Christians in Cinema

This week’s Power for Life film was made by my friend Kyle Prohaska, of New York. He made a full-length feature film on a micro-budget, promoted it like nobody’s business through social media, and it’s now been at the top of the ChristianCinema.com best-seller list for two weeks and doesn’t show any signs of going away.

Standing Firm is the story of a dad and his son. There’s a wife and a pastor and a girlfriend, but the central relationship in this story is father and son (a very popular theme this year: See Courageous from Sherwood Pictures and Hero from Advent Film Group).

What’s so great about what Kyle accomplished is that his production company consists of him and…well, him. Kyle is Praise Pictures. Since making the film, he’s done a lot to help other filmmakers promote their films, now it’s our turn to help him.

When you see Standing Firm, you’ll want to see more of Kyle’s work. The best way to do that is to tell others about his film and encourage them to see it, too.

Next week, I’ll post an interview with Kyle and you can hear some of his story. Don’t miss it!

In an article in the Orlando Sentinel, Roger Moore reported that Christian filmmakers in Central Florida want that area of the country to become “Holywood.” (They want to take the “L” out of Hollywood)

After the release of Letters to God, other filmmakers in the area were inspired to produce faith-based films themselves, hoping to capitalize on the growth in that market.

But is it necessary to declare their area “the new Holywood?” Does the declaration of something make it so? And do they really intend to re-create Hollywood?

What “Hollywood” means

Read the rest of this entry »

Thursday, August 26, director Rob Reiner takes his promotional efforts to Facebook with a live chat featuring Madeline Carroll, the young leading lady of Flipped, his latest film. His story about first love set in the early 1960s will definitely resonate with adults, but may seem a little too naive for today’s teenagers.

Those of us who are reconnecting with school friends on Facebook will really appreciate this story, and it may make us recall forgotten romances in our youth. Sigh.

Fans will be able to ask questions during the video cast and get answers straight from the sources’ mouths. Should be a fun event, and I think we’ll continue to see more and more of these as filmmakers rely more on social media to get the word out about their movies.

Would you tune in to an online chat for a chance to talk with the filmmakers and cast of a movie? Would it persuade you to go see a film if they made themselves available to you in that way?

If you’re a fan of the TV show The Big Bang Theory on CBS Television, you’re possibly part nerd, part comedy fan. The show makes fun of geeks in a friendly way, and offers high-brow humor that’s pretty accessible for almost anyone. In other words, you don’t have to be a genius to enjoy it.

Like most other primetime shows, it’s currently in re-runs until the beginning of the new season, so last night’s episode was a season-ending episode from an earlier season. At the end of it, the guys headed to the North Pole for three months with the hope of being able to prove the String Theory.

What does this have to do with Christian films, you may ask?

Writer/director/lead actor David DeVos’ first feature-length film was about the string theory. Called The Theory of Everything, it focuses on the relationship between a man and his father, a scientist trying to prove the Theory of Everything (string theory), and using it to prove the existence of God.

Like The Big Bang Theory, DeVos makes science accessible and even enjoyable in his film The Theory of Everything. You don’t have to be a geek to enjoy it, but it doesn’t hurt.

I watched Eat Pray Love last weekend with some friends, and while I enjoyed Julia Roberts’ performance and the beautiful scenery, I left the theater unmoved. Perhaps it’s because I haven’t been divorced, but I know I have had the same feelings of restlessness and dissatisfaction.

Sometimes when that happens it’s a sign that God is about to change my assignment. Sometimes it is a sign that I have drifted from him and need to dig in deeper. Sometimes it’s just a season.

If that’s what you’re feeling – if the movie resonates with you because you’re feeling restless and anxious, I have a couple of suggestions for you. One is to drop the analysis paralysis and do something. Not something for yourself – don’t eat your way through a country (unless you’re a captive to not eating). Do something for someone else.

Follow the example of women like Mama Heidi or Mother Teresa. Find people or children in your area who have no one to care for them and love them, help them. The quickest way to stop feeling so badly about your own situation is

Read the rest of this entry »

In honor of my brother David, a pastor in Texas, this week’s Power for Life video is In the Dust of the Messiah, from the Faith Lessons series, hosted by Ray Vander Laan.

A teacher and historian, Vander Laan’s series takes us through the physical locations of the Bible, bringing to life the places where the stories of the Bible actually happened. In its cultural setting and with his insightful teaching, we come to understand scripture in a different way.

In the Dust of the Messiah takes us through Jesus’ calling of His first disciples, then follows them as they travel in His steps, and learn what it means to follow Him. Today we “follow” people on Twitter and Facebook. What would it be like if we actually lived with those we wanted to follow, spending 24 hours a day with them?

