tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534217386523205712.comments2023-02-23T00:58:16.834-08:00168BlogJohn David Warehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10133713011658149088noreply@blogger.comBlogger104125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534217386523205712.post-87305412404187402102016-06-29T06:08:40.680-07:002016-06-29T06:08:40.680-07:00Good Morning John,
I will be praying about my ...Good Morning John, <br /><br />I will be praying about my financial involvement, and YES I would Love to be praying for You & 168. I am the local director of HPN of Salem Oregon. We meet 2nd Saturday-each month. We will lift You & 168 Film up in prayer. Just let us know of your need in prayer.<br /><br />Blessed Beyond Words, Suez SmithAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534217386523205712.post-71989125957475212092015-02-13T17:15:22.219-08:002015-02-13T17:15:22.219-08:00Thanks for posting this review. I've not seen...Thanks for posting this review. I've not seen the movie, and I won't see the movie. It grieves me to think that people are spending money for this. However, now that I've read your review, I'll be able to discuss it thoughtfully, should the movie come up in conversation.<br /><br />Perhaps the bad ratings it's been getting could indicate that people aren't really interested in this type of movie? We should pray that all parties involved in the making of the film will lose complete interest in making a sequel.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534217386523205712.post-77604440507716455232014-10-27T15:25:32.828-07:002014-10-27T15:25:32.828-07:00Well said!Well said!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04549643633718622484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534217386523205712.post-70152744098614095672014-09-04T17:44:48.509-07:002014-09-04T17:44:48.509-07:00Thank you for sharing this story. I have had such ...Thank you for sharing this story. I have had such an awesome experience with a hummingbird this summer and I know that it is truly a miracle from GODAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534217386523205712.post-80941104906896084222014-08-18T10:47:17.957-07:002014-08-18T10:47:17.957-07:00Love it. The Lord definitely moved over the weeke...Love it. The Lord definitely moved over the weekend to the tune of 116,000 in attendance over three days, with over 11,000 people registering professions of faith in Christ. To God be the glory.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01654790670394575456noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534217386523205712.post-37418266852741569992014-04-29T14:16:00.458-07:002014-04-29T14:16:00.458-07:00I totally agree, there's no slowing down of au...I totally agree, there's no slowing down of authentic Christian artisans taking over Hollywood - LOL. So elated about this project. I pray for it's success. Love Gigi! Her spirit, her drive and of course she has mad skills - LOL. Please keep this viewer updated on such a wonderful project. Tabitha Vinsonhttp://pwicu.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534217386523205712.post-49487288950568656622014-03-08T20:18:28.363-08:002014-03-08T20:18:28.363-08:00AMEN ... and AMEN!! Very well said, John!AMEN ... and AMEN!! Very well said, John!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534217386523205712.post-41130217562934457722014-02-25T03:08:26.753-08:002014-02-25T03:08:26.753-08:00A horse fell into the mud. The end?
Every story h...A horse fell into the mud. The end?<br /><br />Every story has a beginning, middle and end, just not necessarily in that order. -- Godard said that one first, and has been copied many times since.<br /><br />All the world's a stage, etc. Shakespeare; Act II Scene VII, <i>As You Like It</i><br /><br />It follows that whether or not you believe, it should be possible to tell a good story. <br /><br />Finally, I seem to recall encouraging you to write stuff like this more often over a year ago. Good to see you finally took my advice ;)Batmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01367869692794353013noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534217386523205712.post-36317817258966568512014-02-19T11:54:00.502-08:002014-02-19T11:54:00.502-08:00Rick,
I agree with much of your reasoning. This ...Rick,<br /><br />I agree with much of your reasoning. This does not negate my premise, rather it supports it. It's like looking at the many different faucets of a diamond and recognizing that there is much complexity to appreciate.<br /><br />You said: "It fascinates me that what even the most pagan screenwriters have arrived at through trial and error." <br /><br />It may not be trial and error. Our minds seek the truth.<br /><br />You said: "in order to get their stories to work - ends up to be nothing less than a perfect overlay of the gospel narrative. I like to think of story beats as an empty glove. I can put the beats of a human so-called redemption story in it; or I can put beats that show the hand of God."<br /><br />True, I think the pride of the human heart has resulted in so many stories removing the "God Character" to assuage the need to feel (even for a moment) that we are powerfully in control of life and destiny. For example, "Walk the Line" is a good movie, but one that is fundamentally dishonest about one of the true motivating forces in the life of Johnny Cash, his faith.<br /><br />Your last sentence sums it up nicely:<br /><br />"The real question, I think, is will we write stories that point to His true majesty, or will we distort the form of the narrative to convey the false gospel of human self-redemption?"<br /><br />John<br />John David Warehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10133713011658149088noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534217386523205712.post-23275479386352633542014-02-19T11:50:45.461-08:002014-02-19T11:50:45.461-08:00A COMMENT FROM RICK:
