Appointed Motion Pictures

LEAGUE LAUNCH
God has helped us to at last complete the “Conversation Over Coffee” video! Many of you watched the 11 minute screener version that we released in December. With your helpful feedback, we cut the film down to 5 minutes and 48 seconds. Watch “Conversation Over Coffee.” If you find it moving, please point others to watch it as well.
Pre-Production Items
We’ve been in contact with BMW missionaries in Europe, Asia, and Utah about producing videos that will document God’s work. Pray with us for God’s provision and direction as these projects take shape!
Why people watch movies?
Jenny and I have always desired to produce some large scale projects that will reach multitudes with the message of the gospel and inspire future generations of missionaries. Last month, after watching the movie Avatar, I began to think about why people watch movies. (This does not constitute an endorsement of this movie. Read the review at Crosswalk.org/movies to decide whether you should see this movie.) I asked myself, why would millions of Christians and non-Christians pay to sit and watch two and a half hours of Avatar? Not because of the formulaic story. Not because of the predictable character development. And certainly not because they wanted to learn more about Neo-paganism. I went because as a filmmaker, I want to know what techniques and elements made this movie a $500 million blockbuster. But I should have known. Because another part of me went for the same reason that every other person went to see this movie: Avatar was stunning, exciting, and above all, entertaining.
I totally repudiate Avatar’s message of nature worship. But I wonder, how many viewers are now open to the concept of worshiping nature? I am beginning to realize that for any film to garner widespread impact, it must be highly entertaining.
Let me provide a personal illustration. A couple of years ago we made a little impromptu video where I went to different yard sales in Riverside, CA masquerading as a host of a reality TV show called “Big Steve’s Bargain Hunter.” It was a very funny video with no spiritual purpose at all. We’ve had more people telling us that they gave this video to their friends than any other movie we made. Why? Because it was entertaining.
I don’t want to insinuate that if you like to laugh that you are unspiritual or shallow. I also don’t want to criticize legitimate videos that are more informational. I also decry the notion that one has to compromise the gospel message to appeal to a visually hungry society. I’m simply observing that people pay attention to something that entertains them. And as a filmmaker who wants to spread the good news, it is my goal to simply get the message to the audience so forcefully, so compellingly, that they will sit and listen.
As I’ve been processing these thoughts, God gave me an idea for a feature film. This story contains enough excitement to sell tickets, but it also houses an underlying gospel message that will hopefully cause people to examine their own response to Christ’s sacrifice. Presently, Jenny and I are collaborating on a film treatment, the preliminary step to writing a screenplay. Last Friday, I received an email notice about a Christian movie screenplay contest. The winner of the contest will receive $10,000! We’re planning to shoot for the stars and enter the contest. Would you join us in prayer? We’re asking that God will clearly indicate if this feature film idea is something that HE would like for us to pursue.
Directions Seminar Promo
Speaking of humorous and entertaining, another outgrowth of this philosophy has been the development of two promotional videos for the BMW Directions Seminar. Biblical Ministries Worldwide hosts this free seminar at churches to help Christians be more prepared for planning their estates. Sounds like an interesting topic, huh? Who wants to think about dying? But by planning effectively, you can help ensure that your loved ones are cared for and that your money is bequeathed to further God’s kingdom (as opposed to being gobbled up in taxes!) With this in mind, I’ve worked to create two promotional videos, one serious and one humorous, that will hopefully raise awareness for the Directions Seminar. I can’t wait to show you all this video! And I’m hoping it is funny enough to pass along to your friends!.