Wayne, Sidney Poitier, Angela takes talent to do this. These movies change the way we think and live. Lansbury, and Robert Blake. need to be creative, entertaining and

As a Christian, I believe the Those were the actors for the film, excellent in every artistic way. | Wednesday • A ugust 31 • 2016 ultimate story is expressed in John’s “The Greatest Story Ever Told.” The Along this line, C.S. Lewis wrote Gospel, “The Word was made flesh gravitas of that cast reminds us that of literature: “What we want is not and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). The the old story, the biblical story, is the more little books about Christianity, power of the Jesus story is that it greatest story. There should be no sur- but more little books by Christians on was lived out in a human life. He had prise that more films have been made other subjects — with their Christian been predicted, he was born, he was a about Jesus that any other human talent.” Amen to Lewis, and the same carpenter, he lived among the people, being. We should expect, and want, goes for movies. he taught, he worked miracles, he was more films like “The Passion of the hated, he was crucified, and he rose a medium. Movies visually carry you Christ,” “Son of God” and “Ben-Hur.” Jerry A. Johnson, Ph.D., is president again. People saw this story play out, into a story and model life for viewers But faith is about all of life. To have and CEO of National Religious Broad- not just heard about it. in a moving way. Perhaps we should faith in film does not mean we only casters. The NRB will hold a Film In a similar way, albeit lesser, resurrect phrases like “motion pic- want Bible films, or even mostly Bible and Entertainment Summit in Or- movies have an added power over tures” and “moving pictures.” Movies films. We want films about everything, lando, Florida, as part of its annual the printed novel. They show, as well have the power to change. but we want those films to represent convention, Feb. 27-March 3, 2017. 7 The (bright) future of faith-based films

By Cary Solomon they are a kiss of death. and Chuck Konzelman So, in the same way that secular- progressive fare is likely to get a green hat is it that light, despite a lack of broad market makes a great appeal, faith-driven fare is likely to faith-based earn a “pass” from the studios, despite movie? Scrip- ready and willing faith-based audience tural citations? A appeal. conversion scene? As with most deep-seated forms of The spreading of prejudice, those most closely involved the Gospel? No, none of these. in the process (in this case, the execu- WWhat makes a great faith-based tives themselves) vehemently deny movie is that it’s a great movie. A story that it even exists. so compelling that it must be seen. A But in the midst of Hollywood movie where after you’ve seen it, you filmmakers’ efforts to outsludge one want to talk about it. A movie that jus- another, and in large part as a reac- tifies the expense and hassle of going tion against it, faith-driven films have out to the theater and getting over- emerged as a market force over the charged for everything from parking to past two to three years. The success popcorn. of a number of these films has proved We, as moviegoers, are willing to the existence of an audience eager to endure that. We want to endure that to see them and means the genre won’t be see a great movie. What we don’t want disappearing anytime soon. to endure is a bad movie. A movie that So at the risk of trying to prognosti- leaves us empty. A movie that leaves cate in a business where, as Oscar-win- us despairing or feeling hopeless. A Cary Solomon (left) and Chuck Konzelman co-wrote and produced the 2014 film, ning screenwriter William Goldman movie that somehow makes our lives “God’s Not Dead” (image below). famously observed, “Nobody knows worse. Audiences crave morally uplift- anything,” we’ll mention where we ing movies. Don’t believe us? see the faith-driven film market going Industry observer Ted Baehr, a film in the next few years. Based on our executive turned spokesman for mor- Industry observer Dr. Ted Baehr, a former film executive experiences, here is what we believe is t m ent a r ally uplifting media, issues the annual turned spokesman for morally uplifting media issues reasonable to expect: Movieguide Report to the Entertain- the annual Movieguide Report to the Entertainment ⦁ A move away from on-the-nose y D e p ment Industry, which illustrates in faith-based stories. This is just com- c a stark, statistical terms, year in and year Industry, which illustrates in stark statistical terms, mon sense. Audiences, including oc out, that “Movies that succeed with au- year in and year out, that “Movies that succeed Christian audiences, crave new experi- diences are stories well-told, that have a with audiences are stories well-told, that have a ences. In most faith-based films to date, positive worldview, and are spiritually there is a major character coming to uplifting.” What is the price of ignoring positive worldview, and are spiritually uplifting.” faith. Often, it’s the protagonist, mean- this sage advice? What is the price of ignoring this sage advice?... ing that regardless of the story’s setup, o n Tim es A dv In 2016, the film industry will likely faith is effectively the A-story. But that sell the fewest U.S. tickets per person Hollywood’s god is money. In actuality, itself is anathema, and second, studio experience is starting to feel overused, of the past 90 years and the fewest political correctness is the industry’s executives correctly suspect that mak- and the audience is already eager for total tickets in two decades. god; money is relegated to demigod ers of faith-driven films (and to a lesser the next big thing. Why? Because outside of rebooting status. extent, their audiences) tend to skew ⦁ A move into genre films. If the

Y Th e Was hi ngt the next comic superhero franchise, How does this play out in the real right along the political spectrum. film’s core story isn’t about coming to Hollywood no longer deals in the world? It means that studio executives Either of these reasons is enough to se- faith, then it’s got to be about some- business of telling and selling great are tremendously averse to faith-driven riously dampen enthusiasm on the part thing else. That something else will A R ED B entertainment. fare for two reasons. First, the content of industry executives. Taken together, start to look a lot more like other films: Instead, Hollywood tells and sells thrillers, comedies, sports movies,

T PR E P political ideals: its own. The same ma- action films and romantic comedies

O N T IM ES chine that created the American dream that portray characters who happen to now is busy creating the American be believers, rather than stories that disaster. Morals and values that were are primarily about being believers. AS HI NGT CI A L R E POR instilled into American culture in the In the past, Westerns were tradition- 1920s, ’30s and ’40s are now being ally morality plays, albeit with a fair A S P E

t H E W replaced with despair and nihilism. amount of violence. Modern animated | Instead of portraying America as the films already show a level of value- home of the brave and land of the free, infused behavior we rarely see in live- Hollywood now tells us it’s the land of action films, and these stories resonate the greedy and home of the enslaved. incredibly well with audiences. Expect There is just one problem with this: more live-action films along the lines Most Americans love their country of “The Blind Side” and fewer films and their families and their way of life. where the lead character is a minister. And they don’t buy into the Hollywood ⦁ Bigger budgets and better casts. propaganda machine. Faith-friendly films have been mak- Which begs a question: Since we ing money. Some of that money will live in a capitalist society, why doesn’t be funneled back into making films ugust 31 • 2016 • A ugust Wednesday Hollywood give the faith-oriented with better production value. Even audience what they want? 8 It’s a wide misconception that » see SOLOMON | C9 Viewing faith films as start-ups

answering Drucker’s two questions will to step away from reality, get caught a disconnect and a potential for limited help us choose projects that lead us up in a story and follow a character market acceptance. toward that goal. she loves. She wants to laugh, cry, be We spend a lot of time and energy in surprised and she feels the trailer, poster developing a story and team for a proj- Who is your customer? and messaging promises this. ect. After all, it is a start-up. We all want I have attended several panels where Inspiration: Perhaps Sally wants to that effort to pay off and believe that it leaders reference the “faith audience” as find hope and inspiration, as life is hard can — if we put the same time and effort if it is one large group of similar people. and can be confusing at times. into identifying our customers and the However, this pie consists of different Validation and encouragement: reasons they would want to see our film. denominations, ages, cultural views, marketing outlets and entertainment desires. In picturing a film as a start-up, we want to hone down the audience to a persona of the ideal viewer. For example, Sally might be the persona. Meet Sally. Sally is a 28-year- By Harrison Powell old Millennial, single, shops at Anthro- pology, attends a nondenominational love start-up companies. church weekly, and is working her third There is a sense of excitement job since college graduation. She goes to and camaraderie in taking an idea the movies three times a year, and one and turning it into a valuable re- of those films will definitely be the next source for others to experience. It Nicholas Sparks film. is full of ups and downs, but well Is this persona the only customer worth the effort. At the end of for our film? Of course not. However, it the day, I believe every film is a start-up helps us narrow down the focus so we company. After all, you have a story idea, can quickly assess if the project could

I A SPECIAL REPORT PREPARED BY T he W a budget, a marketing plan and a team. be interesting in the eyes of the target And you have a lot of risks. audience. This leads to Drucker’s next Perhaps Sally wants to see her beliefs Harrison Powell oversees the development With a significant percentage of films question. validated on the screen and receive for Giving Films and is actively looking losing money, there are two questions encouragement. for and developing projects. Giving Films we try to answer for any film project we What does your customer value? I have noticed that various segments exists to fund the production and mar- are potentially considering in order to In using our new persona, we must of the faith audience want different ex- keting of entertaining stories that spark reduce this risk. These two questions confidently answer, “Why would Sally periences out of films. Some want films life conversations. Giving Films donates come from Peter Drucker, a leading want to see this film? Why would she be that offer validation; others want inspira- all of its profits to charity. Giving Films management thinker of the last century. willing to give up $10 to $15 of her hard- tion, and yet others want films that leave recently wrapped production on “An Who is your customer? earned money, along with two hours of them with open-ended questions. Interview with God,” (see image above) What does your customer value? her time, when she could use that money These motivations are not mutually a provocative mystery-drama starring I get excited when we discover a and time elsewhere?” exclusive, and there is no right answer Oscar® nominee David Strathairn (“Good great story, wanting to get it out there There are various reasons why Sally to what value a movie should create for Night, and Good Luck,” “The Bourne Ulti-

as soon as possible. However, in addi- would say “Yes” to our film and say “No” its audience, as long as that is what the matum,” “Lincoln”) and Brenton Thwaites ashington T imes A d tion to telling great stories, a second to all the other opportunities she could target audience actually wants. How- (“Maleficent,” “The Giver,” “Pirates of the part of our goal is to give away our use her money and time on. Some of ever, if what the target audience wants Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales”). profits, something that requires buy in these motivations include: and expects is not satisfied by the film from audiences. I believe that effectively Entertainment: Perhaps Sally wants or trailer we create, then there will be THE WASHINGTON TIMES v directed “The Passion of the Christ,” for one or more faith-friendly studios D epartmentocacy SOLOMON which is still the most successful in- to emerge quickly and succeed, so long From page C8 dependent film in history. Conversely, as the players understand the audience studios hired a not-within-Judeo- they’re making pictures for. Christian-parameters-of-belief direc- It’s time for faith-driven films to independent producers will have tor for “Noah” and a self-described stop fishing in the Sea of Galilee and to pony up to compete with studio- atheist to direct “Exodus: Gods and start fishing in the Atlantic Ocean.

funded films. 2016’s “Miracles From Kings.” To anyone without a “west of That’s going to scare some believers, | Wednesday • A ugust 31 • 2016 Heaven” starred Jennifer Garner and the 405 liberal” mentality, which seems but Jesus Christ was notorious for was made for a budget of almost $15 like a safer bet: hiring someone who preaching to sinners. He was unafraid million — substantially higher than understands the demographic they’re to go out into the world as it was, most faith-based fare. Expect future re- making films for or hiring someone rather than wait for the arrival of the leases to look and sound indistinguish- who’s almost guaranteed to offend it by world as it should be. For those of able from mainstream films in terms either ignoring or flaunting a disregard us who would like to help reclaim a of production quality and audiences to for those beliefs? society in desperate straits, maybe we become less forgiving of the films that ⦁ Emergence of new production ought to follow his example. fail to deliver on this count. entities. The success of these films will ⦁ If the studios can get past their have traditional studios eyeing faith- Cary Solomon and Chuck Konzel- myopia, they will begin using Chris- based filmmaking in a more serious man are writer/producer/direc- tians to make films intended for the way, but their cultural aversion to the tors. Their recent projects include faith-driven market, even when the product will likely keep their efforts “God’s Not Dead,” “God’s Not budgets are big. Mel Gibson, a believer, tepid at best. That means there’s room Dead 2” and “Do You Believe?” 9 Voiceless speaks up for preborn Americans, and those who sacrifice to save them the actual reality of what sidewalk coun- Planned Parenthood shout vile, nasty Jesse (Rusty Joiner: Last Ounce Of selors do across America—quietly pray, remarks at pro-lifers. I have literally felt Courage, Dodgeball, “Days of Our Lives”) sing hymns, and sometimes approach unsafe around them,” Nance said. “So, encounters a young, pregnant teen over- women with compassionate abortion al- both sides have a story to tell. It’s never come with grief that, after an impulsive ternatives—Planned Parenthood offered right to be unkind, but Planned Parent- abortion, has her family blaming Jesse a fictitious horror show. As The Daily hood’s virtual reality has little or nothing for more than just her final decision. Signal reported on July 30, 2016: to do with reality.” Jesse’s wife Julia (Jocelyn Cruz: Strike Pro-life protesters are heard calling One, This Is Our Time) must come to the women “whores” and shouting Bible A Movie That Tells the Truth About terms with her own choices and decide verses, among other aggressive actions…. America’s Pro-Life Heroes if she can support her husband as op- Penny Nance, CEO and president of While Voiceless is a drama, it is based position mounts against him. Comedian Concerned Women for America, told on the powerful truth that thousands of Paul Rodriguez also stars as Virgil with The Daily Signal that she personally has Americans give of their time every day James Russo as Pastor Gil. watched “kind” and “loving” pro-life to stand outside the killing centers that The winner of multiple awards, activists thoughtfully offer alternatives mar most U.S. cities, in the hope of help- Voiceless has been honored as Northeast such as adoption to women considering ing women avoid a tragic, destructive, Film Festival’s Best Feature and People’s an abortion. and irreversible decision. Choice for Best Feature Film and Best By John Zmirak “I have also stood outside the Su- Voiceless is set in an American inner- Feature Film from the California Inde- preme Court and watched people from city. Battling his own inner-demons, pendent Film Festival. There’s a powerful new movie com- Jones, executive producer of the influ- ing out that tells the truth about abor- ential pro-life movie Bella and producer tion, and honestly portrays the sacrifices of Crescendo, is co-executive producer of made by hard-working volunteers who Voiceless and founder of Movie To Move- give of their time to stand outside abor- ment. He knows the power of film to tion mills—winter and summer, rain and change culture. Bella inspired countless shine—and offer women better op- women to make the choice to keep their tions. Voiceless opens in theaters across baby — over 1,000 women wrote the t m ent

a r America October 7, and you should bring producers sharing their stories. Jones’ your friends and family to see it. short film Crescendo, thanks to the tire-

y D e p It’s not like most movies that deal less work of executive producer Pattie c

a with abortion. Mallette, raised more than $6 million

oc for pregnancy centers, and launched a Is Abortion Funny? national conversation on the importance America’s media elites want you to of such alternatives to abortion. think that abortion is harmless and help- Said Jones: ful, even funny. Just two months ago, at Inch by inch, we are fighting to take o n Tim es A dv the end of June, Comedy Central greeted back our country’s culture from the the Supreme Court decision removing abortion industry and their surrogates basic safety requirements from Texas in the mainstream media by support- abortion clinics with a sarcastic Tweet: ing filmmakers who strive to tell the Celebrate the #SCOTUS ruling! Go truth about love and life. We must help

Y Th e Was hi ngt knock someone up in Texas! those battling bravely in the legislatures — The Daily Show (@TheDaily- and courts by reshaping the national Show) June 27, 2016 discourse about love and life. That’s what A R ED B “I have heard firsthand the anguish of forms the minds of the voters, the legis- women whom men abandoned to face lators, and the judges of the future.

