Christian Video速 Magazine
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December 2010 VOL. 3, NO. 12
8 Greg’s Toolkit
School’s in Session by GREGORY FISH
10 Article
The Count of Monte Cristo - Kings and Pawns, Revenge and Justice by MARTIN BAGGS
13 The 168 Film Project
Speed Filmmaking at the Crossroads of Faith and Art by ROBERT KRAMER
15 Article
Parables
by STEWART REDWINE
Christian Video® Magazine
Editorial 3 Cover Story 4 Seek First Media
by STEVE HEWITT
December 2010
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from the desk of the editor
by STEVE HEWITT
Here’s to a Great New Year! First, I want to wish each and every one of you a Merry Christmas. I always enjoy this time of year, not only because of the celebration of our Savior’s birth, but because of the promise of a new year. We have some exciting things planned for this next year. And, I know of
Christian Video Magazine is published monthly by Christian Video Magazine, Inc. Editor-in-Chief Steve Hewitt – steve@ccmag.com Production Daystar Digital Design Mike Hewitt Contributing Editors George Temple Gregory Fish Stewart H. Redwine Mark Carroll Jay M. Delp Martin Baggs Robert Kramer
some really cool products and services that will be announced this next year that I can’t presently talk about. However, watch for them to be reviewed here in Christian Video Magazine! Also, do NOT forget to visit http://www.christianvideomag.com/videocontest/submit.php to submit your favorite video for our upcoming 2010 Christian Video Awards! Last year’s submissions inspired many churches to begin creating their own videos for announcements and other church related activitiesC, and many of the submissions were very inspirational, humorous and well done. I look forward to seeing the best-of-the-best for this year! Again, have a Merry Christmas and we are praying we all have a happy and fantastic New Year!
Together We Serve Him,
Copy Editor Gina Hewitt
Corporate Home Office Mailing Address: PO Box 319 Belton, MO 64012 Phone: (816) 331-5252 Fax: 800-456-1868 Copyright 2010 by Christian Video Magazine, Inc. All Rights Reserved Written materials submitted to Christian Video Magazine become the property of Christian Video Magazine, Inc., upon receipt and may not necessarily be returned. Christian Video Magazine reserves the right to make any changes to materials submitted for publication that are deemed necessary for editorial purposes. The content of this publication is the sole property of Christian Video Magazine. Copy or distribution of articles or content can be done so on an individual basis. Multiple copies or distribution may not be done without the express permission of Christian Video Magazine. Views expressed in the articles and reviews printed within are not necessarily the views of the editor, publisher, or employees of Christian Video Magazine, or Christian Video Magazine, Inc.
Steve Hewitt steve@ccmag.com
Christian Video® Magazine
December 2010
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Cover Story by STEVE HEWITT
Seek First Media
R
ecently, along with my publishing duties, I have assumed the position of pastor of a small new church startup. I was a pastor for many years before I started publishing magazines, and feel blessed to again be called to pastor, especially a brand new startup. As we prepared to hold our first service (all ten of us), I wanted a video to show at the beginning as a call to worship. And, I wanted something to help define us. I wanted something that would be Biblical, and something that would challenge us as well, as we started our new church. There are a lot of exciting call-to-worship type of videos on SermonSpice, but one caught my eye in particular. It is called Christ’s Church from Seek First Media. I loved it! And, since it presents a lot of information about the nature of a church really seeking to be “Christ’s”, I decided to start our worship service with the same video for several months! I had an occasion to contact Seek First Media, and wanted to thank them for their great video. As a result, I decided to go one step further and conduct an interview. I thought our readers would like to get an inside look at who creates these great videos we are using in our churches! I hope you will enjoy learning more about the guys behind Seek First Media, and that you will check out their videos. They have a fantastic Christmas one available for you to view and consider using for this Sunday! Steve: Who is Seek First Media?