As a Christian screenwriter...A COMMENT FROM RICK: <br /><br />As a Christian screenwriter I appreciated your thoughtful article. I have spent countless hours considering these same two questions or some variation on them. With respect, I would suggest a different answer for why man is drawn to story and movies. This was designed into man so that we would be receives of the gospel. An examination of classical story narrative shows it to be a mirror image of the gospel itself - a reflection of the gospel without its substance. <br />Consider how the story beats that have to be present in a feature film all represent parts of the gospel narrative:<br /><br />1) a character with a fatal flaw (sin nature that dooms us)<br /><br />2) followed by an inciting incident (it is with difficulty that man is saved so something hits his world to upset the balance)<br /><br />3) he tries to resolve things while hanging onto his flaw but it just makes things worse and worse wearing his resistance down (this reflects man's heart being softened by the work of the Holy Spirit who dogs him)<br /><br />4) he has a moment of enlightenment wherein he is confronted with his flaw (the pivot is a shadow of repentance, which of course means to turn around. Interestingly, some have called this beat the moment of grace. It exactly reflects man hearing and responding to the gospel)<br /><br />5) now he moves form the neg side of story's moral polarity to the pos side. This is where friends become foes; foes become friends (which is what happened when I got saved. The people I thought were stupid freaks became my treasures and to my friends I became a lost cause. This moment represents the propitiation being applied to us)<br /><br />6) a period of grace often follows as the protag is rewarded for beginning to operate on a higher level (this is that wonderful 'new love' experience a new believer experience is his new relationship with Christ)<br /><br />7) This period doesn't last long and he is tested. The chickens of his old ways sometimes come to roost here and he must contend with the consequences demonstrating at least some change as he does (God wants to show us where we really are in our sanctification just like the audience wants to see if the character is really growing. so He allows us to be tried by the world, flesh and Devil)<br /><br />8) a death moment of some kind at the end of the penultimate act (This beat has a lot of different forms but the importance is that it reflects the mortification of our flesh through the sanctification process that means hard trials. In gospel language this is dying to self and living to Christ)<br /><br />9) a final showdown (This can range from the victory of leaving this body of sin to being in glory all the way to vanquishing some sin that once had mastery over us - either way it's a shadow of the ultimate victory we have in Christ demonstrated by our ability to demonstrate His power and thereby bring Him glory)<br /><br />It fascinates me that what even the most pagan screenwriters have arrived at through trial and error - in order to get their stories to work - ends up to be nothing less than a perfect overlay of the gospel narrative. I like to think of story beats as an empty glove. I can put the beats of a human so-called redemption story in it; or I can put beats that show the hand of God.<br /><br />This speaks also to why God likes story and I think you touched on it very nicely by showing how it speaks to His sovereignty over all things. God's majesty is put on display in the gospel. And since story points to the gospel, He is glorified by it to His own great pleasure. All doctrine unfolds at the Cross. His power, righteousness, justice, wisdom, mercy - they're all there. My utter sinfulness and helplessness to do anything about it - the Cross proves those too, or there wouldn't need to be a cross. The gospel is the only true substance of story. All of man's stories are cast shadows. The real question, I think, is will we write stories that point to His true majesty, or will we distort the form of the narrative to convey the false gospel of human self-redemption?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534217386523205712.post-52462225522342671002014-02-19T11:50:44.699-08:002014-02-19T11:50:44.699-08:00A COMMENT FROM RICK:
