Christian Movie Connect debuts

Billed as the first of it’s kind podcast to support and uphold the values of the Christian film community, Christian Movie Connect launched on July 27, 2011. The kickoff episode featured John Schneider (Dukes of Hazard and Smallville) talking about his role in the upcoming feature film Doonby. Christian Movie Connect is the brain child of my good friend Cheryl Ariaz Wicker. I’ve known Cheryl for over ten years, and she is a go-getter. She is perhaps one of the most talented people I’ve had the pleasure to work with.

Cheryl is well positioned to be a host and producer of this new, exciting and innovative video podcast. She is an award-winning producer and media personality. She recently produced the feature film, Flag of My Father, starring William Devane. Cheryl tells me Christian Movie Connect will feature interviews with filmmakers, actors, screenwriters and other newsmakers in the Christian film industry both nationally and internationally.

The podcast can be found at christianmovieconnect.com and will be posted weekly on Wednesdays. Cheryl has quite a lineup of film and media personalities in future episodes. It’s quite a who’s who list in Christian entertainment, including Bobby Downs (Like Dandelion Dust), Ken Wales (Amazing Grace), Dave Christiano (The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry), Jerry Jameson (Murder She Wrote), Michael Flaherty from Waldon Media, Simon Swart from 20th Century Fox, and Jenn Gotzen (Nixon) just to name a few.

I asked Cheryl why she is so passionate about Christian media and Christian films. I wanted to know about her motivation in starting Christian Movie Connect. She stated, “As a producer of faith-based, family-friendly and life affirming films, I am an advocate for Christian movies and clean, value-based entertainment. Through positive films, we can inspire moviegoers, but greater still we can promote time-tested values to the culture at large.” Cheryl believes there are many quality movies that are not recognized and go unnoticed. She believes her new podcast will offer viewers an opportunity to find content they might otherwise miss out on.

She wants to support and encourage Christian filmmakers by using Christian Movie Connect to get the word out. We are all looking for an audience, and I’m convinced Cheryl is on to something. This is a worthy effort that has a tremendous, positive upside. Cheryl also has assembled a highly-skilled, professional team of editors, videographers, and technicians, who will bring the type of production values to Christian Movie Connect that are essential in today’s media world.

We obviously live in a culture where there are many destructive and counter-productive media messages being communicated that bombard us on a daily basis. But, finally there is an alternative. Thanks to Cheryl Ariaz Wicker and Christian Movie Connect, we now have alternatives and a positive voice within today’s media culture.

Visit christianmovieconnect.com for more information about CNC (Christian Movie Connect). For more about the work of Cheryl Wicker( host/producer), visit cherylwicker.com.

Transmedia—Is It the Last Great Idea?

We love our buzz words. In fact, every industry from business, science, manufacturing, to marketing all have their own unique set of buzz words. You probably use them in everyday language—out of the box, forward thinking, face time, core competency, boilerplate, and monetize.

Now comes along a new one from the world of marketing and media. The new buzzword that is sweeping Hollywood and the entertainment industry is transmedia. Just like all other buzz words, sometimes its meaning gets lost in the translation. Some people within the entertainment industry, especially at the studio level, are calling transmedia the last great idea. It would seem that the industry is betting the future on this new and emerging concept.

So what exactly is transmedia? It starts with a big idea or concept, which is developed into a story. The question is how do you deliver it in a form of a movie or television show that can maximize its life expectancy and profits? In other words, how do you turn it into something besides a movie or television show?

Transmedia storytelling is about creating multiple platforms and formats. The goal is to use mass media to develop a media franchise. It’s more than just merchandise. That’s been around since the days of Star Wars. The goal is to create an open source where the fans actually take ownership and help create content. You become the artist, and you add content to the original story. Or you enhance the original story.

A perfect example is the hit television series, Lost. Followers created countless websites that catered to fans of the series. The users of the sites created their own mythology, storylines and explanations of Lost. The writers of the show were amazed at the depth and the analysis that the fans brought to the discussion. In reality, the fans had gone beyond the show and created their own world, which was more entertaining than the actual television series.

Transmedia storytelling involves the concept of creating multiple platforms such as video games, books, websites, and spinoffs. But it goes beyond that to include social apps, messaging, phone apps, media plug-ins, and social networks which help create a sense of community. These days, the average Hollywood film costs about $103 million to produce and market. For that kind of money, the industry expects big returns. Although there is a danger in promoting an open source concept, such as transmedia, Hollywood believes it’s a necessity in our current business environment. They are convinced they can create an overreaching narrative structure by implementing the principles of multimedia storytelling.

Today’s “tent Pole” movies are an example of where Hollywood and the entertainment industry is headed. It’s clear that the end game is all about creating the next media franchise, whether that’s Captain America, Thor, The Avengers, or Twilight. Hollywood is interested in creating the next media sensation. Who will step up and fill the shoes of Harry Potter, Pirates of the Caribbean, or Star Wars?