T PR E P the tragic choice of abortion,” Movie To Voiceless is a call to the church. Now

O N T IM ES Movement president Jason Jones said. more than ever as we see no relief from “Each year our nation sees a million our judiciary or legislative branches, the future citizens, doctors, teachers and church must stand up and take a leader- AS HI NGT CI A L R E POR firefighters thrown away in dumpsters. ship role in protecting the vulnerable. The fact that The Daily Show thinks this We are issuing an urgent call to churches A S P E

t H E W is funny tells us exactly what’s wrong and church leaders to recommit them- | with our culture. And it’s time to fight selves to protecting the sanctity of life. back. The movie Voiceless does that, We want to bring Voiceless to every rebuking lies with the truth.” city in America. To do that, we need the help of those who care about unborn Are Pro-Life Volunteers Bullies? children and their mothers as much as A month after The Daily Show’s we do.” tasteless Tweet, Planned Parenthood For more information on how to created a virtual reality program for the bring Voiceless to a theater near you, Democratic National Convention that or purchase discounted group tickets pretended to give a “realistic” simulation for churches and pro-life groups, visit of what women face when they approach Movietomovement.com

ugust 31 • 2016 • A ugust Wednesday abortion clinics. Instead of presenting 10 Advertorial A SPECIAL REPORT PREPARED BY T he W ashington T imes A d THE WASHINGTON TIMES v D epartmentocacy | Wednesday • A ugust 31 • 2016

11 Storytelling and the power to change the world

Africa and the Middle East and by story- halos cannot be seen or measured, out significance and truth — if that was the tellers around campfires in the American they went. We were told that beauty itself story that each of us had to tell. West. Today those campfires travel with is an ideal that cannot be measured sci- You know not so very many years the speed of light, dancing digital images entifically, so out it went, too — relegated ago, in medieval times, each king had on movie screens, iPads, smart phones to subjective fantasy. many castles in his vast kingdom and as and the newest brands of computers we If art was no longer about truth, then he traveled around, his subjects could wear on our wrists. what was it about? Many artists began to always tell where the king was because When you stop and think about it, define art as the creation of an abstract, as soon as the king arrived at one of his we are all storytellers, no matter the me- idealized world — and from that ideal castles, they would raise the king’s flag, dium. Some of our stories are told with world they hurled down thunderbolts signaling that the king was in residence. numbers, others with written words, upon the real world for all its shortcom- Think for a minute if each person in songs, images or even by modeling a life ings. Thus was born the idea that art is our own neighborhoods, towns, states or of great character, integrity or truth. We about criticism and revolt — a means of our entire country started conducting are all storytellers and every day we are shocking conventional society. Filtered themselves so that, as people looked at defining worldviews through the lives we down to the popular level, this view of us, through the stories our lives are tell- lead that become the stories that shape art has inspired movies, rock music and ing, it would be obvious to them that the By S. Bryan Hickox the perception of our world ... Those social media tirades that today launch a King of all Kings was in residence in our ’ve never considered myself any- worldviews tell us how we are to view cacophonous and relentless attack on our lives. We, as the storytellers, producers, thing more than a simple story- ourselves, as well as others. traditional values. directors, writers and filmmakers of this teller ... and all my life I’ve always Make no mistake, all of the arts have The other endemic thing that has new age, could change the world. You up believed that storytellers define always been shaped by those worldviews. happened to our society is the conscious for the challenge? the culture. After all, they really Until the Age of Enlightenment, art was removal of God from the public square, create the lens through which seen as a way of expressing profound schools, judicial system, political dis- S. Bryan Hickox, D.H.L., is an executive we perceive the world around us. truths. Not necessarily literal truth; sym- course and mainstream media. The result producer and producer of over 80 televi- They’ve been doing it since the begin- bols and metaphors reflecting something is that an ever-increasing segment of our sion movies and feature films. His televi- Ining of time — first with prehistoric true about reality, like portraying angels society has no accountability or the abil- sion films have been nominated for 16 — drawings scratched into the walls of with wings or saints with halos. Beauty ity to give thanks. When there is no ac- and won seven — national Emmy Awards; caves, then on scrimshaws carved in itself was seen as a kind of truth. countability or a Supreme Being to thank a George Foster Peabody Award; and ivory, and even on architectural friezes Then during the period of Enlighten- for our blessings, the result is chaos. And more than 200 national and international on Roman and Greek buildings. It then ment, a new theory of truth was born. It that is the chaos we find ourselves living film festival awards and competitions. evolved into the great oral tradition, in said that the only real knowledge derives in today. t m ent

a r which stories of history were handed from what can be seen, touched and Just think what could happen if each down from one generation to the next in measured scientifically. Since angels and of us tried to live a life of meaning, y D e p c a oc talking about their faith. Why? Because Lives were literally changed through his the stories are amazing! And my feeling storytelling! What better mentor could Everybody has a story is, if you’re going to put someone on a I have? pedestal, know what they stand for — My journey has been an adventure. I o n Tim es A dv documentary in communist Russia. what they really stand for! didn’t start out wanting to make movies, Needless to say, I had a radical shift Since 2006, I’ve been to every Super but that’s where I’ve found out that I can in the way I thought about what was Bowl, and while everyone else is talking have the most impact, again, because I presented as “the truth.” (The truth about football, we talk about what really love storytelling. When I became a “be- was I was not a CIA operative!) I like to matters in life in order of importance — liever,” I was told that I should become

Y Th e Was hi ngt say, “What does God have to do to get faith, family and football. The great part a pastor or a missionary. “But I am a your attention?” KGB? OK, you have my is that when we start the conversation, filmmaker!” I thought. “Wait, if I produce attention! players and coaches are excited to talk even a bad movie, I can reach millions A R ED B That experience was a paradigm about their faith. Why? Because the truth of people. No church is that big! And I’m shift, literally changing my focus from is more important than anything else, in an industry the church can’t get near.”

T PR E P “all about me” to “How can I influence and we want to use everything we have And I found my call: to tell stories that

O N T IM ES people with the ‘truth’ through the skills to share it with others. If faith is believing appeal to people who wouldn’t normally I have been given in media and visual in what you hope for and stories are the go into a church. storytelling?” Not everyone who has confirmation of those things that have Sports and fantasy seem to be where AS HI NGT CI A L R E POR faith needs to go through this experi- transformed us, well, then we should be I’m living right now in the movie world. ence, but we do all have stories, and excited to tell them over and over again! Here’s the great thing about where we A S P E

t H E W sharing them in any form can impact are in time: Everyone now has access to | By Jess Stainbrook people’s lives drastically. “Jesus was not a theologian. He was God “gear” that is needed to make a “film.” Movies have the ability to change who told stories.” — Madeleine L’Engle. Use your iPhone if you have to, but be lives and transform culture. Every “Why is the church always a My films are covert and overt the storyteller you want to be! movie gives us insight into some value taillight rather than a headlight?” (hmmm? Sounds very CIA-ish!), some- system. The question is, which value — Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.] times talking about faith straight up, Jess Stainbrook is CEO (Chief Entertain- system? Sports and media are the two big- and other times using allegories and ment Officer) for FSPN.net, the Faith & I was lucky enough to grow up in a gest influencers of our youth today. In parables to make my point in the content Family Sports Programming Network. large storytelling family, so it’s part of 2013, the Barna Group released data I produce. I want them to be high quality, Jess served as executive adviser on “The my DNA. I know the value of a good that indicated that two-thirds of Ameri- fun, exciting, adventurous. My example Bible Series” and as executive producer story — it’s what I do for a living. I love cans said professional athletes who talk comes from reading the Gospels. Jesus for “Seven Days in Utopia,” starring a good story, in any medium. about their faith have more influence walked into a situation, told a culturally Robert Duvall. Jess is currently in de-

ugust 31 • 2016 • A ugust Wednesday My value system changed drasti- on society than faith leaders. So with relevant story, asked a hard question and velopment on “The Kingdom Series,” cally the summer of 1989, when I was my friend, Roman Gabriel III, I started then left everyone with the truth. Now a 12-movie allegorical franchise based 12 “taken” by the KGB while shooting a producing stories around NFL athletes you had to figure out what to do with it. on the Bible set in medieval times. The five categories of ‘belief’ movies

“Faith,” sadly, has become a term do one thing on a single day: vote. In that means everything and nothing at Christianity in America, movie marketing, the goal is to get the same time. despite marketers’ millions of people to do one thing on The dilution of the term “faith,” the oversimplification of the a single weekend: buy a ticket. The every-other-month (or more) release strategy should never just be aware- of a faith movie and the outdated category, is akin to the ness — a 1990s term; the strategy must tactics of marketing are not serving United Nations General be action, and that means making the the audience well. The genre and those Assembly — thousands movie personal and the marketing who believe in its viability should take participatory. a pluralistic “moment of silence” to of beliefs, territories Furthermore, theatrical releases reflect on the audience trends, the im- and languages all trying work best when “specialty” audiences, portance of story — and the “why” — to work together. i.e, like-minded people, make open- before greenlighting the next project. ing weekend an event. As big as “Star The conversation should begin with Wars” fans or as narrow as Iditarod an understanding of the five categories are universally appealing, regardless of Race followers, audiences are moving of belief films — something we spent one’s faith or lack thereof. away from “a dark room with strang- over a year researching. The categories ⦁ Conversation around belief. Think ers” toward “a full room with friends.” By Erik Lokkesmoe are: “Calvary” or “Last Days in the Des- Events come naturally to the faith ⦁ Conversion to belief. Think “War ert,” the more gritty, ambiguous and community. What other demographic he era of bad marketing is Room” as a film created for the “faith- layered art house films that haunt the gathers 90 minutes every week by the over, to rephrase President ful” and their unbelieving friends and audience long after the credits roll, tens of millions to sit quietly and focus Clinton’s famous 1996 State neighbors. and therefore are attractive to millen- on a presentation? Eventizing is in the of the Union line. ⦁ Confirmation of belief. Think nials who, unlike their parents, believe DNA of the church attender. More specifically, the “God’s Not Dead” and other bumper- faith should have soft edges and open That is why Fathom and the upstart marketing of 2004 is over. sticker movies that rally like-minded windows. TheatriCast created one-night experi- For the past 12 years, ences in theaters. On Oct. 25, Grammy- movie marketers within the so-called award-winning artist Chris Tomlin and T(but grossly generic term) faith-based six other worship leaders, along with A SPECIAL REPORT PREPARED BY T he W genre have recycled, cut and pasted, pastors Louie Giglio and Max Lucado, and heralded the importance of the are hosting “Worship Night in Amer- film phenomenon “The Passion of the ica: An Evening of Unity and Prayer Christ.” Whether the marketer actually for Our Country.” Just two weeks after ran the campaign or simply designed announcement, TheatriCast reported the promo fliers, everyone claims sold-out markets, more theaters added to have had a hand in Mel Gibson’s by audience demands and nearly 400 success. churches raising their hands to be a Then came 2007 and the digital part of the experience. revolution of “ones and zeroes” that Marketing is in jeopardy of becom- changed the way content was pro- ing a car alarm in a mall parking lot: duced (“Juno,” “Once”), distributed Everyone hears the noise but ignores

(Netflix mailing DVDs), and connected it. Nowhere is this more true than with ashington T imes A d with audiences (MySpace). Movie faith films, in which marketers and marketing became about measurable publicists have tried the strategy of momentum and activating tastemak- more noise and more activity. Pas- ers and networks, a strategy deployed tors and organizations are ignoring best by Participant and Walden Media the daily emails from film marketing while saving money and creating teams, and the biggest names are being direct-to-consumer approaches. One paid to promote from the pulpit. THE WASHINGTON TIMES v example: The abolitionist political The current state of marketing D epartmentocacy thriller “Amazing Grace” was praised In “Last Days in the Desert,” Ewan McGregor stars as Yeshua (Jesus) during his directly affects the future slate of pro- by the Los Angeles Times for integrat- 40 days of fasting and praying — and temptations by the Devil (also played by Mr. ductions, so we must get it right. That ing a fundraising campaign to end McGregor). Tye Sheridan plays a discontented son he meets on his journey. Image means: modern-day slavery with a massive courtesy of Different Drummer. ⦁ Finally proving with real-time petition drive for human rights and data that the marketing actually sells organizing 6,000 churches to sing the tickets.

hymn on Amazing Grace Sunday. people into the theater as a statement All categories have examples of ⦁ Knowing audience trends and | Wednesday • A ugust 31 • 2016 Christianity in America, despite to Hollywood, Washington or the past successes, but only three will be content categories. marketers’ oversimplification of the wider culture. the future: confirmation films, causa- ⦁ Sunsetting any expectation that category, is akin to the United Nations ⦁ Commercialization of belief. tion films and conversation films. The what worked 12 years ago (or two years General Assembly — thousands of be- Think “Noah” and “Ben-Hur,” where tragic mistake of “Ben-Hur” — as seen ago) will work today or in the future. liefs, territories and languages all try- a popular story garners top talent and by the marketing tactics and quotes ing to work together. What worked for big financing for a global story, which from producers — was to land solely Erik Lokkesmoe is a producer of mar- the Southern Baptist-led “Fireproof” means everyone will have an opinion in the “commercialization of belief” keting and distribution with Different was the antithesis of art and honesty and few will feel as if the movie were category and miss out on the causation Drummer, an entertainment market- by the “Christians Who Drink Beer” “made for me.” of the story and an audience looking ing agency known for “smart films for audience that preferred “Slumdog ⦁ Causation from belief. Think for confirmation of beliefs. soulful people.” He executive produced Millionaire” that year. What works for “Blind Side” and “Selma.” These are No place is this more clearly played the Ewan McGregor film “Last Days justice-minded, mainline congregants stories of human triumph over trag- out than on the opening weekend of in the Desert.” His latest book, “Differ- doesn’t work for the “vote with your edy that spring from a protagonist’s a theatrical release. In politics, the ent Drummer,” was released Aug. 23. ticket” audience of “God’s Not Dead.” deepest convictions, and as a result goal is to get millions of people to 13 The one strategy that can save America

As people of faith, we must spend He wasn’t voted into office. He wasn’t our schools, our businesses—all the the weeks between now and the elec- elected by the media. He doesn’t need way up to our nation’s top leaders. With tion focused on one thing: putting God a publicist or a press secretary, and He God’s help, we can revive America and front and center in our own lives and always keeps His word. correct our course before we’re too lost electing leaders who will reflect His Foreign policy? He’s the ruler of the to ever find our way home. ways in our land. nations. Border control? He gives every We kick it all off at REVIVE US by This presidential election is ostensi- nation its boundary and says to the sea, going to work on reviving our fami- bly between Trump and Clinton. But, in “Here, and no further.” lies, our communities, and our nation reality, this election is not really about Discrimination? He was treated as an together. We’ll be broadcasting live from choosing between left or right, but outcast and crucified. Welfare? He feeds a historic church in downtown Chicago between up or down. Up, to maximum the hungry and cares for the needy. alongside my family and powerful spe- freedom and prosperity for everyone Healthcare? He is the Great Physi- cial guests like Dr. Ben Carson, pastors through responsible self-government cian who heals the sick and conquered Francis Chan and Dr. James MacDon- under God, or down, down, down, to a the grave. ald, authors Eric Metaxas and Jennifer government system controlled by elites We don’t need a king; we already Rothschild, and the beloved teacher of that determines our quality of life from have the King of Kings. effective prayer, “Miss Clara”, from the By Kirk Cameron cradle to grave. What we need is to remember who inspirational movie War Room. We’ll I’ve heard a lot of people—on both we are and whose we are, and elect also have amazing musical guests like Will you be angry with us forever? sides of the political spectrum—talking leaders who will represent His ways in the Vertical Church Band and Passion… Will you prolong your anger through about the role of our next president as our land. and that’s just the beginning! all generations? Most importantly, you’ll be there. Will you not revive us again, With your family and your neighbors. that your people may rejoice in you? This isn’t going to be another conven- Show us your unfailing love, Lord, tion where everyone stands at a podium and grant us your salvation. and recites from a teleprompter. We’ve (Psalm 85:5-7) already seen enough of that this year. This will be an exciting, empowering, When I travel to churches across and interactive experience that reaffirms America I meet thousands who tell me the values we share as Christians. they feel discouraged, concerned, and I hope your whole church attends Re- t m ent

a r afraid for the future of America. They vive US together because I want to show often ask, “Where is our hope?” you that we’re all part of a very, very

y D e p I understand why so many feel that large family of believers that reaches c

a way. The news is filled with a continual back thousands of years and stretches

oc stream of darkness: Political scandals; across the globe in unity. acts of violence; social confusion; people This event is going to bring hundreds suffering. Stories that stirred previous of thousands of people together. You’ll generations to action now leave most of be there with family, you’ll meet new us shrugging our shoulders. The outra- friends, and we’re going to connect you o n Tim es A dv geous has become commonplace. through technology with others in at- If you are feeling exhausted by all tendance across the country. This will of this political mudslinging and moral be a night of inspiring speeches, power- decay—and if you’re searching for hope ful prayer, and empowering conversa- in a world that sometimes seems hope- tions – conversations you will actively

Y Th e Was hi ngt less—then I encourage you to join me participate in. And, as the evening winds for a special live event on October 18th down, we’re going to have a Q&A where in movie theaters across the nation. myself and the other speakers will an- A R ED B swer your questions, hear your thoughts It’s called REVIVE US. and discuss anything else that’s on your

T PR E P We’ve assembled an incredible group mind. Before it’s all over you’ll have time

O N T IM ES of people to help you see that there is to gather as a community in your theater hope. In fact, there is one time-tested for prayer and discussion with other strategy that has always worked in every attendees. AS HI NGT CI A L R E POR generation, on every continent, and My hope is that you walk out of the never failed to revive nations- morally, theater feeling full of hope and courage, A S P E

t H E W spiritually, and economically. and having made new connections with | people in your community, empowered Do you know what it is? if we were electing a king—someone That’s what REVIVE US on October to change your world. Let’s first agree on what it is not. Our who can snap their fingers and solve 18th is all about: our true Hope, and plac- Please join my family and me for this hope does not come from who is our next all the problems we face. Do you re- ing Him front and center in our hearts very special live event on October 18th. president or on the Supreme Court. Our ally want a government with that kind and our minds as we look for the path Only through a powerful show of unity hope does not come from who governs of power? Do you want to place that forward. Without Him, all roads lead to can we start the movement to revive us, or in the laws they pass. No, our hope much trust and control in the hands of despair and darkness. America. comes from only one place: the power of one fallible person? The good news is that God’s method For more information or to God working in the hearts of people— of change starts by transforming the learn how to buy tickets, visit dads and moms, families, churches, Our founding fathers knew better. heart of man, then the mind of man, and www.ReviveUs2016.com. communities—reviving a culture from the We don’t need a king; we already works its way out from there through

ugust 31 • 2016 • A ugust Wednesday bottom up, and the inside out. have one. His name is Jesus Christ, and the family, our neighbors, our churches, 14 Advertorial A SPECIAL REPORT PREPARED BY T he W ashington T imes A d THE WASHINGTON TIMES v D epartmentocacy | Wednesday • A ugust 31 • 2016

15 ‘The Ten Commandments’ at 60 years: Still timeless and true that stands out to this storyweaver is the movie’s superhero motif. Sure, Moses is “the deliverer” in the story. Like a pre-comic book superhero, his quest is the classic reluctant “hero’s journey,” saving the world from a tyrannical vil- lain. But rather than receiving power from genetic mutation or a radioactive insect bite, his powers come from God. Or rather, his God is the power. The only real power behind redemption, freedom and justice. This is why comic book superhero narratives are so popular in a secular society that rejects the biblical creator. Humanity is made in the image of God, and therefore requires deity to find By Brian Godawa meaning and create order (law). Without transcendent deity to dictate justice, s a person of faith reflect- there is only the power of the strong ing on one of the most over the weak, or, in other words, the powerful and influential rule of supervillains — tyrants. biblical films of all time, Modern superhero myths fulfill the it is a daunting task to say longing for transcendence, the need something fresh, some- for a “higher power,” with new gods as thing new about such a projections of man’s potential greatness. well-known classic as “The Ten Com- But this human polytheism is ultimately mandments.” But maybe that’s wrong. unable to provide a true transcendent t m ent A a r Maybe that’s the problem. At the heart of standard for meaning and order, because our culture is a rejection of all things old, humanity without accountability to a

y D e p a reception of all things new. The new is transcendent standard becomes ar- c

a the true, the good and the beautiful. The bitrary power and devolves into the

oc old is out of date, antiquated, archaic, old- tyranny of a pharaoh, an Ultron or an fashioned, so yesterday — and therefore Apocalypse. irrelevant. If a culture will not worship the true But that couldn’t be any further from God, it will worship the state as god, the truth. Maybe what’s so great about which ends in slavery. Freedom can o n Tim es A dv “The Ten Commandments” lies in the only come through the biblical world- old that was replaced in our culture by view; justice can only come through the new that is not so true. God’s law. Rewatching “The Ten Command- This is a universal reality that legend- ments” with today’s sophisticated movie ary filmmaker Cecil B. DeMille under-

