168Blog

Are Christian Creatives Really Welcome In Hollywood?

2012-01-19T18:11:00.000-08:00

"Are Christian Creatives Really Welcome In Hollywood?"...

What, you expect an answer?

On Jan. 23 in Burbank, CA you shall have the answer at our 3rd of 4 VIP Mixers with writer/producer Brian Bird. We will interview him and then enjoy some focused networking exercises designed to pool resources and get folks connected on a 168 Filmmaking Team!

Film Project Team Entry Deadlines:

International Team Entry Deadline: Jan 23rd.

USA TEAM ENTRY DEADLINE: FEB 1.

To Register Click Here

Brian Bird

168 VIP Mixers - Mondays: 7-10PM

Free, all are welcome! Find your crew or join a 168 team!

Media City Church, 269 E. Providencia Ave, Burbank, CA 91502. rsvp@168project.com

Mon. Jan 23rd:

"Are Christian Creatives Really Welcome In Hollywood?" with Brian Bird,

Writer Producer, "Touched By an Angel."

Mon. Jan 30:

"Show me the Money: Acquiring funding for Motion Pictures" with "Star Wars" & "Veggie Tales" Producers: Howard Kazanjian & Terry Botwick.

Info & Bios below

Our full calendar follows the VIP Mixer descriptions. Please have a look.

Jan. 23rd VIP Mixer Description: "Are Christian Creatives Really Welcome In Hollywood?" The answer is ABSOLUTELY, but there are some very special KEYS that open the door. Learn what those keys are and how to acquire them in an interview and Q & A with veteran writer-producer and 168 board member Brian Bird. Brian loves encouraging filmmakers of all levels.

Brian Bird's writing and producing credits include "Not Easily Broken" (2009), adapted from the novel by T.D. Jakes, for Sony/Screen Gems; and "The Shunning" (Sony Affirm 2011), "Saving Sarah Cain" (2008) and "The Last Sin Eater" for (20th Century Fox 2007), in partnership with Michael Landon Jr., "Bopha!" for Paramount (1993), along with 250 episodes of network TV, including "Touched By and Angel" and "Step By Step," and the recent pilot for NBC, "Gametime."

He is currently prepping, "The Confession" & "When Calls the Heart" for the Hallmark Channel, and the feature film "Captives," the story of 2005's Atlanta hostage crisis in partnership with Ralph Winter ("X-Men") and Ken Wales ("Amazing Grace").

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Mon. Jan 30 VIP Mixer Description: "Show me the Money: Efficiency in Acquiring Funding for Motion Pictures" with Howard Kazanjian (pending availability) and Terry Botwick. Many empires come just one phone call short of being made. We are all salesmen/women and we must not only develop salesmenship, but also the ability to know when to hold/fold or run. Learn the art & science of the deal and hear the true stories behind some of the films you know and love.

Howard Kazanjian

Howard G. Kazanjian is a filmmaker, former Vice President of Lucasfilm, LTD & respected author, The Young Duke: The Early Life of John Wayne; in 2009, Thunder over the Prairie: The True Story of a Murder and a Manhunt by the Greatest Posse of All Time. He is most well known as producer of 1983's "Star Wars: - Return of the Jedi" & "Raiders of the Lost Ark" (exec. prod.), director Steven Spielberg.

Terry Botwick

Terry Botwick and Ralph Winter ("X-MEN" Producer) are Partners at 1019 Entertainment. Terry's core expertise lies in both the creative and the business side of the entertainment industry. Prior to forming 1019 Terry was President of Vanguard Films & Animation which was principally owned by John Williams (Shrek) and Starz Media where they produced Space Chimps for Fox, President and COO of Big Idea Productions (VeggieTales) where Terry Executive Produced Jonah: A VeggieTales Movie, Partner Thunderpoint Studios a film finance and production company,SVP of Programming for CBS, President of Distribution and National Programming for the Hearst Corporation and Vice President of The Family Channel. Mr. Botwick has had P&L responsibility for more than $100 million along with business and creative oversight of more than 1,000 hours of movies and television.

168 Calendar 2012:

THEME "PROMISES, PROMISES"

168 MONDAY NIGHT VIP MIXERS (4): Mondays: 7-10PM. Get on a team or find your crew! Jan. 9th, 16, 23 & 30. Location Media City Church, 269 E. Providencia Ave., Burbank, CA 91502 (MCC)

AMOEBA NETWORKING MIXER: Sat, Jan. 21, 1-5PM. All are welcome to this spectacle! A giant outer circle revolves to meet the inner circle, then the circles divide and meet each other, just like an amoeba. Engulf & Communicate! Snacks provided. Location: MCC

Scotty Dugan

Scotty Dugan Memorial Service Sat. Jan. 21, 10:30 AM - 11:45 AM.

Grace Community Church Chapel 13248 Roscoe Blvd. Sun Valley, CA 91352

Reception to follow. All are welcome.

CRAFT OF HOLLYWOOD WORKSHOP: Sat, Jan. 28, 9AM-5PM. Hollywood experts teach: writing, acting, producing, lighting, directing and sound. Foundational for beginners, fine points for pros. Mandatory (SoCal) producers mtg 8am. Guests include Casting Director Ronnie Yeskel ("Pulp Fiction"). $50, $79 day of. Location: MCC

TEAM SIGNUP DEADLINES: Int'l Teams: Mon., Jan. 23. USA Including SoCal: Weds, Feb 1.

VERSE ASSIGNMENT: This marks the start of Pre-Production Week.

Int'l Teams: Monday, January 30, 2012, 7-9PM (Verse assigned via email). USA Teams (outside SoCal): Sunday, February 5, 2012, 7-9PM (Verse assigned by phone or email)

SoCal Teams: Mon, Feb. 6, 7-9PM. Location: MCC

LA CASTING: Sat, Feb. 11. Location TBA. Invitation only. Info soon...

PRODUCTION WEEK START:

Cameras roll at 11AM Local Time - No Earlier! Int'l Teams: Fri, Feb. 10.

USA Teams (outside SoCal): Thurs, Feb. 16.

SoCal Teams: Fri, Feb. 17. Exception: Unlimited Docs begin production (verse chosen/fee paid) anytime.

FILM TURN-IN DEADLINES: Int'l Teams: Fri, Feb. 17 - Must be overnight postmarked by 11AM (Local Time).. USA Teams (outside SoCal): Thurs, Feb. 23 - Must be overnight postmarked by 11AM (Local Time). SoCal Teams: Fri, Feb. 24 - 11AM. Location: MCC.

UNLIMITED DOCUMENTARIES: Must be received in Burbank, CA by Fri, Feb. 24.

168 "MAKING OF" DOCS TURN IN DEADLINE: 5 min. max. TRT

Int'l Teams: Fri., Feb. 24 - Must be overnight postmarked by 5pm (Local Time).

USA/SoCal Teams: Fri., Mar. 2 - Must be in either overnight postmarked or dropped off at 168 office by 5PM: 100 E. Cedar Ave. Burbank CA 91502

OSCAR PARTY: Feb. 26, 2012 Time & Location TBA

168 FILM FESTIVAL 2012: March 29-30: Hope Theatre in San Fernando CA, March 31: Alex Theatre in Glendale.

FAITH 'N' FILM SUMMIT AT NAB: April 15, Las Vegas. Guests include Kevin Sorbo ("Young Hercules")

MCC= Media City Church, 269 E. Providencia Ave., Burbank, CA 91502 / See website: www.168project.com.

Information subject to change

Students Make a 168 Film Project Run

2012-01-04T12:42:00.001-08:00

High School Students Jessica Hernandez &

Ramona Mayer with Teacher Sarah Paige Cooper (L-R)

from Locke II Charter High School in Watts, CA

Students are a growing part of the 168 Film Project. A practicum in faith-based filmmaking.

For Schedule, Click Here.

Schools like Biola have given college credit for participating in 168 in the past, and we have had student participation from across the country. According to director John David Ware, "We encourage student participation and we give awards for excellence in 'all-student productions.'"

168 veteran Sarah Paige Cooper is a leading a 2012 student entry. According to Ms. Cooper, "Our team includes seniors at Locke II Charter High School in Watts, CA. I taught them introductory drama as sophomores, and we wanted to work together on one big project before they graduate. What better way to tell their story than through 168!"

"My first 168 film was in 2008. I was overwhelmed and I made a lot of mistakes. My biggest lesson was that this is God's film, His project, and if I surrender the outcome to Him, His purpose will prevail and the students will have an amazing experience. So this year, my prayer is for Him to use these students to tell His story through their eyes and their words, and I'm excited to see what they come up with."

"168 provides educational workshops that allows student producers to participate in and interact with professional, mature filmmakers in a safe, respectful environment. 168 has always encouraged the development of filmmakers, regardless of their age or experience. The 168 time frame works with our school schedule and guarantees screening of films (with respect to the rules). 168 provides the challenge of interpreting a scripture verse in a 10-11 minute film with high expectations for story and character development; without profanity and graphic violence or sex. 168 provides students with the opportunity to tell what God is doing in their lives, and what He means to them."

"The entire cast and crew will be students from our school. I selected 2 student producers, who recruited the rest of the team. The students will produce, write, direct, act in and edit the film.
"The challenges in producing with students are many. It's a huge workload for kids, often with little experience and minimal equipment. So, prayer and careful selection of personnel is key. Our prayer partner is Suez Smith from Oregon."

Producer/director/editor Jessica Hernandez is a senior at Animo Locke II Charter High School in Watts. Her interest in filmmaking began when she was cast as an angel in her brother's short film. When she saw the finished film, she was hooked.
"I wanted to produce something of my own, something to amaze people as his film did to me." When Ms. Cooper told me about the 168 Film Project, I got excited instantly! I can learn from people who actually made award-winning shorts. I excited to meet Ralph Winter, producer of some of my favorite movies like: 'Fantastic Four,' 'Hocus Pocus,' 'Inspector Gadget,' and 'X-Men.' I have much to learn & 168 is the first step for me."

Producer/assistant director/actor Ramona Mayer is a senior at Animo Locke.
"I can't wait to face the challenges and lessons that 168 has to offer. We are using our creativity to display God's glory through film. I am definitely excited to be part of this project and everything it stands for. Thank you for giving us this opportunity."

Write of Passage Winner 2011, WOP Success

2011-11-29T10:24:00.000-08:00

The 2011 Winner is:

Jason Walter Vaile (Frisco, TX) for "New Year's Resolution," the story of Paula, who makes many life-changing new years resolutions. Jason's development executive is Rick Garside.

CLICK HERE to read all finalist screenplays. These (and 2010 scripts) are fair game to produce for the 168 Film Festival WOP Spotlight 2012! See blog the success of 2010 WOP Films "Clip" and "Rescued."

VOTE FOR AUDIENCE FAVORITE CLICK HERE Deadline Dec. 8 at Noon!

Jason Walter Vaile gets festival tickets, $1,000 & a meeting with producer Ralph Winter (X-MEN) and critique from writer/producers Brian Bird (Touched by an Angel) and Luke Schelhaas (Smallville). Jason and winning Development Executive, Rick Garside receive VIP treatment at the 168 Film Festival, March 29-31 in LA.

Jury: 168 staff, indie producer Derrick Warfel, writer Luke Schelhaas, and writer Mike Rinaldi.

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2nd Place

"Broken"

Lisa England from Milwaukee. WI

Development Executives: Ted and Karen Eachus

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3rd Place

"Rebirth"

Paul F. Spite from Cookeville, TN

Development Executive: Rowena Kuo

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Finalists:

Aftershock, Babydoll, Belle, Men's Group,

Mirror, Mirror, Roosevelt Heights, What Life Is Like

Names withheld until Audience Award selection.

All scripts are based on 2 Cor. 5:17.

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HOW ARE THE WRITE OF PASSAGE 2010 FILMS DOING?

Clip" by Alan Tregoning, Jeff Rose, Wes and Amanda Llewellyn!

Write of Passage Screenwriting Contest winner "Clip" screened this year at the festival. It has been entered into 11 film festivals including five in Academy Award consideration. Congrats writer Alan Tregoning and producers Jeff Rose, Wes (director) and Amanda Llewellyn! Give 'em a "like." http://www.facebook.com/pages/Clip/189874857759516?sk=wall

Producers Ted and Karen Eachus' film "Rescued" was penned by J.D. Medlock

Awards:

Best Short Drama: New Media Fest/Phoenix Int'l Christian Film Festival, August 2011

Redemptive Storyteller Award: Redemptive Film Festival, Virginia Beach, VA, Nov. 2011

Runnerup Best Film: Gideon Arts and Film Festival, Black Mtn., NC, Aug 2011

Official Selection: San Diego Christian Film Festival, Dec. 2011, San Diego

Waiting to hear from San Antonio Christian Film Festival, Charleston International Film Festival and Beaufort International Film Festival.

168 Alumni Advance: Jenn Gotzon, Chris Armstrong, Andrew Librizzi

2011-09-21T15:04:00.000-07:00

(L-R) Actress Jenn Gotzon, DP Joe Osborn, director Chris Armstrong and actor Gib Gerard

A group of 168 alums including husband and wife team Chris Armstrong ("Sumo Joe") and Jenn Gotzon (168 Best Actress 2008) has finished, "God's Country," produced by Triumphant Pictures, Cecil Chambers and John Atterberry.

In his feature film directorial debut, Armstrong has won Best Director at Seattle's Gig Harbor Film Fest. The film stars Jenn Gotzon and is edited by Christopher Ridder (Best Trailer "Sumo Joe"). Joe Osborn ("Bountiful," "He's 13") served as 2nd unit director of photography. (http://www.gigharborfilmfestival.org ).

Synopsis:Meghan Doherty (Jenn Gotzon) is a driven, young real estate exec who's focus is on making money by any means necessary. Her boss (Daniel Hugh Kelly) demands she close the deal of a lifetime by defrauding Christian landowner (Michael Tolland), who must forfeit his property before he realizes the land's true worth. Meghan's budding romance (with Gib Gerard) & change of heart means a fighting chance save the land. Cast includes Suzanne Ford, Todd Duffey & Arlene Santana.

Producer Andrew Librizzi

Alumni continue to advance!

Andrew Librizzi's "Beyond the Farthest Star" is enjoying excellent audience response and the Zondervan book of the same name comes out in December 2011. See below to pre-order.

