Faith and Filmmaking

Christ-like

2011-09-15T09:54:00.001-05:00

To lead by public opinion poll may be fine for Bill Clinton, but in the church the result (from James 1) is a double-minded man unstable in what he does. A Disciple leads according to the Word. (John 8:31-- Jesus says if you continue in my Word, then you really are my Disciples).

A church leader who is swayed by the more vocal gossip in the congregation, and not by any convictions he has from the Word, is that double-minded man. If you want a large church, sure, you might need to lead by opinion polls. Leading by the Word, will at times, make you unpopular. So for the popular-minded-- you'll need to pick and choose which verses are suitable for your personal goals.

Years ago when I was in college, we were working on an evangelistic drama piece. A church leader didn't like one of the actors. He said he needed to be more "Christ-like." Because he believed inaccurate gossip not handled scripturally (Matt 18). Makes me wonder if he means Christ-like holding a cute little lamb? Christ-like leaving footprints on the beach? Christ-like running after the rich young ruler saying "just kidding, you can be my disciple just as you are, no need to change!"

Or could he mean Christ-like where Jesus insulted the gentile woman calling her a dog, or Christ-like looking in the chief disciple eyes and speaking to Satan? Or Christ-like taking a whip to the money people in the temple? Or Christ-like where he told the rich young ruler what he needs to give up in order to follow Him, and then watched him walk away?

There's a huge disconnect here. I hope my image of who Jesus is is based on scripture and not on church culture. Of course, that would mean I'd have to actually read the Bible.

I'm just saying.

Been Away

2011-09-09T15:12:00.000-05:00

For a period of time, I wrote this blog fairly regularly-- averaging every other day. Sometimes as a blogwriter, I wonder what's the point? Does anyone read them? I wish I could write with humor and maybe not be so intense. But that's not who I am.

What has been encouraging is all the emails I've gotten this year from people who have been going back through the archives and reading different entries. I'm glad for that. Not sure I'll write with the regularity of the past, but I might not quit cold turkey like I did last December.

I've been working. Corporate and Commercial work has kicked up. And suddenly a script I wrote 7 years ago has drawn some new interest. Perhaps this fall we'll be shooting that movie.

In the meantime, the DSLR craze has renewed my own interest in shooting. As a Director, more and more over the last decade I've been getting away from actual hands-on shooting. This season has been one of falling back in love with cinematography. I've really had a lot of fun going out and shooting the different projects-- be they corporate communications, a commercial spot, or even a music video or two.

I'm in the process of redoing the SFilms website and will probably post more often there on filmmaking techniques, leaving this blog more for the faith-based articles.

Vacation

2011-01-11T08:36:00.000-06:00

I have taken a nice vacation from the blog. With the holidays and work, focus has been elsewhere. Business has picked up-- been doing more commercial work. And we're hoping to keep moving forward on the next feature film. Here's to 2011.

We're in the midst of moving our offices as well. We're in the Studios121 building in Fort Worth, and are moving our suite to #211. If you have us in your address book, might be a good time to change our suite number.

In addition to Deadmen's Red and 5D, SFilms has just gotten a 7D DSLR. Right now, we're doing a corporate film documentary style and enjoying shooting two cameras for it (the 5D along with the 7D). Perfect for giving edit points on interviews.

We'll probably schedule some more workshops and seminars for February and March. We have gotten a lot of buzz for the screenfighting and will probably break it down by day-- one day for firearms, one for fighting, etc. We'll limit the class size to make sure good hands-on time can be had. More info soon on that.

Screenfighting Details

2010-12-02T12:41:00.000-06:00

We're getting closer to this Saturday's Workshop. It's actually turning out to be one of our most popular ever. I try to pick subjects that can be of value to actors that will help them get and keep roles. As I've directed my movies, I've found that many actor's can't throw or receive a punch. Or they hold a gun goofy. Or they're afraid of a squib hit and it shows.

So "ta-da." Screenfighting & SFX for Actors. We've only got a couple seats remaining as of this posting. Im going to pull down the registration pretty soon. If you still see the button, it means you can still register. It's all at http://www.s-films.com/pov . Scroll down for the workshop.

Here's our agenda:

The Agenda looks something like this (subject to change):
9:00        Intros and Screenfighting (We will do a quiz early to determine first person to be squibbed)
10:30     Break (2^nd Squibber is picked)
10:45     Screenfighting continues
12:00     Break for lunch – There are fast food places around—specifically a few miles south on 121, exit Beach Street. Some people in the past have tried for a sit down at one of the restaurants back at the mall (820/183/121 convergence to the north), but everytime, they end up getting back late.
1:00        Start promptly—talk about Weapons with Doug Williams
2:30        Break
2:45        SFX with Steve Krieger (Last person is picked to be a Squibber)
4:30        Squib the lucky three participants
5:00        We’re done

I think it's going to be a lot of fun and I'm looking forward to working with Steve Krieger, Scott Roland and Doug Williams. I'm sending out an email to all those with confirmed seats. If you think you are and don't get an email by tomorrow morning, you'd better contact me.

Reviews

2010-11-29T11:40:00.000-06:00

I had to laugh. When I read a recent comment on a site about "The Imposter," I had to just shake my head and chuckle.

I do get asked about how negative reviews and comments make me feel-- or how they affect me. In the beginning, it was harder-- being a little more unsure (let's call it insecure) of myself as a filmmaker, negative comments found a fertile target. Some of the more negative and out there were actually easier to ignore and dismiss-- when they attacked me personally, I knew that it had nothing to do with me, but something stirred up the water in their own life.

The ones that picked apart mistakes I was already aware of were of no consequence either. I knew what they were and I agreed with it. The hardest comments and reviews were the ones that found mistakes I didn't want to admit. These I had to chew on for awhile until I realized they were right.

So consequently, reviews/comments don't have as much effect on me today. I find myself laughing at more of them. Like the one in question above.

The comment went something like this-- this movie didn't even end, so it doesn't minister. Like the viral episodic "Jesus People," there are different types of Christians out there. And when I read that comment, I picture it being written by the uptight, hypocritical pharisee character in that show. It's funny.

The person writing this comment is waiting for God to zap people (for good or for punishment). God to him is a logitician-- If you do A and B, then God will do C. (Check out Larry Crabbe's book on people who walk out the law of linearity). But God laughs at us. I believe He's more interested in the process than the result... the journey rather than the destination.

Now I write reviews for fellow filmmakers and I attempt to be accurate, not cruel, pointing out the nice things as well as the things that can be improved. As my mentor recently said-- I welcome examination, for if I'm correct, then I'm that much more resolute, and if I'm incorrect, it's a great opportunity to improve. There is no bad with examination... only good.

TeaCupping is Wrong

2010-11-19T13:56:00.001-06:00

And so is pointing the gun at the ceiling. Throughout the seventies and eighties, television and film were totally unconcerned about any kind of weapons realism in cinema. But that has been changing. Dramatically. Shows like "The Unit" spend painstaking amount of time and training to make sure the actors are holding and handling the weapons accurately.

The move is on towards accuracy. And if you, an actor, go into an audition or on the set and grab the pistol and teacup it, don't be surprised if they laugh at you. Or roll their eyes. If you insist on a shoulder holster, I hope you're character is extremely old school. They just don't do that today. And when you're about to turn the corner, why are you pointing at the sky with that handgun? The police and the military do not train that way-- only fake actors do it that way. And they do it because they saw it on television in the seventies.

At the Screenfighting & SFX for Actors Workshop on Dec 4, Weapons Master and Specialist Doug Williams will be joining Stunt Coordinator Scott Roland and SFX Coordinator Steve Krieger and will show you the right way to hold a gun and handle it like a professional. Doug has been trained at FBI courses as well as some of the best military training ranges in the country. And he's been weapons master on several feature films. He knows guns.

Doug and I took some actors to Frontsight in Las Vegas for some training a couple years ago. It was great stuff. I myself have done some extensive firearm training and now insist on realism in my movies.

Want to know what TeaCupping is? Come to the Seminar to avoid this embarrassing on-set mistake! Register for the Saturday, Dec 4 Workshop at http://www.s-films.com/pov .

True Revolt

2010-11-18T10:33:00.000-06:00

In times of universal deceit, telling the truth will be a revolutionary act.
- George Orwell

I know of a self-proclaimed poet/revolutionary type. His pretentiousness is astounding... his narcissism severe. Yet his gift is without repentance from the Giver of all things and the double-minded (James 1) are pulled into his trap.

In my ownself, I have discovered that evil isn't a destination, but a direction. It's not something that's far off, and I have to work to get there. It's a simple choice made every day.

Jeremiah writes that the heart is deceitful above all else, who can know it... So in my own life, deceit is universal. In yours too. You see, since the fall, deceit has ruled from the heart of all men. Opposite of the Humanist, I believe that we are all narcissists underneath-- lions feeding on whoever's next to us so that we can survive and thrive.

So for the person who discovers the Truth? He is a revolutionary. And most people, even many of those proclaiming to be "christians" will consider this person to be "revolting." (Double entendre intended). As an individual pursues Truth (Jesus says He is the Truth), he will become lonelier. Although being a revolutionary is hip and cool in many pretentious circles, few have the guts to actually be one. You see, they revolt against truth in favor of deceit.

The poet mentioned above is a great example of this. He considers himself a revolutionary-- railing against the church and the establishment. All the while embracing different costumes and masquerades that enable him to pursue his own selfish agenda.

So I end with another quote-- this one by Brennan Manning.

"When I was eight," confesses Brennan Manning, "the impostor, or false self, was born as a defense against pain. The impostor within whispered, 'Brennan, don't ever be your real self anymore because nobody likes you as you are. Invent a new self that everybody will admire and nobody will know.'" Notice the key phrase: "as a defense against pain," as a way of saving himself. The impostor is our plan for salvation…

Advice to New Directors

2010-11-16T01:10:00.000-06:00

To all you who want to direct your own movie:

Try to focus on just the job of Director. This means it will be harder and the directing will suffer if you are the actor or producer as well. This doesn't apply to jobs that don't really run concurrently like writing (or even editing, but see note below).
You are going to make first-timer mistakes. The movie can't afford too many of these, so don't hire other first-timers in key positions.
You will need people you trust to advise you on not making too many first-timer mistakes. But your insecurity will try and stop you from taking the advice. Or listening to those with more experience.
Cast every position like it's the lead. Don't give in to your insecurity by giving out roles so people will like you or think you're such a nice guy.
Don't be the editor too. Most director's cannot "kill their children." Which means you love scenes that don't move the story and lose any kind of objective storytelling sense.
Know your goal-- do you want a calling card for bigger/greater things? Or do you want this movie to find distribution and make money? Because it's a totally different strategy for each of those end games.
Study, research, learn. When I meet a person who wants to direct, I meet someone who has read many, many books, seen many, many films, and listened to many, many commentaries. And they've also shot some shorts. You say you want to direct but haven't done any of these things? Then I say you really don't want to direct.
Learn how to communicate. Know the basics of the communication model (sender/receiver/medium/filters).
Learn some psychology. (Get the DSM).

Anyway... just some random advice for you up and coming directors.

Screenfigting and SFX for Actors

2010-11-15T13:49:00.000-06:00

I can still remember the first day I met "the Twins." We were at our production offices off Harry Hines in Dallas, gearing up for my first movie "The Keyman." We were having our first big production meeting and Susan Kirr, the UPM, introduced me to these two guys. They weren't identical, except in good solid character. I instantly liked them.

The Twins are Scott Roland and Steve Krieger. They're called that in the industry because they're usually inseparable. Best friends, they share a common bond of integrity and passion for making movies.

Steve Krieger is a Special Effects Supervisor. This means that is it burns up, blows up, explodes, or some other cinematic on screen trickery-- Steve's your man. Scott Roland is a Stunt Coordinator. He makes sure any stunts in the movie come off safely and effectively.

On one of my early movies, I learned that if I'm going to cast someone in a role that will need to throw a punch, I need to audition them doing that. It looks easy to fight on screen simply because the pros make it look easy. But sometimes, in my movies, I need an everyday actor to be able to throw a punch or take a punch. Or handle weapons like they know what they're doing. And, be able to act in the face of some expensive SFX shot.

So, I talked to the Twins, and we set a date for a workshop to help actors. On Dec 4th, we're going to teach "Screenfighting and SFX for Actors." It's only $49 and we're going to squib one or two lucky ones up in the afternoon. Register at www.s-films.com/pov .

We have to have a minimum number of attendees, so sign up asap if you plan on coming. One disclaimer-- this is not to teach actors how to be stuntmen.

It's All About Relationships

2010-11-12T07:48:00.000-06:00

My movie is soooo important to God's kingdom. My song can change people's lives. My ministry will reach hundreds of thousands. Any of this sound familiar? If it does, you've bought into the Narcissists Gospel. (I know I do when I walk in my flesh).

In the beginning God... He created man and woman. The big deal for Him was walking in the garden with them. Relating. Relationship. It's not so much what you do. Whether you're the pastor of a mega church, or the hottest name in Christian music. Or the janitor. God's much more interested in your relationships than your work.

He asks His followers to make disciples. That's all about relationship. (Which is anathema to modern day evangelism-- which puts the emphasis on numbers not relationship).

I've said it before-- God can make a sunset that can reach down and touch the heart of man much more than any film I make. It's just a movie. It has no power to save anybody or anything. Sure, it can be a great tool, but let's not take our work so seriously.

Instead, I'm turning my mindset to these concentric circles: My relationship with God. My relationship with my family. My relationship with others.

Missionary Dating Movies

2010-11-10T13:54:00.000-06:00

As I've watched a bunch of "christian" movies lately, one theme that I'm a little concerned about is basically this-- the "protagonist" in the story is messed up. He will come to Jesus by end of movie. And helping him along the way is his "Christian" girlfriend.

I haven't just described one movie. I'm looking at a stack of 5 movies and 3 of them have this plot device. My thirteen year old boy was watching with me on one of them and I really became conscious of what we're preaching here.

Back in my day in youth group, this was called "missionary dating." The term describes the Christian who dates a non-believer in the hopes of converting him. Usually, this is total farce and full on hypocrisy-- because really, the Christian simply wants that person and justifies the "unequally yoked" principle by introduce the mission purpose.

And as the youth leader said back then, it hasn't changed-- missionary dating is dangerous and doesn't work. It's wrong and dysfunctional. But now, all of a sudden, our "christian" burgeoning pop culture is reintroducing the idea-- showing that "see sweetie, you can date that heathen and he'll come around. Quick! Go plant him a big one on the lips and get him to the Kingdom!"

Now as a screenwriter, I understand the predicament. You have a man who is going on a journey of faith. (Or to Faith). You need a female lead. Voila, the die is cast. I challenge you Believers that are going to make movies-- don't introduce dangerous theology just so that your main message can work better as a plot device. I challenge you to find creative solutions that avoid error and enhance your plot. You work for the Giver of all creativity anyway. Why not reflect Him?

High Infidelity

2010-11-08T09:36:00.000-06:00

In the movie "The Imposter," our hero, top Christian band singer Johnny C has committed adultery. This is in addition to all the other sins... like substance abuse. Recently, I learned about another Christian band who it has been alleged that he's been in an adulterous affair for several years.

What's funny is that in researching it (and I'll tell you why I'm researching in a moment), the blogs and boards are roaring with "c'mon people, show him some grace and forgiveness!! He needs love, not stoning." While I totally agree he needs love, I would want to revisit the definition of that word. Remember, seeking the other's highest good is what love is.

Anyway, infidelity in the church is not something talked much about, except when the scandal hits. Yet, in talking with my mentor, psychologist Dr. Mike Riggins, infidelity is "epidemic in the church" in his words. This came about when I asked him what are hot issues these days in the people he counsels and in the church. He didn't hesitate.

What's more interesting is a study he did awhile back. His theory going in was that infidelity is extremely similar to death. The victim of infidelity goes through the Stages of Grief, just like losing someone to death. His conclusion was surprising-- it is longer and harder to get through the Stages of Grief in marriage infidelity than in the death of a loved one.

Wow. I suppose that with death, there's some sense of closure. But for unfaithfulness, there isn't.

Yes, Adultery is a sin. A horrific sin. The Church knows this. But what's next for the person who commits it?

I do believe that leaders in the church have a higher standard. You want that stage and want that pulpit-- the mantle of leadership. Well guess what, I can back up with scripture how with greater leadership comes greater responsibility.

So should the spouse take the adultery back? Isn't that the "Christian" way? Love, forgiveness, grace.. all that.

When adultery occurs, the marriage is over. For their to be reconciliation, a new marriage has to be built.

So why am I researching this? Maybe it's the next script that I write. Maybe.

Man put in jail for showing Christian films

2010-11-03T14:13:00.000-05:00

Man put in jail for showing Christian films

Very interesting article. I am curious what Christian films he was showing.

Some Random Filmmaking/Ego Thoughts

2010-11-02T06:00:00.000-05:00

Lessons learned lately. I am not the Giver. I can be a giver, but then I can not walk in relationship with the Giver. I am not the light source. The Giver is the light source. I can only reflect. I am the moon. He is the Sun.

When I walk in my narcissistic flesh, my sphere is the mostest. My ministry is more special than yours. My movies are a mission from God, so step back and give me space to work. This mission is critical for the Kingdom. Without me, how can God reach all those people? Without my film, where I'll graciously channel His message, how can He speak to them?

Sounds silly written out. I see it in myself. And I see it in other Christian filmmakers. "My film is sooooo important." Hate to break this to you, but He can make a sunset that can touch men's heart more than anything you create. Your mission is no more important than the person next to you. Which might be the janitor.

I will not speak for you. From my experience in this movie-making-magic industry, reality is a slippery pig. And it squeels and runs away when people treat me like god on a set. Just writing honestly for a moment. And you want this? You want an entourage? I did. But not any more. I'd be content to be a farmer, working with my hands.

The work doesn't matter. God's more interested in my character building processes than some movie. It's a film for goodness sake-- it's not going to save anybody. So the pressure's off. Now to just be obedient.

Movie Review - Rust

2010-11-01T12:32:00.000-05:00

I remember a year or two ago (maybe more), I was sitting in a fastfood restaurant reading the news paper. There was a really interesting article about a guy who was using the internet as a gimmick (big surprise there). His idea was brilliant-- start with a paperclip, trade up until he's got a house.

And he did it. He traded this for that. Eventually, I remember some Hollywood actor getting involved-- trading a role in a movie. And voila, this original guy gets his house.

Now flash forward. I get sent the faith-based movie "Rust." And I find out, that this is the movie that was part of that internet trading up gimmick. I think that's pretty cool.

Corbin Bernsen (not a "Believer" in the sense that most evangelicals define it, based on reading some of his interviews on the web), wrote a movie that he wanted to explore the issues of faith for a clergyman returning to his small home town. The movie really reminded me a lot of Robert Duvall's "The Apostle."

Rust is the story of a man walking away from the clergy and going back home. There he picks up pieces of relationships he left behind many years ago, including his father, friends, and family members. But one friend is missing-- he's gone crazy and is in jail for burning down a farmhouse with the beloved family inside it. The facts don't all add up and in between seeking for his faith, James Moore (Corbin Bernsen) goes digging deeper into this mystery.

I'm not sure where the title came from-- there was one quick reference to rust, but I didn't see the connection. I'm guessing it's because Moore's is "rusty" from being away from home? Has let "rust" set in to his life as a man of God? But that's all okay. See, made me think. And that's always good.

What is really unique here, is the flavor that writer/director Bernsen brought to the film. Other than himself as the lead, he cast the entire movie from a small town up north (which was part of the contest). I've used non-professional actors and it can be extremely tough. But Bernsen proves to be a pro here. However he did it, he directed these townspeople to really strong performances. Bernsen makes it look easy.

The movie is rich visually, and the story is engaging. The performances, based on where they came from, are nothing short of amazing. And because Bernsen pulls off the use of the town, the voice and feel of the movie is extremely unique and different.

I'm afraid to praise this movie too much-- many young filmmakers will bypass solid actors because "see you can use non-professionals and make a strong movie." For the filmmaking community, I wish Bernsen had put on the back of the box-- "this was done by a professional-- do not try this at home."

At the end of the day, I recommend this movie. It's thought-provoking and certainly not given to cliches and other formulaic problems of faith-based filmmaking.