Y Th e Was hi ngt standards yields mediocre camera stood and that still resonates today, 60 work, melodramatic acting, on-the-nose years later. DeMille was so bold as to dialogue, heavy-handed narration and trumpet his message at the beginning made by an Oscar-winning director, Richard Dawkins’ attacks on the Bible A R ED B unimpressive special effects. Yet it re- of “The Ten Commandments” with a written by an Oscar-winning screen- and God, not a faithful respect for the mains celebrated today by both religious sermonic introduction: “The theme of writer, starring Oscar-winning actors, sacred text. It reduced the supernatural

T PR E P and secular audiences in biblical propor- this picture is whether man ought to be with superior budget and special effects, to materialist explanations, thus elimi-

O N T IM ES tions. Why? ruled by God’s Law or whether they are failed so spectacularly? nating the transcendent, and with it, all The movie was released in 1956 and to be ruled by the whims of a dictator Perhaps it lies in the fact that the new meaning and order, and satisfaction of was the most expensive movie ever like Ramses. Are men the property of the movie was a complete subversion of story. Whether or not religious believers AS HI NGT CI A L R E POR made, with the most amazing special State, or are they free souls under God? what made the older movie so great and consciously knew this is irrelevant. They effects at the time. It was the highest- This same battle continues throughout last so long. (See more at http://godawa. felt it. And they fled from the box office. A S P E

t H E W grossing film that year, and it’s still in the the world today. Our intention was not com/movies/supernatural/exodus-gods- This is because, at the heart and soul | Top 10 of the most financially successful to create a story, but to be worthy of the kings-thank-god-aint-noah-please-not- of freedom, is God’s law. “The Ten Com- films of all time. It was nominated for divinely inspired story.” king-david/). mandments” captured that eternal truth, seven Academy Awards and has been It’s your choice. You either have the Go ahead and call it that “old-time and that’s why it still satisfies today, de- preserved in the United States National freedom of God’s law or you get the religion,” but the Heston movie tapped spite our secular culture’s socialist death Film Registry. It’s one of AFI’s Top Ten slavery of tyranny. into a God of transcendence that in- wish. Many of us still know, as Founding Epic Films and has a 94 percent Toma- Forgive me, but like the Decalogue spires despite its age. The new “Exodus” Father William Penn once wrote, that tometer rating at Rotten Tomatoes. itself, I must clarify good by comparing movie pictured Moses as an antihero, “Men must be governed by God or they Admit it, millions of us believers read it with evil. And there is no better way to whose deity was more of a hallucina- will be ruled by tyrants.” our Bibles and still picture Charlton understand the past than by comparing tion than a reality, and whose glory was Heston as Moses in our heads whenever it with the present. Why is it that this reduced to a temper tantrum-throwing Brian Godawa is an award-winning we read the Pentateuch. “dated” Bible movie still works and is child, ending in Moses fabricating the Hollywood screenwriter and best-

ugust 31 • 2016 • A ugust Wednesday So, what’s the miracle here? still a favorite among the faithful, while “law of God.” selling author of biblical novels. Want The answer, like Moses’ robe, has the newest epic adaptation of the Moses This atheist subversion of the di- to be fascinated? See Godawa.com. 16 threads of different colors. One thread story, “Exodus: Gods and Kings” (2014), vine story was a fictional rendition of 38 years of divine miracles

By Dr. Ted Baehr Movieguide® began holding the Annual video! at our Awards Gala. and Dr. Tom Snyder Faith & Values Awards celebrating fam- Movieguide®’s study didn’t just mea- Our comprehensive analysis proves, ily movies and movies and TV programs sure successful Epiphany Prize-winning, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that most here’s been a tremendous with Christian faith values 25 years ago, faith-based movies like “The Preacher’s moviegoers and TV viewers prefer TV explosion of Christian faith the percentage of movies with at least Wife” from 1996 and last year’s “War programs and movies with Christian, and values in movies and tele- some Christian, redemptive content Room.” We also studied major Hol- moral, redemptive and inspiring content. vision programs. Our work (which we label C, CC or CCC) has lywood movies with strong, including They want to see the hero triumphant, in the entertainment indus- increased from about 25 such movies to overt, Christian content and values, as in popular TV programs like “NCIS” try, especially the Christian more than 160! such as Disney’s 1996 animated classic and “Blue Bloods,” and popular movies Film & Television Commis- Judging by this year’s surprising re- “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” and like Marvel’s superhero extravaganzas. sion and Movieguide®, has been leading leases, that trend doesn’t show any signs Universal’s blockbuster “Furious 7”, both They also want to see good overcome Tthe way. of stopping. of which had overt, positive Christian evil, justice prevail over injustice, and Back in the late 1970s, I was honored Twenty years ago, the Movieguide® content and values. truth erase falsehood. And, they want to to be elected president of the Episcopal Awards started handing out its Epiphany Also included in Movieguide®’s data- see their Christian faith and values lifted Radio-TV Foundation, which produced Prizes for Inspiring Movies & TV, which base were small movies with Christian, up, rather than viciously and unjustly during my tenure “The Lion, the Witch celebrate the strongest movies with redemptive content such as 1996’s “Citi- attacked. and the Wardrobe,” a CBS-TV program Christian faith and values. zen Ruth” and 2015’s “Captive.” In reality, our success of promoting that won a Prime Time Emmy Award Similar successes are happening in and honoring the good, the true and the and was watched by over 37 million peo- Faith films soaring to new heights the television industry. beautiful in entertainment at the Annual ple. During that time, I advised: 1) Vin- The number of strongly Christian-themed films This can be seen not only in the suc- Faith & Values Awards isn’t solely our cenzo Labella to encourage the addition has skyroocketed in the last 20 years — and their cess of such recent Christocentric pro- own doing. of a resurrection sequence to “Jesus of popularity has led to a bounty of ticket sales. grams as “Duck Dynasty,” “The Bible” No, any success we have had over Nazareth,” so some groups would refrain miniseries and last year’s Epiphany- the past decades is a direct result of the Movies with from boycotting the television movie as Total box Prize-winning TV movie “Dolly Parton’s miracles that God has been perform- Year strong Christian too humanist; and, 2) John Heyman, who office Coat of Many Colors,” but also in the ing in the entertainment industry, often produced The Genesis Project, from content Christian, redemptive, biblical, and through us but also through the efforts which he extracted “The Jesus Film” 1996 16 $0.21 billion conservative values expressed in such of countless other people, especially with the famous Dr. Bill Bright. popular TV programs as “Blue Bloods,” the Christian filmmakers and television 2012 47 $3.69 billion Soon thereafter, I inherited the files “Chicago Fire,” “NCIS,” “Walker, Texas artists and others of good will who’ve A SPECIAL REPORT PREPARED BY T he W from the Protestant Film Office and 2015 65 $5.35 billion Ranger,” and “Seventh Heaven.” responded to our message or who’ve started Movieguide® and Christian Source: Movieguide What’s the secret to this success? responded to God’s call. Film & Television Commission to help Well, each year we publish a com- Each year we are amazed by the great encourage more movies with Christian prehensive 150-point analysis of all the things God has done. A lot more work faith and values. Movieguide® recently studied 128 major movies released by the enter- needs to be done to clean the screens, At that time, there was one movie movies with strong Christian, redemp- tainment industry, including the major of course, but if we are faithful, God will with Christian faith, “The Trip to Bounti- tive content (CC or CCC) released in independent and foreign language be for us. If God be for us, then who can ful,” and only a handful of family movies. 1996, 2012 and 2015. We found that the releases, known as the Report to the stand against us? Also, like the church film offices of the number of movies with such content has Entertainment Industry. This annual 1930s, we helped families teach their increased 194 percent since 1996, and report shows that movies and television Theodore “Ted” Baehr, J.D., is chairman children to be media wise and gave them 38.3 percent in the three years since 2012 programs with moral, spiritually uplift- of the Christian Film & Television Com- analysis through Movieguide® so they — from only 16 such movies in 1996 to 47 ing and inspiring content usually earn mission and publisher of Movieguide®

could choose the good, rather than be movies in 2012 and 65 movies in 2015! the most money at the box office and on (movieguide.org), a trademarked fam- ashington T imes A d surprised by the bad. Developing a me- Our study also showed that the theat- home video, and get some of the highest ily guide to entertainment. An award- dia-and-culture-wise curriculum started rical box office totals in the United States ratings on TV. winning media authority, his books in the 1970s, when as head of the TV and Canada for such movies increased To do this annual report, our staff include “How To Succeed In Hollywood Center at City University of New York, I from $208.63 million in 1996 to $3.69 watches more than 300 movies, and (Without Losing Your Soul)” and “The joined with 60 professors to design and billion in 2012 and nearly $5.35 billion screens more than 400 television pro- Culture-Wise Family.” Film scholar test one of the very first media-literacy in 2015, an increase of 2,463 percent and grams. We write comprehensive reviews Tom Snyder, Ph.D., is editor of Movie- courses. 44.78 percent, respectively. of more than 275 movies each year and at guide. He is co-author with Dr. Baehr of THE WASHINGTON TIMES v Miraculously, since Christian And that doesn’t include the money least 50 television programs that qualify “Frodo & Harry: Understanding Visual D epartmentocacy Film & Television Commission and these movies made overseas or on home for the two or so TV awards we hand out Media and Its Impact on Our Lives.” | Wednesday • A ugust 31 • 2016

17 A film studies view: Let movies mirror life, even if the ending isn’t neat

(“Amazing Grace,” “Cagney and Lacey”) people who participate in industry it difficult to make a high-quality film. and many others. I began develop- ministries, I would say that conserva- If the films are challenging rather ing film and arts ministries, such as tively there are 8,000 Christians (Evan- than inspiring, their audiences react screenwriting groups, Sunday Night at gelical/Protestant and Catholic) at all negatively, as if the only way to Jesus the Movies events, artist retreats, etc. levels of the industry in Hollywood is through inspiration and hope. This Those ministries led to opportunities who can reach out to their community directly contradicts the Gospels. to be on the boards of both the City of … so we have found that more than Also, Christians who finance films Angels Film Festival and Reel Spiritu- content change comes about through too often use people they know outside ality, a program of Fuller Theological relationships. of Hollywood to write, produce, direct Seminary. A lot of exciting outreach Q : In the last few years, Hol- and act in their films, ignoring Chris- was going on. lywood has taken notice of faith- tians who have been honing their skills For many years prior to the 1990s, driven entertainment and the in Hollywood for years and could there was quite a stigma attached to faith-driven audience. Is that a good actually make quality productions and being Christian within the film indus- thing? How has it impacted some of understand the nuances of the industry. try — people could lose their jobs if the vehicles chosen? And so it can be hard to find great discovered. After the controversy of Overall, Hollywood is much more quality Christian productions. “The Last Temptation of Christ” (1988), Christians started gathering and being By Kristi Stone Hamrick supportive of each other, so entertain- ment-related ministries developed and reat storytelling em- were flourishing by the time I became braces the chaos of life involved in the late 1990s. and doesn’t try to wrap While working with the City of up all crises as the cred- the Angels Film Festival (eventually its roll, observes Holly- becoming director) and Reel Spiritual- wood veteran Rebecca ity, I left First Congregational to start Ver Straten-McSparran. an unusual church with my husband for t m ent

a r As director of the Council for Chris- artists, filmmakers and thinkers called tian Colleges & Universities’ BestSe- Tribe of Los Angeles. Since I needed a

y D e p G mester L. A. Film Studies Center, she full income along with this, I became c

a leads an innovative program designed principal of a school for low-income

oc to teach people of faith how to tell a families, adding education to my story and how to actually make a dif- resume of ministry and artist relation- ference in Hollywood, through artistic ships. I got a call when the position achievement. It’s a role she landed after opened up at the L.A. Film Studies forming friendships with some of the Center. o n Tim es A dv most powerful names in the entertain- Q : You describe a very dynamic ment industry. group of believers who meet and I recently talked with Rebecca talk together and keep each other about what she has observed over the strong, which contrasts with those years, the evolution of faith in film who say that when you go to Holly-

Y Th e Was hi ngt today, how Christians in Hollywood are wood, you lose your faith. Have you most effective, and why horror films found that your faith can become may be the most spiritual films on the stronger in Hollywood? A R ED B market. Yes, it can. The environment is re- Q : You were once a pastor. How ally changing here, but not always in J​eb Perkins​, a student of the L.A. Film Studies Center, calibrates his film equipment.

T PR E P did you become head of a Holly- the way people expect. Image courtesy of L.A. Film Studies Center.

O N T IM ES wood film program? Many people believe that if content I totally backed into it. I was in- coming out of Hollywood is changed, volved in the music industry through it will change culture. While that is open to Christian thinking, and there Q : Hollywood often struggles AS HI NGT CI A L R E POR my husband David Raven, who has true to some extent, what we found is has been a major shift in content. with telling a faith-based story re- been a drummer, writer, singer and that the biggest impact in Hollywood … Now some television shows have spectfully. Consider Russell Crowe’s A S P E

t H E W producer for over 40 years, working is made by people using their own gifts fascinating theological subtexts and “Noah,” who wants the world to end | with artists like Keith Richards, Norah and skills in the industry and building thoughtful or struggling Christians in or Christian Bale in “Exodus: Gods Jones, and Bruce Springsteen. His relationships with industry peers. recurring roles. HBO invited one of our and Kings,” who does not believe own music is used on many television I have a salon in my home (a social faculty members to be an official blog- the plagues are really signs of the shows, so I got to know many people gathering for purposeful conversation) ger for “The Leftovers” from a faith- power of God and instead is worried in the entertainment industry first where people like Phil Alden Robin- based approach. Our own program has about how people get paid and eco- through music. I was a pastor for 14 son (“Field of Dreams”), Scott Der- quite a few strong Christian alumni nomic structures. Why doesn’t Hol- years, including the First Congrega- rickson (“Doctor Strange,” “Sinister”) who write on TV shows and bring lywood tell the story that is there? tional Church of Los Angeles, which is and David Oyelowo (“Selma”) discuss thoughtful content to them … They care about the story. But home to artists of all kinds. culture, the art of film, career develop- But there is something different those kinds of changes are the creative Randall Wallace, who wrote “Brave- ment, theology or ethics. Not everyone between being open to Christian think- license that writers/directors use to tell heart,” taught our adult Sunday school is Christian, but we learn from each ing and being open to faith-based types a different story, either to fit it into the

ugust 31 • 2016 • A ugust Wednesday class and through him and the church other. of films. Studios embrace the genre film form that tells it well in two hours I met John Lee Hancock (“Saving Mr. When you consider the makeup of because it represents a large audience, 18 Banks,” “The Blind Side”), Ken Wales the dynamic churches in the area and but they give it little funding, making » see VER STRATEN | C19 VER STRATEN From page C18

(compared to a novel or a different story) or because the filmmaker has that different perspective. Artists are not obligated to an audience. On the other hand, one problem with Christian filmmaking is that while we could tell the story, we don’t do it well. We get too close to it and tell too much or not enough. “Ben-Hur” is a good example. It’s getting poor reviews, and criticized for being too violent or that the main character is physically not strong enough to bear what that character had to undergo. But the biggest criticism is that the story of redemption has been cut out. Christians try to make films like others, but often don’t do it as well. David Oyelowo (center), who played Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in “Selma” and appeared in “The Butler” and “Lincoln,” stands with My students are interested in being Rebecca Ver Straten-McSparran (right) and students with the L.A. Film Studies Center. t. Image courtesy of L.A. Film Studies Center. the best in the business. Right now, for example, our postproduction students are interested in working at compa- visible, less present, and people do not be…. Reeves) is one of the most biblical por- nies like Light Iron, a leading digital know how to access that world. There is frequently an ambiguity in trayals of the devil and how he could I think that even Christians from a spiritually penetrating films. operate. Word-based, propositional belief struc- While most people want to watch I was moved by what Scott Derrick- ture living in a post-Enlightenment a film that resolves the conflict in the son said about horror films. This comes

world don’t have the tool kit anymore story and ends well, our brains react in from the book, “Through a Screen A SPECIAL REPORT PREPARED BY T he W to know how to listen to God and hear a way that says, “That’s done. It’s over. Darkly” (2007), by Jeffrey Overstreet: God speak, let alone assume that a Now we move on.” “When I interviewed Derrickson materially oriented culture does. But certain kinds of stories don’t for Seattle Pacific University’s Re- That’s not to say that there aren’t have a type of ending and don’t resolve sponse magazine, he explained his people who do, but a majority struggle the conflict. It’s those stories that have appreciation for the genre. ‘There’s evil with being able to know or feel God’s the capacity to stay with us and alter in nature. We’re not in control. I think presence. I don’t think we have the tool us. We have to tell stories we can’t [horror is] the genre of non-denial, and kit for listening to God and to hear him. forget. that’s fundamentally what attracts me So, we don’t make those films because …When we offer inspiring stories to it. ‘Emily Rose’ is a movie that takes people in the culture don’t understand that neatly tie up the endings, it’s some of the darkest aspects of spiritu- that worldview as they once did. They no wonder no one relates or wants ality and portrays them in a realistic don’t see it. to listen: It isn’t honest. It’s time for way. And the value of that is that I don’t

