Coming up in September, after my Italy trip, your favorite wannabe monk (um, that betta be me) will be spending a weekend learning the art of screenwriting for us wacky Christians (yes,yes, I know, with what's coming outta Hollywood, who needs a whole weekend?).
"Act One trains and mentors Christians of all denominations for careers in mainstream film and television. We prepare our students to produce film and TV projects that combine mastery of craft with great depth and meaning. As a non-profit organization, we are wholly devoted to the professional and spiritual development of our students."
From almost the beginning of my conversion, I have been jotting down little anecdotes and/or
imagined scenes, dealing with the Christian life. After seeing The Apostle I was left hungry for more films about Christians, where they are actually human, and not just the typical stereotypes (if you haven't watched it,please rent it, or maybe I can host a movie night at the American City Diner). My basic idea has been to have a Neil Simon kinda multi-character driven comedy about different types of us wacky lovers of Truth, that does not evangelize or Bible thump in anyway.
To best describe how I plan to set the tone of the film, let's just say that during the opening scene, I have one of the main characters, while alone in his pick up truck on the way to work, relieving himself of excess gas. This scene actually is quite important, as I know any non-Christians will go into the film with their pretentious butts clenched, so I wish to metaphorically help reduce this pressure with some hearty laughter.I learned this device back in my stand-up days, as many guys in the crowd immediately disliked me because of the long hair I was sporting then, so to quickly get past that, I chopped off Barney's head with hedge clippers before I started my set (guess ya had da be there).
Anyhow, I have no desire to become a famous director monk, but just a guy who would like to break down a wall or two, separating those in the Light from those still in darkness. Please say a prayer that I don't embarrass the Body more than per usual (O:
imagined scenes, dealing with the Christian life. After seeing The Apostle I was left hungry for more films about Christians, where they are actually human, and not just the typical stereotypes (if you haven't watched it,please rent it, or maybe I can host a movie night at the American City Diner). My basic idea has been to have a Neil Simon kinda multi-character driven comedy about different types of us wacky lovers of Truth, that does not evangelize or Bible thump in anyway.To best describe how I plan to set the tone of the film, let's just say that during the opening scene, I have one of the main characters, while alone in his pick up truck on the way to work, relieving himself of excess gas. This scene actually is quite important, as I know any non-Christians will go into the film with their pretentious butts clenched, so I wish to metaphorically help reduce this pressure with some hearty laughter.I learned this device back in my stand-up days, as many guys in the crowd immediately disliked me because of the long hair I was sporting then, so to quickly get past that, I chopped off Barney's head with hedge clippers before I started my set (guess ya had da be there).
Anyhow, I have no desire to become a famous director monk, but just a guy who would like to break down a wall or two, separating those in the Light from those still in darkness. Please say a prayer that I don't embarrass the Body more than per usual (O:
6 comments:
as a Catholic christian, I think the thing to do is to make movies. Good movies. Excellent movies. Being Christian gets in the way of making art, if we allow ourselves to fall, lock-step, into our Christian subculture's tropes, allowing our Target Market to be the guide, instead of our creativity, or conscience, and the further development of a writerly craft.
In other words, I'm against any kind of Christian ghetto in the Arts. Well-laid plans to the contrary, I still think there's a huge danger of it.
Do they talk about, and teach the people in the program about the problems and pitfalls, the creative shallowness that can come along with "Christianizing" art, in this program?
W
No the guys who run it are Hollywood "insiders", and are in full agreement with you.
My "Target" is everyone who goes to Target, with Christians actually last. It's looking "R" rated so far (O:
what? another Italy trip? thats ok.. i'll make due
billie
Billie, will gladly trade my solo trips to Italy for a wife and family.
You are a very blessed man, and heck, I guess so am I (o:
hummm... I could take a few days off..for italy... You know I know God has some one around the corner for you... bet she is in naples.. call me I have a great idea for a burl
Sounds cool. R rated movie, set at a Target department store near you. :-)
W
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