Christian Filmmaking Thoughts

2010-10-29T16:18:00.000-05:00

I've written a lot about the comparison of Christian films today to Christian music of thirty years ago. When Christian contemporary music (CCM) was born in the late sixties and early seventies, you had a lot of passionate artists (and some more passionate than art skills). But what you didn't see at that infant stage was a preponderance of non-believers in the industry.

That quickly changed as people realized there wuz gold in them thar hills. It's not uncommon today to have non-believers posing as Christian in the music biz. I was in talks a few years ago to work with a "Christian" band in a movie of mine. After spending a couple of days with them and the management team, I was told the story how the manager brought them together-- how he wanted to get another band going and the "Christian" music scene would be the easiest ladder to climb. This was a band that won dove awards.

I've seen Hollywood actors (avowed non-believers) get cast in a Christian film. Then they'll play the role, speaking on Christian tv, being interviewed for Christian media, espousing a "Christian" message. And the Christian audience is eating it up.

But for the frontmen-- the people on camera, I think the culture that CCM has created will permeate here too-- to be the face (like the voice for CCM) of Christian movies, you'll probably have to walk the talk (or talk the talk as some pretenders will).

As this Christian film industry infant grows up, it will become populated by more and more "pretenders." And behind the lens, you probably won't be aware of the pretenders, just like CCM-- the business side of the music industry.

For those purest Christian filmmakers who only drink milk from a Christian cow and only crew your movie with "Christians", you're going to have to deal with some problems. But of course, I think those type of "Christian" filmmakers are fooling themselves. I bet you money, that some of those purporting to be "Christians" are in fact anything but. I'd rather have someone hot or cold than lukewarm anyway.

Rising Stars Extended

2010-10-27T12:21:00.001-05:00

I'm thrilled to announce that Rising Stars is being extended a week in Tulsa and Grand Rapids. This is a great chance for the movie to grow legs. If you know anyone in those cities, ask them to go see it!

We're also looking at bringing it to the DFW area. More details on that to come.

Thanks for your support everyone!

News Release for Rising Stars

2010-10-22T07:25:00.004-05:00

ASSIST News Service (ANS) - PO Box 609, Lake Forest, CA 92609-0609 USA
Visit our web site at: www.assistnews.net -- E-mail: assistnews@aol.com

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Rising Stars
Inspirational film shines a new light on the high-profile world of musical talent contests

By Dan Wooding
Exclusive for ASSIST News Service NEW YORK CITY, NY (ANS) -- In our modern, fame-obsessed voyeuristic culture, high-profile “talent contests” have spawned big television ratings and several new franchise industries. But at what price to those contestants involved?

An advert for the new movie

“One of the afflictions of our current society is the pressure to perform placed on children. This can rob them of their childhood, resulting in them growing into dysfunctional adults,” states Daniel Millican, the writer/director of a new film, “Rising Stars” which releases this month in theatres and deals with the issue of a high-pressure, high-profile television talent contest. “I wanted to tell a story that could combat the competitive pressures placed on adolescents and post-adolescents. I wanted to tell a story where they teamed up to create, not set apart to destroy each other. My goal when I sat down to conceive this story was to create a movie that would entertain and at the same time give a positive message - God created you to be the person you were meant to be, to fulfill his dream for you, not the image of what the world says you should be.”

Writer/Director Daniel Millican

Billed as “a family musical with heart”, "Rising Stars" explores the sacrifices that come with fame in reality television-obsessed culture. Challenged with creating songs and music videos, three musical acts find more than their futures on the line when the competition gets fierce and their lives are caught on tape broadcast to the nation. Egos clash and worlds collide as these teens find how far they will go to win the coveted prize and achieve stardom. To give “Rising Stars” an entertaining edge and the feel of a real talent competition, Millican recruited some of the hottest young performers today, from the stage, screen and music worlds. They include Graham Patrick Martin (The Girl Next Door, Two and a Half Men, The Bill Engvall Show, iCarly, Jonas), Kyle Riabko (90210, Limelight, The National Tour of Spring Awakening, The Broadway Production of Hair), Leon Thomas III (August Rush, Victorious, iCarly) and Jessie Payo, a former member of pop duo Jupiter Rising whose music has been featured on MTV’s The Hills and The City. Jessie's hit song with Jupiter Rising; “Electropop” was one of the popular songs ever on MySpace, receiving over four million plays.
They are joined by veteran actors, Fisher Stevens (The Flamingo Kid, Short Circuit, Hackers, Awake), Barry Corbin (WarGames, Urban Cowboy, No Country For Old Men) and Catherine Mary Stewart (Weekend at Bernie’s, The Girl Next Door) and a dramatic performance by Grammy Award-winning and multi-platinum-selling Contemporary Christian recording artist, Rebecca St. James.

A scene from the film, Rising Stars
©2010 Screen Media Films

A recent study by Penn State University showed that the effects of high-stake public competitions can often have lasting debilitating effects on young people.... in particular, those individuals who give their best efforts after years of practice and performing...but still do not win the coveted ‘prize’. High-profile “talent contest” programming, have become in the end, glorified popularity contests. The participants are expected to rise to an unrealistic goal that causes them to pursue a tentative ideal and not the overall betterment of themselves. In most cases, the research shows, this high-stress competition most-often leaves young people with a lower self-worth of themselves than they had before the competition. In a competitive society, it is easy to assume that competition will build a strong sense of self. Noted behavioral researchers, David and Roger Johnson concluded in an extensive study on the effects of competition on young adults and children, that cooperative learning/teamwork situations, compared with competitive and individualistic situations, promote higher levels of self- esteem and healthier processes for deriving conclusions about one’s self-worth.
They indicate that “cooperativeness” is related to emotional maturity, well-adjusted social relations, a strong personal identity, and a basic trust in and optimism about other people. That is the message of “Rising Stars”.
Director, Daniel Millican is no stranger to exploring complex ethical and moral themes in his films. Following a successful career in commercials and music videos, Millican made the leap to features in 2000. With his first film, the critically-acclaimed, The Keyman: Finding Redemption, Millican explored the issues of regret and abandonment on and the destructive power of unforgiveness. Next came A Promise Kept, a look at the compromises often found in today’s cutthroat corporate environment and The Imposter, a modern day interpretation of the Parable of the Prodigal Son.
“Romans 12 says, “‘And let not your behavior be like that of this world, but be changed and made new in mind, so that by experience you may have knowledge of the good and pleasing and complete purpose of God’” asserts, Millican. I wanted to make a film that shows the joy and the possibilities of being the person you were created to be”.
For more information, go to: http://www.risingstarsthemovie.com/

Dan Wooding, 69, is an award winning British journalist now living in Southern California with his wife Norma, to whom he has been married for 46 years. He is the founder and international director of ASSIST (Aid to Special Saints in Strategic Times) and the ASSIST News Service (ANS). He was, for ten years, a commentator, on the UPI Radio Network in Washington, DC., and now hosts the weekly “Front Page Radio” show on KWVE in Southern California and which is also carried on the Calvary Radio Network throughout the United States. The program is also aired in Great Britain on Calvary Chapel Radio UK. Wooding is also a regular contributor to The Weekend Stand on the Crawford Broadcasting Network, and a host for His Channel Live, which is carried via the Internet to some 192 countries. He is the author of some 44 books. Two of the latest include his autobiography, “From Tabloid to Truth”, which is published by Theatron Books. To order a copy, press this link. Wooding, who was born in Nigeria of British missionary parents, has also recently released his first novel “Red Dagger” which is available here

Election Night

2010-10-21T14:23:00.000-05:00

I'm no politician, but I'm starting to have a better understanding for election eve and the actual election day. The work has been done. There's not a whole lot that he can do. The ballots are what they're going to be.

So tomorrow, after four feature films, this fifth one is getting a real theatrical release. It's been a real learning experience listening in our weekly teleconferences on all the things that go into it. You've got viral marketing people, publicity, theaters and of course the distributor. Tomorrow, we'll see how people respond. Will they go and buy tickets in Nashville, Tulsa and Grand Rapids? If they do, then we roll out bigger. If they don't, it will be a short lived theatrical and we'll see how DVD does.

The trick here is time. The stakes are high-- the distributor is putting out a lot of money. So their patience won't be long. This is standard in the industry. Take the tv show shot in Dallas "Lone Star." Critically acclaimed, but the network didn't give it much chance after the first two episodes failed to get the numbers. Had they stuck with it, Lone Star could have done well. But the stakes are just too high for network executives to gamble.

For instance, Arrested Development was critically acclaimed. But like Lone Star, the numbers weren't there. The network was going to cancel after one season but stuck with. And then a third season. But it never found a strong audience.

I think "Rising Stars" will have a good audience. It's a very entertaining movie with a strong message about the dangers of competition. The Survivor-generation is learning all about "me-first" social politics-- where to get ahead you have to beat your competition. Rising Stars sends the message that you have a choice-- you can destroy in a dog-eat-dog manner, or you can come together and create.

So tomorrow, the ballots will be cast and on through the weekend. There will be a conference call on Monday to see where the numbers are. And based on that, the movie's release will grow hopefully.

One last ditch appeal to voters-- if you know anyone in Nashville, Grand Rapids or Tulsa-- please tell them to go see Rising Stars this weekend. Don't wait.

Click on these links for the info for each city:
Nashville
Tulsa
Grand Rapids

Support

2010-10-19T06:00:00.000-05:00

Recently I was speaking at a meeting of Christians in media. The room probably had 100 to 150 people in it. I asked how many had already purchased The Imposter, thinking that a couple would raise their hands and I'd hand out a couple CD soundtracks. What I didn't expect was no hands raised.

Now, I'm not necessarily pushing just for Imposter, but as a whole, we indie filmmakers need your help. If you absolutely disagree or don't like the premise, then fine. But as the Geiko gecko keeps asking, what's stopping the rest of you?

We need your help. The best way is to go down to the local Christian bookstore and snap up the copy of Imposter on the shelves. Or order from an online source like our friends at ChristianCinema.com. For us to be able to make more and better Christian movies, we need everyone to get their own copy.

So I'm asking-- can you go and purchase a DVD of The Imposter? They also make great gifts-- the holidays aren't that far away. Buy a couple to give away. It has a great message of taking off the masks and masquerades we Christians wear.

Another way to help would be to talk to your pastor about screening the movie at your church. But don't just buy the home DVD-- license the movie for public exhibition. PureFlix has set up a great way to do this-- go here to the website, and they even have a way for the pastor to watch the movie first.

We need your help. Please support indie films and please support The Imposter.

Success

2010-10-18T09:51:00.000-05:00

A little boy can tell you all about his toy ball. How it flies through the air. How it carries passengers. How it's long and narrow. Before too long, you're scratching your head asking him to describe this ball. He says it has wings and a propeller. You know. A ball.

It's critical to have common definitions when talking with people. If someone says they love their spouse, it could be that they're really talking about "chicken love." (search this blog for "chicken love" for definition).

For instance, recently someone took umbrage about my "success." I nearly fell out of my chair laughing when I read that one. He saw me as someone who is extremely successful. His reason why was because I've made some movies. I've written them, directed and seen them distributed... ergo I'm successful.

I do not define success by worldly accomplishment... or if you'd rather-- temporal accomplishments. The only time in the Bible Jesus talked about "success" was when he said "well done thou good and faithful servant." Success is defined by how faithful to what He's asked me to do I am. I can be extremely successful and never had made one movie. I can not be successful and have millions coming in from the latest blockbuster.

I know that wanting to make a movie burns inside you. You can't rest until you do it. It's what you think about and dream about. But please don't make the mistake thinking that someone who's done it is "successful." All a person is who made a movie is a person who made a movie.

Obedience and follow through-- that's what success is.

Actor Demo Reels

2010-10-15T08:02:00.000-05:00

I've had some more actors ask about this, so we've scheduled a shoot day for Tuesday, Oct 26. We will start in the afternoon and go into the evening. I hope to have about 6 actors or so and we're halfway there, so I need three more to register. (http://www.s-films.com/pov )

In this day, demo reels are increasingly playing a critical role in the actor getting an agent or manager, landing that audition, or just getting their face out there. The Catch-22 is that actors need experience to have good demo reel material, and they need a good demo reel to get experience. That's why I started doing this-- so we can bust the door down on that Catch-22.

When you sign up, I'll contact you to discuss what type of scene you need. I'll custom write a half page or so script, that is monlogue-ish in nature. The whole idea is that from what we shoot, you can pull a 20 second outstanding moment.

The cost is $350 (which isn't much more than a good headshot). We use the money to pay for the professional crew and the equipment. We use high def cameras, with prime lenses to give that rich cinematic feel. When we're done shooting, I color and sound design the clip and get it to you usually within 48 hours.

Here's a video that explains more:

Shooting Actor Demos from Daniel Millican on Vimeo.

The Giving Spirit

2010-10-13T07:45:00.000-05:00

More blessed is He who is the Giver than the receiver. I've got a feeling I'm going to be chewing on this for the next season. Don't know if I'll share it all here in the blog, but this is some life-changing stuff for me.

In the beginning, God. He made the world. He gave it life. He gave life to man. God = Giver. In Him I live and move and have my being. I am a Receiver.

Here's where I get twisted. You see, with five feature films accomplished, I've thought that one of my "gifts" was the ability to get it done-- the ability to make it happen. I look back at the times I've said that and cringe. What arrogance. I'm saying that I can GIVE a project life. Make it happen. That I'm the Giver.

Well, that means I'm saying I'm a god. If I were a farmer, I can plant, water, prune, etc. But the "making it happen" is totally up to God. He's the Giver.

Eve, in the garden, thought it'd be great to be a Giver too. So she took mankind's first steps away from the Giver. You see, Evil isn't the opposite of God. It's the absence of God. The more you walk away from Him, the more you walk down Evil's path. It's human nature to be Evil... the nature that came from the Fall-- from the choice Adam and Eve made that fateful day.

It's easy as a film director to start to have a mindset that I'm a Giver. But that's delusion when I walk in that mindset. I can't give anything. I can work hard, but the results aren't up to me. Though I try so hard to get movies sold and seats sold in theaters, CD's sold online. It's not mine to control.

Unless I want to be a god. But when I do, I move away from Him. I can't be a god and walk in His presence. This is actually incredibly freeing. I've been sweating bigtime some things in my life-- but now I don't have to sweat. The Giver will give or not. But He promised me He'd provide for me.

So during this hard time, I ask "what does He want me to learn through this?"

I'll probably share more about this as I walk through it.

Swan Song-- The Middle Class of Music

2010-10-10T23:17:00.000-05:00

Goodbye middle class.

Like many other young church-goers, I dreamed of being a Christian Super Star singer/songwriter/recording artist. Now I know I'm the only one, because the rest of you dreamed of just servin' the Lord in whatever capacity (oh please let it be music stardom, oh please, oh please).

Of course I was motivated to learn guitar and piano to just worship Him. I never thought about what I would say to the audience right before this song or that song. I never dreamed about what my album cover would look like. Or what I'd title my first album (btw, it was going to be called "Sold Out" and have like a ticket stub for art).

Those were the heady teenage years... and maybe into the twenties. So for you few out there who have dreams of Christian music stardom, let me paint the picture of the times we live in. The "middle class" of music artistry is going away. All that will be left are the million units sold performers and the 50 units sold performers. The solid 100K selling artists will go the way of the dinosaur.

You see, the music industry as a whole is not doing very well. In fact, it's sick and dying in its current form. A recording artist friend of mine used to move 80K of his CD's. Last one out didn't even break 10K. His music is just as good. And these kinds of drops are across the board to other artists and genres. Yes, the Great Recession can be blamed, but this was happening before that. Piracy is the big problem. People just don't want to buy a song when they can get it for free from their friend.

So let's play the tape forward. When a CD is bought, maybe a teeny bit goes to the artist. Much more goes to the label, where they have to pay for offices, executives, the A&R guy, the publicity company, the marketing people, the ads, the cost of the units themselves, the graphic artist doing the layout of the CD and booklet... and on and on.

What we're seeing is labels go under and shut their doors. Or layoff significant numbers of people. When they do get behind a musical act or artist, it's going to be someone they know can sell some product-- otherwise, they're going out of business.

Now is one of the hardest times to make it as a Christian recording artist. And it will only get harder. There will be millions of really good CD's that are home grown and sold one at a time. There will be a few that become viral sensations. I just don't think you'll see the solid base hits and doubles. It will be homeruns or strikeouts.

Don't even get me started on movies.

Movie Review - The Way Home

2010-10-08T21:56:00.000-05:00

The Way Home, distributed by big company Lion's Gate, has just hit the Christian stores. Starring Dean Cain, this movie ups the ante for Christian storytellers.

What I like about this film, compared to many other Christian movies is that it rings true. And with good reason-- the story is based on true life. Back in 2000, father Randy Simpkins (played by Cain) is helping his wife pack the car for vacation. Being a distracted father and husband came easily for Simpkins and it doesn't take long for their two-year old son Joe to disappear from the driveway of their rural house.

With lots of danger in the form of woods, wells, lakes and rivers, the search for Joe quickly escalates until the entire community is helping out. The two plots in this movie are Simpkins and his strained relationship with God and his family-- and the other plot is the community, especially an old man, Ed Walker, who won't give up looking for the lost toddler.

Dean Cain puts in a wonderful performance. He makes Randy so relate-able that I'm quickly drawn in to his predicament. I do wish some of the other actors had Cain's expertise, but that's okay. The Way Home pulls at the right heart strings and shows us real Christianity taking place in the face of a crises. The prayer scenes, so on-the-nose and hokey in other movies is done in a real way.

Children-in-peril movies are extremely difficult-- I ought to know, my first two movies were children-in-peril. First, you have to get a toddler actor-- and for any of you filmmakers, avoid children and animals. Often you have to just take what you get.

Technically, the movie is handled by professionals. The cinematography is stunning. The sound is great (in other words, I never noticed bad sound). The locations are perfect. The music, though a bit heavy handed in the beginning (uh-oh, something bad's gonna happen now, because here's the heavy, something's bad gonna happen now music), is beautiful.

For all of us complaining about the quality of Christian movies, well here you go. This is one of the better ones out there. Perfect for the family on a Friday night-- watch it and then discuss it. Your family will be stronger for it.

For more information, here's the website with trailer: http://www.thewayhome-movie.com/index.htm

And as always, here's the FTC disclosure:

“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Producers

2010-10-07T08:11:00.000-05:00

One of the filmmaking questions I get asked is "what does a Producer do?" Seems this position is almost as mysterious to the film newbies as "Best Boy." In simplistic terms, a Producer is the individual who gets the film elements all together and oversees the process of making a movie from the idea to the screen.

A Producer doesn't need to work exclusively on one movie. Most producers in LA have multiple films they've got going. It helps if they're not all shooting at the same time-- as that's when a movie can urgently call out for the services of the producer.

I was the producer on the first four films I made. On Rising Stars, I was hired to write and direct, leaving the producing to others. (And boy that made a difference in directing-- not having to produce at same time). The lead producer is usually the one with the direct tie to the cash. The cash is usually represented by the "executive producer." Sometimes, a producer credit is given out contractually and the person getting the credit actually does nothing. You'll see this a lot in big Hollywood films-- an A-List actor can only be attached if their producer is given credit. You might see a bunch of producers in the credits, but there's usually only one that wields the true power.

A lot of people think on a movie that the Director is the top dog. Nope. The Producer is where the buck stops and they hire and fire directors. There's no doubt that the director's chair is a lot more fun than the producer's chair, but the final decision maker is typically the Producer.

Most good producers will hire a solid team and leave them alone to get the movie made-- stepping in when there's only a problem. You can have insecure producers (just like insecure actors and directors) that want the fun of the set and hang out in video village-- they usually end up second guessing the director and backseat driving. When this happens, their producer duties fall between the cracks and other problems will arise because they're not getting the producer's attention.

I know of one case where the producer did just this-- was in video village everyday on the set. Then she wondered later in post production why some contracts weren't signed, why there was an insurance claim or two, and stuff like that. She wasn't reading the daily production reports and certainly wasn't overseeing the office staff on contracts. But that stuff happens and a hired director just has to deal with the distraction on set.