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Joe: We have often kidded that we are two nobodies who know “Somebody,” seeking to reach everybody. Steve: Okay, so you are a two-man team? Joe: Yes, we are actually a father and son team. I have been blessed to have my son join me this past year, as he is hard-wired to be a graphics guy. God has really gifted him with an understanding of God’s Word, coupled with a desire to see it come to life on the screen. It has truly been a blessing working with him. As a dad, I love the opportunity to work with my children and by God’s grace influence their lives for Him. Steve: What’s it like working with your dad? Tyler: It’s awesome! Not too many people get a chance to work at a job like I have this past year. Having my dad as my boss to teach and mentor me is a once in a lifetime op-
December 2010
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Cover Story
By STEVE HEWITT
portunity that God has planned for me. It’s not just in the media either; it’s so much more than that. As we work together creating media, we have an incredible opportunity to impact generations with the gospel for Christ. It really is amazing! Steve: Where did you get the name Seek First Media? Joe: We really wanted to communicate a simple and clear message with our name. Seek First is based on Matthew 6:33, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness….” This verse lays out a very foundational and vital message for the body of Christ. It speaks to the core of our calling in Christ to live our lives for His glory and His kingdom. Steve: What prompted you to start Seek First Media? Joe: Over six years ago, we founded Seek First Ministries in an effort to encourage a greater emphasis on relational discipleship within Christian homes and communities. Over the past several years, it became obvious that videos were rapidly becoming one of the primary linguistic tools of our culture. Seek First Media was created in 2009 to more effectively and efficiently publish our creative work in both book and video formats. It is our greatest desire to come alongside the local churches and pastors to be a resource in assisting in the disciple-making process. At the heart of
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Seek First Media is a passion to see God glorified through living and sharing Jesus Christ. Steve: Do you have a signature video that represents Seek First Media well?
December 2010
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Cover Story
By STEVE HEWITT
Joe: Christ’s Church is one of our signature videos, as well as What Defines You and The Essence of Everything.
way or another, from editing, office work, mailings, creative input, and even “acting.” All but one has appeared in various videos…but we are working on that.
Steve: What makes these videos distinctive?
Steve: So what do you do to relax?
Joe: We have attempted to present the message in a way that causes personal and corporate evaluation in light of God’s Word. We know that it is only in Him and through Him that we can accomplish anything for Him. That said, we prayerfully consider God’s Word as we construct an overall message and build a theme into our videos. Ultimately, we know that God is not limited by who we are. Rather, our lives and His message are unlimited by who He is.
Joe: I spend time with my wife of twenty years, along with our five children, ranging from 18 years down to age one. We enjoy hiking, biking, camping, and really any activity that allows us to be out in God’s awesome creation. Of course, we like our media too.
Steve: What exactly is The Essence of Everything? Joe: The Essence video idea came from the book The Essence of Everything. In this book, we present the idea that many Christians are willing to wear a cross, but many are unwilling to nail themselves to it, as Paul notes in Galatians 2:20.
Tyler: I enjoy reading books like Don’t Waste Your Life by Piper. In most of my “spare time,” I also read and learn a lot from the tutorials that many technical sites offer on their websites. Envato and Digital Juice are two excellent sites to keep us up to date on the creative look side of things. Of course, Christian Video Mag gives us a good overall picture of the dynamics between our video ministry and how it can most effectively be used by local church. Steve: What is your favorite movie?
Steve: What is your favorite video and why?
Tyler: Time Changer, Bella, Fire Proof
Tyler: Well, I like What Defines You because it gets to the heart of the matter. Meaning, as Christians, do we see our identity, goals, and roles in life being defined by our standing in Christ? What or who really defines our being? My dad and I also have learned a great deal from some of the top producers in the Christian video world and appreciate the biblical depth that some of these guys present in their creative.
Joe: No Greater Love. It is a wonderful film that presents the gospel, as well as a biblical perspective on marriage.