Rebecca Ver Straten-McSparran I will say that Catholic writers and Christians become people identified think you can watch the film without ashington T imes A d directors seem to have a capacity for with being truthful, honest and willing asking yourself if you believe that these opening up the spiritual world to us to expose our own struggles. So I don’t things are real… postproduction company, and we were that others don’t, even if their films think this is the day for evangelism in “It’s valuable for the culture as a excited that they specially created a are not explicitly religious or they no the way we’ve understood it. This is the whole to be asking itself those ques- position for a new graduate. Young longer retain their faith, such as Frank day for credibility. tions. Because once you’re in that alumni are winning Emmys for editing, Capra, Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford The only way we can really address arena, you can’t ask yourself if you being offered television acting roles or Coppola, Alfred Hitchcock. our culture is to become the people believe in the devil without ultimately THE WASHINGTON TIMES v as writers on TV shows. These are the Richard Blake calls it an “afterim- known for telling the truth: not tell who asking yourself what you believe about D epartmentocacy things what my students want to do age” or “footprint” of that worldview. we are, but be who we are. God. To dissect evil is ultimately to and it is where they make a difference. Evangelicals, particularly those who Q : So how can people of faith define good.” Not surprisingly, when you are excel- fund films and set the parameters are make better, more memorable films? lent at what you do, people will want to Word-driven and want to beat a mes- To make great films, you need to find Rebecca Ver Straten-McSparran is know what you believe. sage into everything. the very best people — even if they are director of a semester program for the Q : Hollywood once included Catholics see the world as sacra- not believers. Council for Christian Colleges and

stories with a values component as mental and images become tangible I’ve seen people come to Holly- Universities at L. A. Film Studies Cen- | Wednesday • A ugust 31 • 2016 part of its regular rotation. Films evidence of spiritual life: Bread is the wood with all of this money to invest ter in Los Angeles. She is a mentor and like “Boys Town” with Spencer body of Christ, wine His actual blood. in changing the culture, but I’ve found friend to many throughout Hollywood, Tracy or Frank Capra’s “It’s a Won- They seem to be able to deal more that people not in the center of the recently giving a Princeton Lecture on derful Life” were not made to pan- richly with the nuances of Christian- industry don’t always choose the best “The Dark Side of Beauty,” and the der to a subset of the population, ity and of storytelling. Catholics have people. They choose people who think American Scientific Affiliation keynote. but to provide inspiring entertain- a better sense of image. And film is like them. She is completing her doctorate from ment as part of their regular fare. Is image. A lot of the most talented Christians King’s College in London, exploring this a thing of the past? Q : You said previously that a lot in Hollywood today like working with the prophetic voice in art and in film. When those films were made, Chris- of Christians don’t know how to horror films because you can say there tianity was part of the culture. From mentor artists. Why? is evil in the world and depict it and Kristi S. Hamrick is a writer, speaker, the ‘50s and ‘60s on, we saw the emer- …When it comes to the movies, grapple with it. “The Exorcism of Emily media consultant and president of gence of a postmodern, post-Christian too often many Christians want to see Rose” is a great example…. KSH Media Inc. @KristiSHamrick culture and a radical shift in culture. things that fit within our codes and our I believe “The Devil’s Advocate” The sacred became less accepted, less views of what we think Scripture to (that starred Al Pacino and Keanu 19 ‘The Young Messiah’: A daring story that is worth the journey

couldn’t stop thinking about it. For me presents you with the compassion and was selected for a reason ... and he had personally, it made perfect sense ... this is love and forgiveness that Jesus repre- to be substantive: He had to be an ideal a story that you should try and tell. sents, without feeling like it is a sermon. father in the human sense of the father. You never know whether you are Q : There have been criticisms — I wanted him to have those qualities — going to attract an audience or not … and e.g., the film doesn’t have a strong strength and sensitivity and relatability when you have material that is outside scriptural basis. What is your — and I am very happy with Vincent the Bible, it’s always risky ... reaction? [Walsh’s portrayal]. I felt there was no guarantee that we I can’t control how people respond ... Q : How about the portrayal of would have a ready audience for this This story moved me — I felt there Mary? because of the daring nature of it. We are was nothing in there that was offensive; We were dealing with a fine line exploring a time of Jesus’ life that we re- we were very careful to do it with rever- — we are portraying her in a way that ally know nothing about, and I felt there ence and respect ... That matters the most all denominations can accept her and were inherent risks but I felt they were — how you do it. embrace her ... I think we got lucky with worth the journey for me personally and I had many, many people come up to casting. We found Sara Lazzaro in Rome; as a storyteller. me who said things like, “I wasn’t sure she’s Italian ... She has that quality … both Q : I have read that you are less about this, but upon seeing it, I loved it, sweetness and strength ... concerned about affirming people’s thank you for doing it.” I had a pastor say Q : And the young man who played By Cyrus Nowrasteh beliefs and more focused on inspiring to me, “God is happy (with this movie).” Jesus? people to find faith and look at things And I said, “I think He is, I think God is This was the biggest challenge, as he Recently, Cheryl Wetzstein, manager a different way ... happy with the movie ... and he said, “I had to carry the movie and we had to of special sections for The Washington That’s partly right. I would love to do think so too ...” cast characters around the boy ... Times, interviewed “The Young Messiah” both — it’s fine to affirm people’s faith ... So I don’t think there’s anything offen- We looked all over and found Adam director and co-writer Cyrus Nowrasteh, but we’re going into new territory here. sive here ... but you never know ... Greaves-Neal from London ... He comes and Vincent Walsh, who played “Joseph.” With any Jesus movie, there’s always Q : I and others were particularly from a strong family, extraordinary child. The movie was based on Anne Rice’s novel, an element where you are preaching to struck by the portrayal of Joseph. I think we have terrific actors … “Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt.” The inter- the choir and you expect those Christians Yes, the film attempts views were edited for space and clarity. who love Jesus to respond and to at least to take you inside the Holy see the movie and give it a chance. Family ... They are usually

t m ent Q : Why do you work with stories

a r that have to do with faith? But you also want to attract and in- portrayed as icons and Jo- First and foremost, I am attracted to spire others who may be drawn to a story seph is usually given short

y D e p the story ... my faith journey is a long one because it is different than the other Jesus shrift — he’s usually like c

a and a gradual one that goes back many movies that they’ve seen or are aware of wallpaper.

oc years. ... I always felt Joseph When this story fell into my lap, I And this story is “what if” — it had to be strong — he o n Tim es A dv Imagining ‘Joseph’ as ‘the

Y Th e Was hi ngt anchor, the rock’

A R ED B Putting aside the magnitude of child I “I want Joseph to be was the father of, Cyrus [Nowrasteh] strong,” Cyrus told me.

T PR E P and I discussed [the character]. I wanted “He’s the anchor, the rock,

O N T IM ES to make this as real as possible, as to the guy who’s making the father and son. decisions.” So I did my I drew on my own experiences — I best to be strong. AS HI NGT CI A L R E POR have two kids myself, and my son is 12 ... Q : What else went This was very much cathartic in a way through your mind as A S P E

t H E W ... playing a father in a piece that is so you prepared for this | fantastic ... and so awesome. The word role? in Jesus’ abilities — that came across, awesome is overused, but I use it here I decided to just grab the bull by the correct? — this is awesome for me because of the horns and play him simple, straight, as It’s evident that he knew that his son nature of the piece. It’s very special. a father protecting his family, his son, was special ... the evidence was clear Q : Does a particularly meaningful his tribe ... That was my anchor ...the and reenforced what he believed in. He’s scene come to mind? script was beautiful and supported this. saying to Mary, “Did you see? It’s true. Cyrus and I talked about the scene There’s weight attached to every word We’ve got to go ...” on the hill, where Jesus has questions … everyone worked to remain true to Q : Final thoughts? By Vincent Walsh and Joseph is talking to Jesus about his Scripture ... …The movie business can be relent- questions ... It’s very much like talking Cyrus said that after a viewing of it, less, but when you get into a project like Q : How did you prepare for this to your own son when they hit a certain a father came straight up in tears, saying “The Young Messiah,” you remember

ugust 31 • 2016 • A ugust Wednesday iconic role of playing Joseph in the stage on their lives — between ages 10 that the portrayal made him “want to be that’s the reason you got into it. Holy Family? and 13 ... it’s a very sensitive time for a better father for my son.” 20 This was a very special project … boys. I related to that character… Q : It appears that Joseph believed ‘Christian stories can be funny — who knew?’

subculture-represented filmmakers “Barbershop” — films that represented prayer, a Sunday School teacher as who grew up with the same feeling authentic cultural experiences and had the female love interest, and features while watching movies. something to say but didn’t carry the scenes of a staged production about There has, however, been a shift in weight of needing to be “important.” the life of Jesus. the last decade-plus. Plus, they were entertaining, even for And here’s the crazy part — it’s not an evangelical white dude. only gotten some tears from test audi- And that was the other thing. I was ences, which is par for the course with So I felt compelled convinced culturally-specific films, faith films — it’s also gotten quite a to make a film that even meaningful ones, didn’t have to few big laughs. Christian stories can be authentically reflected my be exclusive to that culture. I never funny — who knew? once felt “Schindler’s List” was “too But how can a story like that be world without sermonizing Jewish” or “Brooklyn” “too Irish,” or enjoyable to non-churchgoers as well? about it, the same way “Sister Act” “too Catholic” for me. Well, the main character has never these other filmmakers If anything, the more specific been to church either, so the comedy did. A film that would feel movies are to their cultures and the and pathos come from his fish-out-of- By Dallas Jenkins settings within them, the less bother- water journey into this world. relatable, and maybe even some it feels when the movie does veer I’m not so arrogant that I can pre- wo factors primarily fos- important, to evangelicals, into preachy territory. Nuns moralizing dict how it will do or claim that my tered my decision to make but entertaining and to a sinner? A conversion-by-baptism own movie will open new doors. As so-called “faith-based” religious ritual? A speech about racism William Goldman famously said about films: One, I grew up in authentic enough that or black politics? I would expect noth- the film business, “Nobody knows the Christian community outsiders could enjoy it. ing less from movies set in a Catholic anything.” But I’m at least pleased I and was dissatisfied with church, a Greek Orthodox ceremony made a film I would have appreciated the nature and quality of Films representing the aforemen- and a black-owned barbershop. I, even when I first loved movies. And hey,

Christian films, and two, I grew up a tioned groups have increased in quality as an outsider, am not turned off by if “Barbershop” can exist in the same A SPECIAL REPORT PREPARED BY T he W Tbig movie fan and was frustrated by and quantity. And that’s a good thing. authenticity; I’m only turned off when world as “Do the Right Thing,”surely the fact that I never saw stories that But to varying degrees, it hasn’t nec- messages are shoehorned in where my film can exist in the same world as reflected my life experience. essarily been a smooth transition, and they don’t belong. “The Passion of the Christ.” I found the latter especially odd faith-based films still have a ways to go. So I felt compelled to make a film because a life filled with the drama and I was inspired to make my lat- that authentically reflected my world Dallas Jenkins is currently director of comedy of weekly church attendance, est film,“The Resurrection of Gavin without sermonizing about it, the same Vertical Church Films at Harvest Bible daily prayer, an obsessive “wait until Stone,” because it seemed many inde- way these other filmmakers did. A film Chapel in Chicago, following his tenure marriage” sexual philosophy, and a deep pendent faith-based films felt com- that would feel relatable, and maybe at Jenkins Entertainment, the produc- love of Ronald Reagan is, believe it or pelled to make a big statement, which even important, to evangelicals, but tion company he started with his father not, shared by almost half the country. often made the movie feel “preachy.” entertaining and authentic enough that in 2000. He has produced or directed 10 But evangelical Christians were This isn’t a bad thing, as there are outsiders could enjoy it. award-winning feature and short films rarely portrayed in film, and usu- plenty of great preachy films from all And that’s how I ended up direct- with companies such as Warner Broth-

ally not accurately or affectionately. I kinds of ideologies. But I was jeal- ing my latest, a movie that is set in an ers, Lionsgate, Pure Flix Entertainment, ashington T imes A d suspect a similar perspective is shared ous of movies like “My Big Fat Greek evangelical church and includes a pas- WWE Studios, Blumhouse Productions, by current black, gay, “geek” and other Wedding,” “Bend It Like Beckham” and tor, a Sunday morning worship service, Walden Media, and Hallmark Channel. THE WASHINGTON TIMES v

Breaking out of the Christian ghetto D epartmentocacy

are not already Christian. These Chris- a Wonderful Life” or “The Sound of inauthentic characters, and boring, if not tian ghetto films, such as “Fireproof” or Music” and more like cheap knockoffs of uninspiring, stories. “God’s Not Dead,” have found success a Hallmark movie. Christians have a religion that is in reaching a segment of the Christian This current dynamic exists in part interesting, engaging and challenging. audience, but they have had little impact because there is a portion of the modern If Christian filmmakers actually want

outside of the Christian bubble they Christian audience that is perfectly to fulfill the Great Commission, along | Wednesday • A ugust 31 • 2016 operate in. willing to support a film of inferior with reaching the large segment of the Why is that? First of all, many of craftsmanship as long as it reflects their Christian audience that puts more stock these films rely on shoddy production values. in a film having some artistic merit, values, poor acting and stiff dialogue. Christian filmmakers willing to play then they should focus on producing Most egregiously, they focus on message along have a decent chance, with an films that are good for the soul’s con- before story, which almost always results effective enough marketing effort, of sumption and true to the (often messy) in a mediocre story that fails to deliver reaching this audience, but only this au- human condition and beautiful in their its message. dience. If the budget is low enough, they craftsmanship. As a Christian and a filmmaker, I find may even be successful financially. This means creating Christian char- By Michael Leaser this appalling. Christians are inheritors But by continuing to create product acters that talk like real people going of literally the greatest story ever told that is only connecting with this seg- through real problems. For instance, I The largest problem with many by the greatest storyteller there ever is, ment of the Christian audience, they was both pleased and dismayed when I so-called Christian films today is their has been or will be. Yet so many mod- are perpetuating the public perception inability to connect with audiences who ern Christian films play less like “It’s that “Christian film” means bad acting, » see Leaser | C28 21 Breaking ground with national, multimedia ‘events’ for faith and family By Spencer Proffer exciting content to the country in unique ways. The KAOS Connect Meteor 17 producer and content cre- machine, as our theater event produc- ator Spencer Proffer strives to make a dif- tion partners, teams us with the best of ference in pop culture with projects aimed breed in this area. When you add Dan at adding meaning for people’s lives. He and Shelly’s vision, integrity and fun has recently teamed up with two giants putting all this together, we are totally in the faith media community to build a pumped to make a difference for faith new lane in his overall business: veteran and family viewers across the board. advertising executive Joe Battaglia, owner of Renaissance Communications, Q : Your first project in 2016 which specializes in marketing the most was the successful “I Hope You successful faith-based theatrical releases Dance: The Power & Spirit of into multimedia platforms; and David Song” Night of Hope and Healing, Sams, executive director and co-creator of which was held in May in hundreds KeepTheFaith, the No. 1 Christian radio of theaters nationwide. We are program service in America, with more familiar with Lee Ann Womack’s than 650,000 average quarter-hour listen- Grammy-winning country song, ers, reaching 280 stations in 19 of the top but you uniquely positioned it to 20 markets. go beyond its secular success to Mr. Proffer recently had a question- reach into the faith community. You and-answer exchange with The Wash- even included popular pastor and ington Times, which has been edited for best-selling author Joel Osteen in space and clarity. the film, along with the late poet Dr. Maya Angelou, music greats Q : You have a vast background Graham Nash, Brian Wilson, Vince in working with acclaimed music Gill and Lee Ann Womack, and the

t m ent stars, producing scores of gold and songwriters and stories of people

a r platinum recordings, and handling whose lives were impacted by the the music for more than 130 films David Sams (left) with Joe Battaglia (center) and Spencer Proffer. Image courtesy of song. How did this inspiring project

y D e p and television programs, dozens of CieloScope. come about, and what is next for it? c

a which were nominated for awards. Dan and Shelly, along with Pam Re-

oc Why are you now expanding your nall and Pamela Case, worked tirelessly reach into producing special theat- CieloScope, an event production multiple platforms. with us. Add the smart executives at rical events, focused on faith and company, kicking off each project in Screenvision Media, led by J.P. Partilla, family? And tell us about your “I event cinema with media industry Q : CieloScope also has a long- along with Darryl Schaffer, Bernadette Hope You Dance” film. veterans Joe Battaglia and David term venture with the two lead- McCabe, Craig O’Connor and Michael o n Tim es A dv Faith, hope and inspiration defy Sams. Why would an experienced ing media pioneers, Fathom Event Golden, and we built a great team. Boy, genres. What does it take to hope? music and multimedia producer founders Dan Diamond and Shelly did we enjoy that experience. Screenvi- Everything. That is what our film, book like yourself team up with two Maxwell and their KAOS Connect sion’s 14,000 theater reach became a and projects convey. people who are at the top of the media company. That’s a lot of platform to bring “I Hope You Dance” We are blessed to have icons from faith lane? firepower. to America with the zeal and commit-

Y Th e Was hi ngt all walks of life, ranging from the in- Joe and David understand how I have known, worked and become ment to make a difference. spirational Joel Osteen to the brilliant timeless virtues using multiplatform good pals with Dan and Shelly for over Joe, David and I plan to do much talents of Graham Nash, Brian Wilson, media work to share hope and faith a decade. They blueprinted and over- more with this team for sure. A R ED B Lee Ann Womack and Vince Gill, to while entertaining. saw the most successful theater event It enables us to use the big-screen the magical words and spirit of the late I believe you can do good for platform in America, Fathom Events. platform to exclusively premiere con-

T PR E P Dr. Maya Angelou, in one film, “I Hope people while entertaining them and Their knowledge, passion, great taste tent and become a unique and interac-

