Alex Kendrick on the State of Christian Filmmaking
At this year’s National Religious Broadcasters’ Convention (NRB) in Nashville, Tennessee, Alex Kendrick (director/producer/writer of Fireproof, Facing the Giants, Flywheel) addressed an audience in a session about filmmaking. As reported by the Church Executive, he and his brother Stephen, who shares writing and producing responsibilities, have an idea about the plot of their next film, but they’re not ready to divulge it yet. God may change their minds. That’s understandable, as Stephen said in a recent interview that they’re taking some time off from development and production to spend time with their families.
Of equal interest to me were a couple of statements Alex made about the state of Christian filmmaking. The first is that Christian film industry is “in the early stages of what is becoming a more experienced film outreach.” The word “outreach” implies that you’re going beyond the boundaries of your normal life – going to another area, another country, to another people group. Most associate the word outreach with an evangelistic thrust of some kind.
However, another statement from his address would seem to contradict that. Later he’s quoted as saying “We’re not trying to ride the fence and please the Christian market and the Hollywood market. . . We are trying to equip the bride of Christ for Christ’s return.” So the outreach is limited to the church.
My observation of the Christian film industry is that these two paradigms are at war. Should our films be an evangelistic outreach – a ministry tool to reach the unsaved? Or should they be for the church, by the church, and in the church? Is there a “right” answer to that question? Is there another paradigm or two that should be considered?
If we only make films for the church, are we encouraging the “Christian ghetto” that we’ve seen in Christian music? Or are we addressing a felt need? If we make evangelistic films that might appeal to the world, will the church support our work?
When The Passion of the Christ grossed almost $612 million worldwide, Christian filmmakes thought they had their flagship and new pattern for making movies that would succeed at the theaters. But that theatrical success has yet to be repeated. Fireproof succeeded on a budget to box office ratio, and performed handsomely at the box office. However, on a sheer income level, it fell far short of The Passion of the Christ.
What audience are you making films for? Who are you trying to reach, and how are you trying to reach them?
So this is a great question! My personal feelings are that our FIRST priority is to equip the Church, and hence make movies for the Church – think of it as a “condensed” sermon series in 2 hours.
By teaching Christians how to handle and deal with certain topics (marriage, hard times, abortion, suicide, and in the case of our next film – fascination with the paranormal) we can in turn give them them the Biblical knowledge they need to be in a secular world and answer secular questions, and in turn be better fishers of men.
The paradox problem is this: If you make Christian movies for the unsaved, they will not pay to see them unless you water them down to the point where they are no longer Christian. This means even Christians are much less likely to go see it and support it. So you loose out on both sides, and it is not financially sustainable. There are a number of recent examples that come to mind.
On the flip side, if you are make films for the Christian audience that are entertaining, exciting, informative, teaches the Bible’s principles in it’s pure form and equips Christians, you can have a winning film like Facing the Giants or Fireproof. Its economically sustainable and could grow into a healthy, strong economy if we nurture it.
How great would it be to be able to have high quality, entertaining, fun films to choose from in the theaters that are not only safe to expose your family to, but actually leaves you just one bit stronger to face the world for Jesus Christ! It’s a world I dream of, and work and Pray every day with people like the Kendricks to bring it closer to a reality!
February 17th, 2009 at 12:50 pm
I think there is a third option that is being neglected. Christians making secular films in Hollywood with Hollywood cast and crew. Think of the impact the church could have by reaching the cultural influencers in Hollywood. Judging by the number of celebrities joining scientology, there is a spiritual need that is not being met.
February 17th, 2009 at 12:51 pm
Josh – you’re right – third option is a very strong one. There are so many more Christians working in Hollywood than we know – and their quiet influence in Hollywood could cause a revolution!
Tiaan – great thoughts we have to consider when making a film. That’s a big challenge – consider the market – who is it to, and how can it be sustained??
February 17th, 2009 at 4:38 pm
I’m not sure it has to be an either-or choice. Any film production company makes a variety of different films. Companies often make blockbuster type movies with a broad appeal and then take the money from that to make other movies that will only appeal to smaller audiences.
A Christian film maker can make a “Christian” movie with an overt message, a fun entertaining movie that’s safe for the whole family, a “secular” movie about real life and hard choices that open people to discussion about spiritual issues or any combination of the above. If you tell a good story, people will want to see it.
