BlogThree23

Here is a blunt question posed by Randy Robison.
Why Does Christian TV Suck?

I’ve grown up as a Christian. I’ve grown up working in television. So why don’t I watch Christian TV? Because it’s irrelevant to my life… and I’m not alone. The crux of Randy’s argument: As long as Christian television remains beholden to the non-com network model, dependant upon the donations of viewers, Christian television will never change. Agree or disagree?

Has there ever been a truly commercial Christian Network? I guess Pax-TV now ION was the closest we’ve come or do you know of others? I think I agree with Randy for the most part. Certainly there is good teaching & preaching in all flavors on Christian networks … but teaching and preaching shows with bad sets are not something I will ever kick my feet up and watch after work … I am post-modern, this does not inspire me … or anyone I know in my peer group.

I do not agree however with his points on the PBS model having had a film air there, so I’m understandably biased to the network. I think the artistic quality and story engaging abilities of its documentary prime-time offerings is FAR superior to the assembly line slop of the other “PBS-type programming” cable networks. That is where I am perhaps more old school. Watch and episode of WGBH’s Frontline and then an episode of “Dirty Jobs” and tell me which is better … (ok, except for “Deadliest Catch” – that show is awesome!)

I have often wondered why Christians can’t pool their resources and create a PBS style model with solid emphasis on programming for the big and little screen. It would of course require some form of unity among the denominations, which is for the most part humanly impossible. BUT, consider a Christian network model that pulled funds from the biggest Christian foundations and givers around the world … that then turned right around and granted those funds to filmmakers to make quality programs that aired on its network – it’s the CPB-PBS model with the Christian versions of the Ford foundation, MacArthur Foundation, NEA government grants, etc. etc. thrown in. Imagine Frontline, Nova, etc, from a Christian World View … imagine producers who are Christians creating their own unique programming strands and not copying the secular for once.

Here is a interesting article in the magazine “Fast Company” related to the independent financing of films that I have not seen before.

IndieVest Attracts Indie-Film Investors With Reduced-Risk Model. Investing in independent cinema is usally just for those with money to burn. IndieVest promises both Hollywood-worthy perks and a relatively safe haven.

I found the model to be very interesting and wonder if it will be successful. Perhaps there is potential in a similar investment model for films that deal with matters of faith. To be able to invest in an independent “Christian” film you felt strongly about and then when the smoke clears, to get your money back …. now that WOULD be interesting.

I have to admit the difficulty the mainline studios have experienced over the last four years trying to figure out the very fickle Christian film-going audience has been interesting to watch with the “Passion of the Christ” in 2004 establishing in most people’s minds the “Faith in Film” movement and leading to successes like “Fireproof” today in 2008/2009.

Bryan Welch featured in Christian media campaign.

Recently, I stumbled across the following faith-based media campaign: www.iamsecond.com I was impressed by the look and feel of the clips … no back, no fill, great use of studio acquired b-roll and effective cutting, not afraid to show the set … less is WAY more, a modern flash-based web design, AND a scaling back of the usual christian cheddar-cheese … just letting personal story of God’s work in an individual’s life speak for itself… take it or leave it. I wonder, can this sort of thing only happen only in a non-denominational type scenario? i.e. to avoid the usual hang-ups. It would be interesting to know the dollars that were spent and conversely what response it has generated. The follow up aspects in the links at the bottom are interesting as well.

It looks like Norm Miller (Interstate Batteries) may be the money behind … see the article, “I Am Second’ advertising campaign aims to put God first.”