O N T IM ES You Dance.” tive experience for all who attend. They address how Mark D. Sanders Our book, which is associated with and Tia Sillers’ timeless, classic song the project, is curated from the stories AS HI NGT CI A L R E POR has motivated real people to transform We are blessed to have icons from all walks of seen in the film with expanded and their lives, to chase their dreams, to life, ranging from the inspirational Joel Osteen new on-point content. Co-producer A S P E

t H E W overcome obstacles and to persist in Judith A. Proffer documents the birth | to the brilliant talents of Graham Nash, Brian the face of extreme adversity. “I Hope and life of the song, including four You Dance” inspires and empowers Wilson, Lee Ann Womack and Vince Gill, to the captivating real-life stories of faith people to achieve more, to live their magical words and spirit of the late Dr. Maya and hope. It is a timeless compendium best lives and to make the world a bet- Angelou, in one film, “I Hope You Dance.” that will move and inspire anyone ter place. who reads it, which they can, over Our film, written and directed by and over. Author and life coach Tim John Scheinfeld, profiles true stories of Storey wrote a moving foreword that aspiration, second chances, recovery, getting across timeless messages to and prowess to motivate audiences sets the tone for a book millions can forgiveness and miracles. Take a look propel them toward better lives. It is to come to theaters for a one-night- enjoy owning. https://www.amazon. at a brief overview to our film at http:// important to me to be able to do that. only event, in order to see content not com/Hope-You-Dance-Power-Spirit/ vimeopro.com/crewneckproductions/ With the help and guidance of these previously available in other platforms, dp/1618687913/

ugust 31 • 2016 • A ugust Wednesday ihyd-doc-sizzle-reel. two faith media leaders, we will bring make them the best partners imagin- fresh content to the world, exposed in able for our goals. 22 Q : This year, you created new and interactive ways, and across We all want to bring fresh and » see Proffer | C23 ‘Dance’ film weaves four stories of hope

inspiration, second chances, forgive- ness and miracles: a father who honors his daughter’s memory by saving four lives through organ donation; a home- less shelter that teaches ballroom danc- ing, literally getting people back on their feet; a woman who miraculously recovers from a devastating spinal cord injury that should have killed her instantly; a couple who overcome the pain of their respective pasts to find love and redemption; and two Nash- ville songwriters whose life experi- ences combine to create a breathtaking piece of music for the ages. “It’s the story of a song that became an anthem, but even more so it’s about real people who have overcome real odds. People whose lives have been dramatically altered by the Grammy By Spencer Proffer Award-winning #1 song,” wrote Stanley Hainsworth, founder and CCO of “I Hope You Dance: The Power and Tether, wrote in a November 2015 Spirit of Song” is the first full-length article for Huffington Post (http:// film to explore how one extraordinary www.huffingtonpost.com/stanley- song transformed some people’s lives hainsworth/i-hope-you-dance-the- in profound, meaningful and some- powe_b_8612228.html). times-startling ways. It is a film about The film (previewed at https:// A SPECIAL REPORT PREPARED BY T he W hope, faith, optimism and the power of vimeopro.com/crewneckproductions/ music to inspire and heal. ihyd-doc-sizzle-reel) features insight- By weaving together true stories of ful commentary from best-selling how Lee Ann Womack’s No. 1 Grammy- author Pastor Joel Osteen; legendary winning hit, “I Hope You Dance,” singer-songwriters Brian Wilson (who has motivated people to chase their performs his classic song, “God Only dreams, overcome obstacles and per- Knows”) and Graham Nash (who per- sist in the face of extreme adversity, “I forms his worldwide standard, “Teach Hope You Dance: The Power and Spirit Your Children”); country music stars of Song” will inspire and empower Vince Gill and Lee Ann Womack; the people to achieve more, to live their late poet Dr. Maya Angelou; and the best lives. co-writers of the song, Tia Sillers and

The film highlights stories of love, Mark D. Sanders. ashington T imes A d

to attend the theater event and adds CieloScope will also bring the re- greatest sacrifice. With a film like Proffer greatly to the understanding and issues markable story of one-armed basket- “Long Shot,” we will honor the lives From page C22 presented in the production. It’s a fun ball star Kevin Laue to audiences in of those who’ve battled the odds and and powerful way to bring unique con- “Long Shot,” a feature documentary won despite the odds. With a film THE WASHINGTON TIMES v Q : Following the film, you and tent to another level. directed by Franklin Martin via Screen- like “I Hope You Dance,” we honor D epartmentocacy David Sams produced a 25-minute vision, with KAOS Connect. lives of people who put their faith in panel hosted by NBC’s Kathie Lee Q : Can you speak about any Joe, David and I serve as executive something bigger than themselves and Gifford, featuring Salem talk show of the 2017 projects slated from producers of “Long Shot” (along with believed that when one door closes, host Mike Gallagher; The Dream CieloScope? Charlie Loventhal and Dain Blair), another door opens. Center’s Caroline Barnett; actress Yes, but only from a 30,000-foot which will be an intimate portrait of We are all about presenting pur- Shari Rigby; and inspirational view. what the human spirit can accomplish. pose-filled stories … stories that can

author, life coach and speaker Tim We are super pumped to be work- Kevin is the first special-needs athlete change a life and which will be seen | Wednesday • A ugust 31 • 2016 Storey. Is the panel an important ing with Linda Hope, James Hardy, to make it into NCAA ball and become first on a single night at the movie part in drawing a crowd to the Ken Levy and Tony Montalto, the a superstar on multiple levels; he house. theater? smart and terrific leaders of the Bob inspires youths with his message that Absolutely. Dan and Shelly pio- & Dolores Hope Foundation, to sculpt overcoming is winning. I am so proud Spencer Proffer is the chief executive of neered that concept at Fathom, where and produce a major Memorial Day to be aligned with Kevin, his longtime Meteor 17. He is a pioneer in the con- I produced a number of successful theatrical event (plus extensions) for manager, David Goldberg and this vergence media integration of music- events with them. Each event was fol- our troops and country. The spirit and remarkable story. anchored projects in film and television. lowed by panels of personalities who ethos of Bob Hope lives forever, and In closing, CieloScope stands for us His productions and those which he has could articulately speak to and enlarge David and I intend to produce a time- reaching for every star in the heav- been integrally involved with have gar- on what the public just saw. Given the less event, called “Hope 4 America” ens — with passion and purpose. Our nered Academy, Golden Globe, Emmy, credibility of the moderator (here, the (tentative working title) that carries on events are intended to change lives. Grammy and Tony awards and nomina- wonderful Kathie Lee), and vast visible all of Bob’s goodness, pushed further With a project like “Hope 4 America,” tions. As a music producer, he has sold reach (via social media and otherwise) forward by Joe’s remarkable marketing we will honor the lives of those who millions of gold and platinum records. of the panelists, it pulls in the public chops. have served our nation and made the 23 Faith. Film. And the stories we choose to tell By Paul Aiello Entertaining, sometimes. Profitable, fluff designed to open big and sell laser Stories most find too afraid to tell. hopefully. This is a business after all. toys. These are deeper stories that But the irony is they are the only Faith (noun) But with interchangeable stories existed before books or film and invoke stories worth telling for we all seek 1. complete trust or confidence in and plots we saw last week, it’s no a sense of the miraculous. Even God. transformation. someone or something. wonder they are dissolved and forgot- Stories that... fictional or true, were And they are the way we’ve always 2. strong belief in God or in the doc- ten like after dinner mints by the time once only whispered. Then passed learned to reach higher. To fly. And trines of a religion, based on spiritual we reach the car. heal. apprehension rather than proof. Faith (noun) And the thing that invokes the “Film”... for 100 years the reigning 2. strong belief in God or in the doc- And if the film is good, greatest fear is the underlying question heavyweight champ of storytelling. trines of a religion, based on spiritual really cinema-good, we inside these stories. A question that This was not always so. apprehension rather than proof. find ourselves inside these harkens back to the second definition The best of film touches on our The second definition and the real and a purpose that innately draws us to primal fears and greatest victories. question here. Can faith of a “spiritual” characters. Inside their hear and read and see them again and We are omnipresent, observing our nature be captured on film? heads and stories as our again and again. favorite actors charging across mega- A question too big to know. Films cinematic avatars span A bigger purpose and question out- plexes, televisions and cellphones. too pretentious to construct. As side of all cinema. All books. Looking down into their little worlds pretentious as this article perhaps, for all times, from ancient A question lurking deep inside of make-believe sets and CGI co-stars. they are unhip. Unmarketable. Flyover dramas to future star these stories. The way they’ve always Watching their struggles and dreams stuff at best and certainly not cinema. worlds, and life’s great made us overcome. Demanded we look from afar. Most in power turn away at the conquests repeat. to our better selves. To the heavens. And if the film is good, really thought of making them. And those With their feeling of wholeness. cinema-good, we find ourselves inside brave souls who would are soon too And returning home. these characters. Inside their heads burdened and scared to try; life is short down. Then written down. And now And our deepest desire to be good and stories as our cinematic avatars and so are careers. occasionally filmed. and true. span all times, from ancient dramas But we can make them. And should They are most definitely not stories And end these mortal travails. to future star worlds, and life’s great try, as God knows this world could centered on winning the day or the And eventually we understand the conquests repeat. use them. And others have somehow. race or the girl, but of initiation and question and ask whence these stories And in the best of these... “faith” is Others have. They turned from the transformation. came. And realize... why. t m ent

a r rewarded. formulas and certain box office with a Of trial by fire. And so we must consider well the In one’s self. One’s mission. One’s small spark and wondered how. Of facing one’s shadow. stories we choose to tell.

y D e p team. The first definition. And that spark caught fire when Of dying for something greater. And c

a As our maze-bound doubles con- they realized the way lies not in them, rising anew. Paul Aiello wrote the story and co-wrote

oc front impossible odds and unbeatable but in what stories they chose to tell. Of forgiving. the screenplay for the film “Risen”. foes, we cheer them on, saving the uni- Old stories. Stories that can be And recognizing the grace of life. verse, reaching for glory, winning the cloaked in modern dress and times, And letting go to it. war, rescuing the damsel and saving can have heroes and dragons and And becoming part of it. the universe. Again. And again... demons, but these are not popcorn And God among us... o n Tim es A dv

Y Th e Was hi ngt Why Hollywood doesn’t get ‘faith’ films

A R ED B with Jesus content needing a resur- amount of homework in the produc- storylines, you hit another gaping hole rection after its first weekend in the tion of what he thought would be an of knowledge. In Hollywood, “nobody

T PR E P theaters. animated blockbuster, “The Prince of knows nothin’” about religion or, assur-

O N T IM ES One more chapter in a mystery that Egypt.” He interviewed Christians, Jews, edly, the Bible. has been a head-scratcher in Hollywood Muslims and even Egyptians to get The vast majority of people in for decades. Why do some faith-focused input on the final cut — and he listened entertainment jettisoned any religious AS HI NGT CI A L R E POR movies make gazillions of dollars and to them. It didn’t matter. The movie notions or practices in college and never become classics and others trip over the opened to less than $15 million, although went back to them. When Ben Stein A S P E

t H E W threshold at the theater and fall flat? it did go on to do better. wrote his book on Tinseltown values in | Millions of people still watch the Then there was David Putnam’s 1981 1979, “The View from Sunset Boulevard,” original “Ten Commandments” on ABC “Chariots of Fire,” which was stunningly he concluded, “In Hollywood, religion is television annually — the one in which successful with believers. It didn’t do a nonissue.” a young Charlton Heston parts the Red well at the box office but won the Oscar By and large, the prevailing world- Sea like he has done since the movie was for best picture. Go figure. view in filmland is devoutly secular: released in 1956. Mel Gibson’s “The Pas- Why can’t Hollywood figure this out? God doesn’t even factor into creation or sion of the Christ” has brought in more If there is one axiomatic principle in origins. Darwin “proved” that. than $700 million since its 2004 release Hollywood, it is that no one has figured Third, Hollywood doesn’t know any- By Dr. Larry W. Poland — not including DVD sales, which were out all the factors in any movie’s success thing about devout Christians or, for that worth $30 million for 20th Century Fox or failure. As one studio executive said matter, Orthodox Jews. I spent 35 years The recent headline in Variety said in the first month. decades ago, “In Hollywood, nobody explaining evangelicals to media execu-

ugust 31 • 2016 • A ugust Wednesday it all: “Box Office: ‘Ben-Hur’ Flops with Yet, the string of faith-driven bombs knows nothin’.” tives in some of the top film studios $11.4 Million.” is equally impressive. DreamWorks’ Then, when you factor in stories from 24 One more “swords and sandals” epic Jeffrey Katzenberg did an incredible the Bible or stories with faith-focused » see POLAND | C25 Films help us ‘face and confront’ our core beliefs

experiences to it. After all, much of Catholic, let alone everyone else. where we all huddle in a dark room the Bible is made up of the recorded I have studied the Bible for decades; and wrestle with life and what it means accounts of people’s experiences of it is a wonderful, poetic and honest to be human. It seems to me that our God. For full disclosure, I am a Jewish book. When I die and come face to morality reflects our values as a com- man, attended Hebrew school as a face with God, I am pretty sure I will munity of people at a particular time boy, had my bar mitzvah and came to not get a test of my doctrine. And if and that our values emanate from our know Jesus as the Son of God through I do, I will probably fail. The Bible is core beliefs. Film helps us face and personal experience in 1975. I believe full of stories that are honest to the confront our core beliefs. He is the Messiah. As a living, breath- experiences of the people who lived it. I recently produced a film called ing person, I must ask myself some They are challenging and difficult, not “Captive” with two wonderful actors, core questions: Do I believe in God as tied up in nice, tidy bows and, for that David Oyelowo and Kate Mara. It was creator and sustainer of life, or is all of reason, it is the best-selling book of all based upon a true story that took place this an accident? If I believe in God, is time, requiring us to wrestle deeply in Atlanta in 2005, when Brian Nichols He personal, knowable or some imper- with the human experience. That is the broke out of jail during his trial for a sonal energy? If I believe in him and stuff of story. rape he claimed he did not do, killed believe he is personal, then what does Life can be messy; life is full of mys- four people and took Ashley Smith By Terry Botwick he expect from me? tery and, if I am honest, leaves me with hostage in her apartment for seven I bring questions to how I integrate many more questions than answers. hours. During that time, each was con- et me begin this discussion my personal faith and view of the In that is the stuff of conflict, which is fronted with life and death, purpose about how faith and film re- universe into story expressed through drama, which is story. and forgiveness. It was not squeaky- late to each other by mak- film. It is also my conviction that story My fear is that what has now been clean. It was authentic and rough but, ing an observation. People and film both influence and reflect the defined as the “Christian market” may in the end, quite powerful. It rang true always act based upon what human experience and global culture. confuse a couple of important points. to the struggle of a single mother fight- they truly believe, not what What is important is what is true, The first is that all our energy ing drug addiction and a killer who

they say they believe. authentic and ultimately common in should be about evangelism and so film felt like life had victimized him. In that A SPECIAL REPORT PREPARED BY T he W For instance, when Y2K was ap- our human experience. This has been must be a tool for conversion. That mutual brokenness, they found a con- Lproaching and some were declaring the basis for story for thousands of leads to beginning the story with an nection, Ashley found redemption and the end of the world, it might have years. Every story is about something, agenda imposed upon it. I wrote earlier Brian decided to live. led to some extreme behavior. If one whether dramatic, comedic or some about the importance of stirring up My challenge and hope is that we all believed that the world was ending and other genre. It is always about some- questions that cause us, as humans, see movies and TV, laugh together, feel that the Lord was returning to rapture thing, and it resonates when we see to wrestle with core beliefs. Often, together, hope together and wrestle the faithful, there would be no reason ourselves in it. “Christian” films are answering ques- with the questions of our common not to climb to the top of the Empire In the United States, faith has be- tions nobody is asking. human experience. State Building and jump because the come a market, a business, and many The second is that the culture war, Bible says that when the Lord returns, are making movies to appeal to that if there is such a thing, is about moral- Terry Botwick, CEO of 1019 Entertain- we will be changed in the twinkling of market. But it must be said that the ity and so it is easy to confuse whole- ment, is a producer and former televi- an eye and caught up together with the defined market is primarily a Southern, some with biblical. The Bible is “R” sion executive, and has held leadership

Lord in the air. evangelical community that is vocal rated. To me, faith-related in film is not positions at CBS, Vanguard Films ashington T imes A d However, the core belief in gravity about media, politics and a range of at its core about wholesomeness. Not & Animation, Big Idea Productions might prove stronger than the belief other things. That is fine, but, by defini- every film is for all ages. Stories must (“VeggieTales”), Hearst Corp. and The that the world was ending and that this tion, that market excludes many more ring true. An actor will know if a scene Family Channel. Most recently, Mr. was the exact moment in history to put people than it includes and so the mar- does not feel truthful, and an audience Botwick produced “Captive,” starring to the test that caught-up-with-the- ket is limited. It is driven by a doctrinal will know as well. We should hold our- Kate Mara and David Oyelowo, which Lord-in-the-air belief. position that differs from many other selves to standards of good taste, not was acquired by Paramount Pictures. When I consider the core belief sincere, believing people, whether be gratuitous or exploitive, but commit THE WASHINGTON TIMES v of my faith in God, I bring certain of other mainline denominations or to the truth of our common experience, D epartmentocacy

football teams and even, sometimes, oc- some higher power or even Mother faith-focused movies remain elusive, POLAND cupy the White House. Even Orthodox Nature, are the deciding factor in global there are some things Hollywood could

