INTERVIEW – Phil Cooke is the Billy Graham of Brand

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.

_______________________________

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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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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PhilCooke.com: The Art of Branding

The Art of Branding:
What Do People Think of When They Think of You?
by Phil Cooke 

A generation ago, all a preacher or teacher needed to be successful in ministry was a calling, a working knowledge of the Bible, and a good set of lungs.  It didn’t take much back then, and great ministries were sometimes built with little more than a car that worked and a passion for sharing the gospel.

But today it’s different.  Today, pastors, evangelists, and ministry leaders struggle under one of the most frustrating and competitive cultural influencers in history – the power of global media.  It doesn’t take much to see that the media’s influence in our lives is pervasive, and today, education, business, religion, leisure, science, even family life, are all measured against that influence. 

            That’s why the greatest challenge you face today is how to effectively express your ministry in a media-dominated culture.  How can people hear you and your message alongside the maddening swirl of media “clutter” -  TV, radio, computer, digital music player, Internet, mobile phone, and other  technologies competing for our attention.  How do we get the message of the church heard through the massive and growing wave of media static out there?  Today every pastor in America struggles with the critical question of how do we tell our  story in a media driven, consumer oriented culture?

            In my book: “Branding Faith: Why Some Churches and Non-Profits Impact the Culture and Others Don’t, I share the keys to cutting through the overwhelming media clutter, connecting, and then developing a meaningful relationship with your congregation, supporters, or audience.  We need to move far beyond the typical communication techniques of recent years, and create a powerful strategy for reaching the most distracted audience in the history of the world.  Essentially, it’s about getting your message heard.  It’s about telling your story, and making that story connect with an audience.

What do people think of when they think of you, your church, or your ministry?

In a world where perception is just as important as reality, how can we position ourselves to impact the world?  Essentially,  “branding” is the story that surrounds a person, organization, or product.  In other words, in a world of incredible choice, what makes you or your message different?  How can you stand out and be noticed?  Why should someone pause and consider what you have to say? 

In my book, I highlight some of the keys for successful branding  and identity that consultants like Peter Montoya (The Brand Called You) has developed.  I’ve adapted those keys for ministry, and here are a few things to consider:

            1.  In a media-driven culture, visibility is just as important as ability.   In a media-driven culture, being seen is just as important as being effective. Tragically, there are thousands of brilliant, gifted pastors who will never make an impact because people don’t know who they are.  As a producer in Hollywood, I see the concept illustrated very clearly, where actors of little ability and skill make millions of dollars from being in the right place at the right time. At casting sessions, I’m amazed at the incredible level of talent among unknown actors. There are men and women with incredible gifts who will never be recognized or known.

In ministry, the people you see on television or listen to on radio aren’t necessarily the most gifted, anointed or skilled ministry leaders out there. But they have influence because they have visibility.  Is it fair?  Absolutely not.  But neither was the Roman occupation during the early church, or many other cultural contexts pastors have confronted throughout history.

Does ability matter? No question about it. I believe in education, skill, expertise and personal growth. When the door opens, you’d better be ready to act and have the talent and calling to back it up. But unless that door opens, all the talent in the world will do little outside of ministering your family.  Getting your face out there isn’t necessarily the act of an egotistical maniac. Certainly there are narcissists in the media, and plenty on religious television, but the truth is, getting on the radar of the public is the first step toward getting your message heard.

            2.  Perception is just as important as reality.   In a world where the Internet, cell phones, and other technologies spread the word at light speed, the first impression matters.  In the past, it was all about facts, but today it’s about perception.   For instance, it doesn’t matter if you’re an anointed man or woman of God, if your congregation thinks you’re an con-artist. Someone once said that if you don’t control your perception, you’ll live the rest of your life at the mercy of others who will. Who will write the story of your life and ministry? Will you leave your own legacy, or wait for others to create it for you?   Who you are is important; but you can never underestimate the value of how you are perceived.

            3.  You Can’t Brand a Lie.  Whatever you advertise and promote about you and your ministry, you’d better be able to back up.  Today, people cry out for authenticity, and we live in the most skeptical age in history.   That’s why delivering on your promises is more important than ever.  I often tell our clients that Google isn’t just a search engine – it’s about reputation management.  In the old days, you could keep much of your life secret, but today, a quick Google search reveals more than most people would like to share.  A drink driving arrest from college, missed child support payments, or a new jet parked at the airport will all show up on a Google search.  In a digital age, we need to live transparent lives.

            4. In a Media-driven Culture, Being Different Is Everything.   The world isn’t looking for another Joel Osteen, T.D. Jakes, Franklin Graham, or Joyce Meyer, they’re looking for someone different and original. God gave you unique DNA, so your job is to discover how your unique gifts and talents can differentiate your ministry from everyone else’s.  You have no idea the number of pastors who call our offices each week asking us to “Do the same thing for us that you did for your national ministry clients.” They’ve got it backwards. There’s already one of those famous clients. A new person needs to emphasize his or her unique differences.  

In working with many of our clients, I’m reminded of Michelangelo, who was asked how he carved such brilliant statues of angels. He remarked that he didn’t carve statues, he just removed the excess stone so the angel inside could come out. That’s very often the case with our work.