Joe: I would have to choose The Missional Life, both the book and the video, because of the much needed message of being intentional and available for God, to see ourselves as missional, locally, as we expect our missionaries to be globally. Steve: Are there other family members involved at Seek First? Joe: All of our family members are involved in one
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Steve: I’ve been told you love to read and always have a book to share. What is your favorite author? Joe: A.W. Tozer and James Boice are just a couple. I love the way they unpack the Word of God and bring it to a point of application. I really do treasure men that have spent a lifetime dividing the Word of God. On the tech end, I would echo Tyler’s response and add that we have spent some serious time in our hardware and software manuals learning the Mac world and Final Cut Studio. Steve: Have you always liked to read? Joe: Well, I have always liked to read, but it really
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Cover Story
By STEVE HEWITT
wasn’t until God got a hold of my life that I truly desired to grow more in His Word as well as reading other Christian resources. We like to use a term “tipping point” in our ministry at Seek First. It describes a point in our walk with God where He grows us beyond ourselves to better see our lives from His perspective- kind of an “aha” moment where we become less and He becomes more. Steve: Ty, I understand you also like to read. What are you currently reading? Tyler: Radical by Platt and The Bravehearted Gospel by Ludy Steve: Do you have any media that churches and pastors could use for Christmas and the New Year? Joe: Our top selling Christmas video, The Christmas Epic, presents the gospel message with a big-picture view of God’s plan of salvation. First and Most is an excellent resource to cause people to stop and think about their pace of life and the need to make God first. We have a saying, “If we are not taking care of the most important thing, why are we so busy with everything else?” Steve: In your opinion, what makes a great video illustration? Tyler: Content that is rooted in God’s Word, coupled with creativity, with a look that engages. This is a so-called blueprint that we attempt to use with all of our videos. We have also learned that audio quality and topline compression software is essential. Steve: What is your most current project? Tyler: We recently worked with a missionary couple that inspired The Disciple’s Creed, which is based on an African Martyr’s Testimony. It is a great reminder that our calling in Christ is one of total devotion. We really want to encourage the body of Christ to live with the same focus and urgency as our missionary friends do on a global level. Steve: Where can people find you on the web? Tyler: Our site is www.seekfirstmedia.com.
Christian Video® Magazine
December 2010
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Greg’s Toolkit by GREGORY FISH
School’s in Session
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’ve written a column in this magazine since its inception. In many instances (including the little blurb bio at the end) I made mention to the fact that I had no formal training. All that I’ve learned has been through trial and error and/or tutorials, books, and blogs, etc. This month I’ve had to amend the blurb, because school is in session. That’s right. I’m going to school. And I’d love to tell you where I landed. For some time, and funny as it may be, I prided myself in having no formal training. At the same time, I earnestly yearned to enroll somewhere to study filmmaking. This is because I believe that we should always strive to make better and more quality films that have a lasting impact. Formal education can make a real difference; but, where to enroll? There are many good places to learn, but they were simply out of the question for me, and I suppose for some of you, too. I can’t simply uproot and move my family to some campus and go through college again. It’s not feasible for me. I thought about taking some classes at a local college, but again, the cost factor was intimidating. To pay such prices per class, and possibly not learn much until having to ante up for a later class? No thanks. If there was only something online that I could work on from home (at my own pace), that would certainly be an answer. That’s what I needed. I looked into a few options – only to find the same thing – too expensive for a narrow scope approach. Then I came across my answer – Lights Film School (http://lightsfilmschool. com). Lights offered all of the features that I was looking for. Number one, on my mind and yours too probably, is the pricing. Lights is extremely affordable, and I say affordable because the product is anything but cheap. As I write, their website states the course is “now being offered for 50% off our regular enrollment fee of $600 and is now being offered for only $299 (USD) (a full $300 discount).” The value