To answer your question; No I don’t thing there is a “right” way for everybody all the time. God is much bigger than that. What may be right for you now on one film, may not be right on the next film. Maybe God will lead you to make bio-pic about an obscure missionary to Malaysia and lead the guy next to you to make a broad appeal movie about a talking dog. God can use both.
What I think is important is that Christians make movies, good movies, and be involved in the entertainment industry in the same way that they should be involved in ever industry.
February 17th, 2009 at 6:59 pm
It’s a balance and we need to rely on the Spirit to lead us in how we make our movies and see what God is leading us to do. We should make our films as some are called to evangelize and others to teach, and others to water and others to plant seed, etc… etc… God is using filmmakers in the ghetto (outside Hollywood) to preach to the choir and filmmakers in Hollywood to their secular coworkers as well as telling secular stories with a Christian worldview (just a little seed). God is at work and we should support all three camps and pray for God’s will in our lives as filmmakers.
Just like the Bible has many types of stories and styles of expressing truth about God and His people, so our films should be like that. Think about the truth of Ecclesiastes how it appeals to deep thinkers, Ruth is an incredible love story, Revelations and Daniel is very appealing to Science Fiction buffs, Esther never uses the word “God” in it but gives a powerful story of deliverance. Proverbs is about wisdom. Think of the psalms and the poetry of it. Joshua is an incredible historical war epic… And the list goes on. We need to be careful we don’t get caught taking sides. I heard someone once say that the movie Jonah by Veggietales is not a Christian movie. I have to graciously disagree, the book of Jonah is part of a very holy Christian Book.
February 19th, 2009 at 8:42 am
Great thoughts, Tom. It’s not about taking sides, but about looking at the industry in two ways: what is your purpose in making movies, and what business model will work for Christian filmmakers to survive?
February 19th, 2009 at 10:48 am
I think that Christian film-makers should not restrict themselves to what kind of movie it should be from a standpoint of whether it is a Christian movie or not but rather who they are called to serve and how to go about it successfully under the guidance and influence of the Holy Spirit. I work for three different media & business management companies in the UK with two of them specialising in film entertainment. One of those two companies is specifically set-up for entertainment purposes to a specific ethinic audience group primarily (we intend to grow beyond this audience after it has been catered to properly & successfully). At first glance, anyone who sees the films that are being developed would think they are just racially charged movies but by the time they have watched the movie, they would unknowingly be viewing a lot of biblical truths, which is the unseen foundation on which these films are built on, because of the themes and nature/way of how such difficult issues are dealt with using reconciliation, forgiveness, second chances in life and much more. There is no indication of any sort that the characters are Christians but all the work that goes into developing the films are inspired from the bible and we have a bible study that accompanies every aspect of the production. In our case, the Scriptural and Spirit filled aspects in the films from this company are much more unseen but a felt reality which we hope leaves the audiences feeling (and hopefully thinking) more of the need to do right and in the process start that journey of change/transformation. My understanding of God’s purpose for creating the world we live in was not to make a Christian world but a world for people to express His nature and character in every aspect of life. Jesus came and re-established that by saying He has come to give us life and life more abundantly (amongst a whole of lot of things He said and did) and then after His resurrection said to His disciples (which includes us) to go into the world and teach the nations or make disciples of them, which means that we as Christians can instruct and do have something that will make the nations learn from us even if they may not believe it. Christians who are film-makers (and in any industry) must begin to speak and communicate effectively the language of life that can be understood by anybody and that will come by us living beyond the four walls of our Church world, engaging and relating to people around us while we keep in continuous communion/fellowsship & friendship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
February 20th, 2009 at 2:03 am
I am looking for some advice. My husband of 21 years has left the home. I watched Fireproof and felt very connected to this film. My husband became a cop about a year and a half ago and then quickly moved up the ladder to detective. The adjustment of his new career was devestating to our family we have 3 children. I desperately want to do the Love Dare but didn’t know if it could be implemented since we are living in seperate homes??
February 23rd, 2009 at 10:35 am
There is perhaps another angle to understanding the “State of Christian Filmmaking,” which is this:
- What is Gob blessing?
- Where is He making Himself known as the SOURCE of stories, growth and direction within the industry?
- Where are we as Christian filmmakers weakest so He can make Himself strong?
With prayerful consideration and utmost humility (by literally getting down on our knees in submission to His will so that we are not being presumptuous), we as filmmakers for Christ should ask the Lord to allow us to see the film industry as God sees it.
