Resources for Christian Filmmakers
I get a lot of questions from people who want to get a start in filmmaking from a Christian perspective. Here are some great places to find filmmakers to connect with, as well as help for your career:
- International Christian Visual Media: This network of independent filmmakers sponsors the annual Crown Awards and a Catalyst Conference. The website has a members’ forum, production news, a members’ directory, and helpful weblinks.
- Hollywood Connect: This ministry began as a way to connect Christians working in Hollywood with each other. Many have worked in their fields for years, never knowing that there were other believers in the same industry, often just a few offices away from them! They offer a “know before you go” section, an orientation to working in Hollywood, and a prayer support network.
- JCDoc Group: This group of documentary filmmakers meets regularly at Hollywood Presbyterian Church. They are working professionals who are passionate about producing high-quality documentaries with a Judeo-Christian focus. Resources include special speakers addressing pertinent topics, dynamic networking among the members, and an encouraging audience for screening members’ projects.
- Hollywood Prayer Network: A strategic prayer network for those who are “tent-makers” in Hollywood, this group matches up Christian media professionals with churches and communities who will pray for them. Resources include news, links to other ministries and a listing of media-friendly churches.
- ActOne: Trains and mentors Christians of all denominations in mainstream television and film careers. Emphases include screenwriting, executive development, script consultation, and weekend seminars. All courses are taught by working Hollywood professionals.
If you know of more sources, post a comment with links to them. We’ll all thank you for it!
Thanks for the blog post on career connections for people looking to get started. But what about Christian film making opportunities outside of Hollywood? Are there any industry associations based in the midwest?
August 18th, 2007 at 6:46 am
Holly - I’m not aware of any, but I do know there are members of ICVM all over the country. Visit their site and contact them because there may be some people in your area. The members come from Canada, all over the U.S., and several other countries. Tell us where you’re located, maybe someone from your area will contact you?
August 18th, 2007 at 7:44 pm
Until there are sites available that are out from under the pressure of liberal hollywood people such as me will never have the opportunity to see their work develope. Many of my manuscripts were called really good, but lacked thesex,violence and lifestyles that sell. I offered one of three manuscripts for nothing and although tempted-no dice. Passaquo is the story of Mary (Coffin)Starbuck’s heroic career and how Native Americans entered her life and helped the entire Nantucket Colony survive and prosper. This story is semi factual of the greatest women ever to live in America. Each story that I write is directed toward young adults and carry a message of how clean Christian life will overcome all obsticles. I hope tha Project Julia suceeds here in Massachusetts. God knows we need an infusion of morality after the Kennedy era.
September 20th, 2007 at 3:32 pm
We don’t have to start from hollywood we can build our “Godllywood”. Christian will have to come in to build it by encouraging christians producers out there. I have a film that is inspiring and scriptural. Apart from WOW! that is a good story I still struggle to sell DVDs in churches. DIVINE SOLUTION is a story about a Christian family. John, the husband exposed his family to the devil’s attack when he committed adultery during a night out with work colleagues after a successful business negotiation. This was compounded when Debra; his wife refused to forgive him. The situation got worse when both of them put their emotions above God’s guidance in the situation, creating a turmoil that separated and almost destroyed their home. You can watch the trailer on my website www.dynkfilms.com
January 20th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
Iam egyptian christian film maker who have joined a film school and work as a Director- producer for christian sattalite TV for the Middle East and looking for a chance to join in the professional film industry, to get more training and produce christian films for arabs, is there any chance for joining in a film being produced?
April 15th, 2008 at 11:19 pm
Hi Farid, God bless you for stepping out in faith. Are you wanting to work on a film in the Middle East, or are you willing to travel? I’m also going to post this at the Christian Film Makers’ Forum in Yahoo groups.
April 16th, 2008 at 10:30 am
Thanks Angela for your prompt reply, that encoureged me a lot, felt that I am not left alone here behind the pyramid!! just kidding, To answer your question, Idon’t know but maybe if I get a chance of training abraod in the industry then I can come back and try to do films with a different message plus different tecnique. It seems a remote dream but I still dream.
April 19th, 2008 at 2:39 pm