Once the film is shooting, the good producer is focused on making sure that the cast and crew have everything they need to tell a wonderful story-- within the allotted money. They will help secure deals-- looking for ways to increase production value without increasing expenditures. In the indie world, this boils down to the attribute of resourcefulness-- getting a crane for a fifth of the going rate-- stuff like that.

If shooting starts going over budget, then the producer has to step in and help find a solution. Is the DP taking way to long to light every setup? Is the director insisting on too many takes? Is the lead actor consistently late to the set? There will be warnings, department head meetings, then finally more severe action might need to take place-- like replacing a DP, or even a director. (And in a recent case of good foresight-- the producers saw a huge prima donna complex with the lead actor and went ahead and fired him the first day of production so that they could get someone with a better attitude).

At the end of the day, the producer is the one responsible. If footage is missing, the producer will stand before the executive producer to explain why it happened on the producer's watch. Yes, the producer might toss people under the bus, but the good one will own it and say he didn't have the proper system in place, but does now and here's what we did to fix the problem.

Depth of Field

2010-10-05T06:00:00.000-05:00

Okay Filmmakers, let's talk camera. Yes, I know many of us don't have any budget to speak of and you have to either shoot with whatever camcorder drops in your lap or choose not to shoot at all. So what can you do?

The biggest problem with cameras, is not necessarily the resolution, which is where everyone focuses (pardon the pun). Most prosumer cameras have enough for your quirky no-budget indie film. If you have a few dollars, don't upgrade to a higher quality camera-- instead, spend it on getting better glass (lenses).

For instance, I just got finished watching a small budget indie movie recently and it was shot with a decent prosumer HD camcorder. There was a shot in a school hallway and four class rooms down, you could still read the pep rally sign hanging on the back wall. That's a HUGE depth of field-- one that screams "home movie" instead of "cinema."

And the camera they use does have a third party platform for putting cinematic lenses in front of it. Makes a huge difference. I'm talking about the Letus or Redrock adapters. Of course, they do cause you to lose some f stops (especially the Red Rock), but it pays off in the look of your movie.

For "The Imposter," I had the budgetary choice of upgrading my camera, or having two lower resolution cameras, but with prime lenses. I chose the two camera option. I don't regret that. (For the newest film "Rising Star", coming out in theaters on October 22, we used to Reds).

Okay, so what do you do if you have no money and a consumer camcorder? I bet you could beg or borrow to at least upgrade to something like the HVX200-- you can't throw a rock without hitting someone who owns one. Except most HVX 200 users are selling there's to get the 5D or 7D from Canon. Even better if you borrow one of these. I shot with a 7D recently and I'll blog about that soon.

Okay, so you've struck out and all you've got is this lowly camcorder. What can you do to get a more cinematic look with it? You need to narrow the depth of field. Depth of Field is affected by several factors. One of the easiest is the f stop (a wider, or more open aperture will shallow your depth of field). So use an ND (neutral density) filter inside and light so that you can get that iris as open as possible. There are other factors for shallowing your depth of field, but that's enough to get started.

Top Blogs from September

2010-10-04T06:00:00.000-05:00

The most read for September was discussing why Christian movies are cheesy (click here to read it). This entry was written after I had read some discussions about this on the web. One person claimed that Christian movies were cheesy because they lacked the budget. This is absolutely inaccurate.

Usually, the cheese factor begins with the script. The Christian screenwriter is faced with some tough obstacles that secular screenwriters don't have to worry about. The Christian story is usually an internal conflict-- and a lot of church-people shy away from external conflict (because we all know there's no conflict in the church). And too often, the writer resorts to on the nose dialogue to reveal that internal conflict. Also, the Christian screenwriter's audience is very opinionated when it comes to doctrine and exactly what message you are trying to get across... so the Christian film, if it wants any kind of numbers for an audience, will have to keep the subject matter in a safe environment. These are just a few of the obstacles.

The second most read post was about Tolerance-- which is the latest religion (you can read it by clicking here). The church culture of today places real importance on "being nice" to everyone. There's a mistaken view that being "Christian" is to befriend everyone-- accept everyone. It's certainly what the American culture is emphasizing today. But Jesus, who I would think was the first "Christian," did not "accept" everyone. He asked too much from the Rich Young Ruler. He called a gentile woman who's crime was that she was too loud in begging for help for her daughter, a dog. Two early Christians dropped dead for lying. I Corinthians 5 is heavy duty about not being tolerant in the church. The Disciple cannot ever be tolerant of sin and still be a Disciple. (Rom 8).

These were the two top posts for September.

Twitterage

2010-10-03T21:05:00.000-05:00

I resisted for so long (but of course we know resistance is futile). I have set up a twitter account and occasionally post something. If you want to follow, it's @danmillic.

Membership

2010-10-03T08:00:00.000-05:00

Hi __________,
Thanks for meeting with me today. I think you'll like our line up of membership levels-- I'm positive we'll find the right one for you. Looking for fire insurance? Well look no further! Simply bow your head, repeat after me, and you're covered! No monthly premiums (although a few Sundays a month would be nice. And oh yeah, your tithe would be great too). We do have a more substantial memberships, but you can take this entry level fire insurance and that's okay. It's all you need.

End sales pitch here.

Contrary to what seminaries are teaching, Jesus did not create multiple levels of membership into God's Kingdom. I know of one seminary that teaches Jesus as Savior and also Jesus as Lord. Like you can have one without the other. And this is a fundamental problem in the church today. I do not believe that you can accept Jesus as Savior and not as Lord. You can't get a basic membership. You have to get the premium plan.

I know of friends that claim to have the Savior package but clearly by their life and the fruit therein, that's as far as their membership goes. I think they may have gotten sold a false bill of goods.

Jesus as Lord is heavy duty. It requires change-- walking away from life in the flesh (ego) and towards a life of Purpose in God.

Next time you hear the two different membership levels preached, remember there's really only one. Hope you have your card.

Movie Review-- Bringing Up Bobby

2010-10-02T13:14:00.002-05:00

1971. I was five or six and my family went to a coffeehouse fellowship that was a part of the Jesus Movement of the late sixties/early seventies. What I remember is the music-- we had no "praise and worship" industry. So three guys with guitars sat in Samsonite folding chairs in an old three story house where they had taken the walls out to create a great room. The music was not polished. Some of it cheesy (don't wanna be a goat, no). But it was earnest.

As I've mentioned before, Christian movies are where Christian music was back in those early days, and Bringing Up Bobby fits this pattern. It's a heartfelt look at some family relationships, told in some funny and farcical ways.

James is a mid thirties guy who has raised his younger siblings since their parents died twelve years before. The only sibling left in the house if fifteen year old Bobby who has identified with the goth side of things. Finally, the will is read and probated and the two other siblings come back home to slog it out and attempt to get what's due them.

Bottom line, my Christian readers-- we need to support Christian films and I do recommend you buy the DVD. Sure it has flaws, but it is entertaining and there are solid portions where the story really pulled me in.

There were also times that I was pulled back out. Comedy is hard. Very hard. And there where some funny moments. But is it a farce ala "Drake and Josh" on Nick? At times. Is it quirky like Napolean Dynamite? Yeah, maybe. My favorite part of the movie is the sub plot involving Eric, Bobby's goth friend. My darker side would have enjoyed that as the A plot. I also appreciate that they didn't tie it up nicely at the end.

On the Production side: The filmmakers used the HVX 200 which is a decent low budget camera. My only qualm with picture was the "everything in focus" type of lens native to that camcorder. I'd really would have liked to see this movie shot with primes (the HVX has a couple of third party sources for attaching lenses on the front).

The production sound was very good-- which is often not the case in micro budget films. The music was outstanding (although I wouldn't have put a music cue over that first door scene). Most of the acting was solid. Directing and editing was good. Wasn't a big fan of the writing-- there are some really good moments and then there are some that simply aren't.

So overall, I think the viewer can take something from this movie and be entertained in the process. I do recommend that you buy the DVD and support Christian filmmaking.

The B-I-B-L-E

2010-09-30T20:33:00.000-05:00

Scriptures. The Holy Bible. Old Testament. New Testament. These 66 books that make up the Christian's revered words. It's to these pages that a Christian conforms his or her life.

Non-Christians, at best, think these are good ancient literary works-- like Homer's Iliad. For Christians, some believe that every word is inspired by God. Others believe that most of the scripture applies, but maybe not all of it. Still others might think that the canonization process (the means by which these books were chosen) were faulty and run by church leaders operating out of massive egos.

This may all be accurate-- but I believe that God selected these books. I believe that the Word became flesh and lived amongst us (John 1). I believe that scripture needs to be taken in context and to get a solid context requires much studying. I also believe that many Christians today just simply don't know much of the Bible. They rely on others to tell them what to think or what to believe.

I get excited when I talk to a fellow Christian that has a differing take on things than I do. I actually love to hash out the different points and bring it all back to the standard that we ascribe to. But all to often, instead of naming chapter and verse, they name some contemporary writer who wrote about this or that verse.

The Bible isn't meant to be read. It's meant to be studied. I have no problem with people confronting my position on this or that if they actually can back it with scripture. I had one church lady come up to me after a screening of "The Imposter" and ask me why I had ruined the movie with the language. (I had been very careful not to). I asked what she was referring to. "Johnny C said 'Crap'." Well so did you just now I thought. What I did ask her was "please tell me the scripture and I'll redo the movie." Her immediate response? "Well, my church wouldn't like hearing that word." I asked her again to name a scripture. She didn't. (Of course I covered this story in a previous blog).

We have a new principle added to our Band of Christian Brother's covenant. Here's the wording:

I absolutely and completely accept and affirm that the Scriptures, both the Old and New Testaments, are verbally inspired of God and are the revelation of God to man, the infallible, authoritative rule of faith and conduct. And, furthermore I agree to submit to the Scriptures and change my conduct and behavior to conform to them to the best of my ability. (2 Timothy 3:15-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:13, 2 Peter 1:21)

I think the rare thing in today's Christian is the last part "I agree to submit to Scriptures and change my conduct and behavior..." What??? I have to do something? I thought it was "come as you are?" God likes me just the way I am.

Well, that's taken out of context.

Change of Value

2010-09-26T09:51:00.000-05:00

Although considered the "three act Nazi", Robert McKee has some really good points about writing and structure in writing. One of the things he talks about is that Story is Conflict. I agree. Without conflict, you have a 90 minute PSA. (And this is a problem for the Christian Film Nazi's-- because you're not allowed to show conflict, but that's another post).

He talks about scenes or sequences have a change in emotional value for the main characters in it. In other words, if Jane enters the scene happy, she needs to leave sad. Or mad. Or ecstatic. That moment in the scene where the change from "happy" to "sad" happens is what I call the beat of the scene.

If you main characters leave the scene with the same emotional value they entered, then the scene is exposition, and as most writers know, exposition is to be avoided at all cost. To exposit necessary plot information, always much more preferred to do it through conflict.

For actors, when I direct, I try to point them to that beat-- that moment there's a change. When I pick sides for auditions, I pick sides that have a beat. I want to see that the actor can change their emotional value in an honest way. Then on the set, we'll talk more indeth about it. Maybe find the backstory that would drive the emotional change.

For you writers, chart your story. Take a close look at your main scenes. Do your lead characters change in emotional value in these scenes? If not, you might want to adjust or even cut. Those scenes are probably exposition and you can work in that necessary info through conflict some other way.

On my second movie, I will confess that I took this too far. In my quest to exclude all exposition, the story was a bit confusing at times. And the lead characters became ping pong balls hit across the table of emotional value. So don't go all nazi on the emotional value change. But do avoid exposition. It's all a balancing act.

Under the Skin

2010-09-24T08:27:00.000-05:00

I've learned that when something bothers me... when a button of mine is pushed... that it is a sure sign that my Ego (Flesh) is involved. I shared a little about this to someone the other day. And of course like clockwork, the next day I had a wonderful character building opportunity.

Yes, something someone did got under my skin. Sure, I'd like to say he "pushed my buttons." But in actuality, no one has that power. You can't make me mad. My wife can't make me mad. My kids can't make me mad. Only my "maker" can "make" me do anything and He made me with free will to choose. So yup, I choose to be mad or angry or offended.

Next time you feel the urge to blurt out "you make me so mad!" remember that you're allotting to them a special power. You give them power over your life. It's not healthy. It's dysfunctional.

When you feel that issue or that moment start to get under your skin, see it as a red flag that there's a flesh issue inside yourself. I certainly see it in me in that situation yesterday. It's a wonderful growth opportunity.

Consider it all joy when you encounter various trials. For the testing of your faith produces endurance. (James 1).

Rising Stars Oct. 22

2010-09-22T21:49:00.000-05:00

It's official. We're getting a theatrical release-- albeit a small one. We are very grateful for the chance and hope that fans in these three cities will show up and sell it out. Screen Media, the distributor is using these three cities as a test to see if they'll roll it out bigger.

Here's the link: http://trailers.apple.com/
For the exclusive trailer direct link: http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/independent/risingstars/

The three cities are: Tulsa, Nashville and Grand Rapids. They wanted to do mid size markets, more conservative in demographics. It's all very calculated by a big team of people. You'd like the conference calls-- very educational. You've got the viral marketing team, the theater booking person, the radio specialist, the publicist and publicity expert. Of course Andrew the producer, me and the people at Screen Media.

I hope if you're near or in these cities, you'll pack it out starting October 22. We really need you.

More Actor Demos

2010-09-21T10:59:00.000-05:00

We had a fun time shooting demos a week ago. Here are some of the scenes. Also-- several have approached me about doing them again and I might. You need to contact me and tell me your interested. Yes it costs $350, which is cheaper than some headshots. But what we do is high quality, looking like it's ripped from an indie film. You judge for yourself. If you'd like to contact me, email sales@s-films.com.

Amber Sutphin is new to dramatic film acting, but does an outstanding job. Sometimes I worry about stage actors making the transition to film. But Amber is aptly coached by Nancy Chartier in Dallas and the combo of the two is dynamic as seen here. Ron Gonzalez always takes pride in his cinematography and does a nice fireplace gag in this shot.

Here's Stephen Arruda. He's an angry Shepherd.

And Luis Gonzalez did a wonderful death scene. I'd like to see the rest of the movie.

Dear Writers--

2010-09-19T21:28:00.000-05:00

Yes, I know I run a film production company (Serendipitous Films). But suddenly, I've popped up on yours and a lot of your friends radars. I don't know why all of a sudden. But please, I've got four or five of my own scripts I'm working on getting into production. I'm sure yours is great, but I'm not really geared to turn towards working on yours. Some things you have to do yourself (which is what I recommend-- you want your movie produced-- go do it yourself! For help, Greenlight Yourself is a good source.)

So, I know you have to send out query after query, but I'm not going to have time right now to even read the email, let alone the synopsis. Even if I did have time I generally don't read scripts (unless you're hiring me to critique) because of our litigious environment. You know what I mean-- you send your script out to me... I happen to have an idea similar or something similar that I'm working on, and I make mine. Then you see it and file a suit. It's why nobody takes unsolicited scripts anymore.

And one word on critiques-- I don't really do them as a favor anymore. Friends or acquaintances would ask, and I would give the standard-- nine out of ten people ask me but really are wanting my affirmation, not critique. And inevitably, every single one responds with a yes, I want critique! I had one Christian filmmaker scorch me after I gave her constructive feedback.

So now, I will gladly give you a critique, but I will charge. The whole point is to make the work better-- it won't get any better if all I do is tell you ow great it is.

Carry forth my dear writer friend! But save the electrons in sending me queries.

Getting Technical to Actors

2010-09-17T14:55:00.000-05:00

Most teaching done for actors is by fellow actors. That's why I decided to do a couple of seminars-- a director's perspective on the craft of acting. We recently shot some demos for actors at out studios and I thought about a few technical things I teach in the seminar. Here are some random things:
Your job is to get as close to theatrical truth as possible. What makes this hard is the incredibly unnatural atmosphere you must work in to present this truth.
Speaking of which-- on one movie set, a decent actor would complain about this and that. Don't complain-- the set is a foreign landscape-- it's your job to play through that to present theatrical truth. Of course things will be tough. Distracting. But be a pro.
When your scene mate is getting his coverage, don't talk over his lines-- even if that's the way you did it in the master. Need the lines clean. The editor will overlay them so that it seems like you're talking over each other. But in closeups, you hose your scene mate.
Fighting has to be full speed, no pulling punches. Otherwise it will look fake. And BTW, the person who sells a punch being real, is the one receiving it. The receiver must not react too early or too late.
The best thing you can do is come prepared. Go past memorization. Because when you think you've got it memorized, as soon as the director yells action, the pressure of the unnatural landscape will drive the words out of your mind. Instead of making interesting actor choices, your brain will be focused on simply saying the correct words. Yuk.

Anyway, just a few random director-to-actor thoughts.

Rising Stars Update

2010-09-15T09:38:00.000-05:00

A year ago, I was beginning the edit of Rising Stars. Now, we're finally about to see it on the big screen. Rising Stars has been picked up by Screen Media Ventures and stars Kyle Riabko, Lauren Ashley Carter, Natalie Hall, Leon Thomas III, and Graham Patrick Martin for the kids.

The adults are Fisher Stevens, who just won an Academy Award, Catherine Mary Stewart (remember Last Starfighter?), and Barry Corbin. We also had the great pleasure of working with Christian recording artist Rebecca St. James who is successfully making the jump into feature films.

This movie is about high school arts finalists-- pitting the top three musical acts and the top three filmmakers against each other for one week of the Finals. Each musical act is paired with a filmmaker with the quest of making a song and music video to see who will win.

We shot this in August last year at the University of Texas at Arlington. They were a wonderful host for the shoot. And thank goodness it wasn't as hot as it was this year. It was hot enough. I thought our New York actors were going to die at times.

Screen Media will be releasing the trailer for the movie soon. The movie will open in late October in a few select cities. Then if we do well, it will get a wider roll out. More info on that will follow.

Needless to say, we are very excited about this movie and we hope it does well.

When you do it, it hurts my family

2010-09-14T11:28:00.000-05:00

Jeff Rodgers and I have been working hard for many years to make films. The Imposter took a ton of blood, sweat and tears to turn it into a reality. We have more movie ideas ready to go-- except for a problem. You see, it's too easy to steal these days.

I provide for my family through these movies. I'm not looking to get rich and we're still in our first small house we bought seventeen years ago. We don't have excess. To make the movies work, we have to have your support. When you buy a DVD, a portion does go back to us, with which we pay our investors. And then they'll be glad to invest more to make more movies.

The problem is pirating and incorrect use of license. When you go to LifeWay and buy the $17 DVD and then show it at your church, it hurts us. It's against the license and against the law. Now an entire congregation of people won't need to go to LifeWay to buy the movie-- they've seen an unlicensed exhibition.

If you believe in the message we're telling, please support us. Buy the DVD for home use. License through PureFlix cinema the church exhibition version. Please, please, please, don't steal.

I remember talking to one Christian recording artist who said he thinks 75% of his income has been taken away over the last six years because of pirating. Fellow disciples, this is wrong and I do not believe God can bless your efforts or your ministry if you're stealing (pirating).

And if you see fellow Believers participating in this, please talk to them, nicely and in order, and ask them to not do that. Besides the spiritual ramifications of stealing, playing this forward-- more and more talented and gifted Godly artists will have to give up their art because their livelihood was stolen.

You see, I keep hearing about this church or that ministry showing The Imposter. Then I checked with PureFlix Cinema-- the church/ministries are not getting the exhibition license.

To make a movie requires a lot of money. A micro budget is several hundred thousand dollars. A micro marketing/advertising budget is almost a hundred thousand dollars. The people who invested in The Imposter are honest, hardworking people that I want to do right by-- I want to return their investment.

Indisputably, we are called by God to walk in Integrity. Playing home version DVD's in your church for an audience is stealing. If you continue to do that, I pray that God deals with you like you've dealt with these artists. If it's by Integrity, so be it. If not, so be it.

How's this for a nice, warm and fuzzy post?

The Mysterious Islands - A Review

2010-09-13T09:57:00.000-05:00

Recently, I mentioned to a publicist that I would be interested in reviewing some Christian films. Right afterwards, I wondered what I had done. I mean, if I were to review my own films, I could rip some of them pretty well apart. And a lot of movies young filmmakers send me, especially faith-based, are just downright awful. And if the production value is severely lacking, sometimes the theology is downright destructive.