Jews are viewed as inscrutable to the warming, what’s all this nonsense about learn — if they wanted to. | From page C24 Wednesday • A ugust 31 • 2016 many Jewish power people in media. divinely appointed seasons, wind cur- and TV companies on the planet. After Four, Hollywood, with few excep- rents and cyclic temperature patterns? Larry W. Poland, Ph.D., founded Mas- all, I argued to them, any constituency tions, has a prevailing worldview in Finally, Hollywood doesn’t know termedia International to consult with numbering as many as 100 million and which God and faith are completely what people of faith want — and don’t leaders in global media about the faith spending $2.1 trillion a year should be irrelevant. Creative work, if it does noth- want — in entertainment. In 1988, in a community, specializing in evangelicals. worth understanding. When I decon- ing else, reflects two things — the cre- totally boneheaded move, Universal Pic- His 35 years of quietly building trust structed the evangelical community, ator’s personal character and worldview. tures released “The Last Temptation of relationships at the top executive lev- its demographics and its values, media One does not, typically, create content or Christ,” including a scene in which Jesus els of entertainment have provided a executives responded like I was describ- promote messages in conflict with per- had sex with Mary Magdalene. Univer- unique perspective on faith and film. He ing Martians. They were stunned to sonal values and understanding of life. sal executives expressed fear and shock published his perspectives in his book discover that these “born againers” were Then, in this age, what I call philo- when 25,000 Christians showed up at the “Chasm: Crossing the Divide Between not just little old ladies in the Bible Belt sophical correctness — because it gates to beg the studio not to release the Hollywood and People of Faith.” — they actually run Fortune 100 com- encompasses far more than one’s politics film. They released it anyway. panies, coach Super Bowl championship — dominates. If carbon emissions, not Even if formulas for success in 25 Making disciples In Hollywood

observed the gospel as being irrelevant. And if we only care about Orthopraxy, communities, cities, and cultures. Au- The Evangelical Church was irrelevant or ‘practical applications’, we may care thentic Christianity does not compel because it was completely disconnected, about behaviors and activist causes but us to create our own subculture, rather and the mainline church was irrelevant slowly drift away from our personal it inspires us to engage our world and because it was merely a social club. In relationship with Christ. work for the good of the city in which short, we failed to be salt and light. Jonathan Edwards showed us that we we live. It empowers us to stand firm in need all three. We need a personal rela- our faith and our worldview while we How can we make a significant tionship with God, while also growing in love and have grace for people who think difference today? our understanding of who He is, while and act differently than we do. It inspires The good news is there is a third at the same time growing in our under- us to create art which echoes the hope, t m ent

a r way to approach Hollywood. The great standing of what it means to be salt and justice, and love of God while wrestling theologian, Jonathan Edwards, already light in our world. with the sins and fragility of our own

y D e p provided us with a model. Edwards For years Christians have come to humanity. c

a taught that a vibrant understanding of Hollywood to make films, while lacking Christians who live this way pos-

oc the gospel will be founded on three core such a robust approach. We have seen sess a hope that comes from a spiritual components. sincere Christians come to Hollywood life which beckons them to become a First, we must have Orthopathos who love Jesus, but lack the solid theol- redemptive agent in the world around By Rev. Joel Pelsue (right passions). This is seen in our ogy to weather the storms. Sadly, they them. In short, our commitment to understanding of how the gospel relates end up compromising their faith, or cre- Christ does not take us away from the o n Tim es A dv One of the greatest needs within to our heart, to our life of prayer and our ating films that look no different than the culture around us. Instead, it equips us to the Christian community today is clear devotions. It is essential that we have a mainstream. The reality is this. It doesn’t be a redemptive force within it. thinking about how the Bible relates to personal relationship with God that is need to happen this way. To utilize the most powerful medium entertainment, the arts, and Hollywood. vibrant and meaningful. in the world, and have a lasting impact, Second we must have Orthodoxy Real discipleship for Filmmakers, Christians need to be equipped and Why is there so little Christian Artists, and Academics.

Y Th e Was hi ngt (right doctrine). This is more than grounded in biblical principles. We influence in Hollywood? simply knowing the gospel. It is seen in We started Arts & Entertainment invite you to join us in this mission: Help Over the last century, the Christian our understanding of who God is, who Ministries in 2004, because we saw a us train men and women to remain firm A R ED B church primarily had two basic ap- we are as people made in His image, great need. We had both grown up in the in their faith as they seek to influence the proaches to mainstream culture. On one and what God expects of us. If we don’t art world. My wife had been a profes- world through great film.

T PR E P hand Evangelical Christians saw it as the have solid theology we can easily be led sional actress since she was 15, and I had Invest in the work of AEM (Arts &

O N T IM ES something dangerous which we should astray from the gospel. started playing woodwinds in orchestra Entertainment Ministries). avoid, at times responding with boycotts, Third, we must have Orthopraxy pits at age 14. Invest in the discipleship of Chris- and complaints that content does not (right practice). This is seen in the way We understood the life of artists tians working in Hollywood today. AS HI NGT CI A L R E POR fit our worldview. On the other hand, the gospel drives us to be salt and light and creatives because we, ourselves, www.A-E-M.org Christians in mainline denominations within our communities and the broader are artists . We also cared deeply about A S P E

t H E W often embraced the culture, without culture. Good theology will drive us to honoring God with our talents. The chal- Joel Pelsue is the Co-Founder and Presi- | enough discernment, and eventually care for the poor, for justice. I will also lenge was finding resources to speak into dent/CEO of Arts and Entertainment compromising their faith in the process. motivate us to care for the artists speak- the intersection of these two passions. Ministries as well as the Arts & Enter- Evangelical Christians pursued purity, ing to our communities and the content Over the last 20 years we have created tainment Institute. He is a Presbyterian while abandoning the culture. Mainline being created in Hollywood. our own model for discipling artists. We minister, pastoring now for over 15 years Christians pursued relevance, while If we only care about ourselves, and have used this model to disciple artists both in New York and in Los Angeles. He abandoning the gospel. Both of these hold simply onto Orthopathos, we will across Los Angeles and New York, as has a B.A. in Philosophy from Westmont options failed to be redemptive, biblical, have piety that fails to be salt and light. well as in London. Joel has spoken for College in Santa Barbara, and his M.Div. or transformational in their approach to If we only care about theology, and hold universities, arts groups, and churches from Reformed Theological Seminary in the culture. simply onto Orthodoxy, we will be ivory all over the world. Orlando. Joel lives in Los Angeles with his Hollywood saw our only visible tower theologians who know Greek and A foundational part of our teach- wife Michelle, and their three children. ‘witness’, and understood Christianity Hebrew, but who have lost the ability ing is this: God’s heart is for redeeming

ugust 31 • 2016 • A ugust Wednesday through both approaches. In short, they to communicate effectively to others. not only individuals, but also entire 26 Advertorial How can YOU Influence Hollywood? A SPECIAL REPORT PREPARED BY T he W

INVEST in the Christians already working there!

Christians in Hollywood need more than great talent and training,

they need solid Bible teaching and deep theology to create a masterpiece . ashington T imes A d

And YOU can make that happen.

THE WASHINGTON TIMES v INVEST today in Arts & Entertainment Ministries (AEM), a ministry D epartmentocacy dedicated to offering solid Bible teaching, theological training and meaningful fellowship to filmmakers in Hollywood. | Wednesday • A ugust 31 • 2016 Donate Today : www.A-E-M.org

27 Behind the scenes with faith filmmaking

topic in my July article, “Dear Aspiring older titles on DVD/Blu-ray at a time. word again, authenticity. Filmmaker.”) Now, an entire studio’s film library can Recently, Hollywood seems to be While all of the above ingredients be made available digitally. “repenting” and listening to people are critical to a film’s success, the story One important issue that indie film- of faith. Studio films such as “Risen,” is most important when it comes to makers should not overlook is what “Miracles From Heaven” and “Ben- this particular audience. I call “narrow-casting” or serving a Hur” are evidence of their eagerness to Parents are by nature discerning small, specific audience segment with faithfully serve that audience. and demanding in what messages a targeted story compatible with their Digital delivery systems are widely and content they will tolerate in their interests. Major studios still seem to diverse but divided into three distinct entertainment diet. Without diving focus on a few big-budget formula methods. One is to purchase a digi- too deeply into this element, the word films (“Tentpoles”) designed to appeal tal copy from a cloud-based storage that comes up more than any other in to the largest audience possible. One service. Then there’s video on demand, surveys is “authenticity,” meaning that reason kids’ G-rated fare has been “up- where you pay for an online rental for the story must ring true, especially graded” to PG is the belief by studio a limited time. The most cost-effective in the case of biographies and Bible- execs that a little mature content is method is OTT, otherwise known as based stories. required to keep Mom and Dad enter- “over the top” (no set top box re- Distribution is the next most impor- tained while little Sally or Sammy are quired). This is now the most dynamic By Dick Rolfe tant consideration. No one wants to hopefully oblivious to the adult double technology shift since the invention make “the greatest story never heard.” entendres salted throughout the story. of television. With OTT subscription Although my articles are usually Just a few years ago, there were only Even with films of faith, studios make services, you can choose a narrow written for moviegoers, I thought it three basic channels of domestic distri- the mistake of trying to be all things category of content, such as sci-fi, would be interesting to pull back the bution: theatrical, television and home documentaries, British television re- curtain and let you see what’s happen- video. You were considered a genius, runs, etc. This is truly the best form of ing behind the scenes with faith and very rich or very lucky if your project Parents are by nature “narrow-casting.” It solves a dilemma family filmmaking. hit on all three cylinders. Today, the discerning and demanding for those who feel captive to their This topic is foremost on my mind digital revolution has forever changed in what messages and cable systems, which force subscribers since I just returned from Variety the paradigm and caused everyone to to carry channels they have no interest t m ent content they will tolerate

a r magazine’s “Family Entertainment and return to the wild, wild West. in or whose content they find offensive. Faith-Based Summit” in Beverly Hills, Digital technology has brought in their entertainment The Dove Foundation, along with

y D e p California. I’m preparing to moderate about both benefits and complications. Cinedigm Corp., now offers Dove

c diet. Without diving too a a panel of film producers and distribu- The benefits come from the ability to deeply into this element, Channel, an online OTT subscription oc tors at the Park City International Film reach larger audiences at lower cost. service. It offers the largest library Festival in Park City, Utah, also home of Theatrical releases are enormously the word that comes up of faith and family films in a “walled the Sundance Film Festival. expensive and risky. Frequently, the more than any other in garden,” safe for the family to watch Key topics being discussed at these marketing and promotion budget surveys is “authenticity,” without fear of being assaulted by any gatherings center around faith and fam- eclipses the production budget. unsavory surprises. Check it out. o n Tim es A dv ily entertainment: DVD sales are also costly to manu- meaning that the story ⦁ Telling a good story. facture and distribute. Keeping inven- must ring true, especially Dick Rolfe is co-founder and CEO of The ⦁ Gaining sufficient financing to pro- tories large enough to meet demand in the case of biographies Dove Foundation, a nonprofit organiza- duce a quality product. without overdoing it is an art. and Bible-based stories. tion whose mission is to encourage and ⦁ Getting to the right audience with a With digital copies, inventory does promote the creation, production, distri-

Y Th e Was hi ngt solid distribution plan. not exist, so demand levels can be met bution and consumption of wholesome As any experienced filmmaker will immediately without overhead. An- to all people, which has created epic family entertainment. This article was tell you, getting these critical pieces other benefit is the cost of managing a failures. Films like “Exodus: Gods and originally posted on The Dove Founda- A R ED B together in one place at one time is library of active titles. Formerly, a stu- Kings” and “Noah” failed to reach their tion’s website (dove.org) on Aug. 9. like herding cats. (I addressed a related dio would release a limited number of potential due to the lack of, here’s that T PR E P O N T IM ES

theologically respectful, yet creatively are severely persecuted for that belief? workers to launch a Christian film AS HI NGT CI A L R E POR Leaser imaginative “Last Days in the Desert,” Director Martin Scorsese’s forthcom- renaissance. From page C21 which starred Ewan McGregor in the ing adaptation of Japanese Catholic A S P E

t H E W dual roles of Christ and Satan. Shusaku Endo’s classic historical novel Michael Leaser is vice president of | saw this authenticity at work in Ran- It means dealing honestly and cre- “Silence” tackles these questions, among Cave Pictures, which has invested in dall Wallace’s “Heaven Is For Real” atively with challenges facing the church others. “Silence” tells the story of two “Wildflower,” “The Ticket,” “Waiting (2014) — pleased because it was present, today, such as in the superb drama young Portuguese priests, played by for the Miracle to Come,” and Martin dismayed because of its rarity in the “Calvary,” which shows Brendan Glee- Andrew Garfield and Adam Driver, Scorsese’s “Silence.” He holds a master’s cinematic landscape. son’s good priest tackling the Catholic who sneak into Japan in the early 17th degree in theological and religious stud- It means telling otherwise secular Church’s sex abuse crisis head-on in a century to minister to the persecuted ies from Drew University. Mr. Leaser stories that include authentic Christian personalized, yet synecdochic, catharsis. Japanese Christians in hiding — and to has written 50 film reviews and cul- characters, such as Shia LaBeouf’s Boyd It also means wrestling with difficult find a long-lost mentor, played by Liam ture articles for World magazine. He “Bible” Swan, a devout and respected questions that Christians and non-Chris- Neeson, who has reportedly renounced has also worked for The Philanthropy member of a tank unit in director David tians alike can relate to. For instance, his faith. Roundtable and for Michael Novak at Ayer’s World War II film and Brad Pitt why does God appear to be silent in According to recent Pew numbers, the American Enterprise Institute.

ugust 31 • 2016 • A ugust Wednesday starrer “Fury.” the midst of suffering? What does it interest in spirituality among the popu- It means finding new ways to engage mean to stay faithful to something you lace at large is rising, so the harvest is 28 people in the story of Christ, such as the passionately believe in, even when you real. God willing, there will be enough The cinema: Our country’s collective ‘cathedral’

be as familiar to nonbelievers as it is to is driving more people to experience embodied by the films. the devout. the force of tolerance and brother- During a “Faith over Fear: Choosing The cinema, after all, is a cathedral hood, family and religious values, and Unity over Extremism” discussion held to millions — 235 million last year, ac- redemption, which is ever so impor- at the Washington Hebrew Congre- cording to the National Association of tant given our turbulent climate today. gation’s main sanctuary, its Senior Theatre Owners — and despite many Nelson Mandela said, “If (people) can Rabbi, Bruce Lustig quoted Rabbi secular movies’ attempts to explain, learn to hate, they can be taught to Jonathan Sacks’ excellent book, “Not elicit, evoke and elevate through meta- love.” Where are people learning to in God’s Name: Confronting Religious phor and morals, faith films continue hate and where are they being taught Violence,” “…when others become to gain enormous traction in cinemas, to love? No doubt that dynamic is brothers and conflict is transformed demonstrating a critically command- being played out on our TV and movie into conciliation, we have begun the ing ability to drive family and religious screens every day. Let’s bombard our journey to a society as a family and values beyond the houses of worship. cinemas with stories of faith and heal- the redemptive drama can begin.” The While moviegoers seek entertainment, ing, love and laughter, righteousness redemptive drama can play in our cin- some of us also strive for something and soul. emas for millions of people to access, By Amy McGee more; something spiritual, and faith So how do we do that when there everyday. Content can be a catalyst for films can deliver profound impact, for still is a dearth of positive choices in impact and for faith. We don’t have to hat does it mean they are empathy-building machines. the cinema? Congregate™ is enlisting be simply moviegoers. Instead, we can to be both a The celebrated street artist, Banksy, the power of the people to pull content make lifestyle choices to join others of moviegoer and noted, “Film is…probably the best op- to our communities that isn’t other- like minds in order to use film and the a person of faith tion if you want to change the world, wise being programmed, traditionally. cinema as a vehicle to galvanize our in today’s soci- not just redecorate it.” And, the cinema, Using online tools we have democra- communities around faith, friendship ety? Most faiths rather than the church or synagogue, tized theatrical distribution, empower- and tolerance. have some kind provides a neutral and less intimidat- ing audiences to crowdsource screen- of a ritual of communal storytelling. ing environment for a secularist to ing events. When communities get Amy McGee is of head of corporate A SPECIAL REPORT PREPARED BY T he W WEvery weekend for thousands of years, first open his or herself to ideas about together to watch in this way, Congre- communications and brand strategy at worshipers of all faiths have gathered the impact of faith and spirituality. gate™ is able to further leverage their Gathr Films. Congregate™ is a soon- together for weekly service, often to We’ve seen a tremendous surge of collective consumer power to convert to-launch consumer platform destina- ponder about and revel in the most faith films driving gross box office over their screenings into events with tion for faith-based films that utilizes epic stories of all time, like Noah’s Ark the last decade-and-a-half. Indepen- opening remarks and post-screening Theatrical On Demand® to drive its or Moses crossing the Red Sea; teach- dently made faith films have gone from sermons, discussions and Q&As. The theatrical business. It is owned by par- ing lessons about life and faith. representing a total box office gross of direct results of being able to accom- ent company, Gathr Films, pioneers One could imagine that this tradi- roughly $30 million at the turn of the modate multitudes of organic “pop-up” of Theatrical On Demand®. Gathr is tion of captivating weekend audiences century to $500 million today, and the screenings in this fashion are sustained revolutionizing theatrical distribution around profound storytelling planted individual box office return of a faith awareness, found revenue, substantive for independent films and documenta- the seeds for modern cinema-going, film went from averaging $2 million in engagement, and further validation and ries by enabling movie-goers to crowd- because remarkably, today this ritual 2000 to $10 million, presently. All the credibility, while the indirect results source screenings of films to theaters

of seeking community, captivation, while, the annual total gross domestic are a closer-knit community, more near them. The Audience Has Spoken.™ ashington T imes A d education, elevation in all houses of box office has stayed relatively flat. tolerance and a greater likelihood of Learn more at www.Congregate.net. worship, Friday through Sunday, may An increase of faith films in cinemas an acceptance of the faith and values THE WASHINGTON TIMES v God loves Hollywood and so should we D epartmentocacy

help shape our destiny. You can change anti-Semitism. Several of these Hol- imaginations and sway the stories we a life or shift a nation through stories lywood pioneers, like Louis Mayer, for tell ourselves, which in turn impact that are told, received, and believed. example, clearly understood that mov- our identity, both individually and Movies and the entertainment indus- ies had the ability to transmit and in- nationally. try, in general, are powerful for this still values that could positively impact Since identity is destiny, we can-