For better or for worse, transmedia storytelling is not only today’s reality but the future. The days of stand-alone movies without the prospects of a sequel or franchise may very well be a fading memory or a distant view in our rear view mirror.

Christian media professionals gather for the 2011 Gideon Media Arts Conference

By  Cheryl Wicker, Christian Movies Examiner

The 2011 Gideon Media Arts Conference and Film Festival, set for August 6th – 11th at LifeWay Conference Center in Ridgecrest, NC, once again will give Christian media professionals an opportunity to learn and share talents, knowledge and expertise with each other. Whether new or well established in the area of Christian media, Gideon is for anyone interested in honing their skills in entertainment, whether it be film, television, music, theater, radio, or writing.

Several movies are scheduled to show at Gideon’s Film Festival, including the acclaimed film “The Grace Card” starring Michael Joiner. A Q&A with Joiner follows the August 9 film showing. “Pitching Hope” director Tony Mendoza is the sponsor of Gideon’s opening night. Other films screening are “Cutback,” “Courage New Hampshire,” “Jamaa,” “Decision,” “The Lamp,” “The Shunning,” “Beware of Christians,” “All For Liberty,” “Pendulum Swings,” and “My Finish Line.”

This year’s conference will also feature a short film contest. Prizes are awarded for categories such as best short film, best actor/actress, best cinematography, and best sound.

Continue reading on Examiner.com Christian media professionals gather for the 2011 Gideon Media Arts Conference - National Christian Movies
Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/christian-movies-in-national/christian-media-professionals-gather-for-the-2011-gideon-media-arts-conference#ixzz1Sr6XpqyB

How Christians Warmed to Harry Potter

As the final movie opens, many ex-doubters now see the boy wizard as a good egg

By SARAH PULLIAM BAILEY

After praising the "Harry Potter" books in 2001, author Connie Neal said that she opened her inbox to see death threats scattered among the reactions from fellow Christians. The one time the California-based writer found her book, "What's a Christian Got to Do with Harry Potter?," at a Christian bookstore, it was on the occult/New Age shelf.

In its early years, "Harry Potter" was a litmus test of orthodoxy for some conservative Christians, who expressed concern over its portrayal of witchcraft. A Christian lawyer sued a public library for encouraging young readers to check out the series. Texas Pastor John Hagee called the books a "precursor to witchcraft." In 2005 a Canadian website published a letter opposing the books written by Pope Benedict XVI when he was Cardinal Ratzinger. (In 2009, the Vatican's newspaper L'Osservatore Romano published a favorable review, seeming to reverse course on the series.)

The hysteria has largely died down, and not many religious leaders asked their flocks to avoid the final movie, which open on July 15. Potter observers cite a few possible reasons for the waning concern, including a natural desire to move on to other entertainment issues, but also an interest in the themes that unfolded.

Christians today are certainly not universally enchanted by the series. Over time, however, more readers have begun to express praise for its honest depiction of fear, loneliness and sacrifice as Harry faces the evil wizard Lord Voldemort. Many Christians have cheered the portrayals of loyalty, courage and love, as the main character repeatedly risks his life.

"These books are not written for people who have a mechanical faith," says John Granger, author of "Looking for God in Harry Potter." "For Christians who are consumed with moral elements and symbolism, Potter mania was ironic beyond words." Spoiler detail about the movie aside, the idea that sacrificial love conquers power, including magical power, is strongly suggested in the final book.

"Harry Potter" author J.K. Rowling, a member of the Church of Scotland that has Presbyterian roots, initially avoided talking explicitly about her faith. "To me, the religious parallels have always been obvious," Ms. Rowling said in 2007. "But I never wanted to talk too openly about it, because I thought it might show people who just wanted the story where we were going."

Ms. Rowling is hardly the first author to face misunderstanding from a religious audience. Before C.S. Lewis became well known as a Christian, he noted that most British reviewers missed the underlying theology in his science fiction "Space" trilogy. Christian writer Madeleine L'Engle was criticized by some for the magic elements in "A Wrinkle in Time." On the other hand, J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings" appeared to escape similar scrutiny despite his characters' use of magic.

Since the seventh Potter book came out in 2007, Ms. Rowling—who acknowledged the influence of Tolkien and Lewis on her work—has drawn more explicit religious parallels. She suggested that the two Bible verses found on tombstones in the final book almost epitomized the whole series: "And the last enemy that shall be defeated is death" and "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

The author put a little damper on some enthusiasm when she said that she always thought of one of her main characters, Albus Dumbledore, as gay (after which Pat Robertson's Christian Broadcasting Network called for a ban on the books.) And she did distance herself somewhat from C.S. Lewis when she told Time magazine in 2007 that "I did not set out to convert anyone to Christianity."

Christians are still somewhat divided on "Harry Potter," with lingering concerns. "We're not monolithic on this," says Bob Waliszewski, a media specialist for Focus on the Family. "The major issue for the faith community is all packed in that simple word: witchcraft."