As a Christian screenwriter...A COMMENT FROM RICK: <br /><br />As a Christian screenwriter I appreciated your thoughtful article. I have spent countless hours considering these same two questions or some variation on them. With respect, I would suggest a different answer for why man is drawn to story and movies. This was designed into man so that we would be receives of the gospel. An examination of classical story narrative shows it to be a mirror image of the gospel itself - a reflection of the gospel without its substance. <br />Consider how the story beats that have to be present in a feature film all represent parts of the gospel narrative:<br /><br />1) a character with a fatal flaw (sin nature that dooms us)<br /><br />2) followed by an inciting incident (it is with difficulty that man is saved so something hits his world to upset the balance)<br /><br />3) he tries to resolve things while hanging onto his flaw but it just makes things worse and worse wearing his resistance down (this reflects man's heart being softened by the work of the Holy Spirit who dogs him)<br /><br />4) he has a moment of enlightenment wherein he is confronted with his flaw (the pivot is a shadow of repentance, which of course means to turn around. Interestingly, some have called this beat the moment of grace. It exactly reflects man hearing and responding to the gospel)<br /><br />5) now he moves form the neg side of story's moral polarity to the pos side. This is where friends become foes; foes become friends (which is what happened when I got saved. The people I thought were stupid freaks became my treasures and to my friends I became a lost cause. This moment represents the propitiation being applied to us)<br /><br />6) a period of grace often follows as the protag is rewarded for beginning to operate on a higher level (this is that wonderful 'new love' experience a new believer experience is his new relationship with Christ)<br /><br />7) This period doesn't last long and he is tested. The chickens of his old ways sometimes come to roost here and he must contend with the consequences demonstrating at least some change as he does (God wants to show us where we really are in our sanctification just like the audience wants to see if the character is really growing. so He allows us to be tried by the world, flesh and Devil)<br /><br />8) a death moment of some kind at the end of the penultimate act (This beat has a lot of different forms but the importance is that it reflects the mortification of our flesh through the sanctification process that means hard trials. In gospel language this is dying to self and living to Christ)<br /><br />9) a final showdown (This can range from the victory of leaving this body of sin to being in glory all the way to vanquishing some sin that once had mastery over us - either way it's a shadow of the ultimate victory we have in Christ demonstrated by our ability to demonstrate His power and thereby bring Him glory)<br /><br />It fascinates me that what even the most pagan screenwriters have arrived at through trial and error - in order to get their stories to work - ends up to be nothing less than a perfect overlay of the gospel narrative. I like to think of story beats as an empty glove. I can put the beats of a human so-called redemption story in it; or I can put beats that show the hand of God.<br /><br />This speaks also to why God likes story and I think you touched on it very nicely by showing how it speaks to His sovereignty over all things. God's majesty is put on display in the gospel. And since story points to the gospel, He is glorified by it to His own great pleasure. All doctrine unfolds at the Cross. His power, righteousness, justice, wisdom, mercy - they're all there. My utter sinfulness and helplessness to do anything about it - the Cross proves those too, or there wouldn't need to be a cross. The gospel is the only true substance of story. All of man's stories are cast shadows. The real question, I think, is will we write stories that point to His true majesty, or will we distort the form of the narrative to convey the false gospel of human self-redemption?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534217386523205712.post-64300807251351218952014-02-17T09:38:45.060-08:002014-02-17T09:38:45.060-08:00This is excellent, John. In my workshops and stor...This is excellent, John. In my workshops and story consulting I'm ALWAYS trying to get people to understand that fictional characters must be designed to react just like real humans do, with values that drive decisions that lead to actions that result in consequences in accordance with Natural Law....that in turn inform and adjust the initial values. And the cycle repeats for the whole live of the character ... or, us. In novel writing the pattern is scene-scenario, or action-response. Another echo of what you've written (in terms of hope, b/c God knows the ending) can be found in Pope Benedict XVI's encyclical letter "On Christian Hope," where he writes, <i>"All serious and upright human conduct is hope in action"</i> (35). We are "encouraged" (thanks for the great definition of the word) because we work toward a hopeful, happy ending, as all passionate, active protagonists (us, included) should. Yes, God knows the ending, but we work toward it in Hope. Mother Benedict (Regina Laudis Abbey founder where Delores Hart now lives), wrote <i>"The secret to [the beginning of the story] is to do something concrete, that opens the possibilities [Act 2's middle]. You don't know what God is doing on the other side [for the subplots in Act 2 or the end in Act 3]. But He's doing something. You have to keep a sense of obligation on the one hand, and trust on the other."