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in what you get for their unbelievable low price goes way beyond anything I thought was possible as I shopped around for a place of learning. It’s a bargain! A real steal! The scope was a big selling point for me as well. I wanted something broad that would give me an understanding of the many different skills needed. Lights has designed a comprehensive 8 module film course that allows students to systematically work through the different areas of the filmmaking process. The 8 modules of their course are: 1. INTRODUCTION TO FILMMAKING & ONLINE LEARNING, 2. SCREENWRITING, 3. DIRECTING, 4. CINEMATOGRAPHY, 5. SOUND DESIGN, 6. EDITING, 7. DOCUMENTARY, 8. FILM DISTRIBUTION & MARKETING. This all-encompassing syllabus is tailor-made for people like me, and if you’re reading this magazine, probably you as well. I also love that Lights is not simply a theory based school. They provide a hands-on, practical learning environment. When you enroll, you’ll learn about their philosophy of “outcomes based” learning, which differs from the traditional approach of objective based institutions. Simply put, “objective based learning focuses on providing opportunity for learning while outcomes based learning focuses on how learning is used.” With a limited time scale and an online structure, their model is much better than traditional models. I am still a student and have much of the course ahead of me yet to be completed. However, I can already say that
December 2010
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Greg’s Toolkit
by GREGORY FISH
I genuinely appreciate the hard work and resources that have gone into making Lights possible. So far, I’ve learned a wealth of information and ideas on storytelling, which is invaluable to me. I have been challenged through the assignments, and I wouldn’t want it any other way. The personal attention given each student is also such a positive aspect of their educational system. The Student Grading Center “acts as a collective learning experience for all of the students in our school. It’s a great way to learn from other beginners´ mistakes.” It’s a true community of like-minded folks, with an international flair. At a live online Lab chat conducted recently, there were students from Italy, Kenya, Canada, and the USA. We, as students, are able to see what others have done and learn from them and the instructor’s reviews of each assignment. Constructive feedback is a necessity in any work of quality substance. This is provided when you enroll in the course. The course is a tremendous resource. A buddy of mine, who has a college degree in the same field, mentioned to me that he had the same assignment in his college course that I just completed at Lights. Lights will point you in the right direction and expose you to great films and interviews that compliment the subjects being taught, as well as software and other online tools that will aid in the process. Upon completion you will receive a certificate, but even more importantly you will literally embark on a journey of a lifelong learning and refining the craft and powerful art form that is filmmaking.
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http://lightsfilmschool.com
I’m so glad that I enrolled. I look forward to working hard through this course and gaining so much at the same time. For me, it’s just what the doctor ordered. How about for you? Give yourself a Christmas present you’ve been wanting (or needing). Or make your New Year’s resolution be the completion of this course. It will be such a benefit to you in your filmmaking aspirations. Gregory is a preacher in South Texas with a passion for combining the timeless message of God’s grace with the technology of our day. On the side he produces videos for “FishXpressions” at various Christian video websites. He has set out on a journey to learn how to create better and higher quality films. Apart from this column, he also maintains a production blog with tips, helpful links, and other musings at www.fishxpressions.wordpress.com.
