Simplifying the Message

Recently, Media Missionary School acquired new space to launch our new media training center. Although there’s much work to be done, we have taken the first steps to make this dream become a reality. A friend of mine offered some advice. He said we had all of the right ingredients. But we needed to simplify the message, clarify our value propositions, and define our revenue streams. In all honesty, it’s good advice. 

Perhaps, our message has been a bit complex. In the simplest terms, here’s what we’re trying to communicate here at Media Missionary School. In order to redeem culture and change the direction of our society, we must develop media missionaries so that we can inject Biblical principles into mainstream media and entertainment.

First, as Christ’s followers, I think we can all agree that our culture is in sad shape. The second part of our message is the action part, which requires the development of media missionaries as the solution. The third part of our message is our primary mission which is reseeding culture with a Biblical message that fulfills our vision—to change the course of our society.

Next are our value propositions. In other words, what do we bring to the game? Is there anything special that we offer? Do we offer real value? First, we have created an original and innovative educational and training program for the development of visual storytellers for global outreach. Second, we provide specialized training to equip media missionaries who will learn how to live a missional lifestyle. Third, we produce cost-effective feature films that allow our students a hands-on and real world experience.

Do I think we offer value? Absolutely. Because it all ties back to our central message. The solution to redeeming culture is to raise up, equip, train and support media missionaries. Our value propositions make that a reality.

Finally, what are our revenue streams? Can our ministry sustain itself for the long haul? I’m convinced our prospects are excellent. The bulk of our income would come from tuition and the work we do as a production house. Our feature films could also provide additional income. I believe that for Media Missionary School to be successful, we must build a model that does not rely on donor support. We want to be able to stand on our own two feet and pay our bills.

However, for that to happen in the short run, we will need to rely on donor support. That’s why we need your help. Because we are an innovative and, in some ways, a start-up ministry, the odds of receiving major donor and foundation support may be limited. We believe small donors can make up the difference and help to launch Media Missionary School. We’re counting on small gifts of $20, $50 or $100. The reality is if enough people believe in this ministry, we will get this new media training center up and running.

Consider making a donation today. Because we are a 501c3 nonprofit corporation, all donations tax deductible.

Thank you and God Bless.

JC Schroder talks about his experiences as a Filmmaker

I asked JC Schroder the director of the new film Forever's End about his experiences in Los Angeles trying to build a career. He told me "that as a producer you have to have multiple projects in development in various stages. Just one project will not get it done. The key to this business is making connections". But he is convinced that if you’re serious about your career, you have to start in Los Angeles.

He also told me his faith is important to him. "Finding a good church community is essential". Although he’s not interested in making Christian movies, he believes he can have an impact with people by living his life in a way that honors God. "If your quality of work is good, and you have solid morals, you will get noticed in this business".

He went on to say, “People will notice that you’re different, and the subject of your faith will come up at some point." JC sees himself as a Christian who makes movies. One place where JC has had the opportunity to build relationships is a weekly poker game that he hosts. “Although it’s a no money game, it’s a great place to get to know people who work in this industry”.

He says that it takes a lot of effort to break into this business. "In the first year, I was eating a lot of noodles and did whatever I had to do to get on the set”. In fact, he often worked as an extra making only $60 a day. But again he had an opportunity to meet people and make connections. JC said, “It takes an “all in” approach.” He knows of a number of people who finally made it in this business after suffering many years of hardships—in some cases living in the back seat of their cars and eating one meal a day, if lucky.

JC believes that if you are going to make it in this business, you’re going to have to wear many hats. “Just don’t count on one thing”. Because he served in multiple roles as a PA, an extra, and other jobs, he learned how a set works in Hollywood. He also took acting classes so he could better understand the needs of actors. This has helped him to be a better director because he understands the roles each person has to play in order to have a successful production.

His final advice to those interested in pursuing a career in the entertainment industry - is to realize this is a business first and for most and it will always be about the money. “So in order to be successful, it’s important to understand the business aspect”. I have a feeling JC is going to be successful in his role as a filmmaker because he’s built the relationships, knows how to squeeze a dollar, and understands the necessity of returning a profit to his investors. But, more importantly, he hasn’t forgotten about the importance of finding Christian fellowship.

