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Top 17 Biola Media Conf 09 Tweets

Did you feel the earth move on Saturday?  Me neither.  Prolly cause I’m wayyyyyy out on the East Coast.  But from the sounds of things, the Biola Media Conference had a massive impact on attendees and speakers alike.  As usual at Wired4Film, we’ve plumbed the news and gossip wires and pulled feedback from blogs and tweets and twubs and Facebook…I know, I know…I had you at Twub.

Anyway, let’s hop into the mind of Phil Cooke and peek through his eyes for a moment as he observes on his blog (PhilCooke.com):

Short of receiving the final numbers, it appears this weekend’s Biola Media Conference was the best yet. Great speakers, fantastic attendance (even in this financial crisis), fabulous sponsors, and a great program all added up to a really eventful day. Co-director’s Kathleen Cooke and Peggy Rupple did a remarkable job organizing the event. We started out with an incredible performance from the “Groovaloos,” who won this year’s Superstars of Dance competition. Then I interviewed Mark Zoradi – President of the Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Group. After a 29 year career at Disney, rising to the top of the industry, Mark had a lot to say about his personal faith, his commitment to excellence, the Disney brand, and advice for others in the industry. Memorable quote: “Always over-deliver. If you consistently over-deliver in your work and expectations, people will want you on their team.” 

Then we had a talent panel led by Kim Dorr, that explored how important the talent factor is in putting projects together. Writer and actress Susan Issacs sent us to lunch with a sobering and challenging thought: “So many people are “called” to Hollywood, but what if God called you there for only 3 good years out of 30? What if you had to struggle 27 of the 30 years? Would you still go?” 

We broke up into numerous workshops on issues like legal, marketing, new media, alternative financing, ethics and ambition, and more. Memorable quote: When an attendee asked that as a Christian, is Ralph Winter (Producer of X-Men) films, concerned about the violence in his films? Ralph replied, “There’s no question that Wolverine has claws and uses them, but ultimately, I’m not as worried that God is pleased with my movies, as I am that God is pleased with me.” 

When pressed further about that last comment, Ralph Winter explains: “It is more about who we are becoming on the journey of life.  That is what journey of faith is about in following Christ.”

He also added, “The Biola Conference was great.  Our seminars were well attended, lots of comments on my page. Probably the largest conference ever for Biola.  And Joe E. was terrific – an inspiring message.”

Cooke filled in a few more details on the mysteriously inspirational Joe E.

In the afternoon, our keynote speaker was Joe Eszterhas, legendary Hollywood Animal (as his biography states), who has written films like Jade, Sliver, Flashdance, and Basic Instinct. He was paid $3 million for the script to Basic Instinct, and his movies have made more than a billion dollars at the box office. Joe smoked hard, drank hard, and lived hard. But in 2001, after a battle with throat cancer, he experienced a powerful encounter with God, and it transformed his life. His talk was frank, honest, rough, filled with grace, and brilliant. During my interview afterwards, he was very vulnerable and human. He shared from his heart on the change in his life, how it impacted his marriage and family, and how it has impacted his perception in the industry. He also gave us some great advice. Memorable quote: “If you’re a writer, protect your vision. Don’t be too quick to let others change your work. Fight for it. It all starts with you.”

Along the way, a handful of those on the inside were Twittering away to keep those of us on the outside, in the loop.  Here now are this year’s Top 17 Tweets in order of ceremony.  

TOP 17  #BMC09 TWEETS

1.  JeremiahDaws: On the CBS Radford Lot for the Biola Media Conference. In line to register. Lots of people here. #bmc09

2.  PhilCooke: #bmc09 pres. of Disney: “I repeat to myself “do nothing out of ambition or conceit” try and act genuinly an consider others.”

3.  DanaTwichell: Film is just as much a battleground of relevance as any other field. #bmc09

4.  TheGroveCenter: #bmc09 When you drink from the well, remember the well-digger.

5.  mattwarren: Howard Kazanjian, producer: we need more Christians in law, finance, exec positions, not just the arts. #bmc09

6.  JoshDaws: If you want to influence Culture, come here (L.A.). #bmc09

7.  mattwarren: Interesting mix of both indie & studio execs here today. It’s nice 2 hear both $5m & $100m perspectives #bmc09

8.  ryanwfitzgerald: Two ways Christians should conduct themselves in the industry: 1. Do excellent work. 2. Do it with integrity. #bmc09

9.  CharlieMatz: At #bmc09 great stuff so far. Our whole team on our next film is here. Good to see positive connections to move our larger project forward.

10. mattwarren: Guy in the room asked what he should do if he has $ to spend on a project 4 his friend to which 3 of us replied “call us” LOL #bmc09

11. dhepburn: Where your passion meets need is most likely where God is calling you. #bmc09

12. globalshortfilm: There are many ways to win. You may have 80 pitches before 1 gets picked. #bmc09

13. larissalamchiu: al kasha award winning compser ”study the word, study the masters” to improve your craft

14. JoshDaws: An agent assumed the cross Joe E. wore was just jewelry. His response: “Bullsh*t. It’s the symbol of Christ’s suffering and shame.” #bmc09

15. TheGroveCenter: Joe Eszterhas interview, screenwrtiter of Basic Instinct, Jagged Edge, 16 films…1billion in sales…from throat cancer to God…wow

16. katwoman327: Just because God calls you somewhere doesn’t mean it’s going to be easy. Look at the life of Jesus and Paul. #bmc09

17. hkenshin89: I was sad that #BMC09 had to end can not wait till next year!!! When does registration open BMC10!

Thanks all for the comments and feedback!  

For those who want to learn more about this crazy little thing called Twitter:  http://tinyurl.com/c5ep92

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