            It’s not so much a matter of recreating or rebuilding a ministry; it’s more about cutting away the junk so the real ministry that’s inside can be released.  And believe me, the junk is there. Lack of professionalism, poor media production, unqualified staff, poor taste, inept leadership, insecurity, small budgets, bad assumptions, a confusing story, and more plague many organizations today and hamper their effectiveness.

A quick look at Christian churches and organizations will prove that most  are pretty similar in their look, style and presentation.

Few men and women in the ministry world are truly unique and different. God is the great creator, and yet most ministry leaders simply copy what they see on TV or hear on the radio.  Listen to Apple computer ads and “Think Different.” If God created you as a unique individual, what does that mean for the type of vision you’re called to accomplish and the people you’re called to reach?

            If Joel Osteen is about inspiration, Billy Graham is about salvation, Joyce Meyer is about practical living, Jack Graham is about Jesus, Robert Schuller is about motivation, Chuck Colson is about speaking Truth into culture, or Ed Young is about creativity, what is the story that surrounds you?  What do people think of when they think of you?

Whether you minister to 10 or 10,000, these are critical questions that will help you create a compelling brand story that can impact your ministry, and help you make a connection that could potentially influence the world. 

 _______________________________

 

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

 

 

 

10 Biggest Mistakes Made by Christians in the Entertainment Industry

10 Biggest Mistakes Made by Christians in the Entertainment Industry
By Phil Cooke, Special to the ASSIST News Service SANTA MONICA, CA (ANS) -

 As a television and film producer and director based in Los Angeles, California – the home of global entertainment giants like Warner Brothers Studios, Sony Pictures, Walt Disney Studios, NBC, and more, I meet a lot of Christians who come to Hollywood to seek their fame and fortune. There’s no question that Christian media professionals can make an impact in the entertainment industry, and we shouldn’t shy away from putting our imprint as people of faith in that arena. But over the years I’ve also seen Christians who come to Hollywood unprepared for the difficult challenges of making their mark in the business.

This is probably the most competitive business in the world, and in Hollywood you meet thousands of actors, directors, writers, and producers, who are constantly out of work. Therefore, to make a mark for God, we have to first make sure we have the experience, the background, the vision, and the skills for moving into this difficult but potentially fruitful arena.

The following list contains the most common mistakes I see with Christians who want to “move to LA” and get a job in the secular entertainment industry. Learn to overcome these 10 areas, and you’ll have a far better chance of success:

#1   Explicit Style – Just because we’re Christians, we don’t have to produce explicitly Christian programs. When Jesus told parables, he never mentioned church, and only rarely even mentioned “God.” Learn to be subtle and win the audience with creative and compelling programming. Remember – your first priority is to make a good movie or TV program.

#2   Poor Writing – Learn the art of storytelling, whether or not you want to be a writer. Every member of the production team needs to be able to recognize good writing. The fact is – most movies by Christians fail because they’re just not good stories.

#3   Being Out of Touch with the Culture – Christian producers often don’t keep up with current TV, movies, internet, or graphic styles. Trends change faster every year, so stay on top of what’s working, and what people are watching.

#4   Poor “Branding” – Know the importance of “branding” and how it can work for you personally as well as for the project. You can influence people’s perceptions of you and your projects – so learn the techniques of branding and put them to work for you!

#5   Christian “Lingo” – Check the dialogue in most projects written by Christians. We have to dump Christian “lingo” and learn to speak in a language and style this culture understands.

#6   Not Knowing How Hollywood Works – Sure they create some lame stuff, but entertainment is America’s #1 global export, so somebody in Hollywood knows what they’re doing. Take the time to learn how the system works before you waste months or years banging on doors. Read the trades, and understand the odds. Is the studio system best for you? Maybe you should try the independent route.

#7   Ignorance of Financing – Most Christian producers are plagued with lack of funds for projects and equipment. Spend time learning financial skills, and start cultivating financial relationships. 3 things will change your view about money: * You don’t have a money problem – you have a wisdom problem. (Study the life of King Solomon). * Learn to Value and Prioritize your Time. The greatest difference between the successful and unsuccessful is their opinion of time. * Understand the power of favor. God has placed people in your life who can open remarkable doors for you – seek them out.

#8   Not Doing Your Homework – Read the trades, check the Internet, do research. Know who you’re pitching to, or who you’re meeting with. What do they want? What have they done in the past? It destroys your credibility when a person you’re pitching to realizes you didn’t even take the time to find out their needs and interests.

#9   Lack of Effective Marketing – We live in a culture where “perception is more important than reality,” so use that to your advantage. Know the difference between the impact of a resume vs. a demo reel and having appropriate presentation materials. Learn to present yourself with confidence. Start investing in yourself!

#10  Not Knowing How to be a Problem Solver – Your life will change when you realize your value in the workplace is in direct proportion to your ability to solve problems for other people. Forget hourly rates, fees, or salaries – learn to solve problems, and you’ll never be out of a job. Understand that the size of the problem you solve determines your salary, never discuss problems with people who can’t help you solve them, and people who can make a difference for you are watching you solve problems.

So go out there, solve a few problems, and make a difference!

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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