Locally Made Film Delves into Faith Issues
September 7, 2009 by S David Acuff
Filed under Around the Web, Editorials, Headlines
"Masquerade" Movie Poster
This is an article by Chuck Jacobs, a staff writer for the Fayetteville Observer who put together a solid story on our friend Jeremiah McLamb’s film project, MASQUERADE.
MASQUERADE is a feature length project shot on McLamb’s RED One. Produced and Directed and Shot and Lit predominately by McLamb, the film was also co-written by he and Wired4Film’s own David Acuff.
Principal photography is set to wrap this month and tentatively scheduled to premiere in Fayetteville, NC in October.
What started as an exercise for Northwood Academy’s High School Film class has become so much bigger. Funny how God still takes a couple of loaves and fishes and creates something infinitely bigger.
(EXCERPT) “I was sitting in church and realized that all around me was this masquerade,” said Director Jeremiah McLamb, the 25-year-old Fayetteville, NC native. “There were all these shining, happy faces, masking pain, hiding doubt. And I started wondering what happens when the masks come off?”
The result of those mid-sermon musings will be shown this fall. “Masquerade,” a film that delves into the spiritual struggles of faith and friendship, wraps up filming in Fayetteville during the next couple of weeks.
The film, a semester-long project, stars students and church members at Northwood Temple. And, unlike the people McLamb described sitting in church, it’s not shiny and happy.
“Masquerade” is, at times, gritty and tough to swallow. It stings and soothes at the same time, revealing some of the doubts and difficulties that come when walking a life of faith.
The result is far from amateur, however. McLamb began working on video productions while a student at Northwood Temple School and now runs a video production group in Fayetteville. He had a lot of help from professionals and top-flight digital technology.
He credits David Acuff, Brian and Rhonda Kent with maintaining the professional look and feel of a film.
Once production is finished, McLamb hopes to arrange a local screening. He believes the film will find a niche like “Facing The Giants” did in 2006. That film, also focusing on Christian themes, was made with volunteers from a Georgia church for about $100,000. It has since raised more than $10 million for the church and its missions.
The full article can be seen at the Fayetteville Observer HERE
Contact Info: Jeremiah McLamb
Jeremiah@Jerfilm.com
www.jerfilm.com
www.masqueradethemovie.com
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14 Days of Screenplays
July 9, 2009 by S David Acuff
Filed under Editorials, Film Schools
by Scott Myers
Students ask me how I learned the craft of screenwriting. I give the same answer that Walter Hill did:
“The usual story – read a lot of scripts, saw every possible movie.”
By and large, most folks seem to do a pretty good job on the ’seeing movie’ front. But reading scripts? Not so much. I think I know why that’s the case. When we think of “movies,” we almost automatically think entertainment. And even if we students of screenwriting sit in a theater, checking our watch at every major plot, tracking subplots, and questioning story choices, on the whole the experience of watching a movie isentertaining. But when we consider reading a screenplay, my guess is that the first word that comes to most people’s minds is work.
Well, that’s true enough — reading a screenplay is work. But you expected to play your way to the top of the screenwriting heap? Think of any other creative outlet: painting, sculpture, novels, poetry, acting, dance, violin, composing. Do you think that any of the people who succeed in creating a career in any of these fields got there without studying the subject matter at a granular level?
The simple fact is if you are really serious about learning the craft of screenwriting, you must read scripts. It is perhaps the single best way to drill down into the heart of the craft. It’s one reason that so many script readers become successful screenwriters — reading all those scripts, even bad ones, is a massive learning experience.
So here’s something you can do to kick-start your screenplay reading habit: read 14 scripts in 14 days. I recommend this to my students often and the ones who’ve actually done it report back that it helped them immensely. Reading that many scripts in a compressed time provides a Gestalt grasp of the craft that you would not likely get any other way.
[Warning: old fart story ahead.]
Now way back when K-9 sold and I moved to LA, screenplays of existing movies were not that easy to find. I had to cobble together other screenwriters, my agents’ assistants, and other fans of the craft into a kind of ‘black market’ of screenplays. This was especially true of the latest hot selling spec scripts like Basic Instinct and The Last Boyscout, but track them down I did. Trudging 5 miles every morning… through thick snowdrifts… in the pitch black… oh wait, that’s another old fart story. My point is this: you’relucky! With a couple of clicks of your computer’s mouse, you can tap into a universe of screenplays — for free! My favorite screenplay hosting website is SimplyScripts.com, but there are plenty others.
So allow me to cut trail for you with links to 14 scripts. Different styles, writers, genres, and decades. I’m including Back to the Future and Witness because those are the first two screenplays I read, so perhaps a bit of good luck will rub off on you.
Day 1: Back to the Future
Day 2: Witness
Day 3: Alien
Day 4: Some Like It Hot
Day 5: Body Heat
Day 6: Fargo
Day 7: The Shawshank Redemption
Day 8: Die Hard
Day 9: Thelma & Louise
Day 10: Dead Poet’s Society
Day 11: The Matrix
Day 12: Network
Day 13: Memento
Day 14: Toy Story
14 great scripts. 14 days. Trust me. It’s worth it.
Reprinted with permission.