So the first movie came in the mail. It's a documentary called The Mysterious Islands. First, let it be known I'm not a big fan of docs. They tend to move slower than I like. And I've always been a fiction-kind-of-guy.

Having said that, I was pleasantly surprised by this film. I have to put a disclaimer at the end of this post because the FTC mandates, but as you know from my posts, I will shoot straight with you. The Mysterious Islands, first of all is beautifully shot. The filmmakers use some of the best cameras available to present a stunning portrait of the Galapagos Islands. The sound is solid. The faults are hard to find.

This movie is a documentary, following Darwin's journey 150 years ago, where he came up with his idea for his theory. Years later, he published his book "On the Origin of the Species." Coming from a distinct creationist view, the filmmakers do a solid job of presenting the evolutionist side and then shining light on the discrepancy of this "theory."

One of the problems I have with us creationists is that we try to disprove the evolutionist by arguments of faith, not science. You can't go to an evolutionist and say the world was created in six days because the Bible says so. He doesn't recognize the authority of your source.

What I like here, is that the filmmakers take the "scientists" of evolutionary theory to task on their own science. Evolutionist present their theory as fact even though it's never been proven scientifically. If we evolved, then were are the missing links? Darwin excitedly wrote that we would find them in a hundred years. Well, they're not there.

That's just one of the things addressed by this documentary. I also like the exercise of playing "natural selection" out, if we said evolution was true. What you discover is some of Darwin's famous "disciples." Like Adolf Hitler. The whole theory here is that some man species are less evolved than others. There's records of people like Planned Parenthood Founder Margaret Sanger discussing how it would be unfortunate if the blacks learned how they believed.

The flaws for this film are hard to find. It's a bit slow for me, but that's the style of documentaries. The music is absolutely wonderful, but a bit dramatic at times and feels forced. But that's about it. These guys know what they're doing and they've crafted a beautiful and stunning story. I recommend this documentary.

For trailer and more info, click here.

Oh and for you FTC types, here's the disclaimer:
“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Tolerance

2010-09-10T05:30:00.007-05:00

In light of the Terry Jones stunt (not the Monty Python but the pastor in Florida), it's time, fellow Disciples, to talk about tolerance. BTW, I don't condone Terry Jones-- Jesus doesn't need a publicity stunt. Having said that, I just read this on a Christian recording star's website regarding the out of balance Jones:

Jesus was all about tolerance and respect of fellow human beings

I'm sorry-- what Bible is she reading??? Sure, I can easily go to the Old Testament and point to a God who was all about intolerance when it came to sin. How He caused the ground to swallow them up. How He brought plagues, war and famine on them. But, you say, that's "old testament."

God didn't order Joshua to burn their books. He only ordered Joshua to kill them all-- including the children, kittens, puppies, and the sheep and goats. Kill them all. Oh yeah, still old testament. And you say that God has changed.

Okay, let's go New Testament on you. Where was Jesus's tolerance for the rich young ruler? Why didn't He let the dude just come along? Why did He require clearly too much from the poor rich young ruler?

How tolerant was God on Ananias and Sapphira for simply lying? Yeah, they dropped dead. Where's the love? Where's the tolerance? Where's the respect? Oh but Jesus "was all about respect..." So that's why he called the gentile woman a "dog?" He didn't respect the pharisees. Paul talks in I Cor 5 about throwing out people from the church. Where's the respect? The love? The tolerance?

There's a new religion that's been founded. It's the Religion of Tolerance. It's hip. It's cool. But it ain't God or Jesus.

So the question here, Ms. Recording Star, is why you so quickly discount the character of God? Why espouse such inaccuracies? Is it because you want and desire tolerance in your own life for your sins? You don't want to be held accountable for your selfish, narcissistic choices that have left a path of destruction in your life? I would add that it harms and damages the one's you love... but for the Narcissist, there's only one you love. I know, because I've seen you at the Narcissists Anonymous meetings. But you didn't stay for your pin.

You give a pass to others because really you're giving a pass to yourself? I know I do.

Ahh, no wonder you're the new poster child for "Tolerance."

Actor Demo Reels Part 2

2010-09-09T07:40:00.001-05:00

Director of Photography Ron Gonzalez and
Director Daniel Millican setup for an
actor demo reel shoot.

I was talking with a local talent agent. She was saying that many of the local actors just don't have quality moments for their demo reels. And in this age of technology, more and more casting people and directors are using demos to decide whether to audition someone. We also discussed how hard it is sometimes to get scenes from production companies. An actor does a movie and forever can't get a copy to put pieces into a reel.

So we talked some more and I realized what she was saying was very accurate-- as a director, I'm looking at demos. And if in the one minute of the demo, it's mostly background/extra type scenes, it doesn't really do the actor any good-- if anything, it hurts.

This led to a discussion about providing a service to actors-- shooting short little "moments" that can be easily placed into a demo reel. At first I thought about pulling from scripts I've already written, then I decided it'd be better to write something specific for each actor.

The next trick was figuring out how to price it. It is extremely important that these look rich and high in production value. I'm going to need to pay a crew. So I figured a budget for the shoot and divided it out, coming to a figure of $350 per actor, with four actors minimum to make it work. This is less than some headshots. What the actor walks away with is a high def, cinematic quality quicktime for web and a higher resolution quicktime for the editor making the reel.

The response has been pretty good. I've done two sessions and about to do a third (had several that couldn't make it to the last one). We're shooting on Tuesday, Sept 14. I still have room for one or two more as of the writing of this blog. Registration/Info/Samples at http://www.s-films.com/pov .

I need to know pretty quick because I write original material for each actor and you also need to have time to prepare and memorize your lines.

Tips for Actor Demo Reels:

No longer than 1 minute
Have 4 or 5 different clips
Keep it mostly on you, not other actors in the scene
Better to show big fish/small pond, than little fish/big pond. In other words, I would rather want to see a juicy scene from a micro budget movie than you as a featured extra in a Hollywood film.
Negotiate getting a copy of the movie when you sign up for the role

Album Review

2010-09-08T05:30:00.009-05:00

I've been a Newsboys fan since the early-mid nineties, when I cut together a video for our church and the youth pastor wanted to use Shine in the background. Since then, I've listened to everything. And when you hear their late eighties stuff, you can be very thankful for the influence of Steve Taylor on producing.

I think the last album, In the Hands of God got overshadowed by the sudden departure of Peter Furler. Hands was one of the better Newsboy's offerings in awhile. I have three 5-star songs in my iTunes library as well as a couple 4-stars. I can whole-heartily recommend buying the entire album at that point. Which was no problem because Amazon offered it for $5 to jumpstart their mp3 service. Plus, it featured two songs by Taylor, who hadn't produced for some time.

So a few days ago, I get a new email offer from Amazon. This time I can buy the new album with Michael Tait for $5. Count me in. Over the Labor Day weekend, I turned on the iPod and took a listen. And you need to know I like Michael and it's never easy to step in like this to a band that has a very distinctive sound.

The lead singer probably has the most influence on a band's sound in my opinion. Because of that, I couldn't decide if I was listening to new dcTalk stuff or some different band altogether. There are some catchy tunes and I certainly love the familiar vocalizations of Tait. There's not a single song written by Furler. I thought maybe the founder might hang out in the background, but his creative touch is missing with the exception of Build Us Back).

On Your Knees is a nice power ballad. And I loved the cover of Mighty To Save. But I'm sucker for rock renditions of any of these worship songs. The cover of Jesus Freak sounds very similar to the original. Would have loved to hear something more distinctive. Still, it's too soon. Let's see if this band can find a new identity. I'll certainly be listening.

Just Say No

2010-09-07T09:48:00.000-05:00

Contrary to popular perception, Hollywood actually doesn't like to say the word "no." New York has no problem with it, but out in La-La Land, "no" is to be avoided at all costs.

Too many horror stories have been told about the guy who said "no" to Rocky. Or said no to Dead Poets Society. Or said no to the next big thing. Or actor. You don't want to be that guy who said "no."

So when young filmmakers rush up excited that this or that Hollywood company is willing to consider their project, I try not to step on their enthusiasm. I've talked to a big Hollywood distributor (one of the majors) about 72 recently. They didn't tell me no. They gave me a definite maybe. They'd like to see it when it's done. This is par for the course-- it's what I was expecting. Sure I hoped they swoop in, dropping tons of money.

So when do they say no? When you're all done, they will graciously "pass." They still don't say no, they just say they're "passing." Passing is the new no.

One of the problems with not saying "no" (there's a double negative finally), is that you don't take a stand. Right or wrong, I'm going to own this choice. There's no ownership in LA. If you own it and it turns out to be a wrong choice, you're out of a job or a career. And the number one rule is to look out for number one. (See the post the other day on Lions versus Servants.)

So, don't expect a "no" from Hollywood. And don't expect a yes either.

Cheesy Christian Movies-- A Different Look

2010-09-03T00:30:00.001-05:00

Yes, Christian movies have a reputation for being cheesy. On another blog, we've had an interesting debate that started with the premise that maybe they're cheesy because they lack budget. (For the definition of "cheesy", read this.)

Let's work from a substitution model. Take another art form-- canvas oil painting. Let's say a Christian enjoys the museum and looks at the paintings done by all these incredible artists over the centuries. They go home and say "Well heck (remember, the Christian doesn't say 'hell'), I can do that!" And so he grabs a crayon, or some tempura, spreads out the butcher paper, and without as much as watching one instructional YouTube video, he makes his masterpiece.

He gathers his friends from the church group to gaze at this beautiful thing... and like the emperor's clothes, they all nod and pat him on the back and say something religious like "well, God's certainly given you a passion brother!"

Now stop right there, I know what you're going to say next. "Well Dan, don't you believe in the power of God. I mean, He put the Master in 'Masterpiece.' Don't you think He gives gifts to His children?" Yes I do. Sometimes He chooses to zap someone. But more often than not, He's MUCH more concerned about the artist than the art. He wants to take the artist through a process. Yet the artist places WAAAAAY too much emphasis on the art.

Have I lost you? Goes back to us Christian Filmmakers who love to say "My movie is going to reach the lost! Praise His name!" My friend, if you think your art is that important, you've lost some grip on reality. He can make a sunset that can touch man's heart more than your movie. The movie is nothing more than a tool. He didn't gives us that Great Commission to "reach the lost." He gave the Great Commission to "make disciples." And quite frankly, a movie is a poor substitute for discipling. I can see Paul now-- "Hey Tim, no need to hang with me-- just watch my movie!"

Or to put it in a better way (my composer friend Ben Reynolds came up with this one)... it's like the three year old baking in his mother's kitchen (you're the three year old in this allegory, God's the mother) on his Easy-Bake Oven. He makes this attrocious brownie-like substance and when it goes "ding" pulls it out. Mom tastes it and smiles to the little tike. "Great job!" But here, the tike thinks the cake is going to fetch a bazillion dollars at the upcoming church bake sale.

I know several of these Christian Filmmakers. They have drifted away from Truth-- which means they're operating in some degree of delusion. And you wonder why their movies are "cheesy?" It has nothing to do with budget. Give our artist above oil paints instead of tempura... nice, stretched canvas instead of butcher paper, and I can tell you what the result will be. Short of Zappage from God.

My filmmaking friends that say they're disciples of Jesus-- please listen. Storytelling is an ART. It takes training. Education. Apprenticeship. Skill. Gifting. Inspiration. And of course passion. You might have one of these. Or two. So what are you waiting for? Go start getting the rest. Or you'd better fast and pray for some major Zappage. Otherwise, you're just adding to the plethora of cheese. (I sooo wanted to use that word today. Not cheese. Plethora).

I don't' believe you can do this and embrace the Christian Nazi Film Festival. (The CNFF). And if you think I'm making it up-- I'm not. Of course they don't call themselves this. I have a filmmaking friend who did a modern prodigal son and showed five or so blurry seconds of a table with beer bottles on it and him sitting behind with some other people. They wanted him to take it out. They wanted him to forsake Truth. Of course, the Pharisees wanted Jesus to forsake Truth.

Beware of Lions

2010-09-02T07:07:00.000-05:00

Gene Roddenberry had it wrong. In his vision for the future, man inherently were good. Sure there were the odd few "evil" people out there, but in the end, the basic goodness of mankind would win the day. As a philosophy or religion, it's called "humanism."

Man is inherently evil. That's why Roddenberry fails. That's why the democratic party fails. They assume mankind's basic goodness. Time and time again, it's been proven the rule-- not the exception... that mankind, at his basic core, is selfish and self serving. He's a lion, looking to feed himself. Sure there are nice lions, but int he end, a lion will be a lion.

At the core of the Kingdom of God that Jesus preached about is a servant mentality-- being a servant to God, not mankind. The killing of that internal lion. The Apostle Paul writes that that lion has to be killed everyday. For those who call themselves Christians, if you disagree with the above premise that man is inherently evil, I offer Romans 7:19. Paul writes "I practice the evil I do not want to do." That's present tense. And it's coming late int he life of the guy who wrote a lot of the New Testament.

So it's a Lion versus Servant smackdown. At least for the Disciple. Those who don't follow and serve Jesus, really don't have that internal conflict. The fight to kill the lion. Everyday.

It's a daily choice. Sometimes minute by minute. Live for lion. Or live for the servant.

The Journey Begins

2010-08-31T17:02:00.001-05:00

Last night we had an orientation meeting for the Band of Christian Brothers (and Sisters). For the men, one guy asked if this was like a program he went to-- an intense five day time of accountability, discipleship and such. I have no idea if it's like what we do.

But one thing I was thinking about today-- I don't know how a five day program can do much. We're back to the most often quoted line in The Imposter-- God's more interested in me going through a process than zapping me with spiritual morphine. I would love to be done with jealousy or anger, or laziness in a five day intense program. But you see, these things are often deep rooted, at least that's my experience. It takes time.

The ruts for sinful behavior are deep and well worn. To get that wagon wheel out of them will take a long, hard process. You pop them out in some emotion-driven meeting, and as soon as the real world rears it's ugly head, the wagon wheel has fallen back into those familiar ruts.

The BOCB is a six month commitment, with a meeting every week. I know personally, through this type of discipleship, I can work on staying out of the rut-- change my thought process so that I don't fall back into the rut as often or not at all.

Sure, I'd love to "pray and leave this problem at the foot of the cross" as one guy said to me, but that's usually not the reality I see. Paul had to deal with his flesh until he died. I'm sure Peter still kept sticking his foot in his mouth in his later years.

Or as one BOCB leader put it last night, coming to Jesus is not the end, it's the beginning of a journey.

Viral Infection

2010-08-29T23:13:00.000-05:00

I love some of these viral videos. What a great marketing idea. One of the first I noticed was "Beware the Doghouse," which was a JC Penney's creation. The great thing about this approach is that you don't realize it's basically a commercial. Just one little tap at the end of a very funny video. Take a look:

So there's the funny one. Now, here's a powerful, uplifting video that you have no idea until the final moment it's a commercial. And by that time, it's totally forgiveable. I still think about this commercial long, long after I've seen it.

I love these kind of commercials. Being a filmmaker, I guess when you take the time to tell the story, I feel it's so much stronger.

You know of any other real good ones? Let me know.

The Roller Coaster

2010-08-26T09:22:00.001-05:00

Without perseverance, a movie doesn't get made. I need to hear that. And probably every other filmmaker as well. You hear the stories about how Dead Poet's Society was optioned and sent into turnaround for many years. How it had basically died before being birthed. Again and again.

I've read about how a Grip in New York City had written a script that he thought would never see the light of day. And when Gripping wasn't paying the bills, he waited tables. And served lunch to an agent. Who said sure, I'll read it. Then several made offers. Big offers, in the high six figures for the script. That's a lot of tip money. He turned it down, because he really, really wanted to direct. He stuck to his guns when everyone thought he was crazy. Eventually, a studio believed enough in the script and ultimately in him, to back the film with him in the director's chair. That's how Boiler Room got made.

Then there's the classic, Dumb & Dumber. A producer read the script and laughed out loud reading it. But for two years, nobody else did in Hollywood. Studios would call the producer and ask him why he was sending this stuff (but they didn't use the word "stuff.") His reputation and bank account were hitting lows. They would resubmit the script with different titles (like Power Tools Are Not Toys) because the readers, young twenty-somethings, would be rotated through and they'd get a fresh chance.

The producer had practically given up. Had a meeting about something else with another exec and somehow got talking about it. Exec recalls how he almost peed in his pants reading it-- it was sooo funny.

So they get a new life on the project. The studio will greenlight a small budget if they can get two actors off this list of 25. *Every* single one turned it down. The Mask was coming out... Ace Ventura wasn't there yet. Jim Carrey could be gotten for a million if they moved fast. Which they didn't. The Mask opened and they had to pay higher dollars but they did. And the movie got made. With the Farrelly Bros. directing.

Most movies have stories about being dead in the water, perhaps multiple times. It's happened to me. I remember attaching Joey Lauren Adams and Farrah Fawcett to A Promise Kept. Then Joey's manager called my casting director backing out. And Farrah pulled out of everything that fall. I thought we had some momentum. I can remember sitting on the bed, just feeling defeated. So I emailed Joey wishing her luck. She emailed me back saying what was I talking about... she was doing the movie.

Making a movie is a big roller coaster. Sometimes you're hitting the heights. Sometimes the lows. Hopefully you can get through the ride and safely into the station.

Film Watching

2010-08-25T07:48:00.000-05:00

Watching another low budget indie film. It was shot here in Dallas a few years ago. There's a couple of actors who are good (one really good). Then there's the rest of the cast. The story idea is very strong-- on paper, I can see why people rallied to this. However, the writing's a bit on the nose, but that problem alone wouldn't sink it.

What does sink it is the horrible production value. I don't know what the DP was thinking (rumor has it he didn't respect the director so he spent his time trying to co-direct the movie)-- but his work is awful. You got color balance issues, horrible framing, poor or non-existent lighting. And it was shot on standard def. Now I know you've got to work with what you've got-- so we can forgive the lack of lighting instruments... but that doesn't excuse mixing tungsten and daylight or horrible framing. Looking at this movie, the director shouldn't have respected the DP, not vice versa.

Then there's sound-- or at least the days they had a sound person. I don't know. There's a few scenes it honestly sounds like a camera mic at best.

Watching this movie, I get the feeling the filmmakers were other people pretending to be filmmakers. If you don't have resources, that's fine. Study, learn, research. Find out everything you can about your craft. Because storytelling without money can still be done effectively. But you have to be professional about it.

Take this same project, with the same budget-- but have the scriptwriter read a few more books about writing on the subtext. Have the DP focus only on his job. Get an intern at least to hold a boom mic 100% of the time. And sweat over the casting of every single role, to get the best possible actor (not just your friends)... and you might have a good little indie film.

But even so, it won't find any real distribution. Because you need a recognizable name actor for that.

Purpose Versus Ego

2010-08-23T12:26:00.000-05:00

This principle speaks to the foundation of the way I approach my life. When I mention purpose, it's more than a Rick Warren slogan or a new program to put on. It has got to be a way of life with me. It's my daily struggle.

What is this struggle? To choose Purpose or to choose Ego. I equate Ego to what the Apostle Paul calls the Flesh. In Romans, he clearly writes about the duality of man-- the Spirit and the Flesh. Purpose is living or walking in the Spirit (Rom 8). It's choosing to be His servant-- so it's not my "purpose." It's His.

So daily, hourly, minute by minute, I can choose to walk in Ego. Or I can choose to walk in His purpose. What then is Purpose? I would have to do the math for you and it would loose the meaning. It's certainly easier at times to identify what's Ego. When I look after my own needs or wants ahead of my wife or children. My needs ahead of His.

Now this certianly differs from the conventional "Christian" thinking of today. You can think about your needs-- that's okay! It's your "wants" we have to scale back-- control-- minimize.

No. If you have chosen to be His Disciple, you have died. You have now been risen to serve Him (see Romans 6). I get into trouble when I try and control the Ego. Or minimize. There's only one answer to the Ego. Death. I cannot assauge it, educate or control it. If I do that, then I walk in the Ego.