I believe the Kendrick brothers are doing just that in each one of the films that Christ has allowed them to make.
We at Advent Film Group are endeavoring to do the same. We believe the Lord is anxious and is ready to pour out His blessings to those filmmakers who seek to make “His stories” and not their own. The evidence for this is all around us now. We at AFG have experienced this firsthand. What He is blessing (or not) is not a secret. God is making it pretty plain to us. We just need to open our eyes to Him so we can see whom He wants us to serve through the films He is allowing us to make.
February 23rd, 2009 at 4:18 pm
In agreement with what you are saying Mr. Escobar. We are to know Him and let Him do the guiding and direction because His plans are already blessed. Let them boast in this alone: That they truly know Me, and understand that I Am the Lord of justice and of righteousness whose love is steadfast; and that I love to be this way. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of Hosts – you will succeed because of My Spirit, though you are few and weak.
February 24th, 2009 at 12:59 am
Kelly,
I’m so sorry to hear about you situation. I know how difficult that is. Pray, and do what you can in the context of the living arrangement. Tell him you want to save the marriage and ask him to watch them movie.
Are prays are with you.
February 24th, 2009 at 6:53 am
Kelly, sorry for the typos.
I meant “Our prays are with you.”
February 24th, 2009 at 7:00 am
Mr. Escobar,
I assume you meant “the Lord is EAGER and is ready”, not anxious…
February 24th, 2009 at 7:01 am
I think our films should be designed and produced to glorify God. Period. All Christians in the Arts should create their work for His glory. Let Him do with them as He chooses.
March 6th, 2009 at 10:13 am
Mr. OToole,
You’re absolutely correct. I meant “the Lord is eager, ready, and able,” not anxious.
Thank you for the correction.
March 15th, 2009 at 11:49 am
A realization I’ve just made is that Hollywood follows the Christian model.
1.Opening image- wonderfull beautifull Mary is pregnant with God
2.Theme stated- Peace on earth good will to man
3.Set-up- the manger scene was humble and had the wealth of kings
4.Catalyst- running and hiding from Herod
5.Debate- At Jesus baptism “Who do you say I am”
6.Plot point one- The sermon on the mount
7.B-story- The wedding feast of Cannan
8.Fun and Games- the ministry of Christ
9.Midpoint- Palm Sunday
10.Bad guys close in- Jesus is arrested and denied
11.All is lost- On the cross
12.Dark night of the soul- In the tomb and the visit to Hell
13.Plot point two- The ressurection
14.Finale- The New Testament
15.Final Image- “Us” 2000 years later
April 10th, 2009 at 7:01 am
What audience are you making films for? Who are you trying to reach, and how are you trying to reach them?
With our comedy “Class of ‘91″, we are aiming specifically at Christian audiences who see the economy collapsing around them and are looking for direction. Our film says it is OK to lose your job as a deparment store manager, move out of your house in a country club and move into a little rental, while taking a “lessor” job as counselor at a rural community center. We emphasize getting and staying out of debt and living on less than you make.
How to reach them is another thing entirely. Having just gone from shooting into post production mode, I now must seriously think about how to market the film. One strategy we have come up with is allowing any church who desires to show the film to show it free on March 6, 2010, even supplying them with a DVD. Hopefully this will increase awareness of the film and translate to sales down the road.
December 1st, 2009 at 9:49 pm
hi my name is belinda, i am a published author a book called ghetto revival and i would love this book to go into movies, i wondered if you could you help me out.
belinda guest weale
February 3rd, 2010 at 9:13 am
Dear belina guest weale,
I am a christian who is also a screen writer.I am on an assignment now but I would be glad to read your book and give further opinion of how well I think it could do as a movie.My opinion also of what to do from here is to contact some studios and ask if you could send them a copy.Don’t send anything to a studio without getting permission. You probably knew that but it’s important enough to repeat.
CAPTAIN-filmpencil@yahoo.com
February 6th, 2010 at 9:05 am
Belinda,
I would also be willing to read your book and give you my opinion about turning it into a movie. As Captain said, you can contact a studio, but in all honesty, the chances of getting someone at the studio to talk to, much less read the book, without any endorsement or representation is pretty small. Even for a published author. But it’s certainly worth a try.
You can contact me at the following email. Please remove “-stopspam-” from the address.
potoole@patrick-stopspam-otoole.com
February 6th, 2010 at 5:57 pm