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_______________________
Screenwriter Scott Myers
Scott Myers has been a screenwriter since 1987 when Universal Studios bought and produced K-9, a spec script he co-wrote. Other movie credits: Alaska (1996), starring Thora Burch, and Trojan War (1997), starring Jennifer Love Hewitt. Currently, he’s an Executive Producer with Distillery Pictures in Raleigh, NC.
In his spare time, he teaches screenwriting at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and online through UCLA Extension, receiving the Writer’s Program’s Outstanding Instructor of the Year award in 2005.
He has a screenwriting blog you need to bookmark at www.gointothestory.com
This Present Darkness: The Film That Almost Was
July 8, 2009 by S David Acuff
Filed under Wired4Film Exclusives
by John J. Schafer
“John J. Schafer’s dream project… Frank E. Peretti’s “This Present Darkness”. FX dream team… ILM, Stan Winston Studio, Weta Digital and Weta Workshop. Budget… Priceless;)”
I received about a dozen or so comments posted on my wall. I received 43 e-mails on the topic. I decided to dig up an old blog that I had written. The write up was originally posted on July 30, 2006 and has NOT been updated. The original blog was much longer but after being posted on Blogger and on MySpace I had received numerous e-mails which helped filter out rumors, the out-and-out lies, as well as shed some light on new facts and photographs.
I have no knowledge of what the current status of “This Present Darkness” or anyone’s current involvement if any.
____________________________________________________________________
History of Frank Peretti’s ‘This Present Darkness’ Movie
Originally Published on Blogger (July 30, 2006)
By John J. Schafer
Many of Frank Peretti’s devoted fans of This Present Darkness (TPD) have been eagerly awaiting the feature film adaptation. Over the years there have been numerous confirmed reports, as well as spurious rumors plaguing the internet about the development status of TPD.
Rewind to 1992
Over the years I heard rumblings of a TPD film in the early stages of development. I started researching to find out who was involved. Not only was I excitedly anticipating the film as an audience member, but truth be told, my secret desire was to be involved in some way with the movie production itself. In those days, the internet was barely out of its infancy. Netscape was the new kid on the block, replacing my good ol’ Mosaic browser. Remember the days when you did a search on Gopher (not Google) and maybe 50 items returned at most? Then there was the promise of different variations of JPEG on the horizon. The viral video of the day was an ACSII based animation of a character in a walk cycle! Needless to say, it was next to impossible to find any specific information about TPD on the web.
In the late 90’s, there was only one visual effects house that could take Peretti’s written text and breathe life into Tal (Captain of the Host of Heaven) and Rafar (Prince of Babylon). That studio had three simple letters to it’s name; I–L–M. The geek boy in me flashed back to the final space battle scene in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. Seeing the swarms of Rebel X-Wing fighters engaging Imperial TIE fighters at break neck speeds, I envisioned them transforming into Tal’s army of angelic warriors slaying the demonic minions of the Strongman of Ashton. George Lucas’ arsenal of artisans and technicians, from Industrial Light Magic, were the only ones who could elevate the written text of that final epic battle between good and evil, to cinematic art.
There were a few make-up studios that could probably deliver the highly detailed prosthetics, full body suits, and animatronics necessary to bring Peretti’s vision to life. But one stood out among the rest, Stan Winston and his team would be on the ‘A’ list. Both ILM and Stan Winston Studio collaborated and awed audiences world wide with their work on James Cameron’s T2. It was several months later, after I had read TPD, that Jurassic Park premiered and revolutionized both visual and special effects, raising the bar for all films to come.
Advancing technology and the high level of cinematic artistry that is pushing the creative envelope today have liberated all storytellers’ imaginations beyond the confines of what was possible in the near past. ILM has now become an option and not necessarily the absolute. There are new players, boundless visionaries, like Weta Digital and Weta Work Shop, who have allowed us to journey with Frodo from his home in the Shire, to the uncharted prehistoric jungles of Skull Island, and into the magical land of Narnia.
Over a decade ago I needed to contract several conceptual designers for a production at the studio where I worked. I was reviewing resumes and portfolios in our conference room when I came across a simple bullet point that brought that geek boy bubbling out of me. There, right after that simple black bullet point, was the holy grail of all word-searches I’d ever done – Conceptual Designer for: This Present Darkness. The studio was 20th Century Fox and the director was Charles (Chuck) Russell. As I read on it was like following the dotted lines on a treasure map that takes you to where ‘X’ marks the spot. At the end of the sentence was an internet address to the artist’s on-line portfolio. I don’t even remember how I left the conference room and ended up in my office in front of the computer. I typed in the url and waited breathlessly. On my screen concept art and storyboards came up. They were from well know blockbuster films. You’d think I’d have been impressed… awestruck… but all I cared about was finding even the smallest thumbnail sketch of TPD – to see what could have been. As I scrolled down paintings of angelic warriors and demons began appearing with small text beneath, This Present Darkness.
I gathered enough information to use in the search queries which then lead to the mother load. Though, I never found the secret animation tests that have been rumored about over the years, I did come across many more concept illustrations and paintings. At one point in my quest I stumbled on several storyboard layouts and sculptures, or what are known today as maquettes. I saved everything on my computer and burned a CD. As time moved on, the computer eventually died and the CD became a coaster.
