Media Mindfulness

I discovered the concept of media mindfulness in a book written by Gretchen Hailer called Believing in a Media Culture. Mindfulness sounds like a complex process but is simply a matter of taking the time or slowing down and paying attention. The process starts when we are aware of ourselves and what we believe. We must also be aware of our environment and our interaction with that environment. By doing so, we can unlock and understand how media functions, what messages they are communicating, and why they are being sent. These are the building blocks of media mindfulness.

For example, I love to climb mountains. My destination is the top. But if I don’t take time along the way to enjoy the experience, I miss the entire reason for getting to the top. It’s the journey not the destination that’s important. Mindfulness means that you take time to watch the passing clouds or listen to the wind blowing in the trees. The experience provides the framework for meaning.

Media mindfulness challenges us to watch movies, television, or any other form of media in a different light. We now become active participants. Our goal is not to get to the end of the story but to see how the story unfolds and to look at everything with fresh eyes. We examine each element to discover what point of view might be present. Why is a character a certain age, gender or race? What lifestyles are being promoted or dismissed? What was the reason for the story to be based in an urban setting instead of a rural setting? Why is one character affluent and one character poor? What perspectives were left out of the story? By close examination, we can begin to discover patterns and meaning that exist in our media.

Media mindfulness requires us to have a proper response to the message the media is trying to communicate to us. We must process what we see and hear by our value system and respond by either accepting or rejecting the message. Without practicing media mindfulness, we can watch a television program or a movie without any feeling or response to what is going on and not remember a single thing at the end. However, everything we have seen and heard has been stored on a subconscious level. That’s how media can affect us either positively or negatively when we do not practice media mindfulness. What is lacking is our attention to the present reality we live in.

Enlightened Values

How does the media communicate values? Is it possible to really understand the intent or motive of the filmmaker? What do we need to do in order to understand the impact media has on our behavior and attitudes? Without a personal value system, it is impossible to evaluate media. As a result, we are a reflection of what we see and hear in the media. Media messages become nothing more than images and sounds. We are like sponges, absorbing everything we see and hear without the ability to understand its meaning and purpose.

What is required is an inner vision. Mathew 6:22-23 states, “Your eye is a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is good, your whole body is filled with light. But when your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. And if the light you think you have is full of darkness, how deep that darkness is. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness." NLT Jesus uses the metaphors of the eye and the lamp to convey the significance of the proper ordering of values in life. Biblical values will help us to develop a discriminating inner vision.

What are values? They are qualities or principles thought to be intrinsically worthwhile or desirable by individuals or society as a whole. We cherish them and hold them in high esteem. We work to attain them. They give direction to our lives. What kind of values do the media promote? And what kind of values are found in the Gospel? The media and the Gospel offer values that are in stark contrast to each other. For example, immediacy vs. patience, youth vs. dignity to all, newness vs. tradition, bigness vs. smallness, wealth vs. poverty of spirit, success vs. fruitfulness, glamour vs. ordinariness, consumerism vs. conservation, disposability vs. cherishability, ability to conquer nature vs. respect for nature, complexity vs. simplicity and constant activity vs. contemplation. As you can see, there are two different value systems at work. Which one you choose will define how you see the world.

Should You Come Out of the Closet?

What if you are a Christian who works in the entertainment industry, Hollywood or elsewhere? How open should you be about your faith? Do you call a press conference and announce to the world that you are a believer. Should you give interviews? Or should you start a blog or a website? Just how vocal should you be? I think it’s a question that a lot of believers who work in the entertainment and media business struggle with. I’ve talked to a number of them. Some of them are concerned that it could hurt their career. Others are concerned about their ability to be effective in ministry.

It’s a valid point. If you go on record and announce to the world that you are trying to save people for Christ or proclaim yourself a media missionary, it could have negative repercussions. You could be seen as another nut case, a crazy evangelical pushing your beliefs on people who don’t want to hear it. In other words, all of your hard efforts to gain trust, build relationships and develop friendships could fall apart.

The very people you are trying to reach, your peers who work in the industry, could misread your intentions. So maybe it’s better to fly under the radar screen and stay in the closet. It could be your best bet to remain effective in ministry by quietly and effectively proclaiming the love of Christ through your actions and deeds.

But remaining in the closet has another downside, one that I think that many Christians who work in media and entertainment haven’t recognized. To effectively reach Hollywood and the entertainment industry and to build the case that indeed Hollywood is a valid mission field requires the help and the support of the Body of Christ. We need the local church actively involved in this effort. But how are they going to see this as a mission field if they don’t know what’s actually happening on the ground floor? If they don’t hear the stories and the testimonies of Christian filmmakers and media makers living missional lifestyles, then how will they be motivated to embrace Hollywood as a mission field?