Sure, I have lived my life saying "it's not *that* bad." At least I'm not an adulterer! Or a drunk! A little Ego is the same as a lot of Ego. Or as Kerry Livgren so aptly said on the set of "The Imposter:"

You have two barrels-- one of fine win, the other sewage. Take a spoon of fine wine and pour it into the barrel of sewage and you've got... sewage. Take a spoon of the sewage and put it into the barrel of fine wine and you've got... sewage.

My friends, the Ego is sewage. A little bit will still ruin the whole barrel. So determine to kill it. Daily.

Those Who Can Teach

2010-08-20T10:24:00.000-05:00

I got asked to speak a few times after finishing my first feature film "The Keyman." After the second movie "A Promise Kept," I had developed the "Greenlight Yourself" idea and would use it when invited to speak to the indie film clubs and such.

At that point I posted on the website that a DVD training program for making your own film would be coming out. Then I shelved that plan. Why? I had only done two movies. I really felt I need a little more on my resume, and more importantly, experiences I could share, before offering to teach people how to do it.

Now after five feature films, I've started doing some seminars in between the projects. And one thing that amazes me as I look around at other offerings (trying to figure out what to teach that isn't there and what to charge), is the lack of experience in the so called "experts." I've seen Filmmaking seminars and workshops where the teachers have at best, made a couple of shorts that were in a festival. Or had finally completed one feature film.

Yeah maybe. I guess if you can really get some good information from them, then by all means. I can only go by my own experiences-- when I started down this movie making path, I sat in on everything I could find. I read all the books. I sat and listened to the panels at the film festivals. One of the most helpful seminars I attended was by a guy who had only made shorts (though award winning and very popular), and then had been an executive at a major distributor.

Then you have Robert McKee. Though heavy on structure, he's one of the best screenwriter teachers. I learned tons through his seminar and book. But even sitting in his seminar after making Keyman, I had one more produced screenplay than he did. Some people are born to teach.

I met one fellow filmmaker who had made a movie that was pretty bad. But somehow, a big distributor picked up US video rights. It bombed and he wondered why he could never get foreign or television. I talked to my foreign distributor at the time and she told me that the movie was just too bad.

So that filmmaker created a seminar on how to get Distribution, and that's all he does I think. He probably has some good information. I mean, look at film schools (outside the biggies). The people teaching film aren't the ones out there making movies. And as I've started doing seminars and teaching at UTA last spring, yes, I was a bit worried about the old adage "those who do, do. those who can't, teach."

But the bottom line is that I really enjoy teaching. And yes, it's a way to earn a little revenue in between the movies. And I'd like to keep doing both-- teaching and making movies. Don't see a lot out there doing both. So we'll see if I can do it.

So what are your thoughts on all the seminars and workshops out there?

Actor Demo Reels

2010-08-19T21:14:00.000-05:00

What do I as a film director look for when viewing an actor's demo reel? Well first, it needs to be on the shorter side. A minute is good. Really. Not three minutes. Certainly not five. It needs to be about the actor-- not about the others in the scene. The one exception is that if the actor was playing opposite a big time name actor. Then fine.

I look for roles similar to the one I'm casting. So the actor's demo probably needs to show a variety of types. You're a forty year old white male? Sure, put the detective on there, and a teacher. But also something way out there-- a drug addict or something out of type. But it better be good.

And that is probably the biggest thing-- your performance should be awesome. Don't just include it because you like the way you looked. What I mean by "awesome" is that your performance is as close to possible to theatrical truth that an actor can get.

Don't have anything? Then get something shot. And one thing with a title card front and contact info at end is acceptable if you don't have anything else. But keep adding to it as you move forward in your experience.

When you get one edited, have a small version you can email. Then have one bigger you put on vimeo or youtube. Quality is always good, but if all you're given is a VHS tape, then go with it. As a director, I don't fault poor quality recording. On my first film "The Keyman," veteran actor Tom Wright's manager sent me a tape that was made from a vhs to vhs to vhs. But I didn't care about that-- it was the performance that mattered.

A demo is basically a step up from the headshot and in this YouTube age, it's becoming increasingly important. Looks like I'm all booked up for this Tuesday's demo shoot I'm doing for some actors, but if you think you need something, contact me and I'll see if we can find enough people to pay the crew.

Cultural Differences

2010-08-18T09:27:00.000-05:00

Cultural differences. You expect it between a goat farmer in the mountains of Afghanistan, and a blackberry wielding thirty-something in Dallas. But I have found you don't have to go far to find significant cultural differences.

Take New York and Fort Worth. A year ago we were in the midst of shooting Rising Stars. The producers were from the Big Apple (and I don't mean Steve Jobs). And a few of the crew came down from NYC having worked with the producers before. Then we had out Texas crew. For the most part it was harmonious. But in working through that environment, I could see how cultural different people from the two areas are.

I am going to paint with the broad brush of generalities-- so in the upcoming conclusions, of course everyone from NYC is not this way and everyone from Texas is not this way. So just back off!

First, New Yorkers find courtesy to be unnecessary to do business. While Texans are slow to do business until the weather, the Cowboys, and medical problems with the body are discussed. So communications from the NYC producers will be short, extremely direct and sometimes hard to take if you're a Texan. "Wow, he's so rude!" Meanwhile, the NYC producer is saying "they're so slow and verbose!"

Texans are laid back, like a steer chewing a cud. New Yorkers are driven, like a taxi cab down Broadway. The problems occur when one cultural group makes assumptions about the other that aren't true-- like the NYC bias that the Texas crew isn't as good. Or the Texas crew assuming the NYC people think they're not as good.

It's not that New Yorkers aren't courteous. They believe that there's a time for courtesy, and it's just not now, at this moment.

There are loads of similarities of course. Both groups love to have a good laugh. Both groups have artistic creativity. And both groups can come together to make a wonderful movie like "Rising Stars."

Fast Times

2010-08-17T20:51:00.000-05:00

Things are very busy at the moment. I am going full throttle-up on finding funding now for "72". We have a celebrity attached (I'll announce that when it's official) and I'm talking to distributors already. My hope is to shoot in late October, but I have some ways to go on the funding.

In the meantime, I've gotten a couple of commercial clients and I'm always grateful for that. So I've been doing some long editing sessions and a lot of green screen work lately. BTW, for you FCP people, Ron Gonzalez told me to check out dvgarage for the chroma keyer and he's right-- it works great.

I've also finish the "Greenlight Yourself" DVD and that took some long hours to edit. Finished is over three hours and we covered it heavily with b-roll and graphics to accentuate the points.

Then I've got an acting seminar on Saturday and an audition workshop on Sunday.

Going throttle-up for fund raising on a movie takes a lot of time. Business plans need to be crafted. Phone calls to prospects. Meetings with prospects. Script polishing. Talent searching. And the hardest part is not knowing yet that it's a "go." This limbo state is one of the hardest times of the filmmaking process.

So here we go.

Humility

2010-08-13T08:00:00.001-05:00

Humility is a rare thing in my industry. To make it as a writer/director, you have to push and promote yourself. You need the "numbers" to show to the Big Dogs who can shovel money your way to make a movie. But this sounds opposite to what God has told us disciples, right?

God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. This well known and oft quoted verse in I Peter speaks to the cornerstone of identity. What is Humility?

As touched on in "The Imposter," I wear masks. So do you. As I pull down the masks, revealing who I really am (my true identity), I draw closer to God. This is not an easy process and it's certainly painful. But it's good. (James 1... consider it all joy when you encounter... and Romans 8:28... all things good...).

Humility is understanding and comprehending my true identity. When I start to see the various shades of evil of my flesh... I understand part of who I am. When I start to realize that my spirit, my essence, is fearfully and wonderfully made (Ps 139) by God, I understand who I am.

And it's in understanding these things that true Humility is found. Not the false "worm pride" humility of "oh look at me and how bad I am." You see, Humility is simply understanding your true identity.

You see, promoting myself in this industry has less to do with pride or humility. It has to do with mission.

So as I draw closer to God, He reveals masks that need to come off, and in the process I start to understand a little better who I really am-- the result is more humility. My readers who profess to be Disciples-- draw close to Him. Spend time communicating with Him. Devour and study the Word He has left you.

Consuming

2010-08-12T10:02:00.000-05:00

Consumer. To consume. To buy and use and then discard. Our economy grows or dies on our level of consumption.

Over the last one hundred years, research has been fine tuned and advertising has become extremely effective. The experts are extremely good at what they do-- convince you to buy.

I remember pitching an potential investor for one of the movies and he jumped up and went to his white board and began a twenty minute lecture on advertising (he was very proud of the fact that he had taken several radio stations from obscurity to big market share numbers). Several times he told me that I wouldn't learn this at Harvard Business School. Seeing as I wasn't enrolled and wasn't going to be, I had to take his word for it.

What he told me was that he had discovered the one thing people wanted when he built the largest Christian radio station in the country. While I visualized Jack Palance and Billy Crystal, he continued. He told me what the one thing was and then gave it to the people and behold-- big numbers! (Too bad Jesus didn't use some Madison Avenue Advertising strategy... but that's another story).

My mentor defines Manipulation as the coercion to do something the person hadn't intended on doing. Well, that applies to most advertising.

At the same time, I'm working with a client that deals in the consumer debt industry. Well no wonder the US consumer is saddled with unsecured debt (ie credit cards)-- the culture here is to buy, buy, buy. The advertising and marketing has gotten so good, that it's eating the foundation out from under itself.

And the consumer, like a good staph infection, has become resilient to antibiotics, so the Madison Avenue guys keep finding new and better ways to target. It's amazing-- I've sat in on some conference calls for our upcoming small theatrical release, and there's teams of people dedicated to reaching different market segments.

In the meantime, no wonder it's hard to self-distribute your own movie. You're competing against an army of advertising and marketing experts who can quickly and efficiently get the word out.

But in all this vast advertising improvement, target marketing, niche marketing, viral marketing... the number one form of advertising is the same today as it was when Jesus walked the earth during his three and a half year ministry. Word Of Mouth.

So I think about "The Imposter." We can drop some good money advertising... paying those specialist. But at the end of the day, the most effective will be you-- if you liked it.

Apple of My Eye

2010-08-11T22:41:00.000-05:00

Dear Bill Gates and Michael Dell,
I appreciate the low prices. I really like all the software. But I have to tell you, I don't like the open architecture that comes with the plethora of software. Because it's buggy. And full of viruses from people that shouldn't be allowed to continue existence.

You see, if I wanted to have a sure thing at success, I would create a virus protection company. And unbeknown to the public at large, I'm sure there would be an executive at my company who would create viruses for surefire job security. Really MacAfee? Really Mr. Norton?

I like Jobs. He thinks differently. Sometimes he's too crazy. But it's really hard to inflict a virus on a Mac. And Macs are cool. But Macs are expensive. If it wasn't for that one thing, I would have convinced my friends to buy Apples.

Of course I'm writing this blog on my Dell laptop. It was tops when I bought it several years ago. But now the memory's full and the software OS is buggy. And it's almost time to replace it. So yes. I'm coming to you Mr. Jobs. Goodbye Gates.

I already have a Mac at the office, running my FCP system. But the PC's are being phased out. This laptop is the last bastion. I am concerned about all the programs I use here... like Dreamweaver. And QuickBooks Pro. I don't want to buy software I already have. It's what swung the balance back when I bought this Dell laptop. Almost went Mac at that point.

The Rescuers

2010-08-10T16:09:00.000-05:00

Like "The Incredibles," the scene has turned on the rescuers. Around the Band of Christian Brothers and Sisters, a rescuer is someone who swoops in, because they feel value when they do, to enable someone to continue in a destructive, dysfunctional behavior. Bad rescuer. Go away.

One of the costumes I've worn as an imposter, is the hero. I can rush in and fix this situation that has reached critical. But that grows tiresome when it was because of my inattentiveness that the situation went awry. In the Royal Rangers ( a boy scout like organization me and my son do), they have a life saving merit. The only thing though is that you can't earn the merit if you were the cause for the life threatening situation. Say you pull your buddy out of a burning tent on a campout... you can't get the merit if you were the one who caused the fire.

So as you can imagine-- rescuing is somewhat a dirty word.

But my wife made a comment today that I'm chewing on. Jesus was a rescuer. God rescues. Peter and John outside the temple didn't have money, but they rescued the paralytic who was begging. I get so caught up in the "dysfunctional rescuer" that I can get a bit twisted. In other words, I'm with Peter that day, saying "look at that guy... he needs to just get a job. Wait... Pete, what'cha doing? Aw man, if you do that, you'll just enable his 'victim' mentality!"

I have no doubt that Peter walked past lots of people who were in need of rescuing. But on that day, he said "silver and gold have a none." What this says is that I'm not God... I'll let Him decide what to do. I will just be a willing vessel. There might be times when He impresses on me to take some action. Other times He might say leave alone.

This requires a little work on my part-- I need to make sure my communication lines with Him are up and working.

Two Movies

2010-08-09T19:50:00.000-05:00

I don't remember if it's a video game or just a recurring nightmare. You know the one-- you get things stirred up, then you have to keep stirring as hard as you can so that the momentum doesn't die.

Paperwork is created. Script is passed the second draft. We've just attached first name actor. We're talking to another. And we've got multiple possible funding sources. Now to keep the momentum going. And there's a different energy this time-- with my last movie about to get a theatrical release (albeit a small one). Can this turn into an easier time funding? I've always wanted to get to that point.

My goal right now is to raise money for a two picture deal. The first is a very faith-based "72." And it's going to be a less expensive-- easier shoot. We'll do it in three weeks probably in late October if I can get the momentum going. The second movie is a family film called "Game of Integrity" and it really needs to be shot only in the spring. (And a lot of this movie is day exteriors).

72 is the story about a group of guys going through the ultimate gut-check weekend. Sorry actresses-- this one just doesn't have that many women roles. It should be a lot of fun to shoot.

Game of Integrity, like Rising Stars, centers around high school age kids.

So stir up the pot and let's see if we can get the momentum going!

Ownership Issues

2010-08-08T22:19:00.000-05:00

A real man "owns it." That means he doesn't throw others under the bus to escape judgment or blame. He takes responsibility and when things go awry, he looks and pursues ways to make it right.

A man that owns it doesn't have a long "honey-do" list, because the person who makes the list, owns it. So a real man makes the lists (sure, he builds it based on what his wife needs).

You see, I find myself getting into trouble when I start trying to do things because I'm seeking my wife's approval. It has taken me a long time (and is still taking me) to realize I need to seek approval from a much higher source (and I don't mean Obama.) It's a sure sign my ego's in play when I find myself doing things to get by from my wife. That's not owning it.

I had two similar issues happen on a movie set once-- a big mistake happened by person A and then Person B did something similar. Person A is eligible for re-hire. She realized the mistake and owned it. She dedicated herself to making it as right as she could. Person B moaned and said I must hate her now. And that if she was Japanese I'd probably require hari-kari. And then she did nothing to make the mistake right. Person B is not eligible for re-hire.

You see, a person who doesn't own it is destined to continue making the same mistake. I remember this as I work around the house. I'm not doing these things to please my wife, although certainly I hope that's one of the outcomes. I do these things because it's the right thing to do before God... to be a steward of what He's given me.

I forget this too often. It's time for me to own it.

Conferences, Speaking Engaements and Workshops

2010-08-07T10:46:00.000-05:00

The Arts Conference at CFNI went great. Now we look ahead. I'll be speaking in Dallas at a PROAct actors meeting on August 16. THen we'll be doing the seminar on August 21-22, two weeks from today.

It's time for me to get focused on that a little more. I'll be creating email flyers for the event and sending them out through local talent agencies. IN the past, we've gotten great response for this seminar.

The plan is for a half day seminar on acting, totally from a director's pov. I talk about what we look for in audition and on the set. I talk about the things we praise you for in post and the things you did we curse in post, then cut you out. Armed with this knowledge, I think you can have a better chance of surviving the cut.

On Sunday, we're going to have an all day workshop on Auditioning. But instead of only giving you the do's and don'ts, I'm going to take you to the other side of the table. Everyone will audition, but also everyone will rotate through to Reader, Producer and so forth. I we'll discuss the audition we just saw and you'll see what we talk about. Again, armed with this knowledge, you can have a much better shot of landing the role.

FOr the seminar alone on Saturday, it's only $29 and you can pick morning or afternoon. If you want to do the workshop, it's $150, limited to the first 12, and includes attending the seminar the day before.

More info at www.s-films.com/pov .

Band of Brothers

2010-08-06T05:51:00.000-05:00

Ambrose used it to describe a Army Company's exploits in World War II. It's an oft quoted source and for good reason. Shakespeare captured in these verses a sense of fraternity that is difficult to describe. In the book "Band of Brothers," Ambrose talks about the Easy Company from the 506th of the 101st Airborne Division. He used that Shakespearean reference because it described the bond these soldiers had.

Some of you know I'm involved in a "Band of Christian Brothers" and it's an intense time of discipleship require a lot of discipline, transparency, humility and honesty. Going through the fight with these guys has resulted in a better walk with God, being a better husband and father.

I pulled the original verse up and I just love the whole concept. Historically, King Henry was in France at Agincourt. He was outnumbered 5 to 1 and his guys were deadmeat tired, while the French were fresh. It looked like it would be a slaughter. And it was, but the complete opposite.

In one of the classic underdog stories of all time, Henry's forces slaughtered the French. How did they do it? By artillery. The English utilized the long bow. Henry sit up his archers in the woods surrounding the battlefield. It had rained so the field was one big mud pit. This equalized a lot-- the French cavalry became very bogged down. As did the soldiers themselves. The English archers had their way.

But the night before the battle, it looked like suicide. So here it is-- from Bill Shakespeare:

WESTMORELAND
O that we now had here
But one ten thousand of those men in England
That do no work to-day!

KING HENRY V
What's he that wishes so?
My cousin Westmoreland? No, my fair cousin:
If we are mark'd to die, we are enow
To do our country loss; and if to live,
The fewer men, the greater share of honour.
God's will! I pray thee, wish not one man more.
By Jove, I am not covetous for gold,
Nor care I who doth feed upon my cost;
It yearns me not if men my garments wear;
Such outward things dwell not in my desires:
But if it be a sin to covet honour,
I am the most offending soul alive.
No, faith, my coz, wish not a man from England:
God's peace! I would not lose so great an honour
As one man more, methinks, would share from me
For the best hope I have. O, do not wish one more!
Rather proclaim it, Westmoreland, through my host,
That he which hath no stomach to this fight,
Let him depart; his passport shall be made
And crowns for convoy put into his purse:
We would not die in that man's company
That fears his fellowship to die with us.
This day is called the feast of Crispian:
He that outlives this day, and comes safe home,
Will stand a tip-toe when the day is named,
And rouse him at the name of Crispian.
He that shall live this day, and see old age,
Will yearly on the vigil feast his neighbours,
And say 'To-morrow is Saint Crispian:'
Then will he strip his sleeve and show his scars.
And say 'These wounds I had on Crispin's day.'
Old men forget: yet all shall be forgot,
But he'll remember with advantages
What feats he did that day: then shall our names.
Familiar in his mouth as household words
Harry the king, Bedford and Exeter,
Warwick and Talbot, Salisbury and Gloucester,
Be in their flowing cups freshly remember'd.
This story shall the good man teach his son;
And Crispin Crispian shall ne'er go by,
From this day to the ending of the world,
But we in it shall be remember'd;
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he to-day that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother; be he ne'er so vile,
This day shall gentle his condition:
And gentlemen in England now a-bed
Shall think themselves accursed they were not here,
And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks
That fought with us upon Saint Crispin's day.

Super Size Me

2010-08-05T05:34:00.001-05:00

I don't think anyone needs to read the Bible. I mean, why do all that hard work when you can go purchase the latest pop-Christianity non-fiction off the shelf at Lifeway? It's great-- I don't have to do the math-- it's all done for me right there in those pages. And there's plenty of "Word" in them-- they quote Bible verses and passages. Then I can argue with friends about what the Greek says in this passage or that, because an NFL Coach wrote about it and already did the research! Piece of cake. Or french fries.

