An Invitation to a Dialogue
In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; and in all things, charity. - St. Augustine
Every day I receive phone calls, e-mails, and packages from producers and distributors who want to place their films on our website (www.christiancinema.com). I watch those films with you in mind. I’m looking for good production value (is the film well-made?), a good storyline (is it engaging?), and for themes that reflect God and his characteristics.
In the introduction to his book Through a Screen Darkly, Jeffrey Overstreet says, “Movies inspire passionate feelings. And those feelings, once expressed, can inspire strong bonds between us or cause us to clash.” I know that’s true because we receive comments from friends asking about our movie choices. One objects because a film has an R-rating. Another objects because a youth pastor wears a small earring (I didn’t see it myself). Someone else objects because some language is used that is normally not heard inside the walls of the church.
It’s topics like these that we discuss daily. We know you trust us to provide films that are thought-provoking, made with a certain production value, and somehow reveal God at work. Some decisions are easily made; the film is great, the message is strong, and we know it will resonate with many of you. Or, on the other hand, the movie is poorly made, not professionally packaged, and the message has nothing to do with faith or strong family values. Then, there are the difficult decisions.
The topic may be extremely controversial, or slanted strongly against a certain group of Christians. The film may even be a re-telling of a Biblical story with which the writer took creative license. It raises all kinds of questions and concerns, and at some point, we make a decision whether or not to carry the film on our website. You come to us to find content that is appropriate for you, your family and friends to watch. The challenge is determining what is “appropriate,” because that’s a very subjective decision, and all kinds of things factor into it.
So, I’m extending a personal invitation for you to join our dialogue about the selection of films sold on our website. We have a category called “Movie Forum” where I’ll post information about movies that might be controversial, include our thoughts about the movie, information from the filmmaker (when possible), and reviews that the film has received. Give us your feedback and help us decide. I’m sure we’ll agree on some and disagree on others.
I am impressed with Michael Landon Jr.’s movies and faith in the Lord. I also appreciate the producers of Flywheel and Facing the Giants. You may want to check out Sky Angel also, who carries Hallmark, and Hallmark Movie Channel. They will be changing to a non-satallite system, where you will only have to have broad band internet, and a “box” that will recieve the Sky Angel Network. You will be able to channel Sky Angel to your computer monitor, TV, or other video sources.
July 14th, 2007 at 7:44 pm
David:
Thanks for the update on Sky Angel Network. I list their movies pretty frequently in our newsletter, because they carry so many good films. That’s nice that they’re changing to non-satellite. I know that our local Rescue Mission here carries that channel because it has so much good content.
July 16th, 2007 at 6:12 pm
I’m looking for a job in video editing with a company that has Christian values. Any suggestions where I should look? I have a degree in video production from Calvin College.
July 30th, 2007 at 7:54 pm
Holly (and other looking for work with people of Christian values):
There are a couple of great places to connect with other Christians involved in filmmaking. I’m going to do a separate blog post on it for you, OK?
Thanks and best wishes with your work!
July 31st, 2007 at 10:05 am
I just got involved with the best film experience of my life. Advent Film Group. They are training young students in the art of filmmaking while they produce family-friendly entertainment. We wrapped production up August 15th on our first film “Come What May” (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1090754/), which I hope will eventually make it to this website!
Their website is www.adventfilmgroup.com, and there is contact info there if you would like to get involved with the next film.
~Ian
September 28th, 2007 at 7:28 am
Hi,
I want to pursue my dream of being in christian film. Where do I start to get information about auditions? I want to work with Alex (the guy from Facing the Giants) and I would love to meet Michael Landon Jr. I don’t know if I would be considered for it, but I dream of being in one. Thanks
Crystal
May 19th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
Hi Crystal -
Probably the best place to find out about auditions for films are to go to specific filmmakers’ websites & see what information might be there.
If you don’t see auditions posted, us the “Contact Us” area, which usually has an email address/option, and send them a note that you’re interested.
I think that’s going to be the best route unless you have an agent who is Christian, or who will be willing to look for roles in Christian films for you. I think they are few & far between, but they’re there.
Good luck & let us know when you get a role! We’d love to see you in action!
P.S. - another great place is a a Yahoo discussion group called The Christian Movie Making Network. There are always updates on there about different people’s projects.
May 19th, 2008 at 3:09 pm