Fast forward to today
Read the resumes thoroughly and you will see what role these people played during the early development stages of TPD. I did not provide IMDB info on these artists only because the information posted on IMDB are productions completed or in current development. I subscribe to IMDBpro.com , which gives much more detailed information about professionals in the industry. However, there is still no mention of TPD. It doesn’t mean that there is no further development going on, but rather that the reference lists on IMDB may not have been updated.
I used to get frustrated with all the false starts and rumors of TPD’s development. Like all things I have come to learn, its God timing. Look at the advancement of technology and what was achieved in the 90’s. Studios today are seeking more faith-based properties, simply because they realize after the success of The Passion and Narnia that Christians have a voice and they have buying power. There are very successful Christians in the industry who have professed their faith and have great favor and influence with key decision makers in the industry. With everything going on in the world today, people are searching – seeking for media that provides direction; in films, books, internet, television, and believe it or not, in Asia, even on mobile phones!
It seems like this would be a great time and opportunity for TPD to make its big screen debut. We need to continue to keep this production in prayer. We need to believe that the right people can and will be assembled to retain the integrity of the story and characters. And most of all we need to voice our desire that that the message contained in the brilliant vision that is This Present Darkness, not be compromised.
Here are some materials currently available on the internet regarding the early development of TPD.
CONCEPTUAL ARTISTS
Miles Teves
Cannom Creations (Owned by Greg Cannom)
This Present Darkness – Art Director/Character Designer (1997)
Profile: Miles Teves
http://www.milesteves.com/resume.php
(Overall coordinator of the Seige of Ashton) by Miles Teves
Conceptual painting of either Rafar (Prince of Babylon) or The Strongman
(Overall coordinator of the Seige of Ashton) by Miles Teves
Demon of either Rafar (Prince of Babylon) or The Strongman (Overall coordinator of the Seige of Ashton) created at Cannom Creations designed by Miles Teves
July 3, 2009
Stephan Martiniere
20th Century Fox
This Present Darkness – Conceptual Designer
Profile: Stephen Martiniere
http://www.martiniere.com/resume.htm
Stephen Martiniere
Marc Vena
20th Century Fox
This Present Darkness – Storyboard Artist
http://www.famousframes.com/cgi-bin/ImageFolio31/imageFolio.cgi?direct=Artists/0890~Marc_Vena/Films/This_Present_Darkness
TyRuben Ellingson
Industrial Light + Magic
This Present Darkness (Test) – Conceptual Designer (1998)
Excerpt of ILMfan.com’s 1998 interview with TyRuben
STZ: Are you still working at ILM?
TY: My position at ILM is what they call “Casual Status”. I still have an phone there, but what it really boils down to is I’m a free agent. ILM can call me in at any time, which they most recently did on Chuck Russell’s new movie “This Present Darkness”.
Full Interview:
http://www.ilmfan.com/articles/1998/interview_tyruben_ellingson
David J. Stephen
Industrial Light + Magic
This Present Darkness (Test) – Senior Technical Director
Profile: David J. Stephen
http://www.thescratchpost.com/artists/oct00/dave/dave_bio.shtml
William Stout
Charles Russell
This Present Darkness – Presentation art and designs (1992)
Profile: William Stout
http://www.dinosaur.org/dinodel/dinodelstout.htm
VARIOUS PRODUCERS INVOLVED AT ONE POINT
20th Century Fox
This Present Darkness – Director
Profile: Chuck Russell
http://www.showbizdata.com/pcredits.cfm?nameid=26847
(Producer: Return of the Jedi / Executive Producer: Raiders of the Lost Ark)
20th Century Fox
This Present Darkness – Producer
Original producer involved for This Present Darkness. Not sure of Howard Kazanjian’s participation with the re-activated development.
Profile: Howard Kazanjian
http://www.showbizdata.com/pcredits.cfm?nameid=86469
20th Century Fox
This Present Darkness – Producer
Not officially confirmed, briefly mentioned in The Dove Foundation interview with Frank Peretti (Famous Author Peretti Tries To Keep It Simple)
Full Interview:
http://www.dove.org/news/interviews/peretti.htm
Profile: Michael De Luca
http://www.showbizdata.com/pcredits.cfm?nameid=1040362
John Fornof
Focus on the Family
This Present Darkness – Screenplay Writer
Not officially confirmed, briefly mentioned in 2005 exclusive on Infuze.com. You will need to register to read the article.
Full Interview:
http://www.infuzemag.com/news/archives/2005/08/this_present_da.html
_________________________________________________________________________
GRAPHIC NOVEL PITCH
By Adam Meyer (a.k.a. Shard)
“Present Darkness Comic” on MySpace.com
http://groups.myspace.com/presentdarknesscomic
_________________________________________________________________________
Back on February 20, 2006 I had the opportunity to meet with Frank E. Peretti, author of This Present Darkness, Piercing the Darkness, The Oath and The Visitation.