We don’t have video records of Jesus’ time on earth, but Vander Laan gives us a glimpse of what it might have been like, and in doing so, opens our eyes to understand the Bible a little better. That’s worth following.

In 2009, former Wall Street lawyer David Arrick started Butch Bakery, which makes “manly cupcakes for manly men.” However, 95% of the people buying his $4.25 (2.78 pounds) cupcakes are women.

Most retail buyers are women. Most movie ticket buyers are women. So, who are movies made for? I think they’re made for women – especially Christian movies. Let’s look at the current top 10 list on ChristianCinema.com and

Read the rest of this entry »

I’m not saying a film will save a life, but it can certainly open the doors for US to have conversations that could save someone’s life. Just about every issues that teens deal with on a daily basis is addressed in this film. In fact, many parents aren’t comfortable with the issues, nor are they comfortable with the way they’re addressed.

“It’s too realistic.” “I know my son/daughter is exposed to those things, but I don’t want them watching it in a movie.” “They didn’t xxx (fill in the blank with whatever ideas you have about how stories should be told by Christian filmmakers).”

Can I politely suggest that your teenager sees more on the internet,

Read the rest of this entry »

What are you doing today to improve your craft? How are you making yourself a better writer or director or producer (insert any other job, career or vocation here)? I’m working with my 9-year-old nephew.

James has a wild imagination. We recently made a two-day trip from my home in California to my sister’s in Texas – 7 of us in a van for 16 hours a day. During that trip, James told us vehemently, “Real life is boring!” So he has created a trilogy of films that cover 150 years and involve Zargonians and various other races of people/aliens.

It drives his family crazy because

Read the rest of this entry »

In what’s become the new “Paper or plastic” question, producers are asking, “Blu-Ray or DVD?”

When DVD replaced VHS, it was an obvious move and choice for us. Better overall quality, more durable, and the players had trays for the DVDs that wouldn’t hold peanut butter sandwiches. But now there’s a new kid in town: Blu-Ray. OK – it’s not new, but it hasn’t become as widely adopted by consumers yet.

Why? I think there are a few reasons: price point of the players, price point of the discs, and the fact that you have to have an HD television in order view the Blu-Ray means you have to buy a new television if you don’t have an HD one. (That would be me. I admit it

Read the rest of this entry »

Today’s film(s) is a popular set. Based on a set of novels by Janette Oke, Love Comes Softly is a series of novels set in the Canadian prairies. It follows the lives of one family down through 3 or 4 generations, and chronicles their tragedies and triumphs in settling the “Wild West.”

One unique thing about this series is the prominent role of women. They’re pretty progressive: raising children, going to medical school, caring for entire communities; all the while fighting the stereotypes of women of that time.

Most of the films were directed by Michael Landon, Jr., whose father Michael Landon wrote and directed another popular western series: Little House on the Prairie.

What do you think makes these series so popular? Is it nostalgia for what seems like simpler times? Is it the prominent role of strong women who are able to care for families and have careers? Maybe it’s the men, who Janette Oke said she patterned after her “dream man.”

In the coming months, there will be two more films made to go with the Love Comes Softly series. I’ve heard that they’re “prequels” to the series, and may give us more of the backstory of the fascinating Davis family.

The Cross is one of the most fascinating documentaries to cross my desk in the last few years. In addition to being an evangelistic primer, it’s also a glimpse into the lives of one of the most humble men I’ve ever met.

Arthur Blessitt spent 40 years walking the world with the cross. He carried it through urban streets, foreign jungles and to places most of us will never visit. And any time anyone asked him about it, he took the opportunity to share about the man who carried it in the first place – Jesus Christ.

There’s a quiet dignity in the way he speaks of Jesus, and a beautiful grace about the way he introduces Him to anyone willing to listen. Though at times the director’s choice of graphics is a little distracting, you’ll find yourself completely captivated by this amazing evangelist.

A friend and I were talking at the gym today about her sons. One is a musician who joined a band that’s getting ready for its first tour. The other is very interested in filmmaking.

He’s gaining experience by helping our Will, the technical director at church. Sometimes he operates a video camera then helps in the editing process.

I want to write a screenplay (and have it produced!) one day, but that’s a big job and I need some practice at it. So I’ve started small by writing skits for our church. I gain experience, work with people I know, and have fun in the process.

Maybe next year Josh and I will work together with Will (who wants to edit films) and enter the 168 Hour Film Project.

What is it you want to do that you’re waiting

Read the rest of this entry »

Every Thursday morning that I’m in town I meet with some friends for a group called “Power for Life.” It’s a combination of exercise, Bible study, meditation and journaling. It’s a great workout in a couple of ways.