</i> (Ignatius biography pages 2-3). This all reminds me too of Ps 139:17: <i>"How precious to me are your designs, O God; how vast the sum of them!"</i> (NAB) God's designs are the plot or subplots of our lives, and there are many, if we trust in him to write Act 3, and as we write the Act 3 of our characters. Stan Williamshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12084603289444240062noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534217386523205712.post-53181237311839109482014-02-17T09:09:24.348-08:002014-02-17T09:09:24.348-08:00Hear hear, John! Truth is truth in any language....Hear hear, John! Truth is truth in any language...in any story. Great post. Melissanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534217386523205712.post-60422823759156927762013-07-10T22:30:29.568-07:002013-07-10T22:30:29.568-07:00Beautifully said. Learning and growing are key. ...Beautifully said. Learning and growing are key. There were some very important lessons that God taught my team this year that will improve us for the rest of our careers. I am glad this project is done and I am excited to use what I've learned to make more films that inspire and bring people into the light. Unfortunately, a trip to L.A. for this festival is not in the cards for me this year. I am very sad because I was very much looking forward to sharing in other people's success and continuing to build relationships with the friends I met last year. I hope this year's festival is a smashing success!!! With no rain on the red carpet ;)Annette Reillyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11961535668108509597noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534217386523205712.post-4439102770479808262013-07-10T21:36:59.058-07:002013-07-10T21:36:59.058-07:00Totally appreciate all the 168 team's hard wor...Totally appreciate all the 168 team's hard work. I feel you guys, <br /><br />I'm looking forward to hearing everyone's stories on how they made it or didn't make it. We can all learn from each other. <br /><br />I say a big congrats to everyone who attempted this crazy exercise.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03725291364983213716noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534217386523205712.post-43083805212192892162013-07-10T12:46:56.721-07:002013-07-10T12:46:56.721-07:00Well said, John. There are many possible levels of...Well said, John. There are many possible levels of disappointment in a competition like this, but also many opportunities to be thankful every step of the way. (I've been on both sides of that!) I appreciate your heart in all of this; we're praying for you and your staff. See you in August!Gary Voelkerhttp://www.experiencestudios.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534217386523205712.post-28354006295622404452013-07-10T12:42:04.731-07:002013-07-10T12:42:04.731-07:00Well said John! (Atlanta needs a 168 Film Festiva...Well said John! (Atlanta needs a 168 Film Festival.) Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534217386523205712.post-33118847411553531362013-07-10T12:18:19.914-07:002013-07-10T12:18:19.914-07:00Great and gracious post, John. Love what's goi...Great and gracious post, John. Love what's going on with 168. I continue to learn more and more every time I particpate in a competition! Thanks to you and the team for everything you're doing.<br /><br />Things I learned: 1) It's easy to think that one part of the process matters more than the others, but the truth is that it takes a coordinated team to deliver a film. And everybody has a role to play. 2) It's hard work. There are long hours. 3) It doesn't always play out the way you think it will. Sometimes in great ways, sometimes in bad ways.<br /><br />But...<br /><br />4) It's totally worth it. The experience alone is worth all the hard work.Jay Shererhttp://www.timeslingers.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534217386523205712.post-68385809307353218262013-07-10T11:30:59.621-07:002013-07-10T11:30:59.621-07:00I've always believed in failing spectacularly,...I've always believed in failing spectacularly, and I'll be @Festival all three days. Furthermore, simply because we didn't make the cut for the 168, doesn't mean our film is necessarily bad. I'm pretty sure there's a cut of my film that will qualify for other festivals. <br /><br />Christopher Shawn Shaw states, "The 168 does not define me as a filmmaker," and I would have to agree. Most of us will make other films that won't be 168's, and some of us will continue to make them until we get it right ;) <br /><br />I am letting all know here that I'm taking a year off from producing, however, I will still be involved next year and the years following. I'd like you all to hold me accountable to this commitment, and to pray for me, and Team 33. Thanks!!!