John J. Schafer
Trailer-JonathanSperry-ChristianoFilmGroup
June 8, 2009 by S David Acuff
Filed under Movie Trailer
ProdCo: Five&Two Pictures and the Christiano Film Group
Title: The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry
Trailer-Fissure-TopPupMedia
June 8, 2009 by S David Acuff
Filed under Movie Trailer
ProdCo: Top Pup Media
Title: Fissure
Hooray For ‘Godlywood’
June 5, 2009 by S David Acuff
Filed under Around the Web, Headlines
BOX OFFICE BUSTERS FROM ‘GODLYWOOD’
An ABCNews report by Neal Karlinsky about Faith-based flicks which are rising above some of the Hollywood heavyweights. The main hook is a new Dave Christiano Film “The Secret of Jonathan Sperry” (Trailer HERE) but also looks at the recent box office success of “Fireproof” — the highest grossing independent film in 2008.
Watch the video at ABCNEWS.COM
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Lionsgate revenues roar
June 1, 2009 by S David Acuff
Filed under Around the Web, Headlines
(June 1, 2009) A Variety Magazine article by Dave McNary that talks about Lionsgate’s jump in revenue 1Q2009. Interestingly enough, Tyler Perry’s “Madea Goes to Jail” helped boost the studios earnings.
(EXCERPT) Driven by strong box office, homevid and library sales, Lionsgate reported its second-highest quarterly revenue of $463.2 million for its fourth quarter ended March 31 — but that wasn’t enough to save it from a $163 million loss for the fiscal year.
The 2009 revenues were up 8% but the loss was more than double the $74 million loss in fiscal 2008.
Lionsgate said the fiscal-year loss was due primarily to underperformance of its film slate during its second and third quarters and a $36.1 million charge taken on its DVD distribution of Hit Entertainment’s family entertainment titles.
"Tyler Perry's Madea Goes To Jail"
“We ended our fiscal year on a strong note, with record box office in the first calendar quarter,” Feltheimer said. “We are also pleased that we could drive library, home entertainment and television revenues to record levels in such a challenging market environment. We believe that continued strength in our core businesses coupled with meaningful contributions from many of our recent investments and lower theatrical marketing costs position us for strong positive metrics in fiscal 2010.”
For the 2009 fiscal year, motion picture revenue jumped 17% to $223.3 million, propelled by fourth-quarter titles including “Tyler Perry’s Madea Goes to Jail,” ”My Bloody Valentine” and “The Haunting in Connecticut.”
Read the full article at VARIETY
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INTERVIEW – Phil Cooke is the Billy Graham of Brand
May 8, 2009 by S David Acuff
Filed under Wired4Film Exclusives
Wired4Film takes a literary turn as we dive into Phil Cooke’s latest tome, The Last TV Evangelist. Subtitled, Why The Next Generation Couldn’t Care Less About Religious Media and Why it Matters. Sub-subtitled, After You’ve Read “Roaring Lambs” Read This Book Before You Attempt Media of any Kind or You Die!
Okay, I admit, I made the last one up. But it’s true. Well, if by “you die” you mean “suffer public humiliations galore.” Anyway, there’s a short list of reads that film and media professionals should ingest before they begin their sojourn into media greatness. This is one of those books. That’s because as with anything, there’s a way to tell your story properly but there’s also a way to communicate it ineffectively.
As filmmakers, therefore, this book is especially important because it inspects the past, it considers current shifting technology trends and the dilemma that presents us, and then casts a sentient eye to the future with predictions and advice. It truly is a guide to the media revolution taking place. A sherpa, if you will. A sherpa with a Garmin GPS Nav system. What’s not to love?
Now I realize there are still many Christian Filmmakers and Broadcasters, etc. out there trying to put the Media in Mediacrity (oooh spell check’s not loving that one, but you know what? I’m leaving it…just to underscore my point). Again, that’s what Wired4Film is all about: educating to excellence, high production value, caring for your audience enough to elevate the art.
Phil Cooke is a globetrotter and a filmmaker. He’s been to more than 40 countries practicing what he preaches. He travels comfortably in both religious and secular circles. But most of all he’s from Charlotte, NC where Billy Graham (yes THE Billy Graham) started out, so you know he’s picked up some of that mojo just by proximity. And we caught up with him this week to talk about “The Last TV Evangelist” among other things…
WIRED4FILM: Phil, thanks for taking time out to talk with Wired4Film about your new book, “The Last TV Evangelist.” Feel free to not Tweet your answers at 140 Characters or less! <GRIN> First of all, I had no idea you had North Carolina roots. That’s my neck of the woods. And Charlotte, no less. I guess that makes you the Billy Graham of Brand, right? There’s been a lot of big ministries to come out of Charlotte, actually. Were you around town for the rise and fall of the PTL days? What notes did you take away from that experience?
PHIL COOKE: I went to college in Oklahoma, and to be honest, I really think I was driving out of Charlotte as Jim Bakker was driving into town. We might have passed on the highway. Either way, it was a good thing for me. The truth is, a few years later, I was graduating from college and actually sent them a job application. They turned me down, which is a good lesson – not every job you lose is a bad thing.
W4F: PTL is important to the theme of your book because it represents a style of ministry and fund raising that you discuss in Chapter One that worked for a particular season in American/Religious Broadcasting, but not today. Is the Age of the Televangelist (Radio-vangelist) really dead? Because I still see people lining up in droves to launch a broadcast ministry.