JC Schroder is a Director and Producer of award-winning independent film, live event, and commercial media productions. He is the key producer and owner of Star Com Productions LLC, a Los Angeles-based production company formed in early 2000. As a continually growing company, Star Com was restructured in 2009 (moving main offices from Cincinnati, Ohio where the company was founded, to Los Angeles, California) and now has three primary divisions: Film & Television, Live Events, and New Media production.


Over the past decade Schroder has produced more than 35 film and television productions (from commercials and music videos to independent short and feature films) as well as written and directed over a dozen more, including PCFMF’s 2008 Gold Medal winner “Freedomland” and PCFMF’s 2009 Gold Medal winner “The End of All Things

JC Schroder Shares His Thoughts on His New Movie, Forever’s End

The psychological thriller Forever’s End has just completed its principle photography here in Cincinnati. I recently had an opportunity to sit down and talk with JC Schroder. He served as the film’s producer, director, cinematographer and writer. You might remember JC as the founder of the Oxford International Festival. He started his career in Cincinnati and has since moved to Los Angeles.

I asked him about his latest movie Forever’s End and why he decided to come back to Cincinnati to shoot it. He said the budget made sense for the Cincinnati area because he could stretch his money further here than in Los Angeles. Plus he had the perfect locations which worked for the film. This is JC’s directorial debut as a featured film director. He’s been busy since he moved to LA doing music videos, commercial projects, short films, and working on other film projects in a number of roles. He considers Forever’s End his chance to move to the next level.

He described the film as an Alfred Hitchcock type psychological thriller. The film unfolds as Sara, the lead character, hasn’t seen a living person in six years. The film is set in a post-apocalyptic world where apparently Sara is the only surviving soul left on the planet. But surprisingly, Sara’s sister and other people start to appear. The question is is Sara insane? Has the world truly experienced a catastrophic event, or is it in Sara’s mind? Or are the people appearing to her nothing more than a figment of her imagination?

JC says the film starts slowly but builds with intensity and tension. The audience really never knows what’s happening. He further says Forever’s End is essentially a character piece. "I love building characters and allowing them to interact with each other". JC also says "Forever’s End has a mood and atmosphere much like last year’s critically acclaimed Winter’s Bone".

Forever’s End has already lined up distribution. Rivercoast Productions will handle the domestic distribution for the home video market. JC also believes the film will receive a limited theatrical release.

JC plans to submit the film to Sundance, Toronto, South by Southwest and other major film festivals. He expects the film to be in theaters by the middle of next year. JC believes Forever’s End will be successful because he picked the right story to fit his budget. “The production values will look like the film cost millions of dollars.” He was determined not to sacrifice the entertainment value of the film due to budgetary concerns.

I had a chance to see some of his work, and it looks outstanding. Forever’s End is a film that you will want to keep on your radar screen. I have a feeling this could be JC’s big break.

JC Schroder is a Director and Producer of award-winning independent film, live event, and commercial media productions. He is the key producer and owner of Star Com Productions LLC, a Los Angeles-based production company formed in early 2000. As a continually growing company, Star Com was restructured in 2009 (moving main offices from Cincinnati, Ohio where the company was founded, to Los Angeles, California) and now has three primary divisions: Film & Television, Live Events, and New Media production.

Over the past decade Schroder has produced more than 35 film and television productions (from commercials and music videos to independent short and feature films) as well as written and directed over a dozen more, including PCFMF’s 2008 Gold Medal winner “Freedomland” and PCFMF’s 2009 Gold Medal winner “The End of All Things

Storytellers Media Training Center

Opening soon our new facility at 1530 Tremont Street, Cincinnati, Ohio in the old Lunkenneimer building. The new center will include office space, classrooms, a production studio, a kitchen, and future student housing.

Are There Better Options?

