tapping into "passion" money
by David Druckenmiller on Feb.03, 2009, under Faith-based Content
What Christians Watch
One of the better articles I’ve seen in a while on the “Faith in Film” movement .. written by Dale Buss who is also the author of “Family Man”, a biography on Dr. James Dobson. So perhaps Dale does at least give a fair-shake to those followers of JC who are endeavoring to make a difference in the creation of feature film. (saw this article originally on Phil Cooke’s blog )
I think I agree for the most part with the author. He says: “Fireproof” succeeded because it is “an on-screen equivalent of an altar call” which I have no problem with at all. More than just being an “altar call” though, I can as a Christian go to a Sherwood Pictures film and know my faith will be taken seriously. That is perhaps a rare treat these days when consuming media. Perhaps this is the FIRST step in tapping into “The Passion… ” money.
This brings up a good question, are the entertainment choices of the average Christian generally that much different than the average non-Christian? If I am truly honest with myself and others I know, I would say generally speaking no. Certainly there are exceptions, but would you agree or not … that in the case of most entertainment released for the masses of the G, PG, PG-13, and R variety, most “Christians” 40 and under, are just as likely to watch what is popular EVEN if the film or show is offensive to one’s faith, morality, sexual orientation, political perspective , etc. … perhaps the subject of another post but let me know if you think I am wrong.
Aside from whether you think this is right or wrong, if I and other honest “believers” are consuming what is popular high dollar entertainment, our expectation for story-based content is also high, and accordingly, when we encounter a show or film that has a good “message” but is low in quality, we may choose to pass it by.
March 23rd, 2009 on 11:57 AM
You know I agree! But while I find the Sherwood Pictures films increasing in quality, I still find a severe lacking in their quality, and I don’t think it’s just because there are volunteers working on stuff. I think it’s more about that commitment to a story.
I don’t want to say what I’ve already said many times over, but I think if Christian film or Christian television is to succeed and become something that really speaks to people outside of the church, then it has to pick an audience well, it has to commit to a story to be told to that audience, and then it has to be willing to show life truthfully, whether the outcome is difficult or not. The Bible itself is full of terribly sad stories of the faithful falling, or of people struggling with sin, or whatever. It’s part of what makes the Bible something we can believe in! It’s the fact that these aren’t fake people written to be figureheads of a religion. It’s that these are REAL PEOPLE who we can emulate, because they encountered the living God!
Anyway, excellent post and I 100% agree and would take it further to say that while I don’t think the Christian industry needs to “cater” to the unchurched world (i.e. sex, or swearing or something) it does need to get real to be relevant and impactful.
November 18th, 2009 on 2:53 AM
I agree, as well… Just saw the movie “2012″ and, the non-believers out there are just drinking it in, so to speak… right now it is the number one box office hit in the theatres.. and, people are buying the message… I do pray that in the year 2012, there will be no panic and mayhem because of the Mayan Calendar ending, and such…
We do need to have a counter-film to this “2012″… a film of the true Word of the true Bible. The Word, meaning our Lord, Jesus Christ, “And the truth shall set you free.”
God’s blessings be with you, I am a Lutheran, a member of LCMS for 10 years now… 12 years before that, was in the New Age Movement, have seen both sides of the non-believers and believers.. a difference between night and day… I prefer the daylight, meaning being a believer in our Lord and Mighty King, Jesus Christ… do I hear an Amen?