reason. Film and TV are great influ- the cultural fabric of America. The not underestimate the power of these | Wednesday • A ugust 31 • 2016 encers on moral values and cultural movies of the 1940s and 1950s cham- mediums. It is time for people of faith norms. pioned values such as freedom and to utilize the power of the media in equality, portraying America as a place greater measure to ignite change and Media as medium for transformation where the underdog can overcome, the transformation in our nation and our Since its inception, Hollywood outsider can belong, and if you work world at large. has played a significant role in both hard, your dreams can be achieved, no shaping and shifting the values of our matter your background. In short, the Responsibility nation. In fact, the American Dream founders of Hollywood realized that People of faith have a responsibility was largely an invention of the Jew- films were a profound moral as well as to catalyze transformation through arts By Rabbi Jason Sobel ish studio execs that ran Hollywood at spiritual force and guide. and entertainment, instilling positive the time. Why? The majority of these People of faith must better under- values, such as equality, love, justice, There is transformative power to Jewish Hollywood moguls had been stand that media is a key medium faith, and hope. But too often, spiritual stories. The stories that we tell as in- born in Eastern Europe and had experi- and tool for transformation. For bet- dividuals and as a nation define us and enced years of suffering, hardship, and ter or worse, TV and film mold our » see Sobel | C30 29 Adding more ‘salt and light’ into filmmaking

began to change for two primary Producers are trying harder and harder now we have chapters in Atlanta and Los reasons: to make something “the market” will Angeles as well. There are over 3,000 1. Movie production became af- want, when “the market” wants every- people who belong to our Facebook fordable. As Chris Anderson said in his thing that everyone else wants — great pages, and about 300 of them gather book, “The Long Tail: Why the Future stories told in entertaining ways. I wish each month to hear industry speak- of Business is Selling Less of More,” I heard more real-life stories of people ers and to network with like-minded the “tools of production were democ- overcoming incredible odds, or a story individuals. ratized.” No longer did it take expen- that makes me laugh or cry, than trying I think if we can continue to grow sive cameras to make movies. In 2006, to dial up more JPM (Jesus Per Minute). groups like these, and if we can con- Stephen and Alex Kendrick of Sherwood I’m all for the “on the nose, sermon tinue to learn from the experts in the Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia, made in a movie” kind of film; I believe they industry who have the experience and their breakout hit, “Facing The Giants,” have a place, just like worship music has awards, the faith film marketplace has on a $100,000 budget — unthinkable by a place. an exceptionally bright opportunity to most Hollywood standards. The movie went on to gross more than $10 million. By Barry Landis 2. Movie distribution became accessible. Mel Gibson “cracked the hristians have been try- code” of how to distribute a movie ing to “co-opt” the arts independently, when most of Hollywood for decades for evan- refused to release his movie, “The Pas- gelistic purposes. Back sion of the Christ.” By figuring out how in the 1930s, Christian to “rent bookers,” Gibson taught many magazines and confer- in the faith market how to proceed with ences were launched, and a movie independent of a major studio shortly afterwards, Christian radio pro- (and the value of the “last in, first out” Cgrams and stations. In the ‘50s and ‘60s, P&A fund). Billy Graham and Oral Roberts started I used to run the Christian music having crusades that were televised, so operations for the Warner Music Group we started into television, birthing the and the problem I see now is a problem I PTL, CBN and TBN television networks experienced 20 years ago. in the ‘70s. The pressure to make money drove t m ent

a r Christian music grew in the first part us more and more “into the core” of the of the 20th century, and then exploded marketplace — trying to get more and

y D e p in the second 50 years, through the more juice out of the same orange. c

a Christian Bookstore network. After reading a book called “Roar-

oc The movie space, however, was a dif- ing Lambs: A Gentle Plan to Radically But I also believe Christians are make competitive movies and add to the ferent story. Change Your World,” I was motivated called to be “salt and light,” and that we cinematic tapestry of the world. While Billy Graham’s Worldwide Pic- to start a joint venture with Warner should be trying to produce the best art tures made movies back in the ‘60s and Bros., where the idea wasn’t to produce and stories we can possibly produce that Barry Landis is president and CEO of Rib- ‘70s, it was very difficult for Christians Christian music for Christians — it are on par with the best movies being bow Media Group, a full-service, digital o n Tim es A dv to understand the Hollywood machine. was Christians who wanted to produce made anywhere. marketing firm in Franklin, Tennessee. His Matt Crouch of Trinity Broadcasting music for the world. That was a very I think central to this happening is career has included executive positions Network began to have some success different business plan — and actually to “demystify Hollywood” to Christians in film marketing, book publishing and with multiple films in the ‘90s, but more evangelical than just serving up who are interested in making more the recording industry, as well as found- overall Christians had not yet figured out Christian music to Christians. competitive movies. Towards that end, ing roles in the Nashville Faith In Film

Y Th e Was hi ngt how to use movies for ministry. I see the same possible thing hap- we started the Nashville Faith In Film Breakfast Club and The Briner Institute, In the early 2000s, however, things pening in the faith film world right now. Breakfast Club several years ago and an entertainment industry think tank. A R ED B

T PR E P faith as they pursue their dreams in social media, talking about them in ser- Jews, Christians, and people of all O N T IM ES Sobel entertainment. mons, and organizing congregational faiths that share the values upon which From page C29 God is on the move in Hollywood! outings to the theater. Hollywood this nation was founded must unite to This might sound shocking, but I am will make them if we come! The faith create and support faith-and-family- AS HI NGT CI A L R E POR people and leaders, in particular, see continually meeting Christians and community has a duty to engage and friendly content that strengthens the Hollywood as the root of the problem Jews that believe that God has placed utilize media as a means of transforma- moral fabric and spiritual founda- A S P E

t H E W and not as part of the solution to our them in Hollywood to make a differ- tion, which communicates our Judeo- tions that have defined our nation as a | moral and spiritual aliments. This mis- ence. They feel called by the Almighty Christian worldview and values to the beacon of light, hope, and inspiration guided perspective leads to extreme to create redemptive and entertaining masses. to many. God loves Hollywood and criticism of Hollywood and active content that brings positive values to so should we, because it is one of the discouragement of their co-religionists the world. Unity great gifts that has been granted to us from working in the entertainment Another sign that God is on the America’s origins were anchored in a to touch the world. industry. move in Hollywood is the increased Judeo-Christian foundation. This truth I believe God loves Hollywood! number of successful faith-based has been seminal to making America Rabbi Jason Sobel, president of Fusion, What Hollywood needs is a new films being produced. Synagogues great. These values and perspectives is a speaker and teacher who is restoring generation of Christians and Jews and churches need to find ways to have been slowly eroding through the the lost connection between ancient Jew- who allow their faith-driven Judeo- champion movies like “Miracles from years. Much of TV and film promote a ish wisdom and the New Testament, re- Christian worldview and values to Heaven,” “Risen,” and “God’s Not materialistic view of reality. One of the connecting Jewish and Gentile believers,

ugust 31 • 2016 • A ugust Wednesday penetrate their work in the industry. Dead.” We have a responsibility to sup- keys to bringing transformation to our and reigniting a 1st Century movement Let’s encourage and equip our spiri- port these types of films by praying for nation is a restoration of our Judeo- that changed the world and will again. 30 tual creatives to stand strong in their their success, sharing about them on Christian heritage. For this to occur, His website is RabbiJasonSobel.com. The view of a faithful consumer — and devoted dad

By Bryan Schwartz majority of the people who watch and go to movies do so because their friends I am writing this piece not as a went and they have a “fear of missing creator of film content, but rather as a out.” Services like VidAngel can become passionate consumer. I am a husband, tools for people of faith because they en- father of seven (ages 8 to 20), former able these consumers to watch films that NFL middle linebacker and devoted fol- they normally would avoid and allow lower of Jesus Christ. And I am a sucker them to become a part of the greater for a well-made movie that contains a cultural conversation. redemptive plot. The community of believers many One of my favorite movie series is times has been labeled as irrelevant and “Rocky.” out of touch. Because entertainment “Rocky” is not considered a faith film, is a massive part of our pop culture, as yet it contains content that I consider people of conviction, we have a respon- real-life, positive and faithful. As a dad, sibility to at least be up-to-date when it I wanted to experience “Rocky” (“Yo, comes to what is being consumed by the Adrian, I did it!”) with my four sons masses. Like it or not, the faith com- without compromising our core beliefs, munity needs to learn the language of but some of the content in the movie our culture in order to help positively was mature and what I deemed out of influence it. bounds. As was the case with my sons, enter- As a frustrated father, I began to opportunities for memories. “Rocky” and however they want, without com- tainment can now become a part of how search for a service or company that went from being on the “no watch” list promising their core values. I weave my beliefs into the conversations could take a movie like “Rocky” and to a shared memory. Before I am a consumer, I am a father. I am having with others. For me, faith in clean it up. In my pursuit, I uncovered I am pumped that the studios and As a parent, my roles and goals are to film is not about specific “faith films” as

VidAngel, a video-streaming service that Hollywood are producing specific, protect my children and empower them much as it is about me sharing my faith A SPECIAL REPORT PREPARED BY T he W allows consumers to filter out content targeted content for the faith commu- to make right decisions when it comes with others using the medium of films. that they deem personally inappropriate. nity. I’m even more pumped that as a to consuming entertainment. Many faith I was able to watch the series of “Rocky” consumer with strong beliefs, I now films also contain mature content that I Bryan Schwartz and his wife, Diane, movies with my sons without the stress have the ability to take high-quality, well- will not expose my younger children to, are co-founders of Family Goals, a and worry of them consuming content made existing films and filter out the so the ability to filter movies has enabled nonprofit dedicated to applying the les- that I, as a parent, deemed inappropriate. objectionable material. This empowers us to watch these films as well. sons of sports toward creating winning After we would finish a film, I was able me to hold on to my convictions while As a person of faith, my goal is not families. They believe that with the to have engaging and real-life conversa- having a life-engaging experience with to run from our culture, but rather be a right game plan and consistent training, tions with my sons that I could not have my family. Services like VidAngel enable transforming part of it. Our family wants every family can achieve new levels of had otherwise. As a dad, I love creating a consumer to watch movies whenever to be a part of the conversation. The excellence, happiness and influence.

What do Christians want from Christian movies? ashington T imes A d

the Christian moviegoing demographic filmmakers, such as Stephen and Alex dollars. seriously. Kendrick of Sherwood Pictures, have Which begs the question: What do Since then, two trends have emerged pioneered the production of Christian Christian audiences want in a movie? THE WASHINGTON TIMES v in response. movies largely outside the mainstream Based on what we’ve seen in the mar- D epartmentocacy First, mainstream Hollywood has system (though they rely on Sony’s ketplace the last decade or so, I’d like to tried to recapture Gibson’s lightning in Provident films for distribution). Their proffer some observations. a bottle. There have been some suc- success with “Facing the Giants,” “Fire- ⦁ Christians want movies that cesses — “The Chronicles of Narnia: proof,” “Courageous” and “War Room” represent their theological convictions. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” — the latter of which was made for just Ridley Scott and Darren Aronofsky may tops the list. It made nearly $300 million $3 million and generated $67.8 million, have crafted films that some main-

domestically and another $450 million according to Box Office Mojo — has stream critics found daring, tampering | Wednesday • A ugust 31 • 2016 globally. inspired other Christian filmmakers to as they did with beloved Old Testament But big-budget, faith-oriented hits try their hand at making movies aimed tales. But their attempt to “reimagine” have been the exception, not the rule. at a faithful audience. these stories came at the expense of the By Adam R. Holz Other high-profile efforts have bombed, Some, such as “God’s Not Dead,” faithful’s interest. Making movies for including Darren Aronofsky’s “Noah” have again stunned. That film, about a Christians requires, at the very least, an In 2004, Mel Gibson did something and Ridley Scott’s “Exodus: Gods and Christian college student debating his understanding of, and sympathy for, the remarkable: He detonated Hollywood’s Kings,” both released in 2014. And in atheist philosophy professor, multiplied Judeo-Christian tradition and its core expectations of what a “Christian” the last two weeks, the Mark Burnett its $2 million budget into $60.8 million. theological ideas. movie could do. and Roma Downey-produced remake of But for every film like that, or similarly ⦁ Christian audiences don’t mind “The Passion of the Christ” was a “Ben-Hur” has also flamed out, despite successful afterlife-oriented flicks such message-oriented movies that main- watershed title that, by dint of its $370.8 good word of mouth. No doubt there as “Heaven Is for Real” ($91.4 million) stream audiences might find preachy. million domestic haul (a staggering sum will be more postmortem analyses on and “Miracles from Heaven” ($61.7 mil- Many of the most successful films, for any R-rated movie, and still a re- why it failed. lion), there have been many Christian cord), challenged major studios to take Second, independent Christian indies that have barely cracked a million » see HOLZ | C32 31 All in the family!

language of screenwriting and story excessive gore. conception to delivery. It’s problem- was always spoken in my home, but at Our innocent protagonists ran solving as a team, working to get along the time I planned on following in my through rivers and creeks to escape the with each other (not always easy) when mother’s footsteps, and so I only listened madman, and I’m happy to report that things get stressful (which they did), and from an actor’s perspective. there is not a single “wet T-shirt” mo- treating each other (most of the time) re- As for our daughter Ivy, she was 15 ment in the movie. Most of the violence spectfully as industry professionals and years old at that time, and of course happens off-screen. There is very little as a family. It’s seeing our daughter learn totally green, but what she lacked in blood, and because of the style of direc- the filmmaking business first-hand and experience, she made up for in passion, tion and the organic performances, it watching her mature into the film artist creativity and smarts. is very effective. Let me be very clear: and business woman she has longed to Those were our only credentials I definitely wouldn’t recommend “The be. Ivy is now the third generation add- moving forward as a writing-producing Mooring” to young or faint-hearted audi- ing to our family’s Hollywood legacy. By Hallie Todd team. We had no reason to believe that ences because it is indeed very disturb- As I said, we’ve loved and shared we could pull it off, but what we did have ing, but overall, it is a “clean,” yet truly all different genres of movies, but we ur family loves mov- was enormous, what some would call scary movie, and was a great first project have always been especially moved by ies, all kinds of mov- ridiculous: faith. for our family production team. films with great underdog characters. ies: art-house indies, For our first film, “The Mooring,” we There’s a saying that movies just don’t As a team of filmmakers, we want to blockbuster sci-fi, action chose a tried and true entry-level genre: want to get made. On any film set, the write and produce something that other thrillers, epic historical Horror. We set out to make the scari- obstacles are numerous and unrelent- families can watch and enjoy together, dramas, documentaries est movie possible — like those 1970s ing, and that was true for us. It was an the type of family-night movie that has and last but not least, become harder to find in recent years. animated musicals. We love films. We Our next film is “The Last Champion” Olove watching them, discussing them, and is in pre-production now. It is an and for as long as I can remember, we inspirational, family, sports drama and have wanted to make them. Together. As deals with themes of repentance and a family. forgiveness. This film will have its own My husband Glenn Withrow and unique challenges, including a higher daughter Ivy and I began writing budget, a larger cast of characters and a together a few years ago. Our very first more complicated story to tell. We be- effort as a team was a screenplay we lieve it has the potential to really touch wrote, produced and placed with Lions- peoples’ hearts and as a family, we are t m ent

a r gate Entertainment. It received favorable working together to get it right. critical reviews, was sold on all of the

y D e p major outlets and platforms including on Actress and producer Hallie Todd c

a Redbox where it was ranked in the Top (“Top Ten TV Moms,” CNN Entertain-

oc 10 for its genre for one month and in the ment) is currently working on “The Last Top 20 for two months. Champion,” which is in pre-production When we started the journey for our through In House Media Film Partners. family to create a full-length feature B-movies that always scared the-you- arduous process. Our team has often said IHMFP was born when Ms. Todd, hus- film, Glenn and I had written before, know-what out of us, but a film we could, that the behind-the-scenes story of the band Glenn Withrow, and daughter Ivy o n Tim es A dv but not together as a team. He had gone in good conscience, write and produce making of our film would make a great Withrow were inspired to create a family to film school, been through the writ- with our teenage daughter. movie in its own right, but instead of a production company after Glenn’s expe- ing process several times, and even had It is impossible to measure how much horror film, I think it would be an action- riences working with Francis Coppola his first screenplay optioned by a major we learned through this experience — adventure-comedy with a very happy on five films, starting with “The Outsid- studio, but neither of us had ever been about process and patience, and about ending. ers.” This is the family’s second feature

Y Th e Was hi ngt produced. each other. To try to expand on it at What fills me with the most grati- film working together. Ms. Todd is best I grew up in a Hollywood family. My all would make for a book, but one key tude? It’s not the Lionsgate logo that known for her role as Lizzie’s mom, Jo mother, Ann Guilbert, was a successful discovery we made was that it is indeed opens that first film. It’s not even the film McGuire, on Disney Channel’s “Lizzie A R ED B character actress (“The Dick Van Dyke possible to make (and sell) a dark, har- itself. It’s the miracle of actually sitting McGuire” and “The Lizzie McGuire Show,” “The Nanny”) and my father, rowing, frightening drama about young down together as a family and finishing Movie.” She most recently starred in

T PR E P George Eckstein, was a prominent televi- girls fleeing a deranged killer in the the first draft of the script (let alone all “American Girl: Lea To The Rescue.”