Phil Cooke - Media Guru
PHIL COOKE: In the same way the 3 networks splintered with the advent of cable TV in the seventies and eighties, church based TV programs are doing something similar today. In the early years of religious broadcasting, there were only a handful of preachers on TV – Billy Graham, Oral Roberts, Rex Humbard, and Jimmy Swaggart. But today, every city in America has 5 or 6 churches on TV in their local market. As long as you can sustain your program in a local market, that’s great. But it’s becoming a lot more challenging to expand to a national platform. That’s not to say it can’t be done – especially if you have a unique voice – but it’s just more difficult than it used to be.
W4F: You grew up as a PK, right? A preacher’s kid. And that usually turns out one of two ways…wizened, successful Agent of the Lord…or demon spawn. Might be too early to tell, but it appeeeeeeears you’ve gone the wizened successful route. Why is that? What made the difference for you?
PHIL COOKE: Being a Christian is really all I’ve ever known. I tell people I came to Christ through the stage door. There’s no question that I’ve seen a lot of junk, but at the same time I’ve always had a real sense that we’re all fallen human beings. Cynicism has never been an option for me, because I can’t find any organization in America that doesn’t have hypocrites or jerks. It’s all part of being human. At least in the church we have something significant to aspire to.
W4F: I see your book as a very instrumental followup to where Bob Briner left off in “Roaring Lambs” about being salt and light in the world. Or as I like to say, getting the church out of the church. We’ve become pretty insulated behind our four walls haven’t we? Talk about that.
PHIL COOKE: I call it the “Christian bubble.” We actually used to take the Great Commission seriously, until about 30 years ago when we discovered the Christian audience is a “buying” audience. So we changed our focus from reaching the world, to preaching to the choir. I’m all for providing media to believers, but there’s no question we need to get out of the bubble more often and get back to the business of engaging the culture.
W4F: You mentioned the concept of the Christian Bubble — that we stopped preaching to the world and started preaching to each other. But is preaching to the choir all bad? I mean, Jesus said to “feed my sheep” after all, not the goats! Or is that just a lame attempt by people to protect the ghetto?
PHIL COOKE: Absolutely not. At our company – Cooke Pictures in Burbank, California – we have a large number of clients who focus on reaching the Christian audience. As long as we do it without being cheesy or corny, that’s fine. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with creating content for Christians. But we also create TV specials for PBS, and we’re developing a reality show right now based on a Christian humanitarian organization. So we feel very strongly about balancing what we do.
W4F: I think one of the walls we keep running into with the Christian Film Industry is talked about in a concept you mentioned in the Book’s Intro where Christians are willing to financially support the mission of Christian Broadcasting (and films) because they like the idea of it, even though they disliked the results. Does that mean they’re willing to put out programming that they won’t watch, but they feel like non-Christians need? Isn’t that kind of absurd thinking? I mean we’ve been taught to distrust the Chef who won’t eat his own cooking, right?
PHIL COOKE: That’s an interesting question. One of the most fascinating things about producing faith-driven programming is the realization that we need to entertain, but also provoke, confront, and enlighten. It’s more than just giving people what they want – it’s giving them what they need. The issue is doing it under the radar. To be successful, we have to cloak what they need in the guise of what they want. That’s where art begins.
W4F: Filmmaker Ingmar Bergman was quoted as saying that “Movies are the church of the 20th century” which was a dig at religion being replaced by film, but isn’t there some truth to that, though? I mean, as the modern church continues to evolve we’re seeing more and more people “called” to the film industry as much as to Pastoral or Missions Work. Is it one or the other? Or can it be both?
PHIL COOKE: I’m a huge Bergman fan, because he was one of the first filmmakers to see the “death of God” in our culture. He showed us an unflinching view of what our lives would be without God, and it wasn’t pretty. He’s right in that when I go to a movie theater in LA on a Friday night, I recognize that’s “church” for a generation of young people. That’s where they get their morals, behavior, and principles for living. That’s why it’s so critical that we have a voice in that arena. Now we can criticize that, or follow the example of Jesus. He spent his time where the people were – the Temple square, the marketplace, or social gatherings like weddings. Today, the media is where people are. If we’re going to reach them, that’s where we need to be.
W4F: Technology can be overwhelming, if only because you barely get accustomed to the newest greatest thing, YouTube perhaps and then Facebook comes along, and then Twitter…do you ever just want to go become Amish? Raise a barn and make some noodles and get away from it all?
PHIL COOKE: I “Twittered” yesterday that media never dies – but the tools do. Yes, we’re experiencing change at the greatest rate in history. But I don’t see any scriptural basis for following the Amish. Everything about the Bible is about engagement. Look at old testament characters like Joseph, Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abendego. They rose to the highest levels of leadership in very hostile cultures. They made trade-offs on a daily basis. But it allowed them to have enormous influence.
W4F: Your book obviously embraces technology and the useful ways it can get your church or company’s story out there with surprising immediacy. But what has that got to do with AIDS orphans in Africa? Or starving Romany Gypsies in Ukraine? Or most of these 3rd world countries that wouldn’t know a Tweet from a Blogroll?