<br />Batmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01367869692794353013noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534217386523205712.post-20704777670312645122013-07-10T11:15:37.682-07:002013-07-10T11:15:37.682-07:00I love the heart of the 168. Its experiencing grow...I love the heart of the 168. Its experiencing growth pains as it goes from adolescence into adulthood. You have my love, respect, adoration and support, John. May God continue to richly bless you and your ministry.susanshearerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05165903414566287298noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534217386523205712.post-32976331497963546132013-07-10T10:42:58.908-07:002013-07-10T10:42:58.908-07:00Well said, John. I can feel your heart in this and...Well said, John. I can feel your heart in this and I don't envy you your position these last few weeks! detour'dhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10229177589578303700noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534217386523205712.post-12304962143978058382013-05-28T06:55:26.281-07:002013-05-28T06:55:26.281-07:00Not sure, what position would he be?Not sure, what position would he be?John David Warehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10133713011658149088noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534217386523205712.post-78105118812465670052013-05-27T22:21:17.619-07:002013-05-27T22:21:17.619-07:00Is Ivan Dorschner part of an entry ?Is Ivan Dorschner part of an entry ?verifiedhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06117715984321484261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534217386523205712.post-905479132620058952013-01-10T00:21:27.432-08:002013-01-10T00:21:27.432-08:00Amydh,you made my night. There is no better feeli...Amydh,you made my night. There is no better feeling than to know you've made a difference in someone's life and been so used of God. Thank You! I needed that. I will read your comment a lot. Might even print and stick it on my wall. jdw John David Warehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10133713011658149088noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5534217386523205712.post-16629848891283149952013-01-09T23:37:19.257-08:002013-01-09T23:37:19.257-08:00Mr. Ware, you may never know this side of Heaven w...Mr. Ware, you may never know this side of Heaven what you did for an ordained co-pastor (pastor's wife) who 8 years ago tragically sinned and devastation is not a strong enough word to describe the fall-out. Godly sorrow was almost instant in my life as soon as light exposed the horror of my sin against God. And my spirit broken and contrite. Yet the agony of the guilt, regret, being shunned and friends' complete abandonment plus the nightmares and loneliness was relentless and unbearable. Even in the glorious miraculous redeeming grace that saved our marriage (married 20 years now - PTL), there has remained a sorrowfulness that could not be cast off. Through counsel and deliverance, God revealed the root of my iniquity and I have walked in His love and righteousness since true repentance. And thru the years His mercy restored and we have been restored in ministry even together now. I was called to teach His Word at an early age and I have collaberatively (ghostwritten) over 15 books for well known ministers (Before the crash). Yet I have one pursuit and that is to KNOW Him and to make HIM known. God has been continuously calling me to pick up the visions that died years ago from books, to film, to women's studies/conferences) and yet I held back as if my feet were cemented in the regret and remorse.<br />Yet tonight. Unresolved Guilt and Unrealistic Goals = Unrealized Glory! I have had dreams and visions about God's glory and I long to be a vessel of HIS glory for HIM alone. Yet I found unbelief rolled like a stone in front of my tomb of resurrection to His glory. (John 11:40) All to say as I poured through Adrian Roger's sermon...I wrote it all down and realized it is GUILT that has held me captive and I must lay it at the cross for the last time and begin to live my destiny to it's fullness. Oh, how I thank you a thousand times over for taking the time to write this tonight! For many I'm sure, but if for one...I am that one. May God reward you with His lavish love and unimaginable favor and outrageous provision to do what He has called you to do. I have been a part of three 168 films. "Stillborn" being the film several years ago that I went to the festival/awards. Yet in the loneliness of the years I gave up my film dreams as well as teaching in conferences which I was doing before 2004. I have been awakening in 2013 and prophesied to be a Lioness with a voice for His Kingdom. I ask nothing but that you say a prayer that God will help my unbelief and bring people in my path as mentors and alignment for HIS glory and for HIS Kingdom and for His people who do not know that He is passionate about a personal relationship with them as their Lord and Savior. Pray that I won't give up now. That I'll stand up, head up and move forward.<br />Thank you John David Ware. God has used you again. You can look for me in May. I have a feeling the Lord just might have a film for me...whatever He wants....<br />Thank you for this LONG comment box. Whether you ever read this or not. It was purposeful! The anointing is so strong and I'm ready to sit and listen to my Creator...He's been waiting a long time......<br />Blessings Beyond Measure to you and yours....<br />amydenae'h.amydhnoreply@blogger.com