Awhile back, I wrote a blog about the importance of not just reading your Bible, but studying it. And that directive is for me as much for anyone else. I am amazed that when I've done some interviews, the interviewer is surprised that I know this verse or that verse. What I don't understand is Disciples (or those that claim they are) who's only foray into the Word is on Sunday Morning for the verse of the sermon. Or even worse, they read a verse in a John Eldredge book. When has non-fiction contemporary apologists become the main feeding source for Christians?

Case in point. A friend has been wrestling with some issues. We talk for awhile. Come to find out, the issues were brought out by a book. So instead of tearing into the Bible and studying-- researching the original Greek, reading the verse and the context around it, and all the things Disciples (who have discipline), she relies solely on what this one person's interpretation. She had started by claiming that she was reading the Bible. When in actuality, she read the verse, printed in this book, completely out of context and pushed with the agenda of the writer.

For me, as a Disciple, I find it a daily struggle-- in my laziness, I'd much rather have people just tell me what God is saying. I don't want to do the work myself. I look to my mentor, my wife, my pastor for the shortcut, for them to do the math for me. It's wrong. I'll say it again, my Disciple friend, it's WRONG.

Do the work. Get into the Word and out of the Zondervan book of the month club. There's nothing wrong with Eldredge, Beth Moore or Crabb or even Warren (that pained me to write) writing a book. What's wrong is when I or you use the book as a substitute for studying the Bible.

For those Disciples who study the whole Bible, they begin to get a more accurate feel for the character of God. It's harder to be led astray. It's easier to find some life answers. For those who diet on the fast food of modern day apologetics, you'll spiritual die. Even if you "super-size" your order. One guy, with devastation all over his life, was reading five different books. Here was a man eating jumbo orders of fast food and couldn't see why his body was dying.

The same goes for my movies, or this blog. If the only Romans you're devouring is what I wrote about, you'll starve to death.

The Word. It's not just for breakfast.

Social Network Marketing

2010-08-04T09:12:00.000-05:00

I was in my twenties, newly married, and played guitar for worship. So the associate pastor who had a Thursday night Bible Study for Young Singles, at his house invited me to be one of the leaders. It was an incredible time. We had some evenings where a hundred people gathered in this normal sized suburban house.

But as the months rolled on, a schism appeared. There were two main camps-- the 18 to 22 year olds, and a new influx of the recently divorced and mid thirties type singles. It had started with the younger group and they felt invaded by these old guys. So they started leaving. In droves. From once what was 100 people, it got down to a handful of divorced older singles. Then it was finally canceled. And the time period wasn't that long from 100 to canceled.

So naturally, you might think I'm taking this towards the Corinthian conversation about body schisms and such-- but no, let's talk technology. (Love a good non sequitar).

The hot thing in business right now is "social network marketing." I visited a smart business that's jumping into this arena with both feet. They're building and hiring. They're signing clients left and right. They have cubicles of people whose job it will be to surf facebook, myspace and all those to push the clients product, company or services. See where I'm going yet? No?

The young people are hanging out at the house. The older people are starting to come. The older people are the Business aspect of social networking. It will be good for a short period of time here, before facebook gets inundated with business stuff-- or even worse-- it loses it's "cool" factor with this generation. Look at MySpace.

Facebook is strong right now. But June saw the largest decrease in members they've ever had. Rightly so, Business sees these social networks as a gold mine for selling their wares. And when the people leave facebook, they'll go to the next big thing, and business will be hot on their trails.

Is this the end of facebook? Of course not. But watch as the young people stop showing up because the older divorced types are coming.

Director to Actor

2010-08-03T20:36:00.000-05:00

I get asked to speak here and there and to teach what I've learned in the movie business. A year ago, with the experience of "Rising Stars," I talked to some local actors. Why do producers bring in a lot of NYC and LA actors into North Texas to shoot movies?

Well, the Texan in me rises up and says that's not right! But then I see the facts-- I've done it. Why do directors and producers seek out experienced out of town actors?

I'm not even going to the "name factor." Yes, us producers and directors need name recognition in our cast. Nothing you local actors can do about that.

Instead of immediately going to a thought pattern that they're biased, consider some factors. Experienced actors hit their marks more than inexperienced actors. Experienced actors need fewer takes. Experienced actors have more tools in their acting toolbox to pull from. But if you're a local actor, you can get training. And you can find experience.

So as I thought about what to say to local actors, I looked around. There are TONS of seminars and workshops, but almost all of them are Actors to Actors. I couldn't really find anything from a working Director to Actors. Sitting on the set of Rising Stars, I remember talking to a NYC actor about how the auditions went from my side of the table. She talked about her side. It was really interesting. And even more interesting was that few actors knew what we thought and talked about on the other side of that audition table.

So I decided to teach a seminar on Acting from the Director's point of view. And, like last year, I'm teaming that up with an Audition Workshop where you'll get in depth and personal on what goes on on the other side of that table.

If you just want the seminar, it's Saturday August 21 for three and a half hours. Pick the morning or the afternoon. It's only $29.

If you want the Audition Workshop, it's $150 for the all day Sunday event, but you also get to attend one of the Saturday's seminars-- just let me know if you're coming in the morning or the afternoon.

To register, click here (www.s-films.com/pov). I'm going to limit the Workshop, so as soon as the slots are full, I'm going to close it up.

Another Review of "The Imposter"

2010-08-02T11:38:00.000-05:00

I really appreciate the people who not only watch the movie, but take time to write about. And I really, *really* appreciate the ones that say good things! Here's what Brian from EncounterThis had to say about the movie:

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Two generations now have grown up with a tv perspective on life. We’ve all been infected with the notion that all problems should be solved within 30 minutes. That same thought process carries over into the church. Stay with me on this one. There is a sense in that no matter where we’ve been and no matter what we’ve done, running down the aisle of the church will bring automatic release and removal of all problems.
Much like tv life, that is not realistic or true.

Our youth group, momentum, watched the movie, Imposter last night. In the movie Kevin Max from DC Talk plays a Christian rock singer whose life spins out of control because of his addiction to himself. The movie takes a very untypical approach in his return to his family, friends, and Christ.

There is no climactic, come-down-the-aisle scene. There is no great reunion between him and his wife. There is no weeping moment of reconciliation with his friends. Instead there is a process of brokenness, a path of rebuilding trust, and a deeper change in a broken man’s life. In the words of the dialog from the movie…

“God is more concerned that our hero go through a process than zapping him with spiritual morphine.”

How refreshing to see a real life approach to a man’s walk with God. How genuine to see family and friends be slow to restore trust. How honest to see a man wrestle with himself and humility.

A Two Camera Man

2010-08-01T21:43:00.000-05:00

The last couple of features, I've become spoiled-- I've been using an A and B camera team on the movies. For those who don't know how television and movies are shot, here's some standard practices.

For "film style" shoots, that usually refers to a single camera. Everything is lit for that camera. Sound prepares for that camera. When you add a second camera to a film style shoot, it's usually more of the same. Only you light for them both. That's why when you bring in a second camera on a film style shoot, it's best to shoot in the same direction. In other words, one's a medium shot and the others a close up. If you shoot crossways-- for instance, two people talking to each other, one camera holds one person, the other camera the other-- this creates some big problems. You have to light both-- and your lights for one might be in the way for the other shot. Sound now has to get pristine recording-- which might require a second boom op. All these things come in to play.

Generally, when shooting film style with two cameras, I shoot the same direction. But there have been times I've had to shoot crossways. On "The Imposter," we were shooting an exterior scene and the sun was setting. If we didn't get them both right then, it would not match. We had seconds to decide and we act to act fast. Fortunately, it didn't require more than bounces on lighting and we close mic'd the actors (and later had to ADR anyway because it was on the side of a busy road).

For television, you have "film style" and "sitcom" style. The show "Scrubs" has done a great job of showing both. For a sitcom, they broke some major rules by deciding to shoot the show "film style." So the lighting is more dramatic and they use one or two cameras. Then for one show, they went "sitcom" and you can really see the difference. A sitcom is lit flat with as many as five cameras. The lighting has to be flat and even, or shadows will creep into one or more of the cameras. When a sitcom is shot, they'll roll maybe twice through the show, with some pickups for flubs, then edit the five cameras together to get the finished result. "Film style," you'll shoot one little shot until you have it perfect.

So in tv land, you might see as many as 12 pages a day shot. For films it gets lower (the bigger budgets might average 2 or 3 pages). For some tv shows, they still might shoot film style, but they move really fast. Especially the dramas like "24," and "The Shield." Think "movie" but at an incredible pace. To accomplish this, the crews are a well oiled machine, and actors are dead on 95% of the time. You just can't afford, neither time or money, to routinely get to take four or five. Show runners will talk about how they were thrilled but concerned to land some famous movie director for an episode. They are afraid a movie director doesn't know how to make a 12 page day when they're used to 3 page days.

Anyway, I always had multiple cameras on stunt days. But on "Striking Range," I started using a second camera. By "The Imposter," I used a second camera almost the whole time. The same for "Rising Stars." It gives me more coverage and saves time. I can make my days while getting plenty of coverage.

Acting and Auditioning

2010-07-31T05:47:00.000-05:00

Almost a year ago, I was talking with several local actors and a couple of agents. This market had lots of education for actors FROM actors. But very little for actors FROM directors. I mean, we sit on the other side of the audition table and shake your hand when you come in. We glance at your headshot and briefly screen the resume. Then we watch and listen as you put it all out there. What are we thinking? Haven't you wanted to know?

When you walk out, what do the director and producer talk about? How much sway does the casting assistant or the reader have? Is it wrong to talk too much or to talk too little?

I decided that the local actors needed some straight talk from a director of feature films. So I created the first seminar-- "Acting: A Director's POV" and also married it with an Audition Workshop where they would get one on one time with me and also sit with me on auditions from this other side of the table.

It was a big hit and I've only done it that once. Now I'm going to do it again. We'll have the seminar, only $29 for half day (pick morning or afternoon) on Saturday August 21. Or be one of the twelve for the audition workshop, which will include the seminar, and an all day, hands on Workshop on Sunday, August 22. The two day is $150.

Click here for info and registration.

Labor Can Be Longer Than Nine Months

2010-07-30T06:04:00.000-05:00

My non-movie-making friends often ask about a movie we're making-- wondering why it isn't out yet and in stores. Over ten years, I've made five films... So there's the average pace from start to finish, for me, of two years per movie. Sure I'd like to see that shrink.

In the studios, a director can do two or three movies a year tops. A producer can do a bunch because he's multitasking and doesn't have to be exclusive for a long time on a movie.

Once we yell "wrap," people often wonder why they don't see the movie in the theaters a few months later. Here's what happens in the indie world. My fastest film to distribution from wrap, was about nine months-- "A Promise Kept." We wrapped at the end of January and it was available through the distributor by October.

The next film "Striking Range," took significantly longer. We wrapped in early June. By the next June we were talking with Sony, and in late November, it was released. So wrap to shelf was 18 months-- double the time of APK.

Right now, we're coming up on the year anniversary of the shoot for "Rising Stars." We wrapped at the very end of August. Looks like a late September release in a few select theaters, so wrap to screen time is right in the middle of the average-- 12 to 13 months.

Why so long? Well first, the filmmakers have to perfect the edit, and this is what can take so long. Watching it amongst the team... focus groups with others... constantly questioning every little cut in every little scene. Getting to the locked edit can be three or four months on average-- a lot longer other times. Then after Lock, it will take minimum of six weeks, but more likely three or four months for sound and music, lab and color to take place. Then you have your "screener."

So then you schedule distributor screenings and this can take a month or two. Distributors are thinking and talking amongst themselves-- acquisitions bring it to the team, marketing watches and weighs in, then the big dog decides yes or no. If a yes, then an offer is made. Then there's at least a couple of weeks of going back and forth on the offer.

The distributor will need a minimum of five months or so to properly prepare a release. If you're starting with foreign sales, then it can be the following month (hence the quickness of APK).

Now for studio films, it's different-- they're in an assembly line. They don't have to try and get the movie picked up. But locking can take a lot longer and various suits try to justify their studio position by weighing in on the edit. Movie making by committee. Ewwww.

INT. HOME OFFICE -- DAY

2010-07-29T06:00:00.000-05:00

Screenwriters are an interesting group. And for those who write for movies, they call themselves screenwriters-- not scriptwriters. The screenwriters I know personally all have these babies... born out of a passion to tell a story. And like real children, these "parents" try to nurture and grow the child, hoping that it goes to child and finds a nice paying job.

To see your child become a fully grown movie, the screenwriter/parent has two primary paths. They can send the child off to boarding school where the studio will try and take care of him, or they can try and raise the child themselves.

Okay enough with the analogy.

You screenwriters-- you have a script or two (or five) and you want to see them up on the big screen. Most people work hard on trying to get a studio, or producer to option the script and hopefully see it go into production. This path is the most common, and as difficult as it is, it's easier than the alternative, which we'll go into in a moment.

For this route, it's as easy as one, two, three... seven.

Write Totally Awesome Script
Find Agent
Agent Shops to Studios and Producers
Agent Fields All The Offers
You Pick the Best
You Cash the Big Check
You Sit At Premiere, Much Richer, and Watch the Big Screen as they Butcher Your Child

Most people can't get to step 2 let alone any of the others. And actually, most don't get to step one except in their own mind.

So what's the harder, less common second path? DIY. Do It Yourself. Green light your own movie. (Shameless plug-- get the "Greenlight Yourself" training DVD on how to make your movie by clicking here.) When a writer just can't wait on agents, producers and directors, she studies about how to make the thing herself. It's how many indie filmmakers come into existence. Now instead of waiting on producers, she'll be waiting on investors, but at least she can control the upbringing of her baby. (Oops, sorry, slipped back into allegory).

So you screenwriters out there, you got two paths in front of you. Which are you going to take?

Top Page for July

2010-07-28T06:00:00.002-05:00

Church Movie night is the top read page this month. More than a year ago, I had started corresponding with Jim David, who had ordered "The Imposter" for his church. The majority of churches that ordered the movie, were ordered by staff-- pastors or youth pastors. But here was a "civilian" who's not content to sit on the sidelines. He wants in the battle.

He took initiative to start a movie ministry at his church and I am hoping people find his story inspirational. And I hope others start to do the same at their church. Jesus often taught by telling stories, and the wisdom in this is huge-- you can teach a point by telling the point. Or you can tell a story that covers the principle--not just the rule.

If anyone needs help in setting up a movie ministry at your church, please don't hesitate to contact me or Jim.

Here are the links to July's top story--
Part 1
Part 2

Acting for a Living

2010-07-27T10:44:00.000-05:00

Many, many people dream of being an actor. They watch their favorite television shows and movies and see Hanks looking and acting so naturally. Well, I can do that! All I have to do is just be me!

Acting, when done right, looks incredibly easy. But acting is an extremely difficult job, so it fools countless many into pursuing a professional path way outside the individuals natural giftings. I can't tell you how many times I've had someone come up to me telling me they could really help me out-- they'd come in and save me and be an actor. You know, now I have the missing puzzle piece! Thank you!

One individual, who had never taken an acting class in his life, didn't understand why I had hired this seasoned LA actor (who's face you'd recognize). He could do that! I just smile and nod and mumble something like, you know how it goes... or thanks, maybe next time.

Now, for the person who determines they're going to make a living getting acting gigs, it's going to be a very tough road. First, location does matter for this. If you live in a small rural area, not close to any metropolitan locations, chances are, there's just not enough work. Even for those that live in Dallas-Fort Worth, there's very few of the actors that are represented here, that actually do this full time. Most have a day job that's flexible, allowing them to take off to go to auditions or be on the set.

Which brings me to another arena of acting-- the commercials and corporate world. Landing a national commercial spot can make someone's year sometimes. It can pay for a child's college education. And Dallas is a good place to be. Or New York, LA or Chicago. After that, good luck. Also, many actors make a living doing the corporate/industrial gigs. These don't pay bunches like commercials, but they'll pay more than the low budget indie movie being shot by your buddy. For this, you need to learn how to be a "spokesperson" (thinks news anchor for corporations).

This is a designation for someone who talks directly to camera, training or selling a company's product or service. Recently I hired a couple of different local actors to work on a corporate film. One was somebody I had used a lot back when I did corporate/commercials fulltime. This guy's a real pro. And he works a lot. He showed up, had to basically read cold to prompter, but had very few gaffs or cuts. He could just keep rolling.

Another one-- not so good. He had problems saying the client's name. He would throw in extra "a's" and "the's" and then later exclude them when needed. We spent about three times as much time on him than the other guy. I won't be calling this guy back for any spokes work.

If you want to make a living acting, look into commercials and spokesperson work. Get training in these areas. The first guy is known around town for having perfected the ear prompter (which we didn't use on this particular shoot). I think that alone gets him some work. Take a lesson from him-- get specialized training that gives you a little more edge when a client is looking over headshots and resumes.

Other training includes what a lot of news anchors do-- pronunciation practice, tongue twisters... all that stuff. Practice, practice, practice. If you have a regional dialect, there are exercises to eliminate those. The second "spokes" we had in, had a problem with a few words-- you could tell he was from Texas. This won't work for a national video. I had to stop him and redo them.

There's more ways to earn a living acting than just being in movies or television. So if you want to try this, get training and get experience!

Sets Smooth as Silk

2010-07-25T06:00:00.001-05:00

On "A Promise Kept", in the production office, everything was running smooth. The captain of that ship was Susan Kirr, and she had a solid crew. Locations were found and signed. Contracts were covered and taken care. Cast medicals were all done. Sure, there were some hiccups,but each one was faced and a solution was found. And for the most part, everyone got along.

On the set, things were equally smooth. 1st AD Joey Stewart did his "white" schedule, and for the first time in his career and anyone else he knew, the strip board didn't change. We did our scenes and made our days. Again, there were some problems, but we met the challenges head on. I heard several crew people say they've never been on such a smooth running set.

The people-pleaser in me has gotten caught up in seeking a smooth and harmonious set above all else. But I have learned that a set of people holding pinkies and sinking Barney songs doesn't always transfer over to the actual movie. And likewise, sets where directors and actors are throwing stuff at each other, yelling expletives at every intense moment, sometimes come forth with masterpieces.

I've been reading a book about Dreamworks SKG and what went on behind the scenes and several stories popped out. First, on Sam Mendes first big movie as a director, Spielberg himself pulled Mendes aside after seeing the first couple days dailies to find out what was wrong. Spielberg gave Mendes some real help-- but other executives were ready to can him and quick. For Dreamworks, this little movie Mendes was directing was way on the bottom of the attention scale for their production slate at the time. They had much, much bigger fish to fry. And maybe because of that, the executives were willing to allow Mendes to continue-- I think if it had any bigger profile, they'd have canned him. The movie? Academy Award Winning "American Beauty."

Also in the same book, the script was being re-written daily on Dreamwork's tentpole, big budget action movie. The star, Russell Crowe, was problematic. It was a struggle to find any harmony on that set, from director Ridley Scott to Crowe. And then one of the chief supporting actors died halfway through shooting. Do you reshoot? Rewrite to reflect the character's demise as well? This time, the stakes were incredibly high and tensions were bursting. Many people thought this movie would bomb. Daily rewrites speak to a production that greenlighted before a solid script was ready-- this is Trouble with a big t. The movie? "Gladiator." And in my opinion, a very solid, well done movie.

There is a solid track record of great movies having tension, trouble-filled sets. "Casablanca" was famous for it's trouble, especially with the script.

Now, my tendency is to use this as an excuse. For instance, I caught myself thinking, "see? I can rush into production with "72" before the script is ready!" No. No. No. Shooting a movie is warfare. But that doesn't mean you go into the fight without the best weapons. You can't always count on finding a loaded tank on the battlefield that you can jump into and save the day.

Anyway, interesting thoughts.

"The Imposter"

2010-07-24T06:00:00.002-05:00

This past February, our movie "The Imposter" was released in Christian bookstores everywhere and with Christian movie online stores. For SFilms, this was our fourth movie and our first specifically targeted for the Christian market. We feel we have made a movie with a very important message-- the effects of wearing masks and masquerades in the church and the importance of needing to pull them out and see the real you-- the beautiful and the ugly, so you can kill that part.

We need your help. As we gear up for making more movies, the people that can partner with us take a look at how the movie has performed. So if you haven't bought the movie, please go down to the nearest Christian bookstore or online portal and buy one. If you have already, they would make a great gift.