Many cite biblical passages, such as Deuteronomy 18:10-11, that warn against witchcraft and sorcery. "But the literary witchcraft of the Harry Potter series has almost no resemblance to the I-am-God mumbo jumbo of Wiccan circles," Christianity Today said in a 2000 editorial.

Mr. Waliszewski suggests that Christian families whose children express interest in the books use them as a teachable moment. "When you see self-sacrifice, heroism, the strong power of friendship, applaud it," he said. "I am more concerned about non-Christians reading the books because I do think it puts witchcraft in a light that is more favorable and positive than it deserves biblically."

Ms. Neal, for her part, is not worried about anyone reading the books. Rather than being a means for corrupting the youth with witchcraft and the like, she says, "The Harry Potter phenomenon was the greatest evangelistic opportunity that the church has missed."

Ms. Bailey is online editor for Christianity Today

The Adjustment Bureau

Why are movies like The Matrix and The Truman Show so successful? Is it because we think that reality is not as it seems? Is it possible that we are not the master of our own fate? Are there forces beyond our control at work in our lives? The Adjustment Bureau joins a long list of films that explore these issues.

Marketed as a romantic thriller, The Adjustment Bureau stars Matt Damon as David Morris, a rising political star, who is running for a Senate seat from the state of New York. After a breaking story about a past unflattering incident in his life, Morris’ political career is put on hold. On the night of the election, he meets a mysterious woman who will forever change his life. After a romantic kiss from Elise Sellas (Emily Blunt), he is inspired to give a compelling and honest concession speech that will position him as the front runner in the next election.

After returning back to the public sector, he once again bumps into the mysterious Elise. He realizes that they have some sort of connection and gets her phone number. Arriving at his office, he finds his best friend, Charlie Trayor (Michael Kelly), in a state of suspension surrounded by unfamiliar men all wearing hats. In fact, everyone at the office is unresponsive as if they were suspended in time. The strange men are examining and appear to be probing Charlie’s head.

After a quick chase, David is apprehended by the men in hats. Here’s where things get to get even stranger if that’s possible. They inform David they are from the Adjustment Bureau and warn him to speak to no one about what he has seen. If he does, they will reset his memory, and it will be erased. Furthermore, they will not allow him to have any further contact with his potential love interest Elise. Apparently, David saw what is behind the black curtain. His fate is not in his hands but is controlled by the men in hats. They talk about The Plan, which has been written by the chairman, whom we never meet.

One man, Harry Mitchell (Anthony Mackie), from the Adjustment Bureau takes a liking to David. He offers assistance and tells him he has met the chairman and knows him by many names. There is the implication in this film that the men who wear hats could be angels, and the chairman is God.

By the director’s own account, he has left that up to the viewers to determine how they will interpret this film. In a rather broad sweeping manner, The Adjustment Bureau deals with rather complex theological issues, such as free will and predestination. Is the chairman omnipotent and involved with the affairs of men?

The real question in the film is will David and Elise find a way to be together? What about David’s political career? And why is the Adjustment Bureau so determined to keep them apart.

I love movies such as The Matrix and The Truman Show that deal with the concepts of reality, control, fate, and choice. The Adjustment Bureau may very well exceed both of these films in terms of it’s heart, compassion and optimism for the future.

This is an exceptional film, and I enjoyed every minute of it. Everything is totally believable and plausible. One thing for sure, The Adjustment Bureau will give you plenty to think about. Are we as much in control as we think we are? However, you are in control to make the decision to see this movie. So exercise your free will.

Bobette Buster on the Commons of Storytelling

Encounter 11: Bobette Buster on the Commons of Storytelling from International Arts Movement on Vimeo.

Bobette Buster provides a background to the Hollywood Screen Guild's approach to film marketing. Using examples from Star Wars and Toy Story, Bobette draws upon some of the most memorable characters from film and explains the means by which Hollywood insures that its viewing audience cannot forget them.

2011 ICVM Catalyst Conference honors Christian filmmakers at the Crown Awards

By  Cheryl Wicker, Christian Movies Examiner

The 2011 International Christian Visual Media (ICVM) Catalyst Conference held in Atlanta, Georgia, from July 6-9, ended with a bang with the announcement of winners at its culminating event, The Crown Awards.

Among the Gold Award recipients are “Torchlighters: The Amy Carmichael Story" for Best Children’s Film; “Clancy” for Drama Under $250,000; “The Frontier Boys” for Best Youth Film and Best Drama Over $250,000; and “Finding Hope Now” and “The Lost Medallion” tying for Best Picture.

With this year's theme of "For Such a Time," the 2011 ICVM has, indeed, encouraged Christian film professionals to use their talents and resources to impact the world with a Christian world view in a day and time when the culture suffers from a lack of values and spirituality. Speakers throughout the conference re-iterated the importance of reaching the world through media.

Continue reading on Examiner.com 2011 ICVM Catalyst Conference honors Christian filmmakers at the Crown Awards - National Christian Movies
Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/christian-movies-in-national/2011-icvm-catalyst-conference-honors-christian-filmmakers-at-the-crown-awards#ixzz1SmjGj49Z