According to Washington Post columnist, David Ignatius, there are better options to the movies currently being offered by Hollywood. You know things have gotten bad when a political columnist starts to notice the decline that’s taking place in the type of films Hollywood produces. He states, “This summer’s celluloid epics have mostly been as limp and flavorless as wet popcorn. Here are 2011’s summer blockbusters thus far. Scream 4, Thor, Bride’s Maids, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, The Hangover Part 2, Kung Fu Panda 2, Fast Five, Green Lantern, Cars 2, Transformers: Dark of the Moon, Harry Potter and the Deadly Hollows Part 2, Captain America, and Cowboys and Aliens.

“That’s a pretty depressing list, if you ask me: 8 sequels, 3 comic book heroes, 2 lame cartoons, 1 film inspired by a ride at a theme park, another inspired by a toy. This is what Hollywood presented this summer as its peak cinematic offerings.”

Ignatius went on to say that other than the Harry Potter final, it was a sorry array. The only place where he found better options was in the quality of foreign films. I would have to agree with his assessment. Foreign filmmakers are doing what Hollywood used to do—making movies that are about something. Most of the stuff Hollywood makes nowadays is fairly forgettable.

There was a time when we cared about characters. Movies expressed emotion that gripped us—that gave us something to think about that would linger days, weeks and months. I recently watched The Lord of the Rings Trilogy. This is storytelling at its best. I had forgotten just how good these films are. They express big themes while at the same time offering plenty of action, adventure and amazing special effects.

Unfortunately, in Hollywood the art of storytelling seems to be a fading memory. In today’s multiplex America, the only game in town is selling popcorn and sodas to teenagers. But if you’re a serious movie buff, David Ignatius suggests taking a look at foreign films as an alternative. I would add that we still have a vibrant Indy industry right here in America. Last year’s Winter’s Bone and Get Low proved that.

There are alternatives. It just requires you to dig a little deeper. You may not be able to find it on the big screen, but thanks to Netflix and other online services, there are quality smaller films to be found.

One thing’s for certain, Hollywood is not going to change its current course. The industry has made a decision to embrace franchise types of films such as Scream, Transformers, etc. Serious movie fans need not bother looking at the current content being offered from the big studios.

Do movies matter?

By JOHN PODHORETZ The Weekly Standard

Movies make plenty of noise, but don’t speak to us.

When I first became interested in them, in the 1970s, they seemed to matter very much indeed. People with cultural interests talked about movies, argued about them, studied them, loved them, emulated them. Highly regarded directors of foreign films—Ingmar Bergman, Federico Fellini, François Truffaut, Akira Kurosawa, Satyajit Ray—attained an elevated cultural standing in the United States that surpassed the poets and novelists and painters among their own countrymen. And small-scale movies that today would be consigned to art houses and tiny grosses and limited runs—M*A*S*H, American Graffiti, Midnight Cowboy, Shampoo, Network, Coming Home, Kramer vs. Kramer, even The Graduate—not only provoked general conversation among the chattering classes but became major popular successes.

That doesn’t happen any longer. For the most part, moviegoers are uninterested in provocative depictions of the way we live now. Consider The Hurt Locker, which won the 2009 Oscar for best picture. Without question, this piece of highly kinetic and suspenseful filmmaking on the literally incendiary topic of an American bomb-defusing squad in Iraq would have been a huge hit in the 1970s. Even in the mid-1980s, Oliver Stone’s disgustingly pernicious though admittedly exciting Vietnam melodrama Platoon made $138.5 million. But The Hurt Locker earned an astonishingly paltry total of $17 million.

The year that The Hurt Locker won its Oscar saw the release of Avatar, which has grossed more money worldwide than any other movie ever made by a large margin—nearly $3 billion. When the blockbuster age began in the mid-1970s, the movies that exploded into the marketplace the way Avatar did—Jaws and Star Wars, especially—were basically seen by everybody. People stopped going to the beach out of fear the summer that Jaws premiered, and that summer’s cultural echo can be heard 36 years later in every hot-weather story about big fish scoring a human snack, or whenever the Discovery Channel announces it’s time for SHARK WEEK.