PHIL COOKE: It has everything to do with these issues, because it’s about mobilizing influence. You can’t solve AIDS or hunger in Africa if nobody cares. Twitter, Facebook, and other apps are about connecting and motivating people to make change happen.
W4F: Tough question alert. I was surprised in the book that you hold the opinion that there will always be a place in Christian Media for great preaching…is that just throwing a bone to the NRB and its rather large constituency or do you firmly believe that? After all, on the next page you reiterate that this generation wants a discussion, not a lecture.
PHIL COOKE: Have you ever listened to T.D. Jakes at the peak of one of his sermons? That rocks. Great preaching is an art, and I love to hear people with that gift. There’s no question that shooting a talking head sermon isn’t the best use of TV, but why shouldn’t we have a platform for great preachers? There are plenty of follow up platforms for conversations that are created by great preaching. I say cut ‘em loose.
W4F: You’ve tended to hang your shingle on the Broadcast side of things, but as a Director, is there a feature film you would like to Direct? Is that some place you’d like to be one day or is that not even on the radar? Left Behind part 7 perhaps?
PHIL COOKE: If I ever sign on to direct “Left Behind 7″ I give you permission to shoot me in the head. The truth is, all I ever really wanted to do was direct movies. It’s always been my passion. But somehow, I kept getting dragged kicking and screaming into the bigger picture of media. As a result, we’ve been helping clients on a global basis discover their voice and find the greatest possible audience for their message. We’ve produced programming in more than 40 countries around the world, and worked in both the religious and secular media. We’ve been involved in a couple of movies, and I’m certainly open to more, should the right door open.
W4F: Bear with me on this question because I’m interested in your response but I want to make sure I frame the thought clearly. At Wired4Film we’ve used your chapter about the Christian Music industry and Charlie Peacock’s assessment that it is dying as a springboard for a forecast into the gloomy future of the Christian Film industry. But it’s not a “death” so much as an “evolution” isn’t it? Just like with Web 2.0 which refers to this 2nd generation web development, design that facilitates communication, information sharing and collaboration….perhaps we’re looking at an advancement. Christian Film 2.0! What does that idea look like to you? Christian film in the 21st century?
PHIL COOKE: I hope it won’t be called “Christian film.” I think that’s a huge obstacle in finding an audience. I’m seeing more and more young Christians move into the secular, mainstream film industry and I think that’s a good thing. I would also encourage young filmmakers who are believers to study the independent film movement in America. I attend the Sundance Film Festival and others each year, and I’d like to follow that model. They find the young, unproven talent, and create really innovative projects. I’m tired of Christian filmmakers using yesterday’s stars. Let’s get innovative for a change.
W4F: Hey and while we’re dwelling on the tough questions, what’s your take on Christian nepotism (from a production standpoint, not a ministry standpoint)? Seeking to fill production positions with only other Christians.
PHIL COOKE: My favorite still photographer isn’t a Christian, and neither is my favorite DP. I love it when I can staff a project with believers, but my goal is to create the greatest project possible. Do it when you can, but please don’t get hung up on it.
W4F: Have you ever had to decline a project on Moral grounds? And that goes for Secular or Religious clients.
PHIL COOKE: Sure. Moral, religious, financial, wacky – I turn down all kinds of projects. It certainly gets tough when you’re desperate for work, but it’s important to know how your projects reflect who you are. But the truth is, I’ve turned down more projects from TV evangelists I thought were theologically wacky than anything else.
W4F: You’ve built a life and career and raised a family in L.A. What’s your take on being a Christian in Hollywood? How much do you wave the “Christian” flag? I mean, St. Francis said “Preach always and if necessary, use words.” But some detractors call this “covert christianity” and being ashamed of the Gospel. What is the view from the inside?
PHIL COOKE: I’m not very judgmental about people’s decisions in this area. Obviously, for a believer to lose a great job because he made people uncomfortable with his Christianity is stupid. That’s not what Christianity is all about. Don’t be a bone-head. But at the same time, I don’t hide it. People know I’m a Christian and I’ve gotten very little push back because of it. Hey – in Hollywood people worship rocks and hug trees. Being a Christian just isn’t as weird as you might think. On the other hand, I don’t question those at the highest levels who don’t make a public deal about their faith. I trust that they can make a greater influence under the radar, so I let them and the Lord work it out.
W4F: There are still two warring Evangelical views on Tinsel town. It’s perceived either as a Sodom&Gemorrah or else it’s Ninevah. That’s a huge difference. Talk about that.
PHIL COOKE: Honestly, I could care less about those arguments. Hollywood is a mission field. In fact, it should be our greatest mission field because what comes out of Hollywood influences the world. When was the last time you prayed for Hollywood? When was the last time your church commissioned young filmmakers or artists to come to Hollywood as missionaries? You don’t change things by boycotting. You change things by engaging. Check out the Hollywood Prayer Network. It will help you see this industry in a different light.
W4F: Ninevah it is, then. Okay, here’s a fun little exercise. Fun for me anyway. One of the films out today is the Zach Ephron vehicle “17 Again” about a 30-something man who gets another crack at being 17 years old and hilarity ensues. So, Phil, it’s 2009. You suddenly find yourself 17 again graduating from High School. You’re a film/tv guy. What do you do? What’s your plan?