I can’t count the times that missionaries have spoken at churches that I have attended over the years with their stories of what God is doing in their lives and in the lives of the people they are trying to reach. It is inspiring to see their dedication and commitment to fulfill the Great Commission. For years, foreign missionaries have made a connection with the local church. By doing so we all have come to realize that we are in this together. The support of the local church is crucial in the work of foreign missions. But who’s telling the stories of the triumphs taking place in the mission field that we call Hollywood and the entertainment industry? If most Christian are reluctant to talk about what they are doing, how will the local church ever be inspired and motivated to help support missions efforts in Hollywood?

Yes, there are a few voices out there. Karen Covell from the Hollywood prayer network has been speaking on these matters for years. But it’s going to take more people to reach the Body of Christ and the local church. Without the local church actively involved through prayer, resources and finances, we will never effectively reach the entertainment industry for Christ. It will take a team effort. So the question remains. How do we balance the need for confidentiality for Christians who work in media and entertainment to be effective in their ministries while, at the same time, having the ability to tell our stories to the local church? It’s a perplexing problem.

As I said, the local church needs to be educated and aware of what is actually happening in Hollywood. I’m not sure there’s an easy answer, but I know we have to find one. There must be some way that both of these goals can occur at the same time without hurting one or the other. I’m sure most Christian who are serious about their faith want to speak out. But, more importantly, they want to be effective in making a difference. Somewhere today on the back lots, the editing rooms, the production sets, and the studio offices in Hollywood the love of Christ is being played out and demonstrated in the lives of believers who work in this business. Let’s work together to find a way to tell those stories while allowing media missionaries to remain effective in their ministry.

Could The Waltons save you ?

I was born in 1956, which places me in the middle of the baby boomer generation. I consider myself an early member of the church of media and entertainment.

Over the years, I have realized that media has defined the person I am today. I don‘t believe I would have become a producer, director, writer or, for that matter, the founder of two media ministries without the influence of The Waltons and The Exorcist. Perhaps, there has never been a greater contrast between two programs. But both clearly shaped the person I am today.

During the 1970s, The Waltons was one of the most successful family dramas on television. I watched it faithfully every Thursday night. I seriously doubt that I was the intended audience or demographic that the producers were aiming for. But I made a connection with The Waltons, especially the character of John Boy played by Richard Thomas. I identified with his character and his aspirations. Although we lived in different times and in different places, there were striking similarities. We were both poor with little prospects for the future. John Boy wanted to make something of his life. He wanted to be someone and go to college. I was the same age as John Boy. I could see myself in him. We were both dealing with the same struggles. I cheered for him to succeed. If he could make it, perhaps I could too. If he could dream and work hard maybe in my life anything was possible.

The Waltons and John Boy inspired me. I was not a Christian at the time; however, I believe God used this television program to give me hope for the future.

In the early 1970s as a teenager, I saw The Exorcist with a few of my friends. At the time, The Exorcist was a big hit. It was provocative and cutting edge. It was the rage, a must-see film. I wasn‘t sure about God. In fact, I had been to church once in my entire life. I knew nothing about the Bible. And I wasn‘t sure if God even existed. In other words, I was a nonbeliever. I did not have the opportunity or the good fortune to grow up in a Christian home. Call me a heathen.

But after seeing The Exorcist, something changed. Yes, it was the scariest movie I had ever seen in my entire life. But it was more than that. Its seemed so real. Perhaps, for the first time, I had the sense of what evil looked like, and it wasn‘t a pretty picture. I could actually feel its presence. It shook the very foundations of how I viewed everything in life. If the devil was real, there had to be a God, right? And if the devil had that much power, shouldn‘t that be something I should be concerned about? And if there was a war between God and the devil, which side did I want to be on?

That was a lot for a teenager to think about. In one sense, I felt like hell had been scared out of me. I‘m not sure that‘s what the filmmakers intended or the message they were sending. But it was clear to me that there was a spiritual world after all. No. I didn‘t immediately give my life to God or convert to Christianity or, for that matter, start going to church. But it did start me on a pathway to seek the truth. And that, my friends, is the power of film. It would be another four years before I would become a Christian and a believer. But I have no doubt that it all started very innocently on a Saturday night at the age of 16 watching The Exorcist at the old Showcase Cinemas in Erlanger, Ky. It was a life-changing moment in my life.