CONTINUE READING AT http://www.weeklystandard.com/articles/say-what_577295.html

How can you help ?

By Harold Hay, President of Flannelgraph Ministries and the founder of Media Missionary School.

It has been my dream and vision for years to open a media and training center for the development of visual storytellers for global outreach by utilizing visual media. Now that dream is within reach. We have recently acquired space for our new training center. It will be located right here in the Lunkenheimer building near downtown Cincinnati.

The new site is a fulfillment of what God has put on my heart concerning the need to raise up, equip, train and support future media missionaries entering into the mainstream media and entertainment industry.

We all recognize that today’s culture is in a crisis. Frankly, nobody is happy about the direction our society is headed. In fact, I believe that the media is primarily responsible for the state we currently find ourselves in.

Today, I believe the media culture defines our reality and certainly helps to create our worldview. In other words, it drives culture. In 1998, USA Today said, “Today’s culture can be best described as a culture gone toxic.” I would add that things have only gotten worse over the years. And I would describe our culture as one that has moved from toxic to deadly.

But there is hope. If media can be used in a negative fashion, then it most certainly can be used in a positive fashion. That’s why we need this new media training center.

We have moved from a word-based society to an image-based society. This has enormous implications.

In order to fulfill the Great Commission and reach the world for Christ, we must now speak the language of media, the language of visual image, and the language of visual storytelling.

Some have said that today’s cinema has become the new church, a place where people are finding meaning, purpose and spirituality. If that’s true, that means that today’s filmmakers are the new priests and ministers. Our vision here at Media Missionary School is to raise up future media makers, who are grounded in spiritual principles, to become the new priests who will speak the language of media.

For years, we have focused on faith-based training and film camps. Although they have been highly successful, this new media center will allow us to take it to the next level. Our plans call for an extensive six-month comprehensive training program.

Our students will live, work, study, and create media in a community setting. We certainly want to emphasize the hands-on approach to training. But we are primarily committed to the development of the messenger as well as the message because I’m convinced it’s the only way we can change and redeem culture.

You could say we are the new frontier of missions for the 21st century. Our ultimate goal is to support the media missionary on a practical, spiritual, and emotional level.

There are many ministries which help and support foreign missionaries. But who is there to support the young person who believes he or she has been called to the mainstream media as a missionary. Well, that’s all about to change.We are answering the call. If Hollywood and the broader entertainment industry are mission fields then we need missionaries.

How can you help make the vision a reality? There are many roles you can play. You can provide financial support.

Phase 1 calls for basic renovations, construction of office space, painting, cleanup, and new carpet. Phase 2 entails equipping our primary classroom. Phase 3 will allow us to acquire the needed video, audio and editing equipment necessary to equip our students.

Phase 4 entails the development of a working studio with a lighting grid, switcher, and set construction. Phase 5 will entail the construction of student housing.

Please consider making a financial donation, not only to support one of the phases but my own personal mission support as well. You can also give “in kind donations”, such as couches, chairs, desks, flat screen televisions, computers. We have a detailed list online at Media Missionary School.com.

You can donate your time to help with construction and cleanup projects or offer your expertise in areas such as graphic design, web development, accounting, teaching, and mentoring.

You can also consider hosting an event or party at your home, where I can come and present the ministry to your family and friends.

You can also consider having me come to your church to speak and teach on issues concerning media, faith and culture. We have an extensive list of workshops and seminars listed on our website.

You can encourage your church to become a monthly supporter by adding Media Missionary School for missions support.

Consider purchasing my book, The Red Pill, The Cure for Today’s Mass Media Culture, to learn more about the media crisis and how it affects you and your children. A special rate is available for orders of 20 or more books.

As you can see, there are many ways you can help. The good news is there is hope. We can redeem and change the course that our society is currently following. But your participation is essential. The media culture can best be described as an invisible force much like a low dose of radiation. At first, it may have little or no effect, but over time it will make you sick and will eventually kill you.

However, we now have the cure for today’s media culture. This new site and the launch of our new media center will make Media Missionary School a force for positive change. Thank you and God bless