PHIL COOKE: I would mortgage the farm to make my own film. When I started, there wasn’t an independent film movement like there is today. The unions had a lock on the industry, and breaking in was almost impossible. But today, technology has made producing movies available to anyone. Make a film. Tell your story. Connect with an audience. Change the world.
W4F: Well, thank you so much, Phil. I’m off to mortgage my farm, tear up my Amish application and buy a Daisy Air Rifle for your Left Behind 7 premiere. Lots to do. Lots to do.
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You can purchase a copy of “The Last TV Evangelist” at Amazon.com
Phil Cooke, Ph.D., is a media consultant to ministries and churches worldwide. He publishes a free monthly e-mail newsletter, “Ideas for Real Change.”
Find out more at www.philcooke.com
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PRODUCTION REPORT: MAY 2009
May 1, 2009 by S David Acuff
Filed under Wired4Film Exclusives
There are a lot more faith-based films out there in progress than we realize. This Production Report is a new monthly feature on Wired4Film to give space and credence to all the hard work going on out there. To keep you in the know.
But we can’t keep you in the know if we don’t know about the know, you know? So if you’re sitting in Development or Production or Post on a faith-based feature, drop us a line so we can include you in the next Production Report!
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//…IN DEVELOPMENT…<
*NEW
ProdCo: Cloud10Pictures
Title: End of the Beginning
Writer: Robert Watson
Budget: TBD
Contact: Cloud Ten Pictures, info@cloudtenpictures.com; 905-684-5561
Logline: Four passengers ride along in an otherwise deserted subway car late at night; they are somehow familiar to one another but not sure how. The wheels screech, lights flicker and something comes out of the darkness. Christian high tension thriller / horror film.
*NEW
ProdCo: Cloud10Pictures
Title: DIRK AND THE DEVIL
Budget: TBD
Writer- Bobbie Frega
Contact: Cloud Ten Pictures, info@cloudtenpictures.com; 905-684-5561
Logline: A man who is upset with the evil in the world duct-tapes the devil to his radiator. Christian and Dark Independent Comedy.
*NEW
ProdCo: Cloud10Pictures
Title: CAMP EDEN
Budget: TBD
Writer- Andre van Heerden
Contact: Cloud Ten Pictures, info@cloudtenpictures.com; 905-684-5561
Logline: An unpopular teen travels to a camp to win the girl of his dreams – not realizing it’s an evangelical Christian camp. Christian and Broad Teen comedy
*NEW
ProdCo: Cloud10Pictures
Title: Apocalypse V
Budget: TBD
Contact: Cloud Ten Pictures, info@cloudtenpictures.com; 905-684-5561
Logline: Established popular series. God’s champions during the tribulation period must cling to faith even after death. Christian, End-Times evangelical thriller.
ProdCo: Fountain Films Production Company
Title: The Last Gasp
Budget: $200K
Writer- Britton Andrews
Director – Josh Overbay
Executive Producers: Sheryl Fountain, Jay Black, Matt Kinne
Producers – Sheryl Fountain, Ken Altman
Shoot Dates: Jun 1 to Jul 6, 2009
Locations: Hampton Roads, VA
Needs: Accepting Film Interns & Headshot until April 1st
Logline: In the war-torn wasteland of mid-21st century America, John Aston and his fellow drug-addicted ‘Sweepers’ are trying to destroy the last of their cyborg enemy and re-establish civilization. When his current mission goes awry, though, John finds himself battling withdrawal-induced visions and leading a group of his foes to a supposed Promised Land in an alternate dimension.
ProdCo: Advent Film Group
Title: Pilgrim’s Progress Musical
Budget: –
Source: Allegory by John Bunyan
Notes: This is a 3D animation project currently in development.
Locations: Virginia, Manila, India
ProdCo: Prolific Pictures
Title: Just Mercy
Budget: –
Director: Jeffrey R. Henry
Writers: Jeffrey R. Henry, Robert J. McCrea, Peter Coleman
Source: based on the Novel “Rolling Thunder” by Mark Mynheir
Notes: Just wrapped photography on the Trailer. Distribution locked, seeking investors.
Location: Trailer shot in Mooresville, NC
Logline: Officer John Russell has just been assigned a high-profile missing kid case which will take all his time and energy. But his aging father re-emerges after 30 years in jail wanting to reconcile, but John can’t move beyond the horrors of the past. Things he thought were long buried are now threatening his job, his family and his own salvation.
ProdCo: ContinuousTake Productions
Title: Kaffir Boy
Budget: –
Director: Hannah Sink
Producers: Michelle McGrier, Simon Boyce
Writers: Michelle McGrier, Hannah Sink, Mark Mathabane
Source: Based on the Novel “Kaffir Boy” by Mark Mathabane
Notes: Development funds have been raised.
Location: Los Angeles (Production Office), South Africa (Production)
Needs: Production Financing
Crew: TBD
Contact: www.continuoustakeproductions.com
Logline: This captivating historical drama tells the harrowing true story of Johannes Mathabane, as he struggles to grow up in the poorest township in South Africa, where bloody gang wars are a rite of passage, and where life is measured in days not years. His sheer determination to escape the brutality of apartheid during the 1970’s leads him to the most unlikely of places – the tennis court- where he finds solace and a passport to freedom.