See audience responses from the second test screening:

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=2322079886836

If you haven't yet, please "like" us on FACEBOOK (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Beyond-the-Farthest-Star/170290344732) and CLICK Bring It! on our website (http://beyondthefartheststar.com/bring-it/) to register your vote to see BTFS at a theater near you. And don't forget to tell your circle of friends to do the same. Vote totals are essential to number of screens.

The Zondervan novel pre-order:

http://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Farthest-Brodie-Brock-Thoene/dp/0310336104/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1313767333&sr=1-1

HERE'S WHAT CHURCH LEADERS ARE SAYING...

"History is full of heroic struggles and desperate sacrifices, but the most significant battles we face are fought within our homes for the lives and futures of our families. This conflict has never been more serious than in today's world. Beyond the Farthest Star brings this very real war into sharp focus with laser-like intensity. We were blown away by this story!"

– Best-selling, Christian authors Brock & Bodie Thoene (Against the Wind, The Gathering Storm)

“In ministering around the world, we face the real challenge of how to address the blatant, divisive attack on family relationships. This film, BEYOND THE FARTHEST STAR, will have a definite positive impact on shaping and strengthening families. Intriguing, heartfelt and powerful. As a tool to talk about truth and relationship combined this movie is going to be tremendous for churches to use”

– John Hossler, CEO, Josh McDowell Ministries

"Beyond the Farthest Star is a film that will take faith-based movies to a whole new level, today and into the future."

–Bob Higley, Vice President, Trinity Broadcasting Network

"Outstanding tool for ministry. This movie will speak deeply to any person no matter their belief. Deeply moving and heartfelt!"

–Bob Mason, President, Missions International

"Gripping journey from law and condemnation into grace. It's deep reach into your heart opens doors for healing. Leads you into conversation and witnessing easily"

–Pastor Rob Gore, Faith Fellowship Church, McKinney, TX

"A compelling experience depicting God's grace and unconditional love. A well-acted and executed film with a strong evangelical message!"

–Peggy O'Connor, Executive Producer, Legacy Films

"Overwhelming representation of God's Love, Grace and the Law! I can't stop crying!"

Pastor Toni Gore, Faith Fellowship Church, McKinney, TX

"This is the most accessible Christian movie to a non-Christian audience that I have ever seen!"

Associate Pastor Zane Sipes, Clearpath Church, Mesquite, TX

"These are the movies that NEED to be made!"

–Edwin "Sparky" Sparks, Edwin & Toni Sparks Ministry

"Story of transformational grace!"

–Zack Smithson, Pastor, Church of the Nazarene

“The dialogue is rich and honest. The relationships, well-drawn. The strongest relationship is between Adam and Maurene. It is rich, complicated and touching, and is the beating heart of the story. The whole family, in fact, is vibrant and alive; their history is vivid and present. I believe the transformation that the family takes … I love the living Nativity.”

– Sheila Gallien, script consultant for Academy Award-winning writer William Broyles Jr. (Flags of Our Fathers, Jarhead, Polar Express, Castaway and Apollo 1.

168 Film Festival 2012: Book the Alex Theatre Now!

2011-09-20T23:55:00.000-07:00

Hey Y'all,

Here's a fun way to really help out the 168 community.

We need to raise all the money for this 12-hour day at the Alex Theater for the 168 Film Festival on March 31, 2012. That's $10,000.

Please help us today by making a donation and telling your friends to do likewise.

There are cool perks for donating.

Picture thousands at the 168 Film Festival walking the red carpet at the Alex Theater movie palace, Sat., March 31, 2012.

The Alex is the BEST way to inspire our filmmakers, but we need your help because it costs $10,000 for the day!

There are perks for small and large donations: VIP Party Invite, VIP Tickets, Your Name in the Program Book and more. Please tell all your friends! You could empower the next Steven Spielberg!

Wildflower Film Project Interview with David Roland

2011-09-14T21:47:00.000-07:00

For Interview with Organizer

David Roland, Click Here

John David Ware and some of the Wildflower Film Project Committee

I just returned from Temple, Texas (2 hours from Dallas) to speak with area church leaders and to consult with a very ambitious group based at the Temple Bible Church.

The Wildflower Film Project began as a charity fund-raiser for the Salvation Army of East Bell County, Texas. According to organizer David Roland, "The original plan was for a fashion show. However, the committee struggled to make that happen. Through what I call divine intervention, the focus changed from a fashion show to the beginnings of a Christian Film Festival. Co-Stars, Kevin Sizemore and Boo Arnold were invited to come and present the film, 'Useless,' which won Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Screenplay honors at 168 Film Festival."

On July 28, Kevin and Boo presented the film and their testimonies. The response to this event was so positive that plans were immediately begun for the 2012 film festival benefitting the Salvation Army of East Bell County.

Goals for the Wildflower Film Project are: To promote films of Christian values, with high moral character and integrity, To reach school-aged kids in both public and private schools and to provide practical experience in all filmmaking and related disciplines.

Wildflower Film Project will provide an opportunity for school-aged students to demonstrate a high level of understanding of course content through the medium of filmmaking. Like 168, this is a timed film production contest.

Eligible students include grades 4-12, which are split into three divisions. Students will use the art and science of filmmaking as a demonstration of their level of knowledge and understanding of school content. In conjunction with existing course work, the kids will research class subjects and write a film script, which they will oversee through production and post-production.

Teachers or school administrators will supervise. All cast and crew must come from the school community. Professionals (cast or crew) may only participate in an advisory capacity. The film must be student directed, and students will be at least 75% of the cast. No profanity of any variety is acceptable.

For authenticity, adults may be cast from the school district. The entry fee is $50 submitted with the contract.

Finalists will be notified before the end of the academic school year. All films will be shown throughout Temple and Belton. Each team will introduce their film for the viewing audience and complete an interview by the Final Awards Jury.

I asked organizer David Roland some questions:

How do you plan to get other schools to cooperate?

"I believe the enticement for students (at any age) is in meeting Hollywood personalities, and possibly getting an award or two. School recognition and outstanding accomplishments go very far in a campus's overall academic rating AND they also provide prestige to the campus which may be used when applying for state or district grants and extra funding. For teachers, learning how to use film as a tool demonstrating student knowledge could be a valuable tool over paper and pencil assessments, and less expensive too, said Roland "

What else you want people to know about this?

"As a mission-minded person, I want to encourage others to embrace filmmaking as a way of sharing taking the Gospel throughout our world and as a tool for documenting how God has blessed those who call upon Him for salvation, forgiveness, and mercy. The Wildflower Film Project isn't just about supporting the mission and ministry of the Salvation Army, it is also a collective Christian voice saying we will make films of high moral integrity, and of praise to the Father AND they will be entertaining and enjoyable, he said."

Tell me how 168 has influenced your plans to date.

"For me, 168 is the model to follow; encouraging Christians to take the step, move forward and tell the stories, the stories of Jesus, of the Father's love for His creation of His mercy, of His forgiveness. Because of the 168 Film Project, we have been inspired to encourage central Texas storytellers with this project," Roland said.

168 Helping Birth Wildflower Film Project for Kids

2011-09-08T17:52:00.001-07:00

Public Event: "What is the 168 Film Project and Why is Media So Crucial to Our World?" Speaker: John David Ware Founder and Director of the 168 Film Project.

Sept 10, 9:30-11:30, Wildflower Country Club, 4902 Wildflower Lane, Temple, TX 76502-4804

I am going to Temple, Texas (2 hours from Dallas) to speak with area church leaders and to consult with a very ambitious group based at the Temple Bible Church (weekly attendance 4,000). This project warms my heart, because #1 it is a sort of outgrowth of the 168 Film Project and 2, it is aimed at kids.

I believe that if we do not tell our kids the good news of Jesus Christ, then they and the whole world suffers. Want proof, watch the news. No Jesus, no peace. Know Jesus, know peace.

For authenticity, adults may be cast from the school district. The entry fee is $50 submitted with the contract.

I asked organizer David Roland some questions:

How do you plan to get other schools to cooperate?

What else you want people to know about this?

Tell me how 168 has influenced your plans to date.

Actors and The Power of "No"

2011-06-30T00:55:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you wonder whether you are making a difference in the world. Notes like the one below remind me that indeed, 168 is a vital ministry, having a positive effect on the future of the media.

Jun 17, 2011

Dear John David,

We met you last summer. Love and appreciate what you are doing to redeem Hollywood!

Our daughter Faith felt so akin to your vision! We were excited to hear what God was doing through you (and 168). As we raised Faith and thought about all the areas she could go into, at the bottom in last place would have to be the Entertainment Industry.

But God, of course, has a sense of humor and that is where He gifted her. And after trying every other alternative, we had to admit it, at least for now, He has called her there.

Just wanted to relate an experience that you helped inspire and let you know your encouragement has helped our daughter stand strong.

Faith got an opportunity to attend (a VERY PRESTIGIOUS ACTING SCHOOL’S) summer program. She just arrived there and has finished her first week. She wasn't too shocked but reported that every single teacher there cursed like a sailor.

More surprising every single kid but two, cursed in there initial audition, sadly even those that identified themselves as Christians.

She was given a character and a script that as you may guess, cursed. (A lot of these kids are 17 or younger!? ) Faith, remembering your passionate sharing (at the seminar), and following her own convictions said she went to the teacher and said she wanted to do her best but she didn't want to have her character curse.

The teacher dug her heels in and said, "You're an actor and actor's portray real life, and in real life people curse."

Faith smiled and just said, "That may be, but its not something I want to do." The teacher was miffed and told her she would " have to go to an Administrator and get permission, not to curse?!"

She stood her ground and they came back and said " Ok, you don't have to do it in our summer program. If you want to come back next year, you will have to curse if we give you a script that curses. Score one for the Light side!

I know this is a tiny, tiny battle in the redemption scheme of things. But, it is a tiny step in the RIGHT direction.

She is being a witness to industry professionals with her class of 30 kids or so. We just keep telling her to be faithful in these small things.

Let God use it as He will. We just wanted to encourage you that she remembered you saying, If actors would just say no, things would change overnight" and that encouraged her to "just say no."

(Please) continue to share your vision with young people entering the industry. It is so necessary. It helps them catch the vision!

"Super 8" or Super 168

2011-06-14T13:04:00.000-07:00

J.J. Abrams, left, writer/director of "Super 8," arrives with his wife Katie McGrath at the premiere of the film in Los Angeles, Wednesday, June 8, 2011. Chris Pizzello / AP Photo

With no (on screen) stars, J.J. Abrams’ and Steven Spielberg’s "Super 8" made over $35 Million on opening weekend.

The film's central quest is the goal of the school-aged kids to finish their Super 8 zombie film.

The success of "Super 8" gives pause to think about the dramatic impact it could have upon youth. Currently, there are kids out there all around the world running around every week making short films like the kids in "Super 8." After this movie, there will be more.

Like it or not, life imitates art and imitates celebrity, especially at the kid level. Don't believe it? Just go Bieber-spotting at your local high school. Go see how many kids are sporting the Justin Bieber wanna-be doo. Or the look of the latest TV show cast. If kids are sponges, then the media is a giant cranberry juice spill on aisle 9. And grown-ups are the pimply-faced shop clerks running to clean up.

So, what?

So 168. The annual 168 Film Project is a grassroots way to help these artist kids who will soon shape culture with such a big megaphone.

That is the reason 168 is such a passion for it’s participants, festival-goers, sponsors and others.

Please consider supporting 168 by clicking here and making a generous donation.

NON-SPOILER, KITCHEN SINK TECHNICAL REVIEW: "Super 8"

The "Super 8" production budget is listed at $50 million. The marketing budget could be twice that. On an indie-level marketing budget, figure $10,000 per theater to put a film out, times 3,379 theaters and you get a minimum of $33,790,000 to market the film, which obviously has great behind the line obligations with names like Abrams and Spielberg attached to the gravy train.

It is a very enjoyable film, though it is by no means a great film. It has action, danger, intrigue and many of the ingredients necessary for a fun, exciting film. What it lacks in logic and character development, it makes up in cute kids whom you want to see succeed.

Talk about a tough day of production. The lead actress (Elle Fanning) shows up with an attitude, the film loader is happier blowing off explosives on the set and there is a huge train derailment in the background that nearly wipes out the entire cast and crew. But wait, that's "production value."

In true indie film style, cast doubles as crew when not on camera. How very 168.

It's like STAND BY ME meets CLOSE ENCOUNTERS, E.T. and a few other films. Its mixed genre message is diluted by flawed logic and all-too-convenient devices within the story. But, the cast performances are great and do much to help the audience gloss over story weaknesses.

Indie filmmakers take heart. Though you may not be able to equal this film's budget or production values, you can make a far better story.

You might be surprised to hear some of the language in the film. The name of Jesus Christ is prominently featured by both kids and adults. Profanely, unfortunately.

Oh, for the sweetness of Spielberg's "E.T." But wait, didn't 7-year-old Elliot scream "penis breath" at his older brother at the dinner table. Yeah, he did. Romantic kid movies push envelopes too. It's just a fact.

Is it in the quest for "realism" that "Super 8" director/screenwriter (both Abrams) felt the need for the kids to swear in the name of Jesus? Don't the filmmakers know this is offensive to 70 million Christians? Is it?

Is Hollywood really just about making money? Because if it is, then presumably, there would be less offense to the largest faith group in the country.

Maybe they just know that no one probably will say anything and they'll go see the film anyway. Maybe it's just that the public has allowed them to get away with it. Try substituting the name Jesus with the name Muhammad and see how far the film gets.

Getting Work in the Biz: The 168 Connection

2011-06-03T15:20:00.000-07:00

Photo: "Red Line" film set with (L-R) director Robert Kirbyson, actress Nicole Gale Anderson ("Mean Girls 2," "Jonas" "iCarly"), 168 founder & president John David Ware, actor Kevin Sizemore ("Johnny Blue," "Transformers: Dark of the Moon") on location at the Hollywood station of L.A.'s metro rail system (image by Joe Osborn).

How do we evaluate success at 168? There are many barometers we could use. We are primarily concerned with providing a spiritually profound experience for our participants.

Of course, we are dependent on individual team leadership to provide an environment conducive to growth in this area. Each year we see evidence that there is a hunger for and satisfaction in spiritual things. This year, we saw many grow closer to Jesus, at least two for the first time.