It would be awesome if people kept going up to the manager at Lifeway, or Family Life requesting Imposter because they can't keep enough on the shelves. If you like the movie, talk about it. Share the link with your friends. Encourage them to buy the movie.

In the upcoming months, it's critical that the big dollar people see this as the direction faith-based movies can go-- real, honest, where the rubber meets the road, kind of storytelling. If you agree, we need your help and support.

Write about the movie in blogs and forums... on facebook and myspace. If you have any ideas you'd like to see from me, let me know. We gave away a few CD Soundtracks to help build the facebook group. I'd be open to more things like that.

Most movies, even the bigger Christian films, have a lot of money spent on advertising and marketing. We've spent very little. We're hoping that the most powerful form of advertising through the centuries will work here-- word of mouth. So please help us spread the word. If I can find a way to recognize our biggest cheerleaders for this movie-- I'd be gad to send a CD Soundtrack or an original script.

Thanks in advance for your support!

UPrinting

2010-07-23T10:03:00.000-05:00

I really like using these guys for printing. All the Imposter posters, SFilms brochures, business cards and more. They do a solid job and all online. They just posted a nice article about us, and I appreciate the call out.

For the article, click this link.
Also in the news for our world-- we just finished shooting a nice corporate series of videos on Stage B at Studios121 for a new client. Looking forward to editing them in the next few weeks.

On the home front, tearing off old wallpaper to prepare for texture painting, only to find some sheetrock damage. Got a feeling I'm about to learn a new skillset.

Upcoming Engagements

2010-07-21T08:54:00.000-05:00

I've been asked to speak at several events coming up. The one I'll focus on today is a faith-based arts conference where I'll teach several filmmaking classes. Held at CFNI in south Dallas, "Releasing the Light" is August 4-7. I'll be teaching on Thursday and Friday.

I'll teach from 10:30am to 3pm, with a break for lunch. I'm going to cover filmmaking, from pre-production to post-production. If you plan on being there, give me a shout-- would love to hear from you.

Secondly, I'll be speaking as part of a panel on Keith Randal Duncan's "Kamp Hollywood" on August 1, also in Dallas.

And lastly, I'm thinking about scheduling another seminar third week of August. If you have a request for which seminar or subject matter, please let me know. For those outside the Dallas-Ft. Worth area, if you have enough people interested, I'd love to set up a seminar in another part of the country.

First day on "The Imposter"

2010-07-20T08:00:00.000-05:00

It was a warmish January day. First shot on "Imposter" was on the side of the Interstate. A shot of a car passing by. By this, the fourth movie, I had learned to ease into the shooting-- try not to kill yourself first up. So we were south of Burleson, Texas, on the side of I-35W, waiting for our hero car to pass by.

We did about three takes. Ron Gonzalez and I noticed a weird vignetting taking place. This was my first non-film movie shoot. We were using HVX200's with lens adapter and PL mounts. But the PL mount was doing something pretty bizarre. We eventually went back to our Nikon mount and had no more trouble.

After the car on the highway, we need to shoot the preceding scene, where Kevin' Max's character hitches a ride. So we did that right there on the frontage road. Everything went pretty smooth.

We moved to a nearby railroad crossing on a rural road for another shot of KMax traveling. I remember looking out at the farm nearby and pointing out the cows to Stewart Young, our AD. Stewart looked at them, then looked at me and said they were horses. Oops. Shortly after, I started wearing some prescription glasses. Oh the joy of growing older.

The day ended at a house nearby, where I had to break the rule and shoot probably the most dramatic scene in the whole movie. It took a long time to set up and the lighting wasn't great. Then KMax was still getting settled into acting and overall it just didn't work. Later, after watching the footage, I decided to reshoot this if we had the chance and two weeks later we did, and it was wonderful-- the lighting, the performance.

Mental State

2010-07-19T10:40:00.000-05:00

2 Corinthians 10:5 is that famous verse-- taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. Sure, this means a sudden sinful thought hits your mind and you pray. But I'm dealing with something a little different-- not a wild thought, but a mindset... a mental state.

Having grown up in dysfunction (as you have too), I have fallen into mindsets. Maybe it's a victim mindset as we discussed the other week. Maybe is a vindictive mindset. These mindset's are deeply rooted, and I have trouble seeing them. They're often blindspots for me. So it's a little more difficult to take the thought captive when I don't even realize I'm thinking vindictively.

So when someone points out that I'm a miserable vindictive SOB, I can rejoice-- it is a GOOD thing to know. Something to work on. A thought process that definitely needs to be help captive to the obedience of Christ.

One of the sad things about the modern evangelical zeal, is that you come to Jesus, you end your struggling. But Paul discusses in same book, chapter 5, that we in this present tabernacle do groan, being burdened. To choose to become a Disciple of Jesus is to choose to work. And though it's incredibly hard sometimes to find out that I have failed and been failing in a certain area of my life, it's GOOD to see it so that I can WORK on taking those thoughts captive.

Also in chapter 5: Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. If I'm the same person I was before I came to be in Christ, then this verse is a lie. Or I am. Or you are. If you are in Christ, your old things are passed away, and all things are become new.

Truth in Advertising

2010-07-18T09:25:00.001-05:00

Almost a year ago, it was time in my household to revisit the tv situation. Having been a DirectTV loyal customer for ten years, I could get a much better deal either going with DishTV or by quitting and rejoining DirectTV. I tried to get the rate with DirectTV, but they wouldn't do it. So I quit and signed a two year deal with Dish. Then I got the exit call from DirectTV. They had a rate (the rate I begged for). But now it would cost me much money to bust the deal with Dish. And BTW, Dish has been great.

The research (not shown here, you'll just have to take my word for it) shows that it's much less expensive to keep an existing customer than to go get a new one. So why in this age are the consumer industries ignoring this?

Now it's time to review home/auto insurance. I think the profit-at-all-costs executives look at the numbers-- most consumers just blindly keep renewing and don't check the industry. So let's jack up the price a little bit more. The numbers say that the minuscule percentage of customers that ship and leave are critical-- they get more money by taking advantage of their loyal customers.

You might have read the news stories in 2000, when Amazon was accused of charging some existing customers more because of their shopping habits (in other words they knew they could more likely get away with it). Amazon denied the accusations, then gave refunds to slighted customers.

For you consumers-- I suggest looking at the advertising. These large companies know they're screwing consumers-- so they mount publicity and PR campaigns to convince you the opposite. We have a Capital One credit card. They ran one commercial with actor Tony Hale in which he tries to get a real person on the phone with his other credit card. CapOne's campaign of "no hassle" meant you get right through. I've never gotten right through to CapOne. They're more hassle than all of my other credit cards. They've been the first to pillage me if I'm a day late or any other problem.

Allstate's "good hands" campaign. Complete with Dennis Haysbert, who you definitely want protecting you and your family. The American Association for Justice places Allstate at the top of the "Greed, Fraud, Claim Denial, Deceptive Practices" list. If I were the executive at Allstate and didn't want to change my company's practices, I'd launch a preemptive strike-- with all the feel good advertising, when you hear something like the AAJ's report, how in the world can that be true? Haysbert says I can trust them!

Methinks the lady doth protest too much. If a company is really trying HARD to create an image in your mind, chances are it's because they're the opposite. A twist on truth in advertising.

First Day on First Movie

2010-07-16T15:26:00.001-05:00

I hardly slept the night before. I was so excited. My wife had bought me a new pair of nice shorts and a golf shirt to match (and they were too nice of clothes to be used on a movie set!). But it was a good thing to have shorts, because Day 1 of "The Keyman" was September 5, 2000, and it was 106 degrees. As I write this, it's 99 right now and pretty unbearable. I think my excitement got me through the heat. During that time, we were also in one of the longest periods without any rain.

I showed up at a recently closed hospital on the east side of Dallas. It was a perfect location for what we had to shoot. Lead actress Ellen Locy was first up, then second half of the day was Adam Baldwin, who had arrived two days before from Los Angeles. The interesting thing about this story was that the lead actor and the lead actress had only one scene together and that wasn't scheduled until the third week.

I remember parking and seeing all the trailers. Wow, when did they park these things? Little dressing rooms... bathrooms. How cool is this!

First shot was pretty easy. Exterior, Ellen in vehicle pulls into "morgue" parking lot. I had read somewhere that a Directing/Producing team made a tradition out of the producer clapping the first and last shot of a movie's shooting. So I had our Producer Susan Kirr on hand to clap the first take. (She did it again on the second movie "A Promise Kept.") Doug Bruce, the 1st AD, had everyone ready to go.

After a couple of takes, it was time for the next shot. Exterior car, dolly as Ellen sits in the car having just returned from the morgue. She's upset and starts crying. Now, I had read a lot about Spielberg as a director-- he's not an actor. He "directs" his actors by who he selects in the audition-- in other words, very little directing of the actors.

So action is called and Ellen, sitting in the driver's seat, breaks down and cries. We finish the take and she asks me "was that enough?" "Too much?" A voice inside my head said "how would I know?" But I quashed that thought. But the reality was the same... I really didn't know. So being the brilliant director, I told her I thought it was fine, then said, try one with less. Then after that take, try one with more. Directing by bracketing. Not so brilliant. Later in the edit, for the sake of time, I cut this scene anyway.

Then we (thankfully) moved inside, out of the 106 degree heat. We shot some more morgue scenes with Ellen. Then we shot a big scene with Adam. What was really cool here was that I was using my three year old son as a featured extra. (Also later cut-- so yes I can tell people I cut my own son out of the movie). My wife was on set of course, almost 9 months pregnant with my soon to be daughter. What I learned then hasn't changed to this day-- she is not impressed by a movie set and would rather be home. What is magic to many, is mundane to her. So she doesn't visit my movie sets much.

Last scene of the day was Ellen, after getting beat up, talks from her hospital bed to another actress. Everything seemed to go okay and we wrapped. Two days later, dailies came back, and the DP had opened the iris all the way for that last scene to get focus, then forgot to dial it back. So it was majorly blown out. That scene got added to a "re-shoot" list and fortunately, we did get back to it.

The first day of "The Keyman."

(BTW, "The Keyman" get your DVD for only $10 at the SFilms store! Free shipping right now.)

Starting a Movie

2010-07-14T20:26:00.000-05:00

So now is the season of starting-- I've got a script (that will always be in the process of fine-tuning) for "72". I've got to do an official breakdown and budget for it and will do that in the next week or so. But as we're still in the stage I call "Development", the biggest chore is the one that's the second hardest thing to do in indie filmmaking: Fundraising.

I've raised a little bit right now-- to get started. But in order to get going, I have to hit a certain mark in funds raised or I will have to push back the shoot date. How do I figure this math? Well, it's actually pretty easy if you follow this formula. How long is the shoot? For me, it can be 18 days, done by 6 day weeks for three weeks.

So how long do I need for Pre-Production? My formula is 1.5x where x=weeks of shooting. So basically 4 and a half or round up to five weeks for prep. So if I got a check for the budget today, the earliest we could be shooting would be late August.

Now I know that one of the name actors I'm talking to has October free, which suits me just fine. So I back up five weeks and late August is the time to start prep. And prep can't begin unless the money is solidly raised, contract with investor signed, and funds in the bank. So I give myself until mid-August to get to that point. That's one month away. Four weeks.

::big breath:: So now I saddle up the ponies and get busy. I've done this ride successfully four other times (and a couple not successful). If I don't have the funds raised by mid August, then I push the schedule back to November. I don't want to... but whatever happens, happens.

As a Disciple, I want to make sure I'm in His will-- this means His purpose. What if I'm wrong about chasing this movie? Well, God's purpose can't really be thwarted by me. I'm pretty sure at some point I'll get that message through my thick skull. And if it is His purpose, then nothing will stop Him from getting His movie made. Not even me.

BTW-- if you want to make your own movie and find this kind of info helpful, I do have a 3plus hour DVD on all this and more called "Greenlight Yourself" and you can order it for $99 at http://www.s-films.com/store.htm .

Crew Sizes for Feature Films

2010-07-13T08:00:00.002-05:00

I'm starting to budget out the next feature film and it's always a matter of figuring out what crew positions are needed. It's like diagramming the X's and O's of football. But instead of 11 players, you get to pick based on the economics and needs for that particular shoot.

I'm not really taking into account volunteers or interns. Usually every movie uses a few to a lot. And these can either be college students looking to fill their resumes, or can be people looking to get into films. For instance, on Striking Range, we had a volunteer for assistant hair/makeup. She did so well, that she now makes her living and is the go to indie film h/mu person for several producers. You also might find a volunteer who is looking to move up-- somebody that has PA'd in the assistant director's department might volunteer to be the second. Though more common is to take a pay cut to work upwards.

Some abbreviations: DP= Director of Photography. H/MU= hair/makeup. AC= assistant camera. AD= assistant director. UPM= unit production manager. POC= production office coordinator.

Extra Small (2)-- Documentary crew: 2 person Director/DP and Sound.
Small (7)-- Director, DP, AC, Sound, Gaffer, H/MU-- Office: UPM
Small Regular (22) -- Director, 1st AD, 2nd AD, DP, AC, Sound, Boom, Gaffer, Best Boy, Key Grip, Swing, H/MU, Wardrobe, Production Design, Location Mgr, Script Supervisor, File Mgr, Props, Craft Service Person Office: UPM, POC, Accountant
Small Large (38) -- Director, 1st AD, 2nd AD, 2nd 2nd AD, AD PA, DP, AC, 2nd AC, Camera PA, Sound, Boom, Gaffer, Best Boy, 2 Electricians, Key Grip, Grip, Swing, H/MU, Asst H/MU, Wardrobe Designer, Set Costumer, Production Design, Art Director, Props, Location Mgr, Asst Loc Mgr, Script Supervisor, File Mgr, Craft Service Person, Transportation Captain, 2 Drivers, Office: UPM, POC, Accountant, Office PA, Office Secretary

Then you have day players as needed, which can include Special Effects (smoke, fire, water, gags, squibs), Stunts, Steadicam, Crane, Weapons Master, special things. Also, you have vendors like the Caterer that comes with their own crew. And I'm not counting producers.

The Gaffer's department and the Key Grip's department, which all report to the DP are often referred to by a number. For instance "we had a 2 and 2 on that last movie." Meaning a crew of 2 for each sub department. If you have a script that needs massive lighting and rigging of huge silks and such, you might need a 5 by 5.

They Didn't Get It

2010-07-12T13:33:00.000-05:00

For three and a half years, these men walked with Jesus, ate with Jesus, listened to him talk, share stories, preach. It wasn't a once in a week, for an hour-- it was every day, sometimes 24/7. They camped out and slept under the stars and in peoples homes. When you go through that with someone, you really get to know the other person.

Yet, when Jesus was crucified, these people still didn't get it. He had told them what was coming. He told them straight out. He told them in allegory. He prepared them, yet still they didn't get it.

I think I have a tenancy to hear what I want to hear. To see what I want to see. Simon the Zealot probably was thinking all this talk about a new Kingdom was finally about to happen-- that's what Jesus was talking about... "The Kingdom of God is at hand." Must mean it's time to overthrow those pesky Romans. (What did they ever do for us? Well, they did build the aquaduct... oops, I digress, and if asked, I never saw that movie.)

Peter was told straight up that he would deny Jesus three times that very night. Yet he didn't get it. Jesus said he would be dead for three days. Tear down this temple and in three days I'll rebuild it. But did any of the twelve recall this when he died on the cross? I'm sure it was a three day gut check for the boys. They hid wondering if every footstep outside was one coming to take them to a gruesome death.

So today, I haven't physically spent that kind of time with Jesus, but in my arrogance, I consider myself clued in. That I have a corner on the Truth. "They didn't get it, but at least I do." When I think about the twelve, brings back a little reality check, and as I've written about in the past, understanding my true identity is real humility.

I'm not as clued in as I think I am.

Lonely

2010-07-11T08:00:00.000-05:00

Jesus wasn't hip and cool. Sure people liked Him for his parlor tricks, signs and wonders. But instead of capitalizing on that popularity, He would preach harsh words that sent the crowds packing. In John 6, they all leave to the point that Jesus turns to the 12 and asks "what about you?"

In this American church culture, we borrow from the American culture with rules like "if you're well-liked, then you're doing right!" And "numbers justify whatever you do." "Don't offend." Well, Jesus was one that was not afraid to offend.

So what I'm seeing, as I study those that worked hard to be a disciple of Jesus, is that they became lonelier and lonelier. So here's a word for you today-- do you want to draw closer to Jesus? Then don't plan to win popularity contests, or be thought of as the "cool" one. As a matter of fact, the more you chase God's purpose for your life, the more you'll realize the people you thought you shared common vision, just isn't accurate.

Very few people are dedicated to being a disciple of Jesus... sure, many *say* they're dedicated to that, but how many can be convicted in a court by their actions and not just lip service?

Imitate Jesus. If you dare.

Camcorder RIP

2010-07-10T07:20:00.000-05:00

Dearly beloved, we are gathered here to pay last respects to HVX200 and so many others like him. Yes, for Mr. HVX, life had been good. He was the one the young filmmakers hung out with. He set the standard. He had uprooted Mr. XL1 as the coca-cola of the industry, but sadly his time is passed.

You see, HVX and all his camcorder buddies are going to disappear. Those upstart DSLR's are taking over. And the manufacturers know it. The shelves are lined with all sorts of DSLR goodies. The HVX accessories are stuff for back shelves and eBay.

I was worried about my friend Red when my DP bought a couple of DSLR's and sold his HVX. My DP also has a Red. Could it be these DSLR's are better? Not even close. If they can ever solve the data wrangling, maybe someday... But Red still has that beautiful 4K going for it. But people are choosing the DSLR's for what the "filmmaker" camcorders were doing. Low budget indies... corporate videos... music videos. This seriously crimps the HVX market.

So project forward, what do you see? I see HVX200's selling really cheap on eBay. I see a world of DSLR accessories. I see Canon all but abandoning their camcorder market for the DSLR market. It's a reemergence for all the still camera manufacturers as they all get into this game.

Yes, the pro line of camcorders will continue-- broadcasters aren't going to change to DSLR's with that unwieldy shallow depth of field... But for the filmmaking side, from commercials, to low budget features, it's goodbye to camcorder and hello DSLR.

Two Christian Artists

2010-07-09T08:00:00.002-05:00

The other night, I was driving the family home from vacation, listening to some tunes, and of course thinking. It's interesting that out of all the Christian recording artists, two of the ones who took some of the biggest stands, died early. There's been much written about how God took them/didn't take them/accidents/free-will over God's hand of protection... and that's not what I want to cover.

Keith Green died in a plane crash in 1982. At the time, he was what I listened to the most. I was an impressionable 17 year old and this death hit me like what I guess it hit die hard fans of Lennon in 1980. Keith took a lot of stands-- and in the budding CCM industry, none shook like when he decided his albums would be for whatever a person could afford. That didn't sit well with the "business" side of things.

Then there's Rich Mullins. His death came in a vehicle accident in 1997, one in which his Jeep rolled and he was killed when he was ejected. Rich was another one who did it extremely different. Rich setup all his earnings (which there had to be much) into a trust, in which he drew a poverty line salary from. The rest went to charities. Here was a famous Christian recording star who would give his shoes away at the drop of a hat. He lived what he sang about.

Actually, that best describes both-- they lived what they sang about. I've known some Christian Recording stars through the years, and if you haven't watched "The Imposter," it might come as a shock to you, but there are lots of imposters out there singing one thing/living another.

Now, these two aren't to be idolized. But Paul did write to "imitate me as I imitate Christ." So for you budding Christian recording stars, I encourage you to imitate Keith and Rich as they imitated Christ.

So were they perfect? No. Keith, through a moment of Ego, led his two oldest children to death, and abandoned his wife and two younger children, depriving them of a father and older siblings. His Ego moment was to show off the ranch to a visiting family in an airplane, and further that Ego, by carrying an air of invincibility over the laws of nature. (The plane was seriously overweight).

Rich, fortunately didn't leave or abandon a family. A seatbelt might have saved his life. Or maybe not.

Church Movie Night Part 2 of 2

2010-07-08T07:06:00.005-05:00

This entry continues yesterday's post, by Jim David. He started a film ministry at his church by offering a once a month movie night. I really like his approach and I encourage all you out there-- does your church have a movie night? It can be a real powerful way to get discussion going and a great teaching opportunity. If you need any help or assistance, feel free to reach out to me.

What about childcare?
Our teens provide childcare during the films (except summer months) for a small donation that goes towards youth mission trips. This really helps to give mom and dad the opportunity for a night out.

Do you recommend doing this to other churches? If so, what are the
benefits?
Yes. The benefits are widespread: strengthening existing believers, and providing another medium for reaching the community for Christ – all while providing family safe entertainment in a time where it is hard to find good safe options. By doing a monthly film event, your church will begin to get a following -knowing that there is a consistency of good quality films offered each month (as compared to an infrequent movie event offered from time to time). I would say that there are four primary factors that have made the ministry a success:

Our church leadership was behind the ministry and one of the success factors for us has been showing a preview of the upcoming film & short to the entire congregation so that your church family is fully aware of the film offering. Print media in program is good too, but is often overlooked. Showing the preview really speaks volumes as you have a captive audience for several minutes and your people will likely spread the word to their friends.
Form relationships with a couple strong local businesses (Christian & secular if possible) to help you get the word out. This has helped our ministry tremendously in reaching the community.
Carefully choose films that will reach the widest audiences for Christ. If you show a film that is too pushy or cheesy, you may lose your audience for future showings. Always know the content of the film and get feedback from outside sources.
Have a committed ministry team that’s reliable and works tog
ether to provide a consistent outreach to your church and community.

What are your plans for the future for the movie nights?
We plan to continue by showing the latest high quality, impacting films, and as long as there are enough films of quality, we will continue on a monthly basis. We like to whenever possible, to show films before their official DVD release dates and several distributers including PureFlix Cinema provide opportunities to do this.

For two of our films (WWJD & The Path of the Wind) we have been fortunate to have the producer/director come to do a Q&A after the film. We even had our teaching pastor host a Q&A following two documentaries (Lord, Save Us From Your Followers & The Case For Faith) we showed.

For more information and movies they've screened, check out their website: http://www.whfriends.org/pages/CinemaFaithPast.shtml

Church Movie Night Part 1 of 2

2010-07-07T07:48:00.001-05:00

Jim David ordered "The Imposter" for his church a year ago. Since then we have communicated back and forth a lot and so I asked him if he would be willing to answer a few questions about how and why he created this unique ministry for his church.

His church, Willoughby Hills Friends Church in Ohio has this as their Cinema of Faith mission statement:

The Cinema of Faith ministry offers an ecumenical outreach to fellow churches as well as the community as a whole to provide a resource for Christian family entertainment. The films are not only entertaining but are seeded with biblical truths and illustrate the love of Jesus. Our hope is that you leave these films feeling entertained, inspired, and perhaps take a thought or idea to contemplate.

What is it that you do for your church?
I started a ministry with friend Ben Landfeld (a Christian from Czech Republic) called Cinema of Faith. Each month we show a quality faith-based film with a Christian theme. Rather than just darken the room and hit play, we try to best duplicate the “movie” experience starting with a pre-show that has constant media on the screen with new or future film previews, or some behind the scenes of a previous film we have shown (I found that if we “half darken” the room and have fresh current content, we get more people coming in sooner, and makes coming and going less intrusive).

Then we have a short film that starts promptly at 6:30pm which can run between 10 and 30 minutes (we fill any extra time between the short film and feature with additional relevant content). Finally at 7pm, Ben comes on stage to welcome everyone, make announcements, and talk a little about the evening’s film. Then we go right into a “theater like” Coming Attractions reel followed by the Feature Presentation (the coming attractions give a little extra time to latecomers as well). I have a good friend in the music business from Nashville who put together a drum & bass stinger for this portion to again help mimic the cinematic experience.

After the show we accept a “free–will” offering and sometimes sell DVD’s to help support the ministry( this is not intrusive – rather we just place the offering plates by the exit doors). From a financial standpoint, there are license fees that range from $100-$300/per film, as well as internal marketing expenses, and our main goal financially is to just break even.

Why did you decide to start doing this?

I’ve always had a passion for film media and used to be an editor by trade. When I began digging deeper into my faith 6 years ago, I started seeking out any good Christian media I could find. At that point, I wanted to learn more deeply about my faith. Although I had been brought up in the church, I never really “owned” my faith and really started that journey shortly after my father died in 2004.

The first thing that really grabbed me was when I discovered the “Matthew” film which is a word for word (NIV) dramatization of the Book of Matthew. I found that the film really spoke to me as the pages of the Bible came to life in front of my eyes. I then started seeking more and more. There is a lot of “dated” Christian film out there that the average secular and church audience would gloss over, but I have watched most of it - the good with the not so good, mainly feeding the Bible teachings into me through media. I began to find some wonderful Christian films that most people had never heard of, and I wanted to find a way to share these great films. My good friend Ben Landfeld believed in the vision as well.

We were encouraged and supported by the Teaching pastor at our church, who believed in the idea, and it just began to build from there. The main reason was to let the average Christian and non-Christian alike know that there are some great movies out there that most have never heard of (sleepers I believe is the term). I wanted to raise awareness of the level of quality that is available.

I also wanted to provide our church, neighboring churches, and the community as a whole the opportunity to attend a free film once a month. The film that started everything was on called “The Perfect Stranger” which was an independent film made in Louisville, KY, by Kellys Filmworks & City On A Hill Productions. We actually sold tickets for this first film as we decided to present it “dinner theater” style, so the ticket cost covered the catering cost. We limited the event to 100 tickets as a pilot/test, and sold out. We had such a great reaction to the film that we continued on a monthly basis in the church worship center as free to all who could attend, and we have been showing a film every month ever since.

Month of June

2010-06-30T20:05:00.000-05:00

Last day of June. The most popular blog entry this month was "Telling Stories." Jesus, my Master, was also the master storyteller. He used stories to illustrate points.

Some people make movies to entertain. I think just about every movie contains a message-- something the filmmaker is communicating tot he audience. It might be that the main point is to entertain, but many film storytellers are primarily sending a message that also happens to be entertainment.

Yes, movies are entertainment and part of the entertainment industry. But the are stories. Some in Hollywood say there are no messages, but clearly that point of view is inaccurate. Aaron Sorkin has something to say in every television drama he writes. Even the flippant Larry David and Seinfeld had a message, though they took pride in it being a show about nothing. That in itself is saying something. And they said a lot more-- like homosexuality is okay ('not that there's anything wrong with it.")

So, my filmmaking friends, don't' deceive yourselves into thinking that you really aren't pushing an agenda or sending a message, because you are. It's the essence of story-- you are communicate something.

It's not just entertainment.

The Victim Drama

2010-06-28T20:20:00.000-05:00

I've been a victim. You've been a victim. I've victimized, as well as you. Everyone in the world is a victim at some point. Except for one person in history. You couldn't make Him a victim. They tried. Pilate said he had the power. Jesus responded that he didn't because He willingly laid down His life. Of all the people, Jesus could have worn the victim merit badge. He earned it.

But oddly He didn't. Jesus was never a victim. Even when He was victimized. It looks like being a "victim" is a choice. And it's a choice of the flesh.

Now before a few haul off and slug me, let me clarify-- I'm not talking about the innocent child, the utterly helpless. I'm talking about you reading this now. You have been victimized somehow, someway. But whether you choose to be a victim is up to you.

"Victim" becomes an identity-- a mask you wear to make yourself feel better. Or to manipulate those around you. Or to get your way. Or to get back. Often times, the victim becomes the victimizer. This whole "victim" thing is not from God. It's not His Purpose for your life. Or mine.

I've found an area recently in which I've been extremely vindictive. When I reconcile my behavior to God, this is an area lacking. I need to conform my mind to the things above. Playing the victim and victimizing is now part of that.

If you're caught up in this horrible circular drama of victim/victimizer, you can make it stop. Remember Jesus said you can't take my life because I willing give it. Forgive. Live for the Purpose He created you for. And when you catch yourself falling back into the victim rut, pull yourself mentally out. Take captive those thoughts.

I'm going to stop being the victim. Hope you stop too.

Rising Stars

2010-06-28T01:39:00.000-05:00

I'm excited about "Rising Stars." We shot the movie last August and finished earlier this year. Doberman Entertainment is nearly done with the deal for distribution and it will be exciting. (I'll announce when they tell me I can the specifics).

We shot this movie here in the DFW area, mostly at the University of Texas at Arlington. What's really fun about this film is the cast-- these guys across the board were awesome. We have Kyle Riabko, who's playing on Broadway right now. Lauren Ashley Carter-- one of the best young actor's I've ever worked with. We've got Fisher Stevens, who just won the Academy Award (producing a documentary). Barry Corbin... the lovely Catherine Mary Stewart... And Rebecca St. James. Rebecca is really doing well moving from grammy award winning Christian singer to film actor. There's Leon Thomas III who's landed a sweet role on television. As well as Natalie Hall who's done the same.

The movie is about high schoolers caught up in a national talent search, squaring off against each other in the Finals, to see who will get the fame and fortune contract. The two categories are Musical Acts, and Filmmakers. Three musical acts pair up with three filmmakers for one week of collaboration and competition. The movie is that week.

The film is targeted as a family film for the secular audience and I think there's something in there for everyone. Premieres and dates will be forthcoming shortly.

Resourcefulness

2010-06-26T11:50:00.000-05:00

For low budget indie filmmakers, the key to making a good movie is *resourcefulness.* This begins with the Idea and continues with the Script.

What I mean is this: if you know Hollywood's not going to swoop down and wave their magic fairy wand over your project, blessing it with 20 million golden bucks 'o pixie dust, then you need to have an idea that can make the most of what resources you have.

One of the keys is available locations. If you're best friends with the director of the county hospital and he's willing to give you a floor for three weeks, then a medical movie makes a lot of sense. You can get lots of production value out of that.

Maybe it's a run down municipal airport. Or a large warehouse. Or a golf course. Look around you and figure out what you have. For those writing the political thriller taking place all over the White House, it's going to be difficult to pull that off on a small budget. Building sets is expensive. Try to stay away from that. Also, limiting the locations is a great idea. Ideally, try to have your story in a place that gives you multiple looks without having to move the company.

On my last film "Rising Stars," I accomplished this by setting the location on a college campus. Only one day out of the whole shoot was somewhere else.

Other areas of resourcefulness is equipment. If you can get a great deal on cranes, jobs, and dollies, it can make a huge difference. Same thing for HMI lighting, high quality mics, and high quality cameras.

These are just a few ideas to help you maximize production value on your film project.

Revisiting Chicken Love

2010-06-25T06:39:00.001-05:00

A long time ago I wrote about Chicken Love. But at the time, I think three people were reading this blog. So I want to discuss this principle again because it's the foundation of a lot that we discuss here.

Chicken Love. A mom says to her child that she loves him. Now, she doesn't discipline the child and he's a hellion. She let's him have a bunch of sweets and sugar drinks. He rules the roost, but no problem-- she "loves" him. Now he grows and gets into drugs, smoking dope in his room, hanging with the wrong crowd... but it's okay because she "loves" him... even "loves" him too much.

Clearly, I'm not believing that she "loves" him. To understand Chicken Love, let's define real Love: Seeking the others highest good and purpose in God. Is she doing this? No. So when she says she "loves" him, what's she really saying?

I love chicken. Grilled, baked or fried, chicken is delicious-- I love it. Am I seeking chicken's highest good? No way. When I say I love chicken, what I'm really saying is I love the way it tastes-- the WAY IT MAKES ME FEEL.

Let's takes another example. 19 year old boy "loves" his 18 year old girlfriend. He convinces her to go all the way, saying "I love you baby" in the process. Chicken Love. He'll devour and then want more to feed his selfish body. Is this any different from the long suffering mother? No. If she truly loved her son, she'd kick him out and quit rescuing him-- hoping that he'll come around because she's not protecting him from natural consequences.

I think real love is rare in this consumer driven society. I know that I all too often practice Chicken Love instead of Real Love. Chicken Love is the love of the Narcissist, and it has to die. Daily.

I'll say it again, because if it becomes a mantra for you, that's not all bad: Love is seeking the other's highest good. It might not look all warm and fuzzy. It might appear harsh at times.

Jesus is a great example of real Love. When the rich young ruler wanted validation of his own righteousness, Jesus gave him a choice to lose the thing that was keeping him from a real relationship with God. Then Jesus let him walk when he chose poorly. He didn't slober over himself, saying "you know what, come as you are!"

Then there's the gentile woman with the demon possessed child. She become obnoxious in trying to get Jesus's attention. But Jesus knew that she needed to press through. So he insulted her... called her a dog. But she chose wisely and pressed on. Jesus pointed to her as a great example of faith.

So love can mean insulting the other-- if it's seeking their highest good. Love can mean letting a person walk towards destruction (rich young ruler) if it means seeking their highest good. So sometimes, letting a child, or friend stay in the pokey and not bailing them out can be following in Jesus's footsteps.

The question I ask myself is: what is their highest good and purpose in God? It's okay to let this be a mantra.

Spend A Day With Jesus!

2010-06-24T06:00:00.000-05:00

I heard a sermon last Sunday that had a very interesting concept: What would you do if you actually had to spend the day with Jesus. How would your life change? What activities would you do differently? Now I've heard sermons like this all my life, but for some reason, this time some things struck me.

The Obvious-- You'd put on your best clothes, shower, shave, style your hair. Because then you can fool Him-- he'll never know what you look like on the inside.
What if you didn't recognize Him because he didn't have an effeminate face, or had cut his hair or beard?
What if He never holds a little lamb?
As you walk with Him through the countryside, the birds will sing, the flowers will bloom, and the unicorns will poop rainbows. Actually, for those of this halcyon mindset, be ready for Him to put your expectations on end. (And of course, there's probably some of you that were just offended because in the same sentence I talked about Jesus, I used the word "poop.")
Would you wake him up if he slept past 8:00? I mean, He is the Son of God, but the work day is the work day. Wakey, wakey! Now this seems silly on the outside (because you know He'd never sleep past 8), but I got a feeling that if you'd spent the day with Jesus, there'd be a lot of things He'd say or do that would be contradict your expectations.
Would you tell Him we can't go see the Matrix cuz it's "R" rated?
Would you laugh and joke with Jesus, especially if He told a joke about pooping Unicorns? Afterall, God created unicorns didn't He?

The conclusion here is this: First, I hope that I will act like I do now. Why put on any masks or masquerades? He knows who I am. Secondly, our expectations will be turned upside down in some cases. Especially the Pharisee side of me.

Remembering "The Keyman"

2010-06-23T07:19:00.001-05:00

I wanted to make a movie. I had tried writing screenplays but could never get past page 18. I hated what I read and would lose heart. When the idea came for "The Keyman," I was a new father, working at a production house doing commercials and corporate video. What I discovered in this screenplay was that if I don't read what I wrote, I'd be able to push through. The real writing, as they say, is in the re-writing.

So in 1998 and 1999, after finishing early drafts with a co-writer, I kept polishing and refining the script, until I got to draft 13. In July of 1999, I incorporated and created the entity. In early August, I left the corporate video world and began to focus on getting this movie made. I remember talking to my first investor, telling him I believed I could have the funds raised in two or three months.

A year later, and I finally have just enough to begin shooting, so we enter pre-production in late July of 2000. We came close to getting Mark Hamil in the leading role, but he had a conflict come up. Then we talked to Adam Baldwin, who really liked the script and was eager to play the role. Adam ended up doing an excellent job.

Another LA actor with the same manager as Adam contacted us about the crazy homeless role. They sent his demo tape. I was concerned-- he played mostly detective types and was too cleaned up, as it were, to play a dirty, crazy, homeless man. But Tom Wright ended up being one of the best surprises in the whole movie, playing "Popeye."

We signed with a distributor in the summer of 2001, and scheduled to go out on the foreign market in October of 2001. Timing wasn't great, being one month after 9/11. We did sell to some foreign countries, but for US-- we got told the subject matter was just too sad-- that it wasn't a "Friday night rental."

Later, in an effort to get it out, I renamed it "Finding Redemption: The Keyman," but we still couldn't get a US distributor to back us. I made a limited number of DVD's that I sell out of my office (if interested, only $10, click here.)

Tom Wright said at a public screening of the movie that this film had a soul. And I think he's right. It certainly has touched quite a few people, from the letters and email I receive. I've been thinking a lot lately what I'm going to do-- and I'm thinking about shooting some new stuff, incorporate with the movie and release it. When I shot the film originally, the target audience was secular. But it's all about forgiveness and would be great for the church, but would require a little re-editing.

Plus, we shot in 35mm, and I never made a inter-positive of the print, which I would love to do. So who knows, maybe we'll release the new version of the movie sometime soon.

Original Cine

2010-06-22T08:32:00.000-05:00

In Christianese, we have the phrase "original sin." In my growing up, this was the sin of Lucifer, which I heard sermons on being "pride." But now I believe that that's incorrect. His original sin was to compare himself to God. ("I want to be as great...").

Using comparison words like "like" and "as" is a sure sign something's amiss. That I'm walking in Ego or the Flesh. This was brought home one time when I was driving to lunch with my mentor.

I was mildly depressed. I had made one movie and was having trouble getting the second one going. Robert Rodriguez hit big with his first movie. Spielberg was 21 when he directed his first film. So I was lamenting to my mentor, who turned the table on me with a Yoda-esque question. "What are you? Gold, silver or bronze?"

I thought for a second. I'm pretty good I thought. Maybe not the best. So I answered "Bronze," showing my mentor that I could be humble. He curtly replied "then there's nothing I can do for you." And he shut up. I felt like I had been body slammed to the ground. I quickly said "okay, then I'm gold," not really believing it but realizing that was the answer he was looking for. Today, I still have to remind myself that I'm gold.

There's only one right answer here according to Psalm 139. And to say anything less is to tell God He made a mistake. Which is incredibly common. I do it. You do it. "Sheesh God, you really messed up when you made me!" Although He says in scripture that I'm fearfully and wonderfully made, but I'm telling God He's a liar. I don't want to do that. How could my mentor help me if I was calling God a liar?

It all comes down to Value. What do I think I'm worth? That was the question that my mentor asked as he saw me walking down the fatal path of comparison. What am I worth? This computer I'm typing on, what's it's value? A couple grand? Maybe new. But what about now? Could I get $100 for it? If I could, then that's what it's value is. I define "value" as what price someone is willing to pay.

For you adept in Christianese, you know where I'm going. What's the price God's willing to pay for me? His only Son? And I turn to God and say "that's not enough!" To say I'm anything but Gold may seem like humility, when in fact it's incredible arrogance. To say I'm silver is to say Jesus's sacrifice was insufficient.

There's one answer. God makes Gold, not Goof-ups.

DTM

2010-06-21T07:48:00.000-05:00

Been on vacation, but back as of last night. A long time ago, I wrote a blog about DTM-- Do The Math. This is the principle where I actually figure out the answer to the question I have. Now if I don't have a question, then certainly, there won't be an answer.

In other words, DTM is like 4+3. Many times I just want to be told "7." Actually, more accurate is all the time. Part of my laziness. What do you mean I have to figure this out? Why not just tell me the answer! Then I'll be fixed.

Which of course speaks to the opening VO (voice over) of "The Imposter." God's more interested in me going through the process than zapping me with spiritual morphine. But the process is work. It's sometimes hard. It's sometimes painful. I have to daily commit myself to going through the process. Which is Discipleship (root word there is discipline).

You see, sometimes I fall into the rut of letting others do the heavy lifting. Need a word from God? Well, maybe its in the sermon this Sunday. Or a good teaching book. Or my spouse. Heaven forbid I actually dive into the Bible and study it myself, applying what I read to what I'm going through.

And going back to the first paragraph, if you don't have a question, there won't be an answer. What "process" are you going through this morning? What is God working on in you? What is He birthing in you? If the answer is "nothing," or even worse "I dunno," then you might be spiritually dead. Time to get resurrected this morning.

What am I going through? Well, for one, I didn't realize how lazy I still am when it comes to DTM. So now I'm digging in, working out the process. As I read today in John, Jesus said to Peter at the end "Follow Me." I think in the word "follow" comes the DTM process.

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