The Waltons and The Exorcist are examples in my life of television and movies that helped change me and put me on a path toward God. Today I believe we can change the media culture and create opportunities for others in the same way that The Waltons and The Exorcist helped me as a youth to discover God.

Temple Grandin

Which studio makes the best movies? Is it Warner Brothers, 20th Century Fox or Paramount? I believe it is none of the above. These days, the most interesting and creative movies can be found on HBO. They have a knack for finding good material that others pass over. But what I think gives HBO Films an edge over other studios is their willingness to give filmmakers artistic freedom to create movies without interference.

One of the latest films that fits into this category from HBO is Temple Grandin. Based on a true story, Temple Grandin revolutionized the cattle industry by her analysis and understanding of livestock behavior. In the film version of her life, Claire Danes, portrays Temple. She is a troubled child, rejecting physical touch and detached from emotion. At six years of age, she was diagnosed as autistic. At the time, in the 1950s, the medical profession did not fully comprehend or understand autism. They suggested to her mother, Eustacia (Julia Ormond) that she be institutionalized. But Temple’s mother was determined to give her a normal life no matter how difficult that may be.

Temple’s mother expresses one of the major themes that makes this film incredibly important and powerful. Although Temple is different, her mother believes, and rightfully so, that she is not less and should be treated with respect and dignity.

If we could only understand that message, what a world we could live in. The fact is we are all different in some way. Temple overcomes her learning difficulties and excels through the help of her mentor, Professor Carlock, played by the versatile David Strathairn. He discovers a way to unlock Temple’s potential through the use of her unusual visual skills.

Also lending a hand of support to Temple is her Aunt Anna (Catherine O’Hara) who lives in Arizona on a cattle ranch. It’s here that things really start to come together for Temple. She is attracted and feels at home with the cattle, especially a device that hugs the cows that somehow has the ability to gentle them. Temple finds comfort in the device as a means to escape her autism. Without giving away too much of the story, Temple excels and finds her unique place in the world.

I know what you are thinking. Its sounds like Temple Grandin is your typical disease of the week movie. You couldn’t be more mistaken. This is a brilliant film, a biography that is full of beauty, grace and the determination of the human spirit. The acting is quite frankly off the chart. It’s on a completely different level. Claire Danes is nothing short of brilliant. And the supporting cast is just as good.

Under the careful hand of director, Nick Jackson, this film finds its own unique style that takes us into the mind of Temple as she sees the world. I can’t stress enough the pure genius of Temple Grandin. This is one film that will uplift your spirit. No matter what situation you may face or whatever difficulties you may encounter, anything is possible.

Temple Grandin proves that life can be wonderful despite challenges and obstacles. I’m sure you will be inspired with a new appreciation for the wonders of life and God’s unique handiwork, which is in full display in this remarkable and important film.

Temple Grandin has been well received as it won several Emmys that included Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Director. It’s continued proof for HBO’s commitment to excellence and quality. If you went to the movie theater and spent $10, you would not find a better film than Temple Grandin. It’s that good.

It is currently available on DVD but may be difficult to find. It’s one of those films I’m sure you’ve heard little or nothing about. But, trust me. This one is worth your time and your money.

NRB 2011

The last few days have been extremely busy. I’ve just returned from the National Religious Broadcasters Convention in Nashville, Tennessee. The NRB is the world’s largest gathering of Christian broadcasters and programmers. It’s the place to be if you’re trying to pitch a new show and develop relationships in the Christian media industry. I was there pitching my new show Media Missionary TV, which features stories about Christians who work in mainstream media and entertainment. Christians are making a huge impact in Hollywood. These are the kinds of stories that we plan to follow at Media Missionary TV.

I met with 11 networks. We shot a pilot which will probably air within the next two months. Everyone I talked to seemed to be positive and supportive. I believe that most of these networks will pick up Media Missionary TV. In our first year, we will produce four specials that will air quarterly, starting in October 2011. In time, Media Missionary TV could become a weekly TV show.

Generally, the NRB is a good place to get the pulse on what is occurring in Christian media. I’ve been attending the NRB since 2000, and I have seen a number of changes. One of the most significant developments in recent years has been the inclusion of Christian and mainstream filmmakers. At this year’s NRB, a number of films were promoted with special advance screenings. With over 6,000 people attending the conference, this is a great way to get the word out about your film. Unfortunately, due to lack of time I was unable to attend any of the screenings. But here are a few movies to keep an eye on which should be out in theatrical distribution sometime in the spring: Doonby, featuring John Schneider from Dukes of Hazard; The Mighty Max, based on a true story about the 1971 Immaculata College basketball team; The Frontier Boys, staring Rebecca St. James; and There Be Dragons, directed by Roland Joffé.