But, spiritual success is only part of the story. Each year, we prove more conclusively that the 168 experience is a platform from which cast and crew find work.

Successes are coming faster and faster for 168 Alumni. Here are some examples.

Joshua & Rebekah Weigel started their filmmaking career with 168. Their film "The Butterfly Circus," which won $100,000 at the Doorpost Film Project and has been downloaded 10 million times. “Butterfly” stars the limbless evangelist, Nick Vujicic and Eduardo Verastegui from "Bella." "Butterfly" is currently in development as a feature.

Actress Jenn Gotzon has honed her craft in ten 168 films. She sees the 168 community as a foundation, which helps keep her grounded. After her Best Actress Award-winning performance in 2008's "Stained," she has been in great demand. A cameo in "Frost/Nixon" (2008) opened the floodgates to starring roles in five feature films including “Alone, Yet Not Alone,” “Crossroads,” “Dragon Day,” “September Skies,” (from 168 veteran Don Wahl) “Dante's Inferno Documented” and "Doonby," opposite "Dukes of Hazzard" star John Schneider. Recently she climbed to a #2 rating on the Internet Movie Database Starmeter, beaten out only by actor Chris Hemsworth of “Thor.”

168 has been instrumental in connecting both cast and crew for many of these features. Jenn's husband Chris Armstrong directed "Crossroads," which will be distributed by Sony Pictures. 168 Best Editor, Chris Witt is editing "Crossroads" and "Dragon Day."

Congratulations go to 168 veteran producer Jessie Ottolini for winning the 2010 GoDaddy.com “Create Your Own Commercial” contest and grand prize of $100,000. Going against the website registrar's normally sex-based advertising strategy, Jessie’s family friendly spot paid off, proving that quality can compete with gratuity.

Most recently, through a weekly Bible Study, Boo Arnold asked his friend and fellow actor Kevin Sizemore to meet Brandon Adams, director of the based-on-scripture-and-shot-in-a-week 168 Film Project short, "Useless."

It's a cop-with-a-conscious drama from husband and wife producers Dennis & Olivia Bentivengo (& Best Film of 2011). Arnold and Sizemore became co-stars for the film and later, dual Best Actor nominees. In the end, it was Kevin Sizemore, who scored the Best Actor prize.

After Sizemore won as Best Actor, 168 Juror and casting director Beverly Holloway auditioned him for feature film "Red Line," directed by 168 veteran Robert Kirbyson.

Holloway was asked to reveal a bit of her process in recommending Sizemore for a larger role than he originally auditioned for.

“As a juror for this year’s 168 Film Festival, I had the privilege of watching some great performances by several very talented actors.

I can honestly say that had it not been for seeing Kevin (Sizemore) in the 168 film “Useless” I may have very likely passed over his submission.

Because of the timeline for casting ("Red Line") I had to be extremely selective about how many actors I auditioned. I received about 1400 submissions FOR EACH ROLE and was only able to call in about 75 people per role.

That’s a tough selection process, but when I came across Kevin’s submission for one of the supporting lead roles (Actors take note: He had taken the initiative for his own career and submitted himself through Actor’s Access) I enthusiastically scheduled him for an audition.

I did this based solely on his performance in ‘Useless” without even checking the rest of his credits or resume. (Credits listed on a piece of paper can be good, but NOTHING beats a great performance that I can see for myself.)

When Kevin came in for his audition he did all the right things, he was prepared, on time, ready to jump in and “play” but unfortunately he just wasn’t the right fit for that particular role.

I had seen him give a powerful performance and I knew he was talented, so it was worth trying in another role. And thankfully we did! We are thrilled to have him as a part of the cast!”

"Red Line" is about a terrorist bomb on an L.A. metro train. The film, which stars John Billingsly & Nicole Gale Anderson, is due later in 2011. Said Sizemore, "If not for my involvement in the 168 Film Project, (my role in "Red Line") would not have happened. This is a character that plays to all my strengths and is perfect for me.

Look for Kevin Sizemore on the small screen for Toyota and Old Navy commercials and soon in the upcoming feature "Johnny Blue" and "Transformers: Dark of the Moon" (July 2011)

"Red Line" director Robert Kirbyson said of Sizemore, "We asked him to read for the larger role of a father conflicted with doing the right thing (or) protecting his family. His audition was extraordinary, emotional and powerful. Originally we had discussed trying to attract a big 'name' to take on this role, but we all fell in love with Kevin and couldn't imagine anyone else in the role."

Kirbyson's directorial debut feature film "Snowmen" opened the 2010 Heartland Film Fest, winning it's highest honor, the Truly Moving Picture Award and it was voted Top Narrative at the 2010 Tribeca Film Fest World Premiere. Most recently, "Snowmen" won the Audience Award for Best Picture at the 2011 Dallas Int'l Film Fest, as well as a Jury Prize for Best Picture at the 2011 Toronto Int'l Film Fest Sprockets Program for Youth.

What does all this mean for the future of Hollywood? These successes represent the first ripples from the wave of triumphs coming from almuni of the 168 Film Project.

Persistence and dedication to craft is pays off. Be encouraged! These are very exciting times indeed.

"Red Line" Synopsis: Moments after departing from the Hollywood & Highland Metro Station, commuters on L.A.'s subway system experience a sudden explosion. Deep underground nine survivors soon discover that the danger has just begun. Not only are they trapped between the collapsed tunnel and the twisted remains of the metro, but they soon uncover a second bomb that has yet to detonate. As the timer counts down to certain death, the trapped survivors begin to suspect that the bomber has been trapped among them. With an unexploded bomb, a missing gun, and a group that's quickly turning on one another, the rescue crews might not arrive in time to save the survivors from themselves.

Faith ’N’ Film Summit at NAB Show - Review

2011-04-21T16:57:00.000-07:00

The Faith ’N’ Film Summit at NAB Show was amazing.

Jefferson Denim's worship music kicked off 12 1/2 hours of programming on a high note!

Corbin Bernsen and John David Ware

Michael Jr's (“The Tonight Show,” Comedy Central) comedy kept us in stitches and we laughed hard.

Against my better judgement, I sat in the front row for the no-holds-barred (Christian) comedian. At the appropriate time, I held up a sign reading "10 min." This is a common practice to keep a show on time. As I expected, he seamlessly folded ME into his routine, calling attention to my sign. Five minutes later, I held up a "5 Minutes" sign. So he said, "He just held up a '10 min.' sign and now a '5 min.' sign, so I figure I have 15 minutes." It's hard to be the heavy.

Faith ’N’ Film Summit attendees voted on best "168" film from in three categories. Congrats to the winners:

Best Speed Film: “Child’s Play” Owen Kingston, Tom Cooper

Audience Favorite: "Good News?" Theo Love, Jessie Love, Eric Lee, Susu Keepman Lee

Best Write of Passage Spotlight Film: "Clip" Jeff Rose and Wes and Amanda Llewellyn

Also screening were:

"Useless"Dennis & Olivia Bentivengo

"The Main Thing" Stephen Puffenberger

"Rescued" Ted and Karen Eachus *

"Breaking and Entering" Mark Blitch and Joey Williams

"Blood Oath" David & Jerusha Kiang

The Las Vegas audience had many newcomers, so I enlightened them on the the subject of: Speed-Faith Film: What is the 168 Film Project and why is it changing lives? If you don't know the answer to this question, consider that 168 employs around 1500 cast and crew each year, causing Christian and secular team members to focus on a divinely-selected Bible verse. God does the heavy lifting and many lives are changed amongst a very influential population.

The panel discussion was enlightening. "Market Forces in Faith and Family Content" featured:

Ted Baehr, founder and Publisher publisher, Movieguide

Brian Bird, writer/producer, "Not Easily Broken," "Touched By An Angel”

Paul Crouch Jr., vp of administration, Trinity Broadcasting Network

Ken Wales, producer "Amazing Grace," "Christy"

John David Ware, founder/president of the 168 Film Project (Moderator)

We attempted to answer these questions:

Where is the Best Market for Buying and Selling Faith and Family Films & TV?

Is a Secondary Market Desirable or Needed?

How is the Internet Changing Faith-Based Programming?

The panel seemed to agree that yes indeed, we do need a new market in which to peddle faith & family wares. This is vastly different from what I have heard in the past. The term "Christian Ghetto" comes to mind (as used by Bob Briner in "Roaring Lambs"). It applies to a secondary marketplace that accepts mediocrity and allows Christian ideas to flourish in films and TV despite the inferior quality of these vehicles when compared with secular entertainment. The existence of this "ghetto" allows the somewhat tarnished display of superior ideas in inferior programs that would otherwise never see the light of day. The communication of these ideas is made harder due to the fact that consumers (Christian and secular) are accustomed to a much higher standard.

However, if we had the luxury of asking Jesus which he prefers, "theological cheese" that is biblically sound OR slick, edgy, but vapid art with worldly messages. I think we know which he would prefer.

On the panel, we also learned of the soon-to-be released online offering, "iTBN," which will be like a Hulu for Christian films, said Paul Crouch Jr. When broadcasters are putting such great resources and energy into their internet offerings, it really shows how far we have come since the advent of the WWW. This will mean new outlets for Christian content.

I asked point blank, "How can producers get production money from TBN?" The answer was simple: you need a great "faith-forward" idea that is thoroughly thought out and polished with completed market research and demographics. So now that you know, go likewise and do it!

We had a good laugh about how many "Deliciously Bad" films are received each year at TBN. While these may provide an occasional guffaws, they will never receive any funding.

We learned a great deal about the untitled story of Ashley Smith and 2005’s Atlanta hostage crisis, because three of our presenters are currently working on the Fox Searchlight production, Brian Bird (writer), Ken Wales (producer) and Derrick Warfel (Assoc. Producer).

The production is due to start filming in summertime.

Dr. Ted Baehr gave a great apologetic for why the film industry should be making "good" films--they make more money! He also gave away copies of his new book, "How to Succeed in Hollywood Without Losing Your Soul." It describes working in the industry from a Christian Worldview with commentary from many including, writer/producer Randall Wallace ("Braveheart," "Secretariat"), exec. producer Phil Roman ("Garfield," "The Simpsons") and Richard Cook, former chairman of Disney Pictures.

There was great excitement as we discussed how far we've come as a community of artists. You know of some of our many successful budding artists, like Jenn Gotzon, Joshua and Rebekah Weigel, Jesse Ottolini and others. Watching the work of our best speed and Write of Passage Spotlight filmmakers was very impressive.

The teaching of Derrick Warfel and Brian Bird was enlightening. Derrick disected a scene from Mark Blitch's "Breaking & Entering," comparing it to a scene from Aaron Sorkin's work on "The Social Network." It was fascinating to watch the scene in the Harvard President's office, while hearing the expert critique and commentary on the beat-by-beat motivations of the characters--delicious. This is what we call StoryLab, and we will do more of this soon.

The Vegas crowd was from all over the world and they got their 1st taste of Amoeba Networking (like speed dating for business professionals). They will never be the same. They experienced firsthand the metaphor of a single-celled community, which is dependent on each other. In the Amoeba exercise, all must meet someone new by rotating at a certain point in time or the whole community suffers.

Think about it and remember to pray for this community, our U.S. president and all of our federal, state and local leaders.

The Q & A with writer, director Corbin Bernsen was fascinating. He is on a spiritual journey, which we get to explore with him because his workbook is his films. I remember a quote from my college philosophy class from the book "Illusions," by Richard Bach, "The world is your exercise book, the pages on which you do your sums. It is not reality, though you may express reality there if you wish. You are also free to write lies, or nonsense, or to tear the pages."

While the book is decidedly new-agey, the truth is that we are here to write, to learn and to teach. Tearing the pages is hopefully something we do less and less of.

We watched "Rust," a largely autobiographical work, born of Bernsen's relationship with his dearly departed father. The film was fascinating in many ways and it has quite a backstory.

It was shot in sub-zero weather in Kipling, Saskatchewan, just north of North Dakota, Home to 1,100 people.

Despite not even having a movie theater in the town, the residents of Kipling financed a Corbin Bernsen movie through $1,000 unit investments. Individuals, families, even a group of senior citizens voted with their pocketbooks to bring Hollywood to Kipling.

And if not for one red paper clip, no one would know about Kipling.

Internet sensation, Kyle MacDonald's successful quest to (in a year's time) became a homeowner through a series of trades, starting with one red paper clip became a reality in Kipling. MacDonald's last trade was for a role in a Corbin Bernsen film.

Catching the fever, the town of Kipling asked for a more family-oriented film, which they agreed to finance. Their enthusiasm captured Bernsen's attention and he committed to writing and shooting “Rust” in Kipling and to using town residents as actors.

In our interview, Corbin spoke of the deeply personal nature of "Rust," and how it paid homage to his father and to his journey of faith. He also told of how the studio/distributor actually asked him to include an altar call in the film! Jaws were on the ground on this one, but it proves that the secular studio knows the core audience for this type of film and they see that an altar call scene is good for profits. Shocking.

Corbin plans to build a museum for his collection of snow globes (7,000 & counting).

In conclusion, I must say that the 1st Annual Faith ’N’ Film Summit at NAB Show was a smash. Praise Jesus.

Peace,

John David Ware

168 Film Festival Winners 2011

2011-04-03T10:38:00.000-07:00

For Immediate Release:

Contact: Paul Luebbers, 626-394-9763, info@168project.com

POLICE DRAMA ‘USELESS’ CUFFS BEST FILM AT 168 FILM FESTIVAL AS TOP-NOMINATED ‘CHILD’S PLAY’ TAKES CUSTODY OF MOST AWARDS (6) INCL. SCRIPTURAL INTEGRATION, DIRECTOR, SUPPORTING ACTRESS & SCREENPLAY-DRAMA

11 Shorts Claim 24 Awards in Faith-Based Speed Filmmaking Contest,

Bandied by Musical Romp ‘Good News’ as Best Comedy, Lonely Heart Drama ‘Second Glances’

for Editing & Pastoral Introspective ‘The Main Thing’ Crowned Best Doc

The red carpet at the Alex Theatre, Glendale, CA

GLENDALE, Calif. (Apr. 2, 2011) – Husband and wife team of Dennis & Olivia Bentivengo’s cop-with-a-conscience drama “Useless” won Best Film tonight at the Bible-verse-illustrating 168 Film Festival, collecting three awards, including Best Actor (Kevin Sizemore) and Cinematography (Brandon Adams).

