2/7/11

God Shows Up: 168 Assignment Night













John David Ware and Chris Douridas on Verse Assignment Night 2007 (Video Link Below)

Tonight is the holiest night of the 168 Film Project: Verse Assignment Night. Tonight in L.A., each film producer will line up at Media City Church and randomly pick a stone with a verse on it as the basis for the film they will make for the contest. This is what sets us apart from all other contests. 168 is a mechanism that God has set up to speak directly to artists.

168 is focused at the crossroads of art and faith, which is often a battleground. The heart of the artist tends to be dark and brooding. But, as the foundation of the 168 contest, the Word of God sheds light on the human condition.

168 rules and structure show artists that the way to succeed in the contest is to understand the verse and to translate it into a relevant message for today. Grasping this, the artists (regardless of their faith) actively work together to gain an understanding of their scripture.

So, the Lord actually serves as the artist's muse: via a still, small voice and a verse. IF the artists are listening, then this combination cuts deeply into the heart issues in their lives.

168 teaches believers and non-believers in the same way. On one level, they both have the same dream: to make a great film and be a great filmmaker. All have a love for story but, not all have the same appreciation for scripture. The difficulty and pressure of the contest forces many to turn to the Lord for help.

During the film's production, all watch and see that the Lord is faithful. The result is dramatic life change for young writers, producers, directors, crew and actors, who will one day change the world thru the media.

God's involvement is evident from all the ways in which the verses intersect filmmaker's lives.

Assignment Night is beautiful and humbling to watch. I have seen more than a few grown men crying after getting their verse. They take it very seriously and they are prayerful as they approach the bestowing of their verse, whether it is by email or by phone or in person in L.A.

The most poignant "Assignment" story is that of the Douridas Family.

On Verse Assignment Night, Tuesday, February 13th, 2007 around 8:30PM, God gave a great gift in the form of a story that should be shared. Marieke (Mar-eee-Kah) Douridas, the winner of the 168 “Best Actress Award” (2006), died at the age of 14 in a tragic accident. She was epileptic and drowned in the bath.

Eight months after her death, her parents, Chris and Mieke (Mee-Kah), decided to make a 168 film together as a tribute to their beloved daughter.

When Chris came to the Assignment Night, I told him from experience, “God will pick your verse and you will know it was Him.” Yet, I was still unprepared for what followed.

There are over 31,000 verses in the Bible. Sixty-three were chosen for 2007 to reflect the theme “Decisions and Destiny.” Fifty-one teams had already selected their stones by the time it was Chris’ turn. He took his stone from the remaining 12 and it read:

Mark 5:35-36 “‘While Jesus was still speaking, some men came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. ‘Your daughter is dead,’ they said. ‘Why bother the teacher any more?’ But Jesus, overhearing what was being spoken, said to the synagogue official, "Do not be afraid any longer, only believe."

The whole place burst out in tears as the parents embraced. We did our best to help them to understand the verse. It was very hard for them. But, God knows what he's doing. Chris did about a year's worth of grieving in 168 hours as he focused on the story of the death of his daughter.

Later, Chris was ecstatic when he turned in his film. He had succeeded in making the deadline and honoring the memory of his daughter. He also had an amazing encounter with God.

Click Here for the video.

Please pray for the filmmakers as they go thru their ordeal.

Peace,

John David Ware

2/2/11

State of the Union of Faith & Film

















168 Film Project Poster 2011

by Mike Rutland


The Bad News: The "easy money" has dried up

The Good News: The heart of the filmmaker is resilient. Faith and Family Films are trending upward. The success of "The Blind Side" has made studios giddy for "Blind Side II" and the faith and family genre.

The "168" filmmakers are part of the trend. Being on the cutting edge of entertainment was the role of people of faith in the time of Michelangelo. And we can get there again!


Thousands across the country are feeling the call of the arts and coming to Hollywood to produce media that will uplift the human condition and honor the Maker.


Teams are forming (current count 73) and preparing for their ordeal. They will grow from the 168 experience in amazing ways.


As they take the journey to make their 168 films, they are instructed to be careful to allow the verse to inspire the journey and the story. Thus they will feel the full power of the experience as it takes them to dizzying heights. The theme from which all the verses will be taken is:


"SECOND CHANCES"

Romans 3 says, "There is none righteous, no not one--All have turned away." We long for redemption and new opportunity in our lives because everyone has "blown it." But each day brings a chance for rebirth and repentance, a possibility to run the race with renewed hope. Powered by the love of the Creator, we awake each morning to breathe new life into our dreams, our goals and our relationships. A second chance is offered. Don't miss the opportunity.


And what are we (168) doing at an 80,000 attendee electronics show in Sin City, LAS VEGAS? We're bringing a fresh look at the good book.


The best "168" films will screen at the first annual Faith 'N' Film Summit at NAB Show on Sunday, April 10th. It's a day of education, networking and a John David Ware moderated panel discussion with TBN's Paul Crouch Jr, Ken Wales, Producer of "Amazing Grace" and Brian Bird, writer/producer "Touched by an Angel."


Here is the remainder of the schedule for the 168 Film Project 2011. There's still time to get in (until Sunday, Feb. 6).


Team Signup Deadlines:

Int'l TeamsMon, Jan 31

All USA TeamsSun, Feb. 6


Verse Assignment: This marks the start of Pre-Production Week

Int'l TeamsMon, Jan 31, 7:00-9:00 PM (email)

USA (outside SoCal)Sun, Feb. 6, 8:00-9:00 PM (by phone or email)

Southern CaliforniaMon, Feb. 7, 7:00-9:00 PM


168 L.A. Casting: Actors by invitation. Sat, Feb. 12, 8am-7pm (Submit via www.actorssaccess.com: "168 Film Project 2011"). Up to 40 producers & 400 Actors.


Production Week Start: Cameras can roll at 11 AM Local Time

International TeamsFri, Feb. 11. USA (outside SoCal) - Thurs, Feb. 17. SoCal Fri, Feb. 18


Film Turn-in Deadlines:

InternationalFri, Feb. 18 – Must be overnight postmarked by 11:00 AM (Local Time). USA (outside SoCal)Thurs, Feb. 24 – Must be overnight postmarked by 11:00 AM (Local Time). Mailing address: 145 S. Glenoaks Blvd, #159, Burbank, CA 91502.

SoCalFri. Feb 25, 11:00 AM.


168 Film Festival 2011: Thursday, March 31 and Friday, April 1 (Hope Theatre); Saturday, April 2 (Alex Theatre) Glendale, CA


Faith 'N' Film Summit at NAB Show: April 10, 2011 Las Vegas, NV