December 2010
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Article
by MARTIN BAGGS
The Count of Monte Cristo Kings and Pawns, Revenge and Justice
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lassic literature does not always translate into classic cinema. Here, though, director Kevin Reynolds does a terrific job of bringing Alexander Dumas’ masterpiece to the silver screen. This swashbuckling epic plays well and has a strong and tight script. It has enough comic relief amidst the dramatic events to keep even the kids engaged in this family-friendly feature. Classic literature does not always translate into heart, Mercedes (Dagmara Dominczyk). But Mondego classic cinema. Here, though, director Kevin Reynloves her, too, and is consumed with jeolousy. He olds does a terrific job of bringing Alexander Dumas’ betrays his friend, and Dantes is arrested and secretly masterpiece to the silver screen. This swashbuckling carted off to the dreaded Chateau d’If, an island prison epic plays well and has a strong and tight script. It from which there is no return; a sort of historical Alcahas enough comic relief amidst the dramatic events to traz but with less creature comforts. keep even the kids The Count of Monte Remember, before showing clips from engaged in this Cristo is, at its core, a story family-friendly of betrayal and vengeance. movies, be sure you have a license to do feature. And jealousy is at the heart so. Check out Church Video License to Jim Cavieof this betrayal. Jealousy be sure you are legal. www.cvli.com zel plays Edeats away at a person’s charmond Dantes, acter, causing him to harbor the sailor who persuades the crew to row to the isle a growing resentment of another until that other seems of Elba when his captain falls ill. When they come to become a bitter rival. Jealousy shows up in the Old ashore, Dantes and his best friend, Count Fernand Testament book of Genesis between two sisters, both Mondego (Guy Pearce, Memento) meet Napoleon, being married to Jacob (Gen. 30:1). We see Saul jealwho is exiled there. In private, Napoleon gives Dantes ous of young David (1 Sam. 18:9). In general, it is a a letter, a communiqué that subsequently causes negative emotion, and Paul warns against it in Gal. Dantes to be accused of treason. 5:20. Yet, we also see God described as a “a jealous Later, arriving back home, Dantes is rewarded for and avenging God” (Nah. 1:2). His jealousy, though, his initiative and plans to marry his childhood sweetis warranted. He is envious for our love and worship,
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December 2010
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Article
by MARTIN BAGGS
and he alone is worthy of such worship. Likewise, a devoted husband’s jealousy for his wife’s love and affections is a positive emotion, keeping them together. Betrayal is a bitter fruit of jealousy. The Psalmist recognized how friendships broken are so painful: “If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it; if a foe were raising himself against me, I could hide from him. But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend, with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship as we walked with the throng at the house of God” (Psa. 55:12-14). Jesus himself experienced the pain of betrayal by his close friend Judas (Lk. 22:48). Betrayed, it is in his dark, dank cell alone, that Dantes’ character develops. And it is not positive. When he unexpectedly meets another inmate, Father Faria (Richard Harris), this priest offers to teach him. But as his knowledge grows so does his hatred and his thirst for revenge. Yet, Abbe Faria concludes his teaching with this, “Here is your final lesson -- do not commit the crime for which you now serve the sentence. God said, ‘Vengeance is mine.’ “ Here is the contrast between revenge and justice. Dantes does not want justice, which would mean leaving punishment for his oppressors to the authorities
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(Rom. 13:1-7). Rather, he wants to mete out his own form of justice via revenge, which includes similar emotional torture to what he endured. It’s payback. In contrast, God’s vengeance will come in his good time and it will involve true justice.
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Article
by MARTIN BAGGS