O N T IM ES sion writer/producer (“The Untouch- woods, and to do so without the use the rewrites.) It’s creating something ables,” “The Fugitive” and “Duel.”) The of profanity, nudity, sexual violence or from scratch and seeing it through from AS HI NGT CI A L R E POR A S P E

t H E W sermons, many Christian movie fans book “The Purpose Driven Life” to representative examples of that trend, | HOLZ apparently resonate with this message- him. The movie wasn’t gratuitous, but as are 2011’s “Soul Surfer” and 2014’s From page C31 oriented approach to storytelling. it didn’t shy from depicting her drug “Mom’s Night Out.” ⦁ Christian audiences haven’t em- problem. Audiences, however, shied Moving forward, we can expect more including those from Sherwood Pic- braced edgier, grittier faith-oriented away from this otherwise inspiring outside-the-box surprises — as well as tures and the two “God’s Not Dead” fare. One criticism of the Christian story. more movies attempting to leverage the offerings, have emphasized a strong movie genre is that it’s been too For every generalization about generalizations identified here. message and a corresponding call to ac- sanitized, that it hasn’t effectively told what’s “worked,” however, it should be tion. “Fireproof” exhorted men to deal messy stories. That said, the Christian said that the Christian moviemaking Adam R. Holz is senior associate editor with the issue of pornography. “God’s marketplace has largely rejected films realm is hardly static. As more believ- at Plugged In (pluggedin.com), a pub- Not Dead” painted a picture of Chris- that have tried to go in that direction. ers get involved with moviemaking, lication and award-winning website at tians under assault in secular academia “Captive,” for example, recounted the we’re seeing stories that hew closely Focus on the Family that is visited 1 mil-

ugust 31 • 2016 • A ugust Wednesday and encouraged viewers to engage remarkable true story of Ashley Smith to orthodoxy without being quite so lion times a month by people looking for with the subject of religious freedom. being kidnapped by a criminal on the overtly message-oriented. This year’s detailed information about popular mov- 32 While some have likened these films to lam in 2005, then reading Rick Warren’s “Risen” and “The Young Messiah” are ies, videos, television, songs and games. How Hollywood is messing up faith marketing

ideals are widely known and they’re “War Room,” produces his movies using are specifically schemed to engage the eager to share them, if you ask. With so a cast and crew primarily consisting of faithful, that alone will not resonate much money on the line and built-in his own church staff. These behind-the- enough with believers to translate advertising avenues — radio networks, scenes underdog stories propel faith into ticket sales. The heart and soul of print publications, websites, television audiences not only to buy a ticket, but to the film need to shine through in its networks — and churches ready and spread the word like wildfire and orga- marketing and within the individuals willing to spread the word, Hollywood nize local showings like it’s their duty as tasked to carry out that marketing. should be savvy enough to reliably tap fellow believers. into this market, right? Not really. 4. Quality above all We’ve spent nearly a decade at Wing- 2. The veracity of Scripture Too much is made about produc- Clips.com providing church leaders with To its followers, the inerrancy of ing and marketing faith movies to faith inspirational and illustrative scenes from biblical text actually matters and is audiences. The truth is, churchgoers popular films and tracking their results, unchangeable. Scripture is often referred show up for mainstream movies (even and we’ve been promotionally involved to as “The Word Of God.” This is not hy- R-rated ones) just as much as secular with the majority of faith-based the- perbole. If you are telling a biblical story audiences, and love them just the same. atrical releases since our launch. Here and need the support of its adherents, be Ask a fervent believer their favorite are a few things we’ve learned along very careful in taking too much creative films, and you will likely hear familiar the way that Hollywood doesn’t quite license in the storytelling (“Exodus: titles: “Forrest Gump,” “Rudy,” “The By Jeremy Irion understand: Gods and Kings,” “The Young Messiah”). Dark Knight,” “Braveheart,” “Despicable And, certainly, don’t twist the clear Me,” etc. Focusing on finding a story ver since the record- 1. For us by us underlying message of one of the most worth telling and executing it well is smashing success of Mel Faith audiences prefer to support their well-known biblical stories to seemingly the greatest barometer for success, even Gibson’s “The Passion Of own. And, conversely, are immediately support a progressive, environmental within the faith demographic. And when The Christ,” Hollywood, wary of throwing support ($$$) in the agenda. I’m looking at you, “Noah.” If marketing to the church, there’s no need

who initially avoided the direction of Hollywood. The most suc- you miss the boat here, believers won’t to clumsily force-feed the same religious A SPECIAL REPORT PREPARED BY T he W film like a leper with AIDS, cessful faith movies were all passionately only silently shun your film, they will messages they’ve heard time and time has been clamoring to tap made by believers, for believers. Regard- actively discourage their sphere of influ- again. Stories that celebrate the triumph into America’s largest demographic — less of Mr. Gibson’s now tarnished reputa- ence to do the same. of the human spirit are already “faith” Ethe faith audience. Since then, dozens of tion, the prevailing story when “The stories. And, Hollywood, we all could “faith” titles have released with wildly Passion” released was that Mr. Gibson, 3. Transparent pandering use more of those. varied results, leaving Hollywood per- a devout Catholic, felt so compelled to While Hollywood rightfully views plexed. Some historically overachieved bring his vision of Jesus’ sacrifice to audi- the faithful as a demographic, church- Jeremy Irion is a co-founder and vice (“Fireproof,” “God’s Not Dead”) and ences that he shelled out tens of millions goers don’t want to feel like a demo- president of operations at WingClips. some historically flopped (“Exodus: of his own money to fulfill this calling. graphic. And, they do. Just because a com, a company that provides movie Gods and Kings,” “Ben Hur”). Furthermore, Alex Kendrick, the creative film is based on a biblical story or con- clips that illustrate and inspire to So why are churchgoers so difficult to mind behind the independent sensations tains biblical themes, and its market- church leaders and educators.” galvanize at box offices? After all, their “Facing The Giants,” “Courageous” and ing efforts and promotional resources ashington T imes A d Did a ‘deadly sin’ play a role in faith filmmaking? THE WASHINGTON TIMES v In the middle of the past century, there general. In telling these swaths of the Soon the majors began looking into D epartmentocacy was a level of reverence and a desire to devout “your kind is not welcome,” they this burgeoning market. A successful for- apply the proper level of splendor to were also telling them they did not care mula of releasing smaller, faith-focused stories of a biblical scope. The counter- about their money — and that is not the titles was hit upon. Studios now even culture 1960s began the departure for Hollywood manner. In the past genera- have marketing departments that seek studios, giving way to outright opposi- tion, it dawned on some in the industry out churches as promotional targets, and tion toward faith as the independent film they were repelling potential ticket offer pastors with messaging on how

mindset of the 1970s. buyers. Slowly a change came to the their films can be woven into sermons or | Wednesday • A ugust 31 • 2016 From then on, dismissal or contempt landscape, and Hollywood became led Bible study classes. for faith-based fare was the entertain- to appreciate the religious audience — So today Hollywood has a more ment industry standard. The Catholic ironically, due to greed. open mindset toward the religious ticket Church frequently issued rebuttals and Mel Gibson tapped the vein of buying. That is because they have been calls for boycotts towards particular religious ticket buyers. When studios shown a path toward profitability. Ironic titles that were antagonistic to either the would not fund his celluloid testament to that it took one of the Seven Deadly Sins Church or faith in general. Hollywood Christ, he decided to pay for it himself, to bring them over to the side of faith. would shrug with a smug self-satisfac- reaping millions of dollars as a result. In tion and generate more provocative the wake, small studios began offering up Brad Slager has covered the business fare. But then a realization came to the independent religion-themed pictures. and marketing side of the entertain- By Brad Slager studios. Self-financed and released through a ment industry for outlets such as The By openly displaying apathy for the cobbled list of small distributors, they Federalist, MovieLine and Mediaite. Hollywood’s interaction with faith religious demographic, they subtly were found an audience and, more surpris- His knowledge of bad films is far more over the generations has been very fluid. telling them to not attend movies in ingly, profitability. extensive, and far more ignored. 33 The power of film to unite people of faith amazement watching the pour out of world-changing events of 500 years ago. This Changed Everything has the power large theaters late at night. On October 31, 1517, a German monk to frame a future that unites people of named Martin Luther posted a series faith. This future is not Christianity lite! But what has film to do with faith? of theses (disputations) on the door of It is a robust, theologically-alert and The Apostle John, near the end of the University Church in Wittenberg. personally-engaging future. But it is a the first century, said that Jesus Christ is Within weeks his challenge to discuss future that can bring people together “the Word [who] became flesh and lived church practices sparked crowd-sourced in a broken and divided world that sees among us” (John 1:14). At the center of gatherings when the masses read his religion very differently than Europeans the Christian faith is a person. A person words in simple German. did in the sixteenth century. who is both fully Deity and fully human. A century before Martin Luther, the Many events and documents will A deity who experiences all human emo- Bohemian church leader Jan Hus issued mark the remembrance of the 500th tions, has all the familial ties and stresses a similar challenge but that come with them, and who is keenly nothing changed. But aware of His God-given purpose to be in 1517 a movement was the climax of all of History. That is a launched that changed dramatic story! the world. Why? The A story can be told in many ways. technology of Guten- By John H. Armstrong “Once upon a time . . . In a large deep berg’s movable-type The modern era has been so rapidly forest long ago . . .” In the Bible we read, printing process changed altered by advances in technology that it “In the beginning . . .” The Christian everything! This thrilling is genuinely difficult to appreciate how story is told in this same way. Historical new documentary series constant such changes have been for events are presented in forms that shape uses greatly enhanced human life over many centuries. Technol- how we see and understand. Seeing and technology to penetrate ogy has always shaped our lives, from hearing creates lively response. Narra- the mind and imagina- the discovery of how to control fire to the tives are found in all forms of human tion of the viewer. In t m ent

a r invention of the wheel. With each new communication, whether in prose, myth This Changed Everything advance our lives have changed. Now we or poetry. But here is the point that you will hear leading

y D e p are living in an age where technological many have missed. Story is also told Protestant and Catho- c

a changes alter how we live and work on through genres like role-play, drama, lic scholars provide

oc a daily basis. The computer and Internet music and film. fascinating insights and have altered life and commerce at a mind- Shakespeare said, “All the world is a pose vital questions boggling pace, like nothing before. stage.” Film has become the preeminent about unity, truth, and In the fourteenth century the most modern stage upon which the actors of the future of the Chris- amazing new technology was the our world situate themselves within the tian church. During the o n Tim es A dv printing press. Johannes Gutenberg, a great drama of modern life. I am per- next year, as multitudes goldsmith by profession, devised a hand suaded that this idea of story and meta- remember these events mold to create metal movable type, and phor is what makes film so powerful. which changed the adapted screw presses and other existing Film has a unique and powerful abil- church and culture dra- technologies, to create the prototype of ity to speak into the most complex issues matically, this film series

Y Th e Was hi ngt all printing systems. From this beginning of our day as it communicates to the will help people engage everything began to change. listener in ways few other mediums can with historical events In 1800 a new technology began to by adding emotion, movement and faces that unmistakably shaped our modern anniversary of the Reformation. This A R ED B take shape. An attempt was made to to the story. Film can bring tears to a world. These films will also make this film series can help you engage with our create what we call a photograph. It love a story; it can humanize the hated; it story come alive in new ways, as good shared past, present and future. Could it

T PR E P wasn’t until the 1820s that success came, can bring us from the couch to the front history always does. be that film is the Gutenberg press of our

O N T IM ES but only on the most elemental level. In lines; it can bring clarity to ambiguity; But how can the story of the six- age? If so this film series could provide 1839 photography was introduced com- and it can bring unity to disunity. teenth-century Reformation bring about both the understanding and power that mercially. Then, in the late 1880s a new One of the most common features unity when the Reformation brought is needed to unite people of faith who AS HI NGT CI A L R E POR photographic process was created that of our social, political and religious about such diversity and division? The have long been divided by bitter debates. allowed for a sequence of photographic life is our disunity. We are divided by answer will take you full-circle, back to A S P E

t H E W images to be put together into what we faith, politics, race, ethnicity and broken the future. Here we see again the power Dr. John H. Armstrong is an ordained | call a film. families. Yet Jesus prayed for his follow- of good film. This documentary draws minister of Word and Sacrament in the So what is it about film that “speaks” ers to be united in faith (cf. John 13:34-35; you into living history through narration, Reformed Church in America (RCA). so powerfully to modern people? I 17:21-24). Can film help people of faith images, metaphor and probing ques- He founded and became the first presi- am not sure there is a single answer recapture something of this unity? tions. It shows you how we were sepa- dent of the ACT3 Network (Advancing yet I am fully persuaded that film has The new video series, This Changed rated and reminds us of the importance the Christian Tradition in the Third uniquely marked the last century of Everything: 500 Years of the Reformation, of the questions and debates that marked Millennium) in 1991. He is the author/ American culture. Now, in the modern does precisely this in a remarkable way. the sixteenth century. But, as great film editor of fourteen books (including the global era, films mark other cultures as This documentary includes stunning does it will lead you into metaphor and forthcoming title, Costly Love, 2016) well. I saw one example of the power scenes, an outstanding musical score imagination through a well-told story. By and a Senior Advisor to Christian His- of film in India in the 1980s when I and the sonorous narrative voice of the focusing the questions of the modern era tory Institute. John is married to his wife traveled through towns in India over esteemed British actor, David Suchet. on what unites us, even while recogniz- Anita and lives in suburban Chicago.

ugust 31 • 2016 • A ugust Wednesday several months. I keenly remember my The series immerses the viewer in the ing the nature of our formal divisions, 34 Advertorial Christian films — a blessing and a ‘curse’

By Dave Alan Johnson

decade ago, something happened in the filmed entertainment world that I believe has been both a blessing and “a curse”: The advent of the mod- ern “faith” film. A few films which were clearly “ser- mons on film” got made and had very

A A SPECIAL REPORT PREPARED BY T he W substantial box office returns. That’s the blessing. They had wonderful messages and were very well received by many in the church. That was also a blessing. (“Doc” and “Sue Thomas: F.B. Eye”), as Those films touched many lives and I well as several movies my team and I am thankful for them! However, sud- have written, produced and/or directed. denly overnight, a philosophy of thinking Those projects have impacted mil- began, which held that the only way lions and millions of people around “faith” projects could succeed is if they the world with our message, but if they were filled with “on the nose, overt faith had been made only for the choir, they messages,” appealing to very few outside wouldn’t have had that kind of impact. the church. That is where the “curse” Something must first be received (and comes in. People began telling us it was watched) before it can have impact! The

impossible to attract both a faith audi- notion that a film or a television show ashington T imes A d ence and a mainstream secular audience can’t cross faith and cultural lines was with the same content. But we knew that false then, and it’s been false ever since. wasn’t true. Suddenly, history was being I hope (and believe) we’re com- rewritten. ing back to the idea that the quality Over 20 years ago, I co-created a and artistic value of the content are as mainstream prime time television series important as the message — and that all for NBC, (“Against the Grain”), which messages aren’t required to “hit us over THE WASHINGTON TIMES v got amazing reviews in virtually every the head.” D epartmentocacy secular newspaper and outlet in the Our soon-to-be released film, “Van- nation. Newsweek called the pilot of the ished/Left Behind: Next Generation” is After millions of people disappear, those who remain try to figure out their next steps in series “a true dramatic gem.” The Kansas playing as well with non-Christians as it “Vanished/Left Behind: Next Generation,” which comes out Sept. 28. Echolight Studios, City Star said, “If Norman Rockwell is with Christians. We’re thrilled about Salt Entertainment Group and Triple Horse Studios are production companies. were alive and could write scripts as well that. We’re even more thrilled about how as he paints, this is the script he would young audiences (teens and tweens)

write.” The Hollywood Reporter wrote, feel about the movie! The hundreds of | Wednesday • A ugust 31 • 2016 “A cut above. The script sparkles.” And kids who’ve seen “Vanished” say they for the church to support films and — and the well-known adage in our a well-respected Christian organization view it in the same vein as “Twilight” or television shows that are more nuanced business: less is more! If truth goes out, (labeled by many on the left as a “right- other YA films they love. They’ve told us, — ones made for a broad audience — as it will be received. Any day that happens wing” group) said essentially, “This is a “Don’t call this a Christian film! It seems well. Of course our content can’t just is a blessing. great show and every Christian should like a regular movie. We love it.” We’re be “nice” either. There needs to be a watch it.” very happy to take their advice! reason it exists beyond entertainment, Dave Alan Johnson is a writer/pro- What!? Organizations as disparate I’m not saying people should stop something valuable for the audience to ducer/director who has created over as those agreed on the quality of an making films that are only for Chris- experience. But let’s acknowledge that $400 million of content — both film entertainment program that clearly had tians. There will always be an audience doesn’t always need to be a “conversion and television — in Hollywood. His “faith” and Judeo-Christian principles at for them and some do a great service scene.” We must believe that if we have newest film, “Vanished / Left Behind: its core? Yep. – touching and changing lives! They something of value and truth in the film, Next Generation,” is in theaters na- And I’ve been blessed to have had the continue to be a blessing. But I hope we the audience will find it. My hope is that tionwide for a special one-night event same experience for two other very suc- also recognize that it’s important (I per- we can again trust the power of filmed on Sept. 28. You can find a theater cessful television series I’ve co-created sonally believe, even more important) entertainment and good storytelling near you at TheVanishedFilm.com. 35 In anticipation of the fast-approaching 500th anniversary of one of the most important events in world history, Christian History Institute presents a new documentary: This Changed Everything: 500 Years of the Reformation. Narrated by actor David Suchet (PBS’s Poirot series), This Changed Everything explores the fruits of the Reformation while grappling with difficult questions about its legacy of division.

Leading scholars from a broad range of perspectives tell the dramatic story of the Reformation, analyze its effects, and address vital questions about unity, truth, and the future of the church. Includes 3-hour program, five hours of bonus t m ent

a r material, a comprehensive companion guide, and access to y D e p

c HD Digital copy. a

oc 2-Disc DVD + HD Digital Copy #501646D

Scan code $29.99 o n Tim es A dv to download or stream www.ThisChangedEverything.com Y Th e Was hi ngt Over 25 experts featured in this series, including A R ED B T PR E P O N T IM ES

Dr. Frank James Dr. Jacqueline Rose Shane Claiborne Dr. Michael HortonMark Galli Bishop Robert Barron AS HI NGT CI A L R E POR A S P E t H E W |

Dr. James Payton Dr. Scott Kisker Dr. Sandra Yokum Dr. Horace Six-Means Dr. John Armstrong

Distributed by Vision Video PO Box 540, Worcester, PA 19490 www.VisionVideo.com • 1-800-523-0226 Please use source code WT0916 when ordering and include $3.99 for postage. ugust 31 • 2016 • A ugust Wednesday 36