Based on the Apostle Paul’s appeal to Philemon to grant the slave owner’s son Onesimus his personal freedom in Philem. 1:10-11 and up for 11 awards, the film stars an actor who’s no stranger to law enforcement in Sizemore, known best for playing Harlan on “Prison Break” and Marine Sgt. William Moore on “NCIS,” and appearing soon in “Transformers: Dark of the Moon,” currently in post-production.

Frontrunner divorce drama “Child’s Play” -- with the most nominations (14) going into the 9th annual weeklong (i.e., 168-hour) filmmaking competition in a 20-finalist field of 11-min.-or-less films -- from U.K. producer Owen Kingston took the lion’s share of awards, with six, counting Best Scriptural Integration, Screenplay-Drama and Director for Kingston and Tom Cooper (who were the festival’s top award winners with four apiece); International Film for Kingston, Cooper and Anita Wadsworth; and, rounding out the picture’s haul, Supporting Actress for Eleanor Appleton and Original Score for Michael Wray.

Tied for second-most wins with “Useless” was seven-time 168 filmmaker Theo Love’s cheeky guide to the atheists’ gospel “Good News,” which scored Best Comedy and Screenplay-Comedy nods (director-producer-editor Theo and wife Jessie, Eric Lee and wife Susu Keepman Lee) plus Best Actress for Benedicte Westbye.

Last two of “Second Chances”-themed edition’s five multiple-award-winning films, with two each, are journeyman Stephen Puffenberger’s exploration of a church’s life cycle “The Main Thing,” which took Best Unlimited Documentary and the Evangelista Award for the best telling of the core of Jesus’ message; and 168’s two-time Write of Passage winner and producer Alan Tregoning’s “Second Glances” for Best Editor (Chris Wiegand) and Sound Design (Wiegand, Josh Spake). Wiegand tied Puffenberger and the Lees for second-most awards, while 18 others won single awards, some of them albeit shared with fellow team members.

While six out of 24 award recipients were multiple winners in the 168’s 22-category competition, five recognized films were multiple winners out of the 11 overall winning films. The six single-win films are: “Breaking and Entering” for Best Supporting Actor (Mark Blitch); “Stranded” Animated Film (Michael Mitchell, Sarah Abel); “Guide Me Home” Music Video (first-time helmer Henry Wong); “Khwaish – A Desire” Production Design (Susheel Rankawat); “The Cure” Makeup (Kelly Jo Kern, Rachel Ringwood); and Behind The Scenes Documentary “The Making of ‘The Potter’s Hand’” (“The Potter’s Hand” director Brandon Chandler.)

# # #

168 Film and Media Ministry

2011-03-08T03:34:00.000-08:00

There are many kinds of filmmakers (FM) in the 168 Film Project.

Timid, shy, bold, prideful, hopeful. They all (believe it or not) get what they need in the 168 experience, good or bad.

The process works wonders in the prideful or the humble or those needing to toughen up or learn a great lesson from adversity. It's especially great to see those who were helping last year step out and produce a film on their own. And to see some receive salvation by meeting Jesus.

We don't always hear all the stories like we like to, but we try to get around to talking with everyone. And most every year we hear of someone who became reborn on set. Pray for that.

Here is a note from one of the FM's who practice what we call media ministry.

Check it out. What if the next Spielberg thought like this?!

Yes, you can change the world and don't let nobody tell you different.

Peace,

jdw

P.S. The name of my next band comes from this editorial: Oblivious to Subtlety. Another priceless quote from below: "The devil is like a dog, he never barks at a parked car!"

From Dennis:

The Lord put it on our hearts to produce last year, though we just joked about it after helping out on "Through My Sister's Eyes"... Then when it came time for the 168 this year I prayed for the Lord to show me if my wife Olivia and I should produce, and I prayed that He show me a sign that was huge & obvious (because I'm oblivious to subtleties).

That night (or possibly the next night) we went to my brother in law's home, where my mother in law (a wonderful servant of the Lord) prayed for all of us individually, laying on hands & praying for our different needs. When she got to me however, she said to me "The Lord wants me to tell you to go ahead with your plans, go ahead" (in Spanish).

Now I hadn't mentioned my prayer to her or my wife, so I knew then that the Lord was giving me confirmation. Later before registering for the 168, I prayed for further confirmation, I then realized that He actually gave me clear confirmation, so I went on faith and signed up!

I then started looking for a Director, and came across Brandon rather quickly, we liked his previous work very much, and he seemed interested in working with us, we met up & decided to go on this adventure together.

That was the smoothest part of the whole experience, ha ha! The rest of it (with the exception of Mark coming on board to help us) was step by step, a lesson in leaning on the Lord. We didn't know what was coming up next, but I could tell pretty early on that it was going to be "one of those" types of experiences & embraced it.

I figured we could just lean on the Lord as He wants us to,or we could stress out all the way, and end up leaning on him because we finally got tired of trying to do it our way.

So I appologize to our crew for our first production meeting going something like "We don't know..., not sure, ah we'll see what the Lord does." in the respect of it not feeling too much like a production meeting, but the goal there was fellowship and prayer, and we did accomplish that : ).

Most every cast and crew member came last minute, we had a major spot filled, then that person dropped off of our team, we had a spectacular location not work out a few days before we would begin shooting, another key position was just about filled when that person got in a car accident that changed their availability (he's doing well, but keep him in prayer).

We had multiple spiritual attacks in several areas, and that was further confirmation that we were doing God's will. I like to say that "the devil is like a dog, he never barks at a parked car!"

Through all the crazy circumstances however, the Lord was faithful, He was true, He guided us to have the exact crew that He wanted us to have (or lack there of in some areas), He put the people that were supposed to be on this project together, and we had a blessed time together! We are truly blessed by the folks God brought aboard, and I pray that the Lord do a work in all of our hearts to surrender completely to Him, to lean on Him, and to own the forgiveness & grace He has given us, and that we pass it on to the folks we encounter in our lives.

God's will is not the same as happenstance, the Lord bringing things together is not the same as fate, luck, or "things work themselves out", I'd hate for those things to be confused with the perfect will of God, and His sovereign guidance.

God is very much active in this world in the lives of folks that trust in Him, and in influencing the lives of those who don't yet know Him. We all experience loss, and troubles, it "rains" on everyone, the difference between believers and non-believers is that, believers know that we are saved by grace, by the blood of Jesus Christ that died for us, so we could be cleansed and liberated from our sins, and to have eternal life with God the Father, and we have the Holy Spirit indwelling us to guide us until that day comes.

This world is temporary, but heaven or hell (depending on our decision) are eternal, meanwhile, God allows things to happen in our lives so we would lean on Him for strength, we need not fight dependence on God, we need to embrace it.

May the Lord bless you and your family as you seek God first in your lives.

Matthew 6:33
"...seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."

-D.B.

God Shows Up: 168 Assignment Night

2011-02-07T10:36:00.001-08:00

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

State of the Union of Faith & Film

2011-02-02T01:51:00.001-08:00

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 Teams – Mon, Jan 31

All USA Teams – Sun, Feb. 6

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

Int'l Teams – Mon, Jan 31, 7:00-9:00 PM (email)

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

Southern California –Mon, 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 Teams – Fri, Feb. 11. USA (outside SoCal) - Thurs, Feb. 17. SoCal – Fri, Feb. 18

Film Turn-in Deadlines:

International – Fri, 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.

SoCal – Fri. 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

168 Closing in on 2011 Competion

2011-01-18T12:38:00.000-08:00

Here is the 168 scintillating schedule leading up to the February competition, based on A theme (Second Chances), a verse and a week. Future filmmakers are here! Shouldn't you be?

Sat, Jan. 22 Amoeba Networking Mixer: All are welcome. 9:30 AM-1:30 PM

you must RSVP to rsvp@168project.com (limited to 80 people)

The Amoeba

Sun, Jan.23 VIP Mixer: David McFadzean, Exec. Producer & Co-Creator, "Home Improvement." 7-9PM

Sat, Jan. 29 "Craft of Hollywood" Workshop 9:00 AM-5:00 PM

Sun, Jan. 30 VIP Mixer: Howard Kazanjian, producer "Star Wars: Return of the Jedi" and "Raiders of the Lost Ark" (DETAILS BELOW)

VIP MIXER DETAILS: After the VIP Interview, our patented networking exercises will connect cast, crew members and producers for the 168 Film Project competition in February. All are welcome. Even if you think you have no skills, we can use you. Come get on a team! 7pm-10pm at Media City Church 269 E Providencia, Burbank, CA 91502. More on our VIP guests below.

Our final VIP Mixer Guest:Howard Kazanjian, producer "Star Wars: Return of the Jedi" and "Raiders of the Lost Ark," Jan. 30.

Thanks to y'all we met our goal of raising $20,000 for the MATCHING GRANT.

Your financial partnership empowers us to assist new artists in creating fresh, authentic, excellent media with a Christian worldview.

Click here to make a Donation

168 L.A. Casting: Actors by invitation. Sat, Feb. 12, Starting at 8:30am (Submit via http://www.actorsaccess.com: "168 Film Project 2011"). Up to 40 producers & 400 Actors.

Star Wars Producer at January VIP Mixer

2010-12-22T08:39:00.000-08:00

- I am very excited to announce our lineup, including our Jan. 30th special guest Howard Kazanjian (Pictured here), producer of "Star Wars: Return of the Jedi" and "Raiders of the Lost Ark."

Jan. 9: Indie Film Night with Derrick Warfel writer/director "Midnight Reckoning" and Rick Garside, producer "Faith Happens."

Jan. 16: Ralph Winter, Producer and Executive Producer whose credits include "X-Men Origins: Wolverine," "X-Men: The Last Stand," and "Fantastic Four."

Jan. 23: (CONFIRMED) David McFadzean, Executive Producer & Co-Creator, "Home Improvement." David is working on a new pilot with ABC.

Jan. 30: Howard Kazanjian, producer "Star Wars: Return of the Jedi" and "Raiders of the Lost Ark"

Information subject to change

We have a $20,000 MATCHING GRANT! Through December 31st, your tax-deductible gifts will be DOUBLED up to $20,000. Please help us by making a donation of any size: Your financial partnership will empower new artists to create fresh, authentic, excellent media with a Christian worldview. Did you know: "168" films are made all over the world including Africa, China and Russia.

Click here to make a Matching Donation

- Have you ever wondered what working on a film is like? Well here's your chance to get on a team! Come to the 168 Sunday Nite VIP Mixers begining Jan. 9th! Get on a 168 team and hear how VIPs and others handle life and careers . Skills or not, we can use you!

Teams may be started anywhere in the world too, so don't think this is just for people in Hollywood.

- The PRODUCER's WORKSHOP is January 8th & 15, 2011. "Producing And Marketing A Short Film In A Short Time On A Short Budget," It's tagged the "best one-day, short film producing seminar in L.A." To register: Click Here. Featuring filmmaker Derrick Warfel. All are welcome!

You can attend online from anywhere in the world with a web connection.

Register for the 168 Film Project: http://tinyurl.com/247hs97

Team Signup Deadlines: Int'l Teams - Mon, Jan 31, All USA Teams - Sun, Feb. 6.

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Write of Passage Winner in Familiar Territory

2010-11-19T01:42:00.000-08:00

2-Time Winner Alan Tregoning wins with "A Clip in Time"

Congratulations to the 2nd Annual Write of Passage Screenwriting Competition winner Alan Tregoning for "A Clip in Time." Alan's urban fantasy is about a man who retraces his steps to learn how a paper clip has derailed his life.

He will receive $1,000 cash and introductions to key Hollywood players (producer Ralph Winter, "X-MEN Origins: Wolverine") and expert critique from writer/producers Luke Schelhaas ("Law and Order," "Smallville") and Brian Bird ("Not Easily Broken").

You might recognize Alan's name because he won the 1st annual Write of Passage contest last year. This year, Alan bested over 130 entries with his script "A Clip in Time." Alan's urban fantasy is about a man who retraces his steps to learn how a paper clip has derailed his life.

All Write of Passage entries were based on Proverbs 28:13 "He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy" (NIV).

Click here to read Alan's and the other ten finalists' work (all scripts are 12-pages).

Alan Tregoning is a speed filmmaking veteran, having entered several films in the 168, 48 and 24-hour film competitions.

“Adoptation,” his 2010 entry in the 168 Film Project was nominated for three awards including Best Comedy and Best Comedy Screenplay. It's the story of a couple who adopts a 40-year-old man as their son.

His short film “Sanctuary” won four awards at the 2010 Dallas 48-Hour Film Festival including Best Film and may screen at Cannes 2011.

Alan co-wrote season Two of “iShine Knect,” a tween sitcom seen weekly on TBN, JCTV and the Smile of a Child network. As a part of the Prestonwood Baptist Church creative arts team, he helps write and produce a weekly video element for first through sixth grade children.

Alan lives in Dallas, TX with his wife and son and has a daughter on the way.

Alan talked about his Write of Passage Experience:

Thank you! (Winning) is an honor knowing the level of talent the 168 Project and Write of Passage attracts.

The inspiration for “A Clip in Time” came from an incident back when I was in high school. I guy in my youth group shared a story about how he needed a paperclip, but was all out. That evening at work he noticed a stray paperclip and took it.

Later that night he was reading a devotional that made the point that “even if you steal something as small as a paperclip” you are still guilty of stealing.

Feeling convicted, the next day he returned the paperclip to his work. One of the other guys in the youth group made fun of him and told him that he was silly as the paperclip was just trash no one cared about.

His response “What could I do? I was convicted!” I always thought that it was a great testimony as to how sins we see as small and insignificant are actually a big deal to God.

I really liked the verse for this year because there was a natural story arc built right in; a man who conceals his sin and does not prosper, he then repents and confesses his sin and prospers. It also left the story possibilities wide open as there was no specific sin defined in the context of the verse. Pick a sin, any sin.

When I was coming up with story ideas to pitch to my RCP one idea I had was about how small compromises can actually have great repercussions. I took the stolen paperclip idea from my buddy in high school and expanded the idea to include what would happen if the Holy Spirit did convict you of something as insignificant as stealing a paperclip and you ignored it. How bad could things possibly get for you.

Writing the story in reverse chronological order proved to be a challenge. I knew how I wanted the story to open and close so I started writing from each end until I eventually met in the middle. I tracked down a transcript of the Seinfeld episode “The Betrayal” that was also written in reverse chronological order and studied it to figure out how they did their set ups and pay offs.