The issue is control. A chess piece, the king, forms a metaphor for this throughout. Earlier, Napoleon offered sage advice to Dantes, “In life, we are kings or pawns.” We tend to want to be the king not the pawn. As king, we can command and control. We can execute justice, our own justice, and no one can question us. But a pawn has no control and must bow before the king. Dantes wants to be king. He wants to rule the game. We have our own decision to make. Will we be pawn or king? There is a king already and his name is Jesus. We can accept him now as Lord of our life (Rom. 10:9) or we can wait till a future time when this acceptance will be forced but inevitable (Rom. 14:11). At that time it will carry with it the consequence of punishment (Rev. 20:15). When we yield the rule of our heart to Jesus’ reign we willingly become his pawn, allowing him to move us about the big board of life as he sees fit. It is counter-intuitive, but freedom and life is found in serving and carrying our cross (Lk. 14:27). Eventually, Dantes does escape. Fourteen years have passed. When he discovers a fortune on the island of Monte Cristo, with the help of Jacopi (Luis Guzman), a pirate he saved and who has committed his life to him (“I swear on my dead relatives -- and even on the ones who are not feeling too good -- I am your man forever!”), he is ready to take on the persona of the Count of Monte Cristo. He is ready to return to France to find his betrayers and ruin their lives. Jacopi is the jester in the film, offering the comic lines. When the Count shares with him his complex plan, Jacopi responds, “Why not just kill them? I’ll do it! I’ll run up to Paris -- bam, bam, bam, bam. I’m back before week’s end. We spend the treasure. How is this a bad plan?” And he has a good point, even if it is delivered in a New Jersey accent. As Dantes’ plot develops, and the flies get stuck in his intricate web, he comes face to face with his former love: “If you ever loved me, don’t rob me of my hate. It’s all I have.” Hatred and revenge have
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consumed him. They have devoured what little faith he had. When he first entered the prison, the warden, about to whip him unconscious, taunted him, “If you’re thinking just now ‘Why me, oh God?’ the answer is: God has nothing to do with it.” But Dantes still carries some faith and hope: “God has everything to do with it. He’s everywhere. He sees everything.” He is correct, of course. God is omnipresent (Psa. 139:7).Yet, after years of imprisonment his faith is shattered, “I don’t believe in God.” The cruelties of life can do this to a man. The apostle James addressed this at the very start of his letter: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (Jas. 1:2-4). Faith untested is a weak faith. It is only when it faces the crucible that it’s true character can be tested and seen. The Count of Monte Cristo sums it up unwittingly when he offers a toast at a society dinner. Although giving these words to a young friend, he is really talking about himself: “Life is a storm, my young friend. You will bask in the sunlight one moment, be shattered on the rocks the next. What makes you a man is what you do when that storm comes.” Character is developed or destroyed in the storms of life. When his storm came, Dantes made his choice. When your storm comes, how will you choose? Copyright ©2010, Martin Baggs Martin works as an engineering manager in the high tech industry. He leads a monthly film review group at Mosaic Church in Portland, Oregon. He writes film responses from a biblical perspective on his blog: www. mosaicmovieconnectgroup.blogspot.com Contact: martinbaggs@gmail.com
December 2010
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THE 168 FILM PROJECT By ROBERT KRAMER
Speed Filmmaking at the Crossroads of Faith and Art
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he 168 Film Project (168) announced the call for entries for the 9th annual speed filmmaking contest. Some of you may be familiar with the 48 hour film competition; a speed filmmaking competition that pits teams against each other in regional and national competition. Well, the Christian film community has its own version, we call it the 168. 168 is a worldwide competition, in which teams make a film based on randomly selected scriptures in 168 hours (one week). Films screen at the 168 Film Festival, April 1-2, 2011 in Los Angeles. There is an entry fee for each team and this is a competition not to be taken lightly. The quality of the product is excellent and the resulting short films are often a calling card for all involved. 168 aims to illuminate the Word of God through short film. They provide a training ground for filmmakers, reducing barriers to production and creating opportunities for pros and newcomers alike. Teams are made up of people with diverse backgrounds, who learn to forge dynamic, creative communities. They encourage fair treatment of subjects, with emphasis on story and subtlety. But, more importantly, filmmakers are advised to honestly portray the tale that God inspires. They believe that truth, solid stories and high production value speak loudly to this generation and the next. The 168 is primarily about process and individual growth. Secondarily, it is about awards and competition. Filmmakers are expected to abide by the rules and to conduct themselves in ways that are honoring to God. The spirit of the competition is that filmmakers would trust that inspiration for the story will be provided based on the theme and verse. Scriptural Integration (how well films expresses the original meaning and intent of the verse) is weighted heavier than any other judging category, so filmmakers must understand their verse to do well in this contest.