I took a look at the trailer for There Be Dragons, and it looks interesting. You can view it on our website under trailers. The film is set during the Spanish civil war and had a budget of over $35 million. The look and the feel of the film is impressive. In fact, it looks like an epic. Roland Joffé is a well-respected director for such films as The Mission, starring Robert DeNiro, and The Killing Fields. This one is definitely worth checking out, especially if you enjoy historic dramas.

Finally, on Saturday night during the super session, Hollywood took front and center stage as Michael Flaherty led a discussion about movies, entertainment, and the future of media. Flaherty is the co-founder and President of Walden Media who has been responsible for producing films that focus on affirming moral messages, such as The Chronicles of Narnia series, Nim’s Island, and Charlotte’s Web. Also joining the discussion was producer, Mark Joseph; director, Michael Apted; and actor, John Schneider.

It was a lively discussion and an opportunity to hear the pulse of what is occurring in both Christian and mainstream entertainment. Perhaps, the big news of the night is 20th Century Fox and Walden Media are committed to producing the next film in the Narnia series. Although the box office for the last film, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, may not have met expectations, Flaherty believes the overall future for the franchise is encouraging.

That Evening Sun

You may wonder why we don’t review every movie here at Media Missionary School. In fact, we’re rather selective. There are plenty of other sites that review major Hollywood films. Our mission is to find the hidden gems, the small quiet movies that often go unnoticed. We are especially interested in movies that have a spiritual perspective on life.

That Evening Sun qualifies on all counts. You probably haven’t heard of it. It received practically no press or recognition. It made only $281,000 at the box office. I checked two local video stores and could find only one copy. So it’s not going to be easy to find, but it will be worth your effort. That Evening Sun is based on a 2002 short story, I Hate to See that Evening Sun Go Down, by William Gay. That Evening Sun is a rich, atmospheric drama with outstanding production values. This is independent filmmaking at its best.

The producers made every penny count and created a true gem. The story features the veteran actor Hal Holbrook as Abner Meecham, an aging, discarded Tennessee farmer. Apparently, Meecham has been relegated to the old folks home. Meecham decided to hit the road and head back to his old homestead. He wants to live out his remaining days on his terms as he faces the setting of the evening sun. Meecham is a hard, bitter, and judgmental old man, who has many unresolved issues. When he returns to his farm, he finds his old nemesis, Lonzo Choat and his family, living in his house.

Meecham’s son, Paul (Walton Goggines), has leased the property to Lonzo with an option to buy. Both men are on a collision course as Abner has decided to stay on his land in the old tenement shack next to the residence. Adding a voice of reason is Lonzo’s wife, Ludie (Carrie Preston), who is the only one that can see things clearly. Caught in the middle of the conflict is Lonzo’s 16 year-old daughter, Pamela, played by Mia Wasikowska. When she is beaten by her father, Abner comes to her defense. Now the game is on. The stakes are high as both characters enter into potentially deadly conflict.

But, like most good films, That Evening Sun, is more than a story about who is the rightful owner of the property or rather or not it’s necessary that Abner live in the retirement home. Even Abner describes himself to be an 80 year-old man old with a bum hip and weak heart. This is not your stereotypical grumpy, old man flick. This film explores the issue of whether or not we should get to live out our golden years on our terms or somebody else’s.

Beyond the end-of-life issue are more compelling questions. That’s what makes this film so remarkable and memorable. Can Abner face his past mistakes and regrets. Can he reconcile his relationship with his son? Why do dreams of his deceased wife haunt him?

That Evening Sun has exceptional writing and depth. All of the characters are richly drawn and fleshed out. Even the character of Lonzo, which could have been your typical antagonist, is much more than that. His character is obviously flawed; however, the writers have found a way where Lonzo can also express the better side of his humanity. Just like in real life, the characters in this film are a composite of both good and bad.

We want to root for Abner. But there are times when we feel he deserves what he gets. He seems inflexible and uncaring as he calls Lonzo white trash to his face. Hal Holbrook, who is also in the twilight of his own life, is brilliant in the role of Abner. He has both the strength and vulnerability that is needed to make this character believable.

That Evening Sun is as good as any independent film you will find this year. I would put it in the league of The Winter’s Bone, which was nominated for Best Picture at the 2010 Academy Awards. Frankly, I don’t see any difference between the two films. Why does one film receive recognition and a nomination while the other film is mostly forgotten? I don’t have an answer to that. But it does prove a point. There are many outstanding films made every year that deserve a much larger audience. This one is worth finding. Do yourself a favor and put the effort forth to see That Evening Sun.