Physically, we’re pushed to make our bodies stronger through vigorous exercise. How many bunny hops can we do in a minute? How about pull-ups? (Frankly, I’ll be glad when I can do one!)

Power for Life Thursdays is about promoting Christian filmmakers.

Spiritually, we’re pushed to really examine the Word of God, to find out what it means to our lives and discover the things God wants to teach us. Today it was I Corinthians 13. Am I really motivated by love? Where does love show up in my daily life?

And that leads me into my daily activities. How do I show the people I work with the love of Christ? How about those I engage with as we sell their films? Do I really have the filmmakers’ best interests at heart? Do I want to see them succeed? My answer is a resounding YES!

So I’m declaring Power for Life Thursdays. Thursdays will be about promoting Christian filmmakers;

Read the rest of this entry »

A recent survey indicates that a huge number of women between ages 18 and 34 sign onto Facebook first thing in the morning to find out what their friends are doing. (or have done in the last 8 hours)

If you’re my friend, you can find out what I read, if I watched TV, what I had for dinner, and maybe even how many veggies I have on my farm. Oh – it’s not a real farm – it’s just

Read the rest of this entry »

I’ve heard reports of grown men crying at recent showings of Toy Story 3. (here, here, and here) Really?

I went with friends to see it this weekend, and it does have its share of fun moments. You expect that with Pixar. But does it have the emotional impact of Up, last year’s animated hit? I don’t think so. But then I’m not a man.

I’m also not a parent, and maybe that’s the difference. The third entry in the Toy Story series starts a few days before Andy heads off to college. His mother is reminiscing about her children, and Andy is looking forward to independence as a college freshman. While ready to store some toys in the attic, he stills wants Woody with him at school.

This film is about the rite of passage from childhood to adulthood, where growing up usually means

Read the rest of this entry »

I love July 4th. It’s a celebration of the spirit and people that formed our nation. It’s also a reminder of the cost of our liberty. Millions of men and women throughout the years joined our armed forces to fight for freedom both here and around the world.

My grandfather and uncle both fought in Korea with the Army and Marines. My dad was in the Air Force and I found out this weekend that my uncle was in the 101st Airborne. Now I live 25 minutes from a Naval Air Base and there are over 20 men and women from my church in active duty with the military.

While you’re celebrating your freedom this weekend, pause and give thanks for those who bought it with their lives and service. If you know a serviceman or woman, thank them for their service.

And if it’s too hot to stay outside before or after your barbecue, try watching one of these great films and documentaries:

The American Heritage Series

Drive Thru History: Discovering America’s Founders

America’s Godly Heritage

It takes a village to … make a movie. It is not an individual effort by a long shot, and after three films, Alex and Stephen Kendrick, of Sherwood Pictures, have learned that lesson well. Their production team probably numbers in the hundreds, packed as it is with friends from around the Christian filmmaking community (Kevin Downes as Alex’s partner in the film, Jon Erwin as a cameraman and Red One consultant), as well as scores of volunteers from Sherwood Baptist Church.

It’s an amazing example of organization. When we see a finished film, we see between 90 – 120 minutes of finished footage. What we don’t see are the hours spent filming each minute part of the story. A script has about one page per finished minute of film, so a 90-minute film has 90 pages of script, 120 minutes = 120 pages.

That’s all well and good – but

Read the rest of this entry »

Kevin and Catherine Downes wanted a family, but like so many couples, their path to parenthood was anything but smooth. In 2007, after trying unsuccessfully to have their own biological child, they made the decision for adoption.

Kevin and his brother Bobby, both film producers (To the Wall, Like Dandelion Dust, The Visitation, Mercy Streets), had been in talks with New York Times best-selling author Karen Kingsbury about adapting her stories for movies and spent a lot of time with the author and her family. Karen and her husband have six children, three of whom were adopted from Haiti.

The time spent with Karen influenced more than Kevin’s work. “After spending time with Karen and her family, my wife and I realized that adoption was something we wanted to do,” said Kevin, “So we began the process to become adoptive parents.”

Read the rest of this entry »

Last week I was at the Gideon Film Festival in North Carolina. I think I saw between 25 – 35 movies, both feature-length and short. That’s a lot of screen time!

I saw films from experienced producers like Gary Wheeler (The List, Final Solution) and Tracy Trost (Find Me, A Christmas Snow) right alongside those from first-time filmmakers.

The days were pretty long and we watched films late into the night, but one thing was clear: This was a gathering of people passionate about their art. They were all at various stages of education, experience and budget, and

Read the rest of this entry »