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//…IN PRODUCTION…<
ProdCo: Cornfed Pictures
Title: Vacant House
Budget: <$10,000
Writer/Director/Producer: Jeremy Casper
Producer: Jeremy Casper and Kelly Erickson
DP: Tom McCarty
Notes: 60% of the film is in the can. The final week of shooting will be May 6-11
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Crew Needs: We need willing and able bodies starting NOW through May 12th who can help out with everything from pre-production assistances to crew positions. The shoot is May 6-11 and will shoot in the greater LA area. Currently looking for a SOUND RECORDIST, grips, grip electrics, and PAs. So, if you think you can hold a boom pole, you’ve got tons of experience, or you’ve never been on a film set in your life but you want to learn, then come on out and help! Compensation: we’ll feed you! And get you a copy of the completed film.
Contact: jercasper@gmail.com
Logline: A man’s tumultuous relationship with his father is healed when he attempts to reunite a dead man with his estranged son.
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//…IN POST-PRODUCTION…<
ProdCo: Messenger Films
Title: The Bill Collector
Budget: –
Writer/Director: Cristobal Krusen
Exec. Prods: Cristobal Krusen, Douglas Maddox
Producers: Kenneth Altman, Douglas Maddox
Notes: Shot between 10/6/08 and 11/8/08, planned release Autumn 2009
Location: Shot and posted entirely in Hampton Roads, VA
Needs: None at this time
Contact: –
Logline: Lorenzo Adams is in trouble. The hard driving manager of a collections agency must pay an old debt of $100,000 in a matter of days or face certain death. An unlikely friendship with his would-be killer and a cockamamie scheme to hire desperate down-and-outers from an inner-city mission all amount to nothing when Lorenzo finds himself staring down the barrel of a gun.
ProdCo: Reel Frog Films
Title: Book of Ruth
Budget: –
Director/Editor: Stephen Patrick Walker
Writers: Stephen Patrick Walker, Salvatore Di Salvatore
Starring: Carman, Dan Haggerty, Sherry Morris, Lana Wood, Eleese Lester, DJ Perry
Notes: In Post-Production; TBN Television Premiere Spring 2009
Location: Filmed at Passion Play in Eureka Springs, AR and Frazier Park, CA
Needs: None at this time
Crew: Positions filled, no inquiries please
Logline: A young widow follows her mother-in-law to Israel in hopes of a better life.
ProdCo: Daros Films
Title: Greyscale
Budget: under $1M
Written/Directed/Starring/Produced by: Ryan Dunlap
CoStarring: Doug Jones, Anthony Tyler Quinn and Tim Russ
Notes: Currently in Post-Production
Location: Shot in Tulsa, OK
Needs: None at this time
Crew: Positions filled, no inquiries please
Logline: A neo-noir thriller about a painter with trauma-induced color blindness trying to unravel the mystery that killed his wife.
ProdCo: Highlander Films
Title: A Night at the Silent Movie Theatre
Budget: under $1M
Director: Tim Russ
Writers: Calix Lewis Reneau & Aydrea ten Bosch nee Walden
Starring: Phil LaMarr, Tony Todd, Ethan Phillips and Al White
Notes: Currently in post at The Lot
Location: Shot on Location in Los Angeles
Needs: None at this time
Crew: Positions filled, no inquiries please
Logline: A comedy about a rock singer taking his last, best shot at stardom in the old silent movie theatre house.
ProdCo: Theoretical Entertainment and Baylor Film & Digital Media
Title: Endings
Budget: <$23K
Writer/Director: Chris Hansen
Producer: Brian Elliot
Notes: Shot June 2008. Currently in Post-Production. Expected completion date is June 2009
Location: Shot in Texas (Waco and Bellmead)
Needs: None at this time
Crew: Positions filled, no inquiries please
More Info: www.theoreticalentertainment.com
Logline: ENDINGS is about three people converging on the eve of their own demise and how they form a unique bond that ultimately changes their lives in an instant. It explores love, sacrifice, and the true nature of family.
ProdCo: Praise Pictures
Title: Standing Firm
Budget: –
Writer/Producer/Director: Kyle Prohaska
Notes: Pickups shot in February; Currently in Post-Production
Location: Lewiston, NY
Needs: None at this time
Crew: Positions filled, no inquiries please
Info: http://www.standingfirmmovie.com/
Logline: STANDING FIRM is a story of forgiveness and finding peace in times of suffering. Dave, a widower, is working himself to death. Late nights doing paperwork and running on fumes is the norm. Dave’s son Steven, the only remaining Christian of the family has been watching his fathers now unhealthy lifestyle with great concern unsure of what to do next. Soon God moves on Steven’s heart to stop complaining about his fathers situation and help him instead. As Dave begins to move in the right direction, he searches for the ultimate question about his wife’s death…..WHY?
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Top 17 Biola Media Conf 09 Tweets
April 27, 2009 by S David Acuff
Filed under Around the Web, Editorials, Headlines
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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