The new, revised Fissure trailer is now online at Trailer Addict. And, it allows you to embed the trailer in your own website or blog. If you do post it somewhere, please let me know.
Three times
Posted on July 25, 2008 · Leave a Comment
Bryan Singer (Usual Suspects, X-Men, X2, Superman Returns) makes a great observation:
“You get a chance to make a movie three times. Once when you write it. Once when you shoot it. And once when you edit it. And all three can be wildly different from what you had envisioned in the first place!” he also said, “You have to be open to the idea that at any time, in any one of these, the opportunity will present itself for something to happen that will elevate the entire project toward something you’d not even considered before.”
The Power of the Parable
Posted on September 25, 2006 · Leave a Comment
Think for a moment about Paul’s missionary strategy:
“I have become a servant of everyone so that I can bring them to Christ. When I am with the Jews, I become one of them so that I can bring them to Christ. When I am with those who follow the Jewish laws, I do the same, even though I am not subject to the law, so that I can bring them to Christ. When I am with the Gentiles who do not have the Jewish law, I fit in with them as much as I can. In this way, I gain their confidence and bring them to Christ. But I do not discard the law of God; I obey the law of Christ. When I am with those who are oppressed, I share their oppression so that I might bring them to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone so that I might bring them to Christ. I do all this to spread the Good News, and in doing so I enjoy its blessings” (1 Corinthians 9:19-23).
How should Christians tell stories?
How do they make movies?
How do they compete for the attention of mainstream America?
“Those in frequent contact with the things of the world should make good use of them without becoming attached to them, for this world and all it contains will pass away” (1 Corinthians 7:31).
We should leverage as much of the creativity and flow of this culture as possible without becoming attached to it. We should be watching these highly rated shows and find out what draws people to view them. Is it the drama, the production value, the stars, the stories? What is the appeal?
Fictional parables can be a powerful tool for reaching the lost. Jesus “only taught with parables” when speaking to the public: “In his public teaching [Jesus] taught only with parables, but afterward when he was alone with his disciples, he explained the meaning to them” (Mark 4:34).
I believe it’s detrimental how Christian producers and writers mix fiction with non-fiction. It completely disrupts the “suspension of disbelief”, and the lost viewer is left questioning what’s real and what’s not.
For example, Johnny is lost and his life spirals out of control. When he hits rock bottom, he gives his heart to Christ and his life is changed.
That’s not an effective way to tell a Christian story. What’s real? What fiction? Is it all fiction (including the Christianity), or just some of it? I believe that’s why Jesus’ parables were about kings and landowners, sons and daughters, mustard seeds and vineyards. Even Jesus didn’t mix truth and fiction in his storytelling. Why should we?
10 mistakes conservatives make in art and entertainment
Posted on February 7, 2006 · Leave a Comment
Here’s a great article. Take time to read it!
A New Season of Storytelling
Posted on February 7, 2006 · Leave a Comment
Only when evangelicals agree to look at Hollywood not just as an evangelistic tool, or a harmless entertainment provider, but also as an important participant in cultural discourse will they understand that as a major share of the movie market, they are in a position to shape that vital discussion.
This is from William Romanowski in a USA Today article.
There is a shift happening in Hollywood. It’s a gradual shift, but production companies are starting to take notice. Here’s how I see it:
- Music: In the 80’s, Christian music began to flourish. It was odd, strange that Christians would sing contemporary sounding songs. It wasn’t just the hymns or the praise. It was rock. It was Petra. I remember in my early years thinking how strange this was, but how cool it was. Finally, I could listen to some cool music that had a great message, encouraging message of hope and peace and faith. Today, you have everything from ska, punk, rock, rap, pop, swing to blues. And, there’s Christian blues. It’s almost an oxymoron.
- Books: In the 90’s, the new Christian “entertainment” was written fiction. Frank Peretti had released “This Present Darkness” and the sequel “Piercing the Darkness”. These books captivated me. I rarely read, but started reading because of this excellent fiction. My wife is an ardent reader of Christian romance Novels. Why? Because she doesn’t care for the trashy romance novels that fill most bookshelves.
- Movies: For this decade, I can only think that movies are next. The Passion of Christ has proven that there is a market. I doubt seriously that the multi-billion dollar business of Christian entertainment would leave the movie industry untapped. It’s the next logical step.
Redeeming entertainment.
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