Christians in Cinema

In a recent conversation with Dean Batali, executive producer of “That 70’s Show,” he talked about his involvement with the Act One training and mentorship program for people wanting to break into mainstream film and television in Hollywood. They offer courses in screenwriting, directing, and executive development.
When Dean first came to Hollywood 15 years ago, […]

Producer - Believers Among Us

Brad Wilson (producer of the “Believers Among Us” series), like the rest of our Featured Filmmakers, is a multi-talented individual who has had a unique career path. From the heart of Texas to the Big Apple of New York, and now living in Los Angeles, he’s moved in and out of radio, feature film production with major studios, and independent movie production. He is a charter member of the National Radio Hall of Fame of Texas.

Producer/Writer/Director/Cast & Crew - Holly’s Story

Located in Houston, Texas, Cross Wind Productions is not just a film production company. It’s also a mentoring and discipling ministry for youth who are interested in theater arts. Founded by Barbara Sundstrom, the organization has produced three films that depict some of the serious struggles facing youth today. Joining us today are two cast members from the award-winning Holly’s Story, Amy Harvey, the female lead, and Aaron House, who was assistant to the Director of Photography (DP). Holly’s Story has won the following awards: Adam Award for Best Youth Drama at the Sabaoth International Film Festival in Milan, Italy; a Platinum Remi at the Worldfest in Houston, Texas; a Silver Crown award from International Christian Visual Media.

Some critics of Christian movies decry them as “sanctified schlock” and accuse the filmmakers of lacking originality. That’s not limited to Christian films and filmmakers. When Fox announced a new show called “On the Lot,” my hopes were high for a show that really encouraged and rewarded creativity in filmmaking.
When I heard Mark Burnett […]

Producers/Writer/Director/Cinematographer - Christmas at Maxwell’s

The father-daughter team of Bill & Tiffany Laufer (co-creators of Christmas at Maxwell’s) is dedicated to writing and producing films that show respect for the positive values of life, celebrating peace in the midst of chaos, redemption in the midst of despair, forgiveness in the midst of hatred and freedom in the midst of oppression. Their aspiration is to make intelligent and inspiring films that appeal to the imagination and intellect, and do so while blending in a sense of humor and love.

Facing the Giants - Producer/Writer/Director

Days before the national release of Facing the Giants, Alex and his wife Christina welcomed their 5th child, Caleb. He joins his brother Joshua and sisters Anna, Catherine and Joy – just in time to see their dad’s newest film. This is Alex’s 53rd interview since the film gained media attention, yet he took time to talk about his film, his family, and his passion for God. His consuming goal? For God to be glorified.

TBN - Vice President of Administration

After meeting Paul Crouch, Jr., at a Studio Task Force dinner, I was surprised to hear that his leisure-time passion is motocross racing. He has “tons of trophies” from his racing, and twice has been injured badly enough to require a hospital visit. The last time, 7 years ago, he broke a collarbone and knocked himself out for about 5 minutes.

He has 3 children; his son Brandon (23) hosts Top 3 on JCTV, and works as a video producer/editor/cinematographer for Benny Hinn. His daughter Brittany (21), a recently-married graduate from St. John’s University, works in TBN’s personnel department. His youngest daughter Carra (14) is still in school.

Last week I was in Los Angeles for a meeting of the JC Doc Group, a group of Christian non-fiction filmmakers. Early into the evening’s discussion, someone asked “What is a Christian film?” That is the burning question right now.
Using “Christian” as an adjective seems to offer license to mix up lifestyles and preferences, slap […]

Author/Filmmaker/NFL Defensive Back - Israel, Islam & Armageddon

Former NFL defensive back-turned filmmaker Ken Klein is married to Jan, his wife of 32 years. They have 3 very creative sons, and live in Eugene, Oregon, where he continues his movie-making education at the University of Oregon. Ken took some time between projects to talk with me.

Producer/Director/Writer - The Pistol - The Birth of a Legend

Writer, producer and director Darrel Campbell is a self-described workaholic who has found what he loves to do, and a way to do it that allows him to live in his home state of Missouri, in the Ozark Mountains. He and his wife Pam have 4 children ranging in age from 8 to 19 years old, whom he describes as very creative and articulate. Pam is a great student of the Word of God, and is a stay-at-home writer. I caught up with Darrel as he was on his way to a football game one Friday evening.

The Azusa Street Project - Producer/Director/Writer/Teacher

Producer, writer, director, and teacher Clay banks lives in Southern California where he has built a Spirit-led film acting studio in Hollywood. He describes himself as “unorthodox, but a good boy” (actually, that’s how his mom describes him.) His passion about his work immediately comes through in a conversation with him, and it was a privilege to spend some time talking with him recently.

The Moment After, Thr3e - Producer/Director/Writer/Actor

Kevin Downes is a California native. He grew up in Visalia, just 3 hours north of Los Angeles where many of the Christian films he has made were shot. Before writing and producing The Moment After, Kevin worked with David A.R. White on The Crossing and The End of the Harvest. He produced the award-winning Warner Bros. short film/music video for Clay Walker, Chain of Love. He also produced Mercy Streets - released in theaters nationwide in 2000, and executive-produced Lay It Down. He produced the theatrically released Time Changer for Trinity Broadcasting Network and was writer/producer/director on Six: The Mark Unleashed.

I interviewed Jefferson Moore, writer/director of Perfect Stranger about his new release “Another Perfect Stranger.” When he made the original Perfect Stranger, someone else had the rights to the sequel. How he obtained the rights and got Another Perfect Stranger made is a great story - one you’ll have to read in the interview! (Go […]

AGENTS: Live the Mission - Writer/Producer/Actor

MISSION BRIEFING: Obtain background on Agent Nicole Romero to develop cover story

LAST SEEN: Newport Beach, California

KNOWN ASSOCIATES: Jared Romero, Christopher Go, Kathryn Go

DISCLAIMER: ChristianCinema.com disavows knowledge of any subterfuge used to capture the following information. Known facts: Agent first gained notoriety while on assignment in Hollywood, California. History in production and development for Sony, Disney, and Fox. Agent has no training in underage creations, but shows great willingness and aptitude for on-the-job training. Following is a transcript of a recent telephone conversation.

Producer, Writer, Director - Sugar Creek Gang

Three years ago, Owen Smith graduated from college and began his filmmaking career in earnest. In that short span of time, he has formed 2 motion picture production companies (Kalon Media and Dogwood Motion Picture Company), produced a video series of children’s books (Sugar Creek Gang), and is in post-production for a Christmas film.

Comedian, Author, Songwriter - It’s Probably Just My Thyroid

Catching up with Anita Renfroe is no easy task. When we did, she was on vacation in Florida. Taking a break from sunning herself on the beach, Anita talked with us about the whirlwind that has been her life for the past 4 years…