Jason Flynn, my RCP, was a great help in getting the script developed. I originally pitched him seven ideas and he helped me zero in on the paperclip story. I then wrote up a three page treatment and sent it in for some feedback.

Once I got the notes back I went to script. Jason gave me some great development notes over the three drafts I did of the script and really helped polish it before the deadline.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Runner up 1: J.J. Bailey's "Predatory" is a courtroom drama indicting sub-prime loan sharks.

Regarding Write of Passage, J.J. said, "It was an absolutely invaluable experience to work with an honest to goodness producer. It was like having my very own script coach for a week! How great is that?!"

"I have learned a tremendous amount because of this entire process. The competition stretched me as a writer in ways that I had not really been challenged before," he said.

J.J. Bailey is a twenty-six-year-old aspiring screenwriter from San Diego. J.J. looks forward to including his faith in the trenches in Hollywood.

Runner up 2: Torry Martin and Marshal Younger's "Covering Your Tracts" is about a para-church manager embarrassed by his own carelessness.

Torry said, "We had an absolutely wonderful (Write of Passage) experience. We were partnered with the amazing Doug Goodrich as our RCP (or mentor). His insightful and thought-provoking notes motivated us to push deeper and write better."

Torry Martin writes for "Adventures in Odyssey" and is an award-winning actor, screenwriter, comedian and author. He is a two-time Gospel Music Association Grand Prize Winner for acting and writing, who currently resides in Sparta, Tennessee.

Marshal Younger is a writer/director and producer on the popular audio drama "Adventures in Odyssey." He also penned "A Greater Yes" and many stage plays and sketches, as well as the children's book series, "Kidsboro." He currently lives in Spring Hill, Tennessee, with his wife and four children.

Eagle's Wings

2010-11-15T15:29:00.000-08:00

Isaiah 40:31 "But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles,they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." (KJV)

This week's verse is a favorite for me and for our country (our national bird is the Bald Eagle). Look at this video and notice the grace and ease with which the eagle soars. Click

Could the verse mean that we are not meant to struggle always? Yes, the eagle works hard from a standstill to get aloft on the currents, but if we wait for the updraft, then the struggle should be infinitely more tolerable. Right?

Miracle on Providencia Street

2010-10-28T12:48:00.001-07:00

On the set of "Bountiful," produced by Susan Shearer

& Amber Deegan and Directed by Eric Tozzi

Last night at the Wednesday Night Prayer Service for Media City Church a man named Paul came in for prayer. He was from FL and had come to break into Hollywood with his screenplay.

He was broke, living in his car and his father had recently died. He was desperate to find work so he could earn a few hundred dollars to return home. He had found absolutely no work and he was desperate. He knew he needed to return home. He broke down sobbing uncontrollably as we laid hands on and prayed for him.

Later one girl told the story of how she had received $20 unexpectedly and has given it away to someone else and then received even more money unexpectedly. Generosity was the point of her story. She said that God rewards those who "give it away" cheerfully.

As the prayer meeting broke up, I said to Paul and to the group, "So you know we are for real, here is $20 to help you get back to FL." Many others came up to him and gave him money, which he stuffed into his pocket. Yet he was still depressed because of what he saw as insurmountable financial need.

We talked for quite awhile about his screenplay. I asked him if it was honoring to God. He didn't directly answer, but said that it wasn't appropriate to talk about it in a church. I did not condemn him, but rather told him of our mission in 168: to illuminate the word of God and to make God-honoring films.

I explained the rationale and the long view of "The Envelope."

With each generation of filmmakers, the envelope is pushed to the point that shocking things of today will be tame compared to tomorrow's taboos. The result is a society (and children) that is increasingly foul-mouthed and accepting of debauchery. And story suffers greatly too. If you can't rely on shock value to entertain then you actually have to make an excellent story!!

IS IT REALLY EDGY ANYMORE TO BE EDGY? Shouldn't we really be uplifting those who build up society rather that those who degrade it.

Rather, the real rebels are those who rebel against the world's system and values by including beauty and honor and truth in their films and dare I say it, the truth of Jesus.

Please see the Evangelista Award Winning (Best gospel of Jesus Presentation) film on the "Best of 168 2010" DVD. Though not technically perfect, 1st Time Filmmaker Alberto Portillo's "Relentless Heart" is an excellent model and template for a "Gospel Film."

To order DVD click Here or call 818-843-6060.

Back to the miracle:

Twice I urged Paul to count the money. Twice he refused in his depression over the mountain of money he still needed to return home.

The third I asked him, he humored me and pulled out the wad of bills. We counted over $250, more than enough to get him home.

He was completely overwhelmed and excited by his need being completely met! He was giddy and couldn't wait to tell the folks in FL what God had done for him.

Me and a few others are still a little bruised from all the hugs he gave. I am also amazed that God did this and I know he will take care of us always.

And I know that all of our financial problems are nothing to Him who gave us life.

Be generous!

Sports & 3D, Apple & Netflix

2010-10-26T17:12:00.001-07:00

3D Boom or Bust
Apple & NetFlix Sitting in a Tree

George Lucas will be re-releasing all six Star Wars films in 3D starting in 2012 in order, which means you have to suffer through the latest ones to get to the good stuff. Sorry if I have offended the 3 Jar Jar Binks fans out there.

There were twenty films released in 3D in 2009 vs. eight in 2008. According to film-releases.com, over seventy 3-D titles have been scheduled from Fall 2010 - Dec. 2011. For full report, click here.

Some of these films were retro-fit, like "Clash of the Titans." The results of that experiment were mixed at best visually. But. if the public is willing to pay up to a 25% premium for tickets, you can see why they did it.

But, as an actor I wouldn't like my head to look that thick on the screen. Craninal victimization is the technical term for this unfortunate aspect of tacking on 3D to 2D material.

3D is here to stay, for now. 3D capable screens across the US and Canada have more than doubled to 3,548 in about a year.

The public is embracing it for now, but how long will they pay $16 (L.A.) vs. $12 for a movie.

ESPN is currently the only 3D network. They will broadcast 85 live sporting events to those with HD and 3D service AND a 3D capable screen.

Cost (with ATT U-Verse) $20 for HD/3D service, Panasonic 3D capable 50" Plasma TV $2400. You can get smaller screens for about $1500, but why would you.

What about 2D Web TV: ESPN3.com, MLB.tv & NHL Gamecenter now give sports fans the ability to watch their favorite teams live over the internet.

I tried it on my ATT U-Verse ultra-slow connetion and it's not bad!

Watching my Alma Matter, Miami University (Redhawks, not the weather conditions) was not possible on my Sprint HTC phone. Luckily Colt McCoy and The Cleveland Browns have a Bye this week.

Are we are all moving toward unplugging the ball and tether of cable TV, in this economy. I think so.

In the past, there have not been effective ways to stream content to your living room.

But, AppleTV, Boxee and others are getting there. I hope they can get the phone apps working soon.

Seeing the "spinning beach ball of death" (system busy icon) on my phone as I tried to access real time streaming content makes me wax nostalgic (read as "angry) about dialup internet access speeds and wait times.

As the trickle becomes a gusher of people rushing to "Over the Top" (OTT) or internet based TV, we may see the information superhighway slow to a crawl.

Bandwidth is a moving, relative target. It's more than adequate for highly compressed video. Try uncompressed HD and dialup will look like a dream come true.

Finally, I expect OTT offerings to increase in value and competitiveness to broadcast TV (small and getting smaller "B" intended). Apple is easily the most innovative large company in entertainment and their voice will be heard.

Flexing their muscles and their generous war chest, Apple may soon be in acquisition mode.

One likely target is Netflix with their $50 billion plus in cash reserves. The synergy of the deal will bolster badly needed content as well as around 16 million users to market iPhones, iPads and all things Apple.

168 Write of Passage Writers Begin, What Would Jesus Write?

2010-10-19T12:23:00.000-07:00

Picture: Jesus' Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5-7; Luke 6:20-49) is believed to have been given at the top of the ridge (near the buiding) in the vicinity of Capernaum.

The Write of Passage Screenwriting Competition is underway! Over 130 writers are now sweating it out, their assignment is to make a story out of this verse: Proverbs 28:13 "He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy."

The final participation includes: 24 Mentors or RCPs, 8 countries: Canada, England, Ireland, Turkey, France, Netherlands, Japan and 23 US states. Want to know what it's like to compete:

See below for "The Writer Stumbles" a hilarious promo from 168 alumni Mark Blitch.

What would Jesus write?

Mark 4:33-34 "With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand. He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything."

Regarding the Kingdom of God, Jesus told many parables when he was with the masses. Some were plain and some required deliberation, wrestling and even argument.

This argues for a great diversity of films, from "Gospel" variety to "JGF," or Just Good Films. Yet, much of what we see out of Hollywood is banal, pedantic and dishonest.

Like great filmmakers, Jesus posed many questions, always with a point of view. He never talked down to his audience, but assumed that seekers would find answers.

Has our culture discouraged this seeking and finding answers? Have we become so lazy that we want it handed to us, even to the point of intellectual welfare. To teach a man to fish or to think for himself is the most humane approach.

For spiritual artists, the debate will never end regarding content for movies and TV. The question will always be asked and second-guessed, "How Much Faith is too Much?" One key to this question is "as much as they could understand."

How much do you think people can understand or tolerate? How does your attitude reflect in your art?

Imagine a giant movie screen installed at the site of the Sermon on the Mount (pictured above). Would Jesus have used the tools of the times. You bet!

Are Christians Morons?

2010-09-30T22:11:00.000-07:00

I watched Bill Maher (pictured here) call all Christians "morons" on The O'Reilly Factor. Maher said: God wrote the Bible, right? If it's your perfect Holy Book written by God, then why is there stuff in it that is wacky, immoral untrue and makes no sense?

O'Reilly said: It's allegorical and meant to teach you a higher truth.

Maher was shocked because he thinks being a person of faith means you check your sense of reason at the door and believe absolutely everything in the book.

Maher promptly questioned the verse that says: if you see your neighbor working on a Sunday, you should kill him. O'Reilly: I am a Christian and I believe in the New Testament.

Maher said: "All the Christians wana get behind the happy half of the Bible."

It's kind of a shame when political guys debate Christianity and (sometimes vice versa). You wanna jump in.

I decided to write the show, cause we're here to impact pop culture, right? Here's my note to the Factor. See if it's on tomorrow night (Friday, Oct. 1, 2010).

Bill,

Maher might be credible if he actually knew what the Bible is.

It is two agreements. In the Old Testament God made a deal to relieve the effect of sin on people. In the New Testament, He obliterated the effect of sin thru the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The old shows what sin demands: death. The new supersedes the old and gives grace and forgiveness (from sin and death) for those who believe.

I suppose you didn't say this because you knew Maher's head would explode.

168 Writer-Filmmaker Summit in NY & LA

2010-09-23T11:05:00.000-07:00

168 Writer-Filmmaker Summit

Oct. 9th 10:00 AM-1:00 PM PT (1-4 PM ET)

Live from the Showbiz Store and Café (in L.A. & NYC)

LA: 500 S. Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90049, (877) 320-8011

NYC: 19 W 21st St, New York, NY 10010 (866) 605-7006

The 168 Writer-Filmmaker Summit is a bi-coastal info-edu-networking event designed to connect the left or right coast without using airplanes.

Janet Scott Batchler

168 welcomes special guest Janet Scott Batchler (writer, "Batman Forever" USC Writing Professor), who will discuss "Pitching to Hollywood." Wisdom from a veteran “in the room” is CRUCIAL to writers and filmmakers!

Our Partner Showbiz Store and Cafe will host simultaneous meetings at their stores in Los Angeles and New York. The LA meeting will be simulcast in NY. If you can’t come for in-person networking, feel free to interact with attendees via the online chat room. Tune in to the excitement and join a world-wide audience at Minglemediatv.com. Register for the event at http://www.eventbrite.com/event/890829495.

Writers, Filmmakers, Actors and other film personnel will discover opportunities for cast and crew in the 168 Film Project (Signup Deadlines: Int'l-Jan 31st, USA-Feb. 6th, 2011) and Write of Passage Screenwriting Competition (Signup Deadline Oct. 11). Door prizes at BOTH NY & LA locations: Showbiz Budgeting Software (value $400 each) and two Showbiz Labor Guides (value $60 each).

Agenda: (Note: this is Pacific Time. Eastern Time is 3 hours later!)

10-10:30 Mingle and nosh on snacks and coffee, Videos of 168 BTS & Clips

10:30-11:00 168/Write of Passage Overview

11:00-11:45 Janet Scott Batchler, special guest speaker

11:45-12:15 Questions, Pitch Critique of volunteer pitchers

12:15-1:00 Door Prize Drawing and closing remarks

Walking the Walk in Chicago

2010-08-31T10:42:00.001-07:00

Iggy and the Stooges in Toronto

It was a very interesting weekend. I flew to Chicago to see an amazing friend, who is not at all spiritual. He and I grew up together and share a common interest in music. We actually went to see a band called Iggy and the Stooges on Sunday and had a blast.

Iggy is a 63-year-old, ex-drug addict rocker who is referred to as the Godfather of Punk Rock. The age range of the audience went from 18 to 50's and even 60s. Hilarious.

Iggy is a rather tragic figure, who still looks amazing onstage in his signature shirtless attire. He is still stage diving, seeking that intimacy with the crowd that he may lack in his personal life. At one point (to security's horror) Iggy invited everyone to come up on stage for a song and a dance. So we did! What a riot.

Before the show, my friend and I walked and walked all over the streets of Chicago and I continued to pray for some opening for talking about spiritual things. There were moments, but we have had this conversation many times before and he knows how I feel and what I believe.

Since that knowledge is established, it was even more important to walk the walk.

Before I left LA on Friday, I was talking to a friend, who advised me about falling into old ways. He told me of a visual example, where one person is standing on a chair and the other is on the ground. Which is easier he asked me, for one to pull their friend up onto the chair, or for the one on the floor to pull the other down off of the chair?

It's far easier to pull one down off of the chair. That is the caution to you and me.

In Chicago, there were many opportunities to demonstrate character and generosity.

I got into the habit of giving to many of the street people there begging. They are plentiful and many of them are sincerely in need. Generosity is contagious.

Several women with small children were on the street with particularly heartbreaking stories. It is easy to keep walking by them until you start giving and listening to them. One was on the street waiting for her apartment to be approved so she could get off the street, hopefully before the weather turns brutally cold as it does as early as September in the windy city.

Pray for these people and for all of the homeless and help out where you can.

Especially pray for the lost, like Iggy who are looking for meaning in the temporal and the unsatisfying things of this world.

Walk the walk and talk it too.

Peace,

John

Film and Trees have only "the Shoot" in Common

2010-08-11T11:20:00.000-07:00

Isaiah 60:20b-22 "Your days of sorrow will end. Then will all your people be righteous and they will possess the land forever. They are the shoot I have planted, the work of my hands, for the display of my splendor. The least of you will become a thousand, the smallest a mighty nation. I am the Lord, in its time I will do this swiftly." (NIV)

I came across this verse today as I was reading. The time was 8:11 AM (today is Aug. 11th). I was impressed by the extreme hopefulness of the verse and the language. Specifically, the word "shoot."

While it has many meanings, there is commonality in them. The shoot is the genesis of the tree, at least the visual part. The shoot is also the genesis of the visual part of a film. This is after long hours of planning have happened and the best possible course has been charted.

Long before the shoot, the seed has died like the director and producer have died (to self and to distraction) and soon the finish line is in sight. It's an all out war to reach the surface, to broach the light of day and announce to creation the good news of new life.

The shoot is a milestone in the life of every filmmaker's project. It is the work of your hands just as you are the work of His hands.

It is in your preparation that you determine the splendor that will be displayed on the screen and behind the scenes. The Word says that in His indefatigable strength you are able to make it glorious, part of a mighty nation. Aim high and make it count!

Tom Shadyac's "I Am" like Creamy New Age Yogurt

2010-07-05T19:59:00.000-07:00

This is a review of a preview screening of Tom Shadyac's new documentary, "I Am." The film’s creators invited not just “Hollywood,” but also church types, so as to include feedback from the faithful on this very spiritual and introspective film. What does yogurt have to do with it? Read on and see.

Part "What the Bleep Do We Know" and part Michael Moore-styled factoid journalism, the doc does keep your interest.

It gives a fascinating inside look at an extraordinary Hollywood director, who was caught up in his success. It takes us into the world of his depression, brought on by injuries from a cycling accident. "Persistent Concussion Syndrome" can lead victims into depression and, as in Shadyac's case, a non-suicidal desire for death.

He had it all, mansions, private planes, cars and all the trappings. From his roles as director and producer to executive producer, Shadyac's success is legendary, including such films and TV hits as “Evan Almighty,” "8 Simple Rules," "Bruce Almighty," “Liar, Liar” and “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective.” These films alone constitute nearly $1.4 Billion in foreign and domestic box office (Box Office Mojo).

But, a cycling accident derailed all of his materialism and he was reduced to a hollow shell of a man, depressed beyond belief. He tried about everything to shake the grip of the syndrome, and he isolated himself to a large degree from friends and family. He welcomed the prospect of death.

And then a funny thing happened. Shadyac found a powerful truth, which shouted at him; he wasn't any happier for all his vast material wealth. In this, the documentary has it's kernel of profound, experiential truth.

Shadyac’s “against the grain” conversion to a new philosophy in the midst of his profound emptiness genuine and included a dramatic recovery from his depression. He sold his Pasadena home after much soul-searching and moved into a Malibu trailer park. He now rides his bicycle to work (which respectfully sounds like a very bad idea!).

The film draws you in and you can't help but be intrigued by it's feelgood-ism and strong call to be better humans.

It goes through a litany of human rights and materialism/capitalism/competition offenses, which it naturally lobbies against. A shot of the USA is shown from satellite and the announcer asks what is the problem? The implication: America is the problem.

The not-so-subtle message is that we are victims of a capitalistic society. A system that gave Shadyac countless millions of dollars, private jet rides and a voice to preach about all of this.

But, it's more than another social justice piece. It is also a compelling re-hash of New Age religion. After the movie, Shadyac said in the Q & A that he thought he would be a preacher someday (or his friends did).

He reaches that goal with this film. Does that mean Shadyac will be labeled a "religious" documentary filmmaker? Probably not, but the label certainly didn't hurt him A.B. (after "Bruce Almighty"). Box office success talks louder than labels.

"I Am" bolsters it's brand of spirituality with a generous helping of questionable “science,” some amusing parlor tricks and humor.

The film attempts to take Utopian ideas from the 60's, ground them in evolutionary science (with a kinder, gentler Charles Darwin espousing love and compassion over competition) and avoid any discussion of man's need for God, for Jesus and/or for salvation.

The social justice part of "I Am" is simply works-based salvation that doesn't even get you to heaven! Ostensibly the payoff is a human utopia. Isn't that an oxymoron?

In which recent decade have we seen anything but largess and disappointment from our human ancestors or our government? The phrase "It will be different this time" is wearing pretty thin.

"I Am" on-camera guests include members of the Institute of Noetic Science, which according to their website focuses "on the intersection of science and spiritual experience, human potential, consciousness and healing, mind-body interaction, social transformation, and creativity" (standard, New Age fare).

In the film, the fact that God is NOT discussed is the elephant in the room, and though Jesus is quoted in the film saying to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you," the focus of the film is on we humans acting as our own savior as we change ourselves into loving beings.

No one will dispute the fact that helping the poor is great and noble and should be done as a part of the Christian faith. But the uniting factor for Christians and the catalyst for lasting change is Jesus the Christ alone, not new age, social justice or weird science.

For this film, the mention of God's help would be so natural that it's exclusion is as if Shakespeare left Othello out of the play that bears his name.

After the screening, a question was asked about Shadyac's involvement in Hollywood, "You must've met some really evil people there," said the questioner. “What about the fact that we are all sinful and what about the collective mentality that produced Hitler's Third Reich?”

To this, Shadyac said he thinks there are very few "evil" people. He believes that you can't separate God from people.

But, the Bible's central point is that we are all separated from God at birth by sin and our own choices and Jesus is the ONLY remedy for this fatal condition. Romans 3:22-23 says “This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, 23for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (NIV).

Shadyac hopes to market “I Am” to Christian audiences, but he overlooks the simple fact that it doesn’t line up with the Bible’s fundamental truth.

This is the mis-communication with Hollywood and the Church. Hollywood often thinks that because it mentions spirituality (of any type), that the church will support a film. For example, though the “DaVinci Code” is antithetical to Christianity, it was aggressively marketed to Christian churches. Then the studios wonder why Christian audiences are so fickle.

"I Am" unveils a coming kind of group mindset, which is "proved" to be powerful by the effect of strong emotional events like the fallout of 911 on random number generators set up around the world. The generators became not at all random during that time of upheaval.

The power of the mind is further demonstrated by the effect of Shadyac himself on camera talking and thinking about his agent or his lawyer (and getting strong emotional reactions) as we watch a petri dish full of plain old yogurt register high spikes on an electric meter. The sticky electrodes were not hooked up to Mr. Shadyac, just to the yogurt.

Shadyac also replied to the questions, what was left on the cutting-room floor? Among the many things he was unable to tell in "I Am," he said that we are all becoming one collective mind as evidenced by the way cells are mutating. Wow.

It sounds far-fetched, but then so does the thought of Christians buying into this movie. And there were some Christians in the room lining up to promote the film and of course to gain favor with Mr. Shadyac.

Romans 2:8-12 says that God is no respecter of persons. He does not show favoritism or compromise his values. Christians shouldn't either.

What does yogurt have to do with Tom Shadyac's new documentary? If consumed too fast, you might forget what flavor it was.

According to talk radio host Dennis Prager, "What humans need even more than a good heart (as beneficial as that can be) is wisdom. There has been a war on wisdom. Given how much evil has emanated from human idealism, the heart is an awful guide to doing good."

If this documentary fares well among Christians it will be because we have forsaken wisdom and allowed our minds and faith to become weak. The film does not have a Christian worldview. It's not even close!

Marketing this film to Christian audiences is at best ambitious denial of what the film really is. At worst, it is laughing hard at Christians and trying to get them to “swallow the elephant,” along with the creamy New Age Yogurt.

"I Am" is another in a long line of films that promote the idea that we can "fix it" without God's help. It’s time to acknowledge the elephant in the room and to have an open, honest discussion.

Here's an interview with Tom Shadyac and CNN Producer Sarah Holbrooke as they discuss "I Am." Warning, content is offensive in 1 spot at 3:45-4:00. http://vimeo.com/12772545

Fire on the Mountain

2010-06-30T13:33:00.000-07:00

I went for a jog up in the mountains above Burbank. I went to a spot that offers an expansive view of Burbank. It's where I often go to talk with God. The amazing view of the city draws lovers, partiers and friends there. I jogged past a car and halfway down the steep hill, and I said "no." The unspoken question was: would I go tell the people in the car about Jesus. I didn't want to.

But, I knew from previous experience that I would feel out of sorts for awhile if I didn't do it. I had witnessed to another lady up there at the overlook some years back, and I didn't want to do it then either but I did.

I went up to the girls, who were not frightened by my sudden presence. After some small talk, I told them I come up here to talk to God. I asked them if they had lost their boyfriends. They laughed. They said they were depressed and came up to talk.

I told them that God was Bigger.

They smiled.

I told them that I couldn't shake the feeling that I needed to come back up the hill and tell them that Jesus loves them. They gave me more smiles. They said that they did know the Lord.

I asked if I could pray for them. Yes. I gave a short prayer and opened my eyes to see them basking in the relief that was offered by the prayer. The prayer seemed to have cut through whatever was ailing them. Their gratitude was intense. I went on my way, knowing that their lives would be different.

Quality beats gratuity!

2010-06-04T17:38:00.001-07:00

An amazing thing just happened that I want to tell every filmmaker about. One of our faithful 168 producers went against the grain of the expected and was rewarded for it.

Congrats to producer Jessie Ottolini and director Francis De La Torre for winning the GoDaddy “Create Your Own Commercial” contest and grand prize of $100,000. The team went against the website registrar's normally sex-based advertising strategy in constructing their entry, “Go Momma” and it paid off.

There is a great lesson here. Quality can compete with gratuity. It can and frequently does win.

My hat is off. It is right next to my jaw, which is also on the ground. Why? Because this is so rare. File it under delivering something that is better than what was asked for, under changing hearts, at least for such a time as this moment.

I am sure there is a hoard of pre-pubescent young men who are sitting there watching the runners up and going, "Yeaaahhhh!" Then they see the winner and they are wondering what happened to you GoDaddy? Where's the jiggle? Where's the cat fight?

The least sexiest thing on the planet is possibly selling website domain registrations. So how does one sell them? Take a guess.

For as long as God created woman, men have been captivated by the beauty of the female body. This fact is not lost on advertisers, who use the innate fact to sell everything from power tools to shaving cream to wing nuts.

GoDaddy's practice of using "GoDaddy Girls" as sex symbols in their advertising has paid off. They are by far the largest domain registration company with over 30% of the market or greater than 34 million websites under management (according to webhosting.info).

Ottolini and De La Torre didn't want to do anything GoDaddy has done in the past. “We brainstormed with our writer Lisa Waugh, who came up with the original concept. We knew GoDaddy would either love it, or hate it,” explained Ottolini.

"It was a 168 (Film Project) almost. We had 18 days to complete it because we found out 19 days before the contest closed. We shot everything during one day at the writer's home in Santa Monica.

The 168 Film Project gives teams 10 days of preproduction and exactly 168 hours (7 days) to shoot and edit and turn-in for the deadline.

"Francis did all the post in 3 days, and actually, most of the production funds were provided by my real life ‘Momma.’ Yes, she will get her money back when I get the check,” Ottolini chuckled.

“Prayer was a really important part of the production for myself and Francis, she said. We prayed throughout the process, including at the screening party. I think several people have a new found appreciation for the power of prayer,” Ottolini said with a smile.

“God had his hand on the production the whole time. I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop. In my experience, there is always some sort of unforeseen crisis on a production, a computer dies, a car wreck or someone who doesn't show up. You can pretty much bank on that. But, it just didn't happen this time. It was very refreshing.”

What’s next for these filmmakers? Ottolini is producing a feature length documentary on Nelson Mandela. De La Torre is producing the brand new “Hope Film Festival” in November. The proceeds be used for youth filmmaker training programs.

Ottolini and De La Torre will use some of the prize money to enter more commercial production contests, like Doritos "Crash the Super Bowl," which has been dominated by 168 Film Project alums in the past.

Technically speaking, "Go Momma" was shot on the Canon 7D DSLR still camera, which shoots HD video.

Ottolini had not used one of these or even seen one on a professional film shoot before. She and Director of Photography, Oktay Ortabasi had worked together before with his full-sized Sony F-900 HDCAM rig, which she was comfortable with.

Upon seeing the relatively small still camera, she asked in shock and horror, "where's the camera!?" Needless to say, she was pleasantly surprised with the results.

Ottolini is no stranger to The 168. In 2005, she produced "Inner Prison," in which acting coach Clay Banks actually gets his head shaved. She was also part of the 168 staff in 2006 and she just line produced the best-comedy-nominated "Sumo Joe" for the 168 Film Project 2010.

"Go Momma" was selected from the field of 10 finalists. The winners were announced by airing as the very last commercial on the Daytona 500 broadcast.

"We saw the first frame of our spot and everyone went nuts, so we missed the whole thing in our celebration. But, it also aired during the Stanley Cup Playoffs and the Rugby Championship," she said.

For the "Go Momma" website: http://www.gomommabackstage.com/

See the New York Times entitled, "Go, Daddy, And Sin No More."Clik Here

168 Goes To Washington, D.C.

2010-05-27T18:25:00.000-07:00

I love traveling. The sights and smells, sounds and texture of a new place is always rejuvenating to me. Trying to keep on task is not as easy.

I'm heading to Washington, DC (June 9-16) to speak at the Moonlight Film Festival and to meet with many new friends and some old ones, including the management of the National Association of Broadcasters. We will continue our partnership in a much bigger and better way at NAB in Las Vegas in April, 2011!

I just happened to Google "Jesus in Washington DC" to see what would come up. Yes, there are many groups that claimed to represent him, but one gentleman stood above the rest.

At 6-1 and 230 lbs, he is the catcher of the Washington Nationals, Jesus Flores from Sucre, Venezuel. Here are stats and the latest on him: Jesus Flores

Being impatient is easy. Some have asked me, "Are you surprised how big 168 has become?" Honestly, I expected it to be much bigger by now, making feature length movies and TV. But, all in his time not mine.

We have to pace ourselves and manage our expectations.

Galatians 6:9 says: And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. ¹⁰As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. (KJV).

James 5:7 says: Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains. (NASB).

If we focus on the good things and pray for all things, it will go well with us. His grace is sufficient.

And things are going very well. I have meetings set up all over Leesburg and DC with NAB, church leaders and media producers, etc. We are possibly doing an interactive discussion event at the Ebenezer Coffee House. TV and Radio appearances are possible too. Still waiting on from a couple of strategic partners.

Your prayers for my trip are encouraged.

Peace,

John

Interview with Jeff Rose, Best Actor 2010

2010-05-16T15:33:00.000-07:00

Photo: Jeff Rose and Veronica Cartwright star of "Drop Dead Diva"

Jeff Rose is the winner of the Best Actor Award 2010.

He and the award winning cast and crew of "The Party" won the following awards in the 2010 168 Film Festival: Best Film: THE PARTY: Producer Helen Urriola, Best Director: Jim McKinney, Best Actress: Maggie Jones, Best Actor: Jeff Rose, Best Supporting Actress: Carrie Walrond, Best Screenplay–Drama: Scott Ippolito.

Most recently, Jeff Rose guest-starred on "Drop Dead Diva" with Chad Lowe, Veronica Cartwright, and Ricki Lake. "Diva" has asked Rose to return as a "mainstay" on the show, based on the reaction to the rough footage of his original appearance.

Rose will soon be filming episodes of "Drop Dead Diva” (with guest star Cybill Shephard)."Army Wives" producers have informed him of a new potential character arc, which will take his character to Afghanistan.
Here are some thoughts from Mr. Rose and his recent success in the biz.
How did the verse hit you?

Our verse (Jeremiah 1:6-8) is very profound. The innocence of a child’s heart makes him/her much more inclined and prepared to hear God’s voice. I think our story conveys that truth in a powerful way.

What feelings did the story awaken?
I knew Jeremy Reece must have had a serious addiction and experienced some severe trials and suffering to allow ANYTHING to separate himself from his precious daughter and wife. I built a back story based on circumstances acquaintances of mine had endured. I cry out for those in the middle of similar situations. My heart goes out to them and their families.

How was the shoot? Some stories?

Talk about the Lord orchestrating events and making the most out of what could have been a disaster: We had 6 inches of snow (in Atlanta!) the night before we went into production. I live about 50 miles north of Atlanta (where we had 8 inches of snow) and my call time was 8am.

Helen and Jim (Producer & director) were very gracious and understanding. They were able to complete the scene with Carrie and Maggie frosting the cupcakes during the delay. I finally arrived around 1pm after driving 20 miles-an-hour the entire way. They were almost wrapped out of that scene and it was as if we never missed a beat.

The biggest surprise for me was working with the spider! Having grown up in the southeast, I’m used to seeing granddaddy longlegs all over the place. I knew they were completely harmless. So, upon reading the script, I had no concerns about handling one.

Then, we get toward the end of day 2 and the wrangler shows me what appeared to be a box full of real spiders! It turns out they were indeed from the same genus as the granddaddy longlegs, but it took a little bit of faith in Jim and the wrangler…and some quick but sincere prayers…before I was going to let one crawl on me!

I don’t ever want to catch myself “acting”. But, let me tell you something…when I was handling that spider, I was truly ACTING like I wasn’t scared. Isn’t that pathetic?!

How was working with 6-Yr-old Maggie?

The next time anyone tells me to be cautious about working with kids, I’ll tell them that they obviously have never worked with Maggie Jones! It was nothing short of a blessing to be able to share the screen with her.

(Though) Jim McKinney (director) and Jay Hunt (editor) did incredible work on this picture, 99% of what you see in the film is pure Maggie. It didn’t take creative editing in post or line-readings on set for Maggie to win this award.

She was there and in the moment! Of course, we were wisely careful about sharing certain details of the story with Maggie. But, she was able to imagine other less traumatic realities that fit perfectly for the film.

She made it so easy for me to find my character and be real. I owe at least half of my Best Actor award to her! Maggie Jones will be a star for two reasons. She’s got the chops and she has the perfect her mom Angie “gets it.” (This will) take Maggie a long way!

Were you shocked at all the nominations?

Of course, being nominated was incredible. When Jim McKinney sent the list of nominees to us by email, I literally shouted for joy as I discovered each of our noms. And, I’m not ashamed to admit my hand was shaking like a leaf on a tree as I scrolled down the page, nearing the Best Actor category. I was overwhelmed when I saw my name. I turned to my wife, with tears in my eyes, and said, “What do I do if I win?”

Yes, I was shocked at all the nominations for our film. Knowing the bar that was already set with past 168 winners…SHOCKED is an understatement.

How did winning make you feel?

I really hoped that “The Party” would take home at least a couple of awards out of our 8 (168 Film Festival) nominations. We all worked so hard to create a truly cinematic short and I thought that even one or two wins would validate our efforts.

When Carrie won in the first category (Best Supporting Actress), I was THRILLED! Carrie was AWESOME in this film and I thought, “Okay, if that’s as far as it goes for us, we’re golden.”
When our writer, Scott Ippolito won for Best Screenplay-Comedy, I said quietly to myself that we stood a great chance at the bigger awards. If the jury had selected Scott’s screenplay for the genius that it was, there was a great chance that the rest of us stood a much better chance in our respective categories.

As Sarah Drew announced, “And the winner of the Best Actor award is…”, I said a quick prayer and tried to keep my heart rate below 250. I remember hearing a “J” sound, but everything went silent. It was the weirdest thing! It took Wes Llewellyn, (3 time Best Film winner) who was sitting next to me, to wrap his arm around me and say, “You won!” (in seeming slow motion) before the reality of the moment sank in.

As I said in my acceptance speech, I was so blown away by the performances of my fellow nominees that I truly did not expect to win. I will always remember their talent every time I think of my award. They were all equally deserving.

I am normally on my “A” game anytime somebody puts a camera in front of me. I tried to compose myself as best as possible for my acceptance speech, but I know when I got backstage, I had to look like a total goober when the photographer(s) were taking my picture and during the post-win interview. I couldn’t put two words together for the interviewers. And though I felt pretty silly, it was kind of fun to be swept away by the moment.

Since I was seven years old, I knew the Lord was going to call me into this business. I’ve met my fair share of success up until now. But, being recognized for my talent by a Kingdom based, professional film festival is a highlight of my career. I am so grateful for this award and the notice our little film has garnered.

During production, I was impressed by the way we all overcame those odds…but, now that we’ve been recognized for our work and been blessed enough to take home so many awards, I’m even more impressed.

Farewell Richard (1936-2010)

2010-04-09T06:23:00.000-07:00

Many thanks for all who have prayed for my family during this ordeal. I have a tragic story to tell you, but with an amazing triumphant satisfying twist.

Mom told me on the phone Monday, April 5 2010, that she had to make a decision to discontinue life support for (I’m going to call him) my second father, whom I’ve known for 27 years and who has put up with many shenanigans from me.

Photo: Jackie, me and Richard

Tuesday, when I came home (Columbus, OH), I immediately went to the hospital. My mom Jackie was a wreck. My first sight of him was sobering.

It was clear that there was no one left in the body that lay there on the bed. He still resembled our beloved Richard, but his spirit was somewhere else. Hidden, watching on a cloud, outside heaven’s gate. It’s anyone’s guess.

Mom was so disturbed by his open mouth (filled with breathing and suction tubes) swollen tongue (which he must’ve bitten during the heart attack) and the way his head kept slumping on the pillow. She made sure the staff at Riverside Methodist Hospital kept him well attended. All in all, they were wonderful.

We cried a lot and we prayed with his daughters and their family and our family. The emotions came out in different ways. Those who had regrets had time to voice them to others and to Richard himself.

One of us had unresolved issues of guilt and upon confession to the man in the bed, they felt better, cleaner and they later understood that they were heard both by the man and by the God that lives and loves us more than we can imagine.

Mom’s recently-healed, fragile body had been at the hospital with him ever since Richard collapsed on Good Friday (April 2^nd, 2010) with massive heart failure. Pastor John from the church said that at some point in their conversation, mom thought that Richard might rise (up from the bed) on the third day. We had a good laugh and he said that Jesus’ resurrection is what made us possible for us to rise. And rise we will.

Mom refused to go home to get a good night’s sleep. She would not leave her vigil, just as she had done with her first husband, who died of cancer in 1974. Bad memories.

I told her to expel the bad thoughts and take every thought captive to Christ. “How do I do that,” she asked. “Just ask him ‘Is this of you?’” I said, “Is this what you want me to think and to have to deal with?” It made coping so much easier and her focus so much more intent on the Lord.

The decision was made to release Richard into God’s hands on Wednesday at 11AM. Life support was to be discontinued at that time. Mom had anguished about the decision, but with no brain activity and no reflexes, there was no good prognosis.

As we both curled up for the night in the patient waiting room, we prayed long and hard for strength and for a miraculous healing or if it must be, a merciful death. She wanted so badly to tell him she loved him and appreciated him all he had done for her and us all those years. She needed him to respond somehow, to let her know he had heard. We asked God to allow him to squeeze her hand or open his eyes or something, anything before he went.

No demands were made, no outcomes mandated, just faithful prayers for His will and trust that we would see Him working somehow.

The night was one without sleep for me. She was up and down all night and the incessant voice on the hospital loudspeaker droned on all night, a clarion call for dying souls on the ICU ward.

At 4 AM we went in to see him again (she thought it was 6 AM). There was no change and no sign from Richard. We never lost hope for a miracle. We just didn’t demand that it would be on our terms. Either way, resurrection was certain to occur.

We got some breakfast and prayed some more.

About Wednesday at 11:30 AM all were assembled in the tiny ICU room. We prayed and Pastor John led a reading. We left to allow the techs to remove all artificial life support.

We prayed as a group in a conference room 50 yards away. As we finished praying, the hospital Chaplin Joe rushed in and cried “hurry you have to get back in the room.”

We ran. Richard struggled briefly as we watched. Around the bed, all of us were in tears and holding his hands and each other.

As he died there was a slight sound I liken to a flame being extinguished. My second father then slowly and perfectly closed his open mouth that had bothered mom so much, and he shed a single tear from his right eye as if to say “this is how much I hurt for your pain my love.”

Mom was then able to reach out and wipe his last tear away and save it and the memory of what God did for us that day. We all saw it and no one can deny that God had done yet another miracle for all of us. Oh death where is thy sting, where is thy victory?

Whenever fear, frustration doubt and hardship come to Jackie in the future, she will be reminded of the glorious way her beloved died and the manner in which Jesus came to take him home. And where he is and who he is with now.

Please pray for her.

John

God's will and the hummingbird

2010-04-09T06:17:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, my family has been in difficult times lately. Mom went into the hospital with a critical condition in late-Feb. and I went home to help care for her in March. She has been through a rollercoaster of pain and fear and the like and it has been hellish for us to watch her suffer.

Photo: (L-R) Jackie, me, Richard

My stepdad Richard has been a rock, caring for her with love and tenderness. Mom made a miraculous recovery and is doing fine as of about 10 days ago.

But, on Friday, Richard had a massive heart attack and died in our back yard. Mom did CPR while waiting for the medics and they did revive him. But he was gone for about 1/2 hour and that means no oxygen to the brain.

As I said in my speech at the film festival, life goes slowly until it doesn't. The pain of threatened death and loss allows us to have conversations we couldn't normally. I hope you can use some of my family's pain to talk to your friends about the resurrection this Easter.

The latest news is not good. Richard has no reaction to pain, no reflexes in one eye and very slow reaction in the other. Many other vitals are poor and he has little or no brain activity right now. Mom is believing for a miracle, at least for him to wake up long enough to say goodbye.

I am praying for a miracle of healing, for God's will to be done and for a peace to come over mom.

I told mom (Jackie) this true story:

This Saturday I went for a quick run outside. I have been in so much helpless turmoil, that I needed to run. I found myself going much further than I'd planned and I decided to jog all the way to the top of Tujunga Street, where I often go to talk with Jesus. It has a dazzling view of the valley below here in Burbank. There are many flowers there normally and many birds.

I prayed and I knew that God would show me a hummingbird up there as He usually does.

So I made the jog up, a pretty strenuous trek, especially as I'm not in the greatest physical shape due to time pressures of late. The flowers were far fewer than I had remembered. But, I knew I would see an H-bird, no matter what. I knew it would be up close and specially planned just for me. He knows what joy these creatures give me.

As I watched, an H-bird shot over my head and down the ravine wall like a bullet. It was far away and over in an instant. Nice warmup, I thought and I kept on praying. After awhile, I was prayed out and I needed to get back down the mountain.

As I told mom, I gave up on my demand (of a close-up bird) right then there, knowing full well that God had the power and could show me on the way down, or He could choose to not show me the H-bird at all.

As Shadrach, Meshack and Abednego said before being thrown into the furnace in Daniel 3: " the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up."

They made their dreams and desires subservient to God's will, while knowing full well that His power was sufficient to do whatever his plans called for.

There is freedom from fear in that. We know he can and if he can, then he will save us if that fits his purpose. He will never leave us or forsake us so then, we know that whatever he does, he has our best in mind.

Jogging down the mountain, I still expected to see the H-bird, but I knew it would be miraculous, because the cars are in very close proximity to any hiding places in trees and there are very few flowers on the road up. I had given up my demand to see it in my timing.

I was enjoying the jog down and at once I felt the urge to cross the street. As I jumped up on the curb, there I was face to face with the most beautiful, blood red hummingbird. It took my breath away as it flitted about in the tree. I was closer than I'd ever been and I stood there watching it longer than I would have thought possible.

Wow. I was totally blown away by the way he chose to reward my faith.

Praise be to God.

The correlation is obvious. Mom want's healing and to have her husband back healthy and whole. But, I told her, if you can ask and petition for that with the overarching prayer to leave it to his timing (because his healing may only take place in the next world), then we will not be disappointed either way. Visually, it's like holding our treasure out with an open palm, hard to do for fear of loss.

The most merciful thing in this case could be to take Richard now. Of course we will all grieve, but trusting Him means we know that the outcome was best for all parties concerned.

And eventually, we will be excited for Richard and his new life with angels, living creatures and Jesus.

Peace.

John David Ware

What a (168) Film Fest

2010-03-28T17:37:00.000-07:00

Dear 168,

Here are some tidbits from the film fest.

Pics: One very-surprised-to-get-an-award Derrick Warfel, Kristin McCoy signs for the Deaf, On the Red Carpet, One tired crew at the After Party (tiny pic)

The last of us were still at the Outback Steakhouse After Party until 3:00 AM and then I was changing a flat tire for a friend for another 45 min. still in the tux.

Kudos to Paul Luebbers, Karen Wescott, Lisa Miosi, Jeanette Shelton, Ron Pearson, Melissa Disney, the presenters and all the volunteers for making the show such a great success.

Friday: Awesome day at the Hope Theater. All the films were spectacularly displayed by the Roland Presenter and the EIKI, 12,000 lumen projector. We had no tech problems until...

During the Kyrgyzstanian film (Team 63, "Mystery"), the power blew. It was interesting, because the outage was not just the circuit breaker and not just the entire building. It was the whole block and maybe the whole city of San Fernando.

The scene on the screen was a father yelling at his son for reading the Bible, saying "If you keep reading that book, you're not my son!" And then BOOM out went the lights, projector and everything else in San Fernando.

I did a few minutes of my stand up comedy routine as we waited and confirmed that the neighbors were down too. In 15 minutes, we were back up and the night continued without a hitch. Very curious... (Yes, Kyrg team, we did re start your film!)

Saturday was awesome! The winners are below. Newsflash: I have been nominated for Best Actor (Behind the Scenes). Here's the story.

The "169 Award" is a special award for those who go above and beyond the call of duty for 168 (much like an amplifyer that goes one louder to 11).

This year, the recipient is Derrick Warfel. He has been such a blessing. He authored the 200+ page "film school in a book" Producer's Manual and he teaches the producer's workshop and leads the StoryLab, where we examine similar scenes from 168 films and from Hollywood Films and see what it takes to get to the next level.

Derrick also taught the prisoners' workshop for our 6 week "Write of Passage Screenplay Competition-Prison Edition." He has degrees from Dallas Theological, Princeton and USC Film School, so you know he's a smart guy.

But, on Saturday we had a logistics problem. How to get Derrick from helping us backstage into the audience so he would be surprised when he got his award.

So, I came up with the "high concept." I told exec. director, Paul Luebbers to go stand by Derrick and have two "seat fillers" standing by conveniently.

Then I prepared mentally and ran up to Paul and Derrick, slightly shouting so Derrick could hear and feel my angst.

"The camera shot looks TERRIBLE," I said, "We need SEAT FILLERS NOW. Derrick can you go out there and sit, please. Get someone else GO! Hurry! (for emphasis).

It worked and he was stunned when he got up there to receive the award. Punk'd, but appreciative, Derrick is one of a kind!

Congrats to all the filmmakers!!!!

Peace,

John

168 Film Festival Winners for 2010

Best Scriptural Integration: (how well the foundational Bible verse is integrated into the story)

THROUGH MY SISTER’S EYES: Keith Wilcox, Aaron John Tao, Team 42, Newport Beach, CA

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Best Film: THE PARTY: Helen Urriola, Team 64, Decatur, GA

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Best Comedy: TRY HARD: Nick Ganas, David Gaw, Trip Gould, David Martinez, Team 83, Monrovia, CA

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Best Director: THE PARTY: Jim McKinney, Team 64, Decatur, GA

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Best Actress: THE PARTY: Maggie Jones, Team 64, Decatur, GA

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Best Actor: THE PARTY: Jeff Rose, Team 64, Decatur, GA

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Best Supporting Actor: MOYA: Joshua M. Bott, Team 57, Monica, CA

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Best Supporting Actress: THE PARTY: Carrie Walrond, Team 64, Decatur, GA

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Best Screenplay – Drama: THE PARTY: Scott Ippolito, Team 64, Decatur, GA

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Best Screenplay – Comedy: TRY HARD: David Gaw, Nick Ganas, Team 83, Monrovia, CA

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Best Cinematography: JUST COPS: Drew Maw, Team 18, Anaheim, CA

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Best Editor: JUST COPS: Theo Love, Team 18, Anaheim, CA

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Best Sound Design: JUST COPS: Theo Love, Team 18, Anaheim, CA

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Best Original Score: GOT A LIGHT: Joey Williams, Team 9, Plano, TX

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Best Production Design: JUST COPS: Theo Love, Team 18, Anaheim, CA

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Best Makeup: JUST COPS: Carol Ochoa, Beatrice Najera, Team 18, Anaheim, CA

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Newcomer Award: OUT OF THE FIRE: Jeanette Reedy Solano, Lorenzo D. Durand Team 35, Glendale, CA

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Evangelista Award: (Best gospel of Jesus Presentation):

RELENTLESS HEART: Alberto Portillo, Team 58, Whittier, CA

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Best Behind The Scenes Documentary: CONNECTIVITY, Pete Brown, Team 62, Los Angeles, CA

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Best International Film: PESAN TERKIRIM (Message Sent): Onggo Susilo, Team 46, Indonesia

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Best Unlimited Documentary: (where the producer picks their verse, vs. a randomly assigned verse)

DESERT ARK: Sarah Williams, Greg Williams, Team 31, Jerusalem, Israel

Audience Awards: TRY HARD: Nick Ganas, David Gaw, Trip Gould, David Martinez, Monrovia, CA;

BACK David Rhee, Team 6, Burbank CA

NOMINATIONS FOR FAITH-BASED 168 FILM FESTIVAL PROCLAIM UPTICK IN FEMALE FILMMAKERS, COMEDIES

2010-03-19T14:35:00.000-07:00

Dear 168,

The 168 Film Fest is almost here and things couldn't be better. It's definitely our best year yet! God is so very good.

The latest breaking story is that Grammy Award-winning Christian Pop Rock sensation Rebecca St. James will be a presenter at our awards show on Saturday, March 27th.

Here is the nominations press release.

Peace,

John

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

CONTACT: John David Ware

NOMINATIONS FOR FAITH-BASED 168 FILM FESTIVAL
PROCLAIM UPTICK IN FEMALE FILMMAKERS, COMEDIES

On Heels of “Hurt Locker’s” Kathryn Bigelow Becoming 1st Femme to Win Oscar for Directing, 4 Out of Speed Filmmaking Fest's 7 Best Film Nominees Boast Women producers

Will Comedy Producers Get The Last Laugh at 2010 Awards Show?

SNL's Victoria Jackson and Her Daughter Act as Finalists

First-time Producer/Director Jeanette Reedy Solano Up for Best Picture for “Out of the Fire" (Team 35-Glendale, CA) Hi-res Link

Co-Producer Amber Deegan Doubles as Actress On "Bountiful" (Team 17-Hollywood, CA) Hi-res Link Download

Victoria Jackson (on right, SNL Star in the 1980s) and daughter

Aubrey Wesselin "The Journey" (Team-72-Burbank, CA)

Hi-res Link

LOS ANGELES (Mar. 19, 2010) -- Nominations (click here or here for pdf) are in for the 2010 “Hearing God” edition of the 168 Film Festival (Mar. 26-27) (http://168project.com/) -- the culmination of the contest whereby filmmakers have seven days, or 168 hours, to shoot and edit an 11-min.-or-less short film based on a randomly assigned Bible verse, it was announced by 168 Executive Director Paul E. Luebbers.

“We congratulate all our nominees and welcome the world to two full days of inspiring short films that explore ‘Hearing God,’ as a part of life's experience” said 168 executive director, Paul E. Luebbers. “We have films from Kyrgyzstan to China, from South Central LA to West Texas, truly something for everyone.”

The nominated films are as diverse as the countries they come from. Two documentaries’ exotic locations include China for Clint Loveness’ (Team 23) “Let’s Start Talking,” and Israel for Sarah Williams’ (Team 31) “Desert Ark,” the story of a man building a reputation on housing Sudanese refugees.

In what appears to be a festival first, four out of seven of this year’s Best Film nominees claim female producers (in the wake of “The Hurt Locker” director-producer Kathryn Bigelow becoming the first female ever to win the Oscar for Best Director), compared with 1 out of 6 in 2009. Like Bigelow, Solano is the sole female nominee for Best Director.

The quartet of eligible female-leadership nominations for Best Film includes Solano’s (Team 35) “Out of the Fire,” “Skip Listening” (Team 3) from producers Colleen Bennett, Christopher Shawn Shaw and Josh B. Jacobs; actioner “Just Cops,” (Team 18) produced by Jessie Love and her husband-director Theo Love; and Helen Urriola’s “The Party.”

Two of the 5 Best Comedy nominees were produced in part by females, "Sumo Joe" co-producers Jenn Gotzon, Jessie Ottolini and "Skip Listening" co-producer Colleen Bennett.

“Part of the beauty of this year is seeing the advancement of some of the women, who have grown over the years and to see them step into key roles behind the camera,” founder/president John David Ware said.

The So. Calif. nominees are the most plentiful, including those from Hollywood, Burbank, Glendale, Anaheim and Newport Beach. The most nominated film is LA veteran David Kiang's "Forsaken," (Team 81-Culver City, CA) with 13 nods including Best Pic and Director as well as multiple acting, screenplay, sound and cinematography awards. Click here for interview regarding Kiang’s brand of "media ministry" and the hurdles of 2010.

Northern Calif. “relative” newcomer, Santa Rosa's Christopher Shawn Shaw (Team 3-“Skip Listening”) has gone from never-nominated, veteran producer to second-highest honored with 12 nominations, including Best Film and Best Comedy. Winning both would be a first for a 168 comedy. The "Skip" cast is nominated for all acting awards, and includes Deaf actress Lexi Marman and Christian stand-up comics Thor Ramsey and Robert G. Lee who are up for Best Actor and supporting roles, respectively.

Monrovia, CA producer David Gaw's comedic conceit expose "Try Hard" (Team 83) is similarly poised to take the double crown of Best Film and Best Comedy, and he is in a three-way 10-nomination tie with veteran, (& most nominated individual with seven) Mark Blitch's (Team 9) “Got a Light” from Texas, and a first-time, Glendale, CA producer/director Jeanette Reedy Solano's (Team 35) “Out of the Fire.” Blitch and Brundige’s “Got a Light” is the third comedy vying for Best Picture.

Solano and other first-timers (ever as department head) will compete for the "Newcomer Award," designed to reward (with $1000 cash) new filmmakers, including pastor-turned-filmmaker Alberto Portillo's (Team 58-Whittier, CA) “Relentless Heart,” Josh Flynn's (Team 28-Pasadena, CA) “The Ceed” and Onggo Susilo's (Team 46) “Pesan Terkirim” (Message Sent) from Indonesia.

Six-time award-winning Anaheim, CA 168 producers Jessica and Theo Love's (Team 18) have eight nods for their desert cop drama "Just Cops." And Decatur, GA producers Helen Urriola and Jim McKinney (Team 64) also has 8 noms for his coming-of-age-too-quickly drama, (Team 64) "The Party."

Up for Best Picture are: “Forsaken” (Team 81) David Kiang; “Got a Light” (Team 9) Mark Blitch, Matt Brundige; “Just Cops” (Team 18) Theo Love, Jessie Love; “Out of the Fire” (Team 35) Jeanette Reedy Solano; “Skip Listening” (Team 3) Christopher Shawn Shaw; Josh B. Jacobs, Colleen Bennett; “The Party” (Team 64) Helen Urriola, James McKinney; and “Try Hard” (Team 83) David Gaw.

Six noms each go to Caleb Brown/Joshua M. Bott (Team 57-Santa Monica, CA) and the cast and crew of “Moya” (“mine” in Russian), with co-producer Bott nominated for Best Supporting Actor, playing a gun-wielding Russian thug, and to the Amber Deegan/Susan Shearer-helmed, filmed-on-the-CBS-Lot drama "Bountiful" (Team 17-Hollywood, CA). "Bountiful" writers Shearer, Deegan, director Eric Tozzi and Joseph Osborn are also up for Best Screenplay – Drama.

Nominee for Best Production Design (Yeva McCloskey) reps the other shooting-on-the-lot-at-CBS production, "In the Company of Sinners," Mike Cahill's graffiti-laced gangland drama (Team 43-Burbank, CA).

Geoffrey Black and Jenn Gotzon's "Sumo Joe" (Team 12-Burbank, CA) is also up for Best Comedy, vying with aforementioned teams and Texas Trio: Alan Tregoning, Brandon Carmichael, Jason Walter Vaile (Team 59- Plano, TX) for "Adoptation," the story of not-so-choosy adoptive parents. At the awards, Tregoning will receive his awards for winning the 168 Write of Passage Screenplay Competition with his script, "Regular Charlie Church."

Three nominations each go to producer/director Elena Beuca's LA production, "Connectivity" (Team 62, whose crew included A-List Steadicam operator Ron Vidor who crewed on “Jaws,” “Lethal Weapon”) and to Tim Lowry and Mike Wech's "The Journey" (Team 72-Burbank, CA), co-starring mother and daughter Victoria Jackson and Aubrey (Jackson) Wessel (aged 15), who is nominated for Best Supporting Actress in her acting debut.

Click Here for interview on the Jackson's experience as well as the intense spiritual preparation practiced by Lowry and Wech (Team 72). Of her experience, Victoria Jackson said, "I'm still coming down from the spiritual high. There was no angst or nail biting to the experience - just joy. I sort of floated into the project, not even sure if I was in it or not.”

Other notable female nominees are Suzan Brown, with Jerrold Launer for Best Original Score for “Connectivity”; Dawn Smith up with Mark Blitch for Best Cinematography “Got a Light”; and Jamie McCallister, with two Best Makeup nominations on separate films (“Forsaken” and “Moya”).

Both Brandon Riley, Dave Grumme of "Rising Waters" (Team 44, Sugarland, TX) and writer Keith Wilcox (Team 42-Newport Beach, CA) of "Through My Sister's Eyes” were nominated for the Scriptural Integration Award, which measures how artfully the writers have woven the foundational verse into the story.

For the LA TIMES Article 3-1-10: click here

Click here for details on all finalist films including interviews from selected filmmakers, including:

1. Co-Stars: Victoria