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In the first eight years, the competition has produced nearly 500 films. An estimated 6,400 cast and crew, and 10,500 Festival Attendees have participated. 168 has become a launching pad for emerging filmmakers like Joshua Weigel, writer/director of “The Butterfly Circus.” “This year’s theme ‘Second Chances’ is something everyone immediately identifies with because everyone has ‘blown it’ in some way and we all look forward to a fresh start in life,” said John David Ware, 168 Founder and President. For the contest, 80-100 films will be made during the same week from any location, worldwide. All 2011 films will be based on foundational verses with the theme, “Second Chances.” Filmmakers get 11-days for writing and pre-production and then exactly 168 hours to shoot and edit a 10-11-minute film. Entrants are responsible for all arrangements regarding their team and budget as well as all aspects of the filmmaking process including casting, editing, securing locations and more. “Actors are very much a part of this equation,” said Ware. “We give outof-towners instructions on how to hold a casting and we facilitate casting for hundreds of actors here locally in L.A. It’s great because instead of the typical three or four roles, there are potentially 100 roles that are cast under one roof in one day!” Making a short film is often a difficult and consuming process. But, the 168 gives talent a chance to rise. An all-star jury led by veterans in the film industry screens the finalists. Past jury member David McFadzean, (Executive producer/Co-Creator of “Home Improvement” and Executive producer of “What Women Want”) said, “In the time limit they’ve been given, the production values are very impressive, everything from the editing to the set design, all of it.”
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THE 168 FILM PROJECT By ROBERT KRAMER
Probable 2011 jurors include Ralph Winter, producer (“X-MEN: Wolverine”), Brian Bird, writer/producer, (“Touched by an Angel”), Gary Hall, Sr. VP 20th Cent. Fox TV Post Production, Luke Schelhaas, writer/ producer, (“Law and Order,” “Off the Map”), Greg Michael, 2nd unit director (“G.I. Joe,” “The Mummy Returns”), Leilani Downer, writer (“The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”) and Bill Marsilii, writer (Deja Vu with Denzel Washington). “Best” Awards are given in 18 categories including Best Actor/Actress. Selected films will air worldwide. This is amazing exposure for filmmakers trying to make a name for themselves. Past sponsors include Sony, Arri, AJA Video, Roland, KinoFlo, Regent University and EIKI. There are a few ways to get involved. You can go to the directory at www.168project.com to see if there is a team in your area. Or consider starting a team in your
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area, you can compete from anywhere. Signup deadlines are Jan 31, 2011 for International teams, and February 6, 2011 for USA teams. Crucial 2011 dates include Verse Assignment, which marks the start of Pre-Production Week (11 days) for Int’l Teams on Jan. 31, in the USA (outside SoCal) on Feb. 6, and in Southern California on Feb. 7. Production starts Feb. 11 for Int’l Teams, and Feb. 17 in the USA (outside SoCal). SoCal begins Feb. 18. The L.A. Casting is Sat, Feb. 12, 8am-7pm. Headshots are accepted electronically starting January 2011 So, if you know a talented young filmmaker or an actor trying to break in to the business, The 168 is a great place to start.
December 2010
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Article
by STEWART REDWINE
Parables
S
ometimes we are all guilty of unnecessarily shrouding the most ancient and quite mundane human practice of story telling in a cloak of mystery. There are even those who insist on referring to stories with a proper noun, capital S story, instead of the common noun it is. A story is a simple thing; it is an account of events surrounding a contest of wills. Every day we all tell stories to and with our fellow creatures. And I don’t think it calls Jesus’ deity into question to suppose He told stories in the same way we do. Though the Gospel writers and Jesus were speaking the parables are taught they’re often treated as an aspect and writing in another language, when discussing the of Jesus’ preaching, or considered the creative outlet for stories Jesus told, the parables, they were referencing Jesus when He wasn’t talking about the serious stuff. the richly defined word “mashal” found in the Hebrew Theologically speaking, the parables are commonly scriptures of their day. Like most Eastern languages, viewed through one of three lenses; historical-eschaHebrew contains words that are rich with meaning. tological, art, or existential. Kenneth Bailey, author In Hebrew, “mashal” encompasses many ideas in one of Poet & Peasant and Through Peasant Eyes (http:// compact word. The definition for the word includes, tinyurl.com/2fzshbw), focuses on interpreting the but is not limited to: parables from a middleriddle, taunt, dark sayeastern cultural perspecJesus’ parables are stories about eving, lesson or story. tive. The most common eryday people and events told in such “Mashal” means Jesus understanding of the a way to make a point about everyday used colorful language, parables of Jesus is; “a people and events. stories, and even actions moral tale about everyto create illustrations day people and events for His listeners. However, when confronted with the told in such a way to make a Heavenly point”. And yet, confusing nature of Jesus’ parables, the scholarly and after hundreds of years of study, many of the parables even pastoral penchant has been to focus on answering stubbornly refuse to relinquish a mutually agreed upon all the questions. Heavenly point. Even though one third of Jesus’ recorded teachings When Jesus first told His parables on those blisterare in the form of a parable, most of us would be hard ing hot Palestinian days He was perceived as part politipressed to produce a list of them including more than cal activist and part performance artist. People traveled “The Prodigal Son” and “The Good Samaritan”. When
Christian Video® Magazine
December 2010
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Article
by STEWART REDWINE
great distances and missed meals to hear His stories and see His miracles. There is a mystery to Jesus’ humanity and it comes out in His stories. Like us, when Jesus told a story He was relating to others events inspired by His life experience; childhood memories, late night conversations with friends, a remark He overhead in passing at the market, or savoring the taste of a fresh picked fig. Just think, maybe the day before Jesus told the parable of the Prodigal Son for the first time He was sitting among the cedars and happened to see an old man running to meet someone in the distance, who very well could have been his long lost son. His stories were captivating, mysterious, and grounded in the politically super charged day-to-day existence of His audience. And people still left with more questions than answers. Being fully man means Jesus must have faced the challenges and enjoyed the elation of telling a good story just like anybody else. Sometimes it is easy to remember Jesus’ humanity solely in the terms that He was tempted and never sinned. But there is a lot more to being human than avoiding temptation. He also told stories, and some of them were great and some of them fell flat. So whatever it is you find to do try to remember this, Jesus was fully human just like you. When you find inspiration in your life to keep going, to love, to laugh, and just stand in the sun and enjoy the warmth you are taking part in the one theme that runs through all the parables. Jesus’
Christian Video® Magazine
parables are stories about everyday people and events told in such a way to make a point about everyday people and events. I once showed one of the 36 Parables DVDs (http:// www.36parables.com/) to a teenage couple that was blasé about God. At the end of the Purple DVD the boy turned to me and said, “I don’t get it, what are you
December 2010
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Article
by STEWART REDWINE
trying to say?” He had assumed there had to be a catch, an iron clad take it or leave it message contained in the films. I could tell he was frustrated; and many times, so were those listening to Jesus’ parables for the first time. He asked me about the original parables and I read the Bible passages contained on the DVD. He then said, “Well Jesus didn’t explain it either”. Jesus was surrounded by questions. At the beginning of Jesus’ life on earth there were questions. What child is this? At the end of His life there were questions. “Are you the king of the Jews?” At His ascension there were questions. “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” and “Why do you stand here looking into the sky?” In the same way, Jesus’ parables make us think and ask questions. Questions have a way of driving us to God, because a question begs to be answered. And the real answer, the best answer, the only answer, is a personal relationship with Him. “He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything”. – Mark 4:34 You are in very good company when you tell stories that cause people to ask questions. Instead of taking a lesson or Truth from scripture and insisting on your audience repeating back a pat answer, you can share stories that cause them to ponder the hard questions, like Pilate’s “What is Truth?”. Don’t be afraid of telling stories with more questions at the end than answers. Those questions are how a relationship can begin between you and your audience and between your audience and God. You really can’t lose. Keep telling stories, and savor every question asked.
Christian Video® Magazine
Stewart H. Redwine is a Video Producer for Christ in Youth (http://www.ciy.com) as well as Producer and Director of Photography for onetimeblind’s hit mini-movies (http://www.onetimeblind.com) and Zondervans’ 36 Parables DVD series (http://www.36parables.com) His videos, short stories, & thoughts on faith, culture, and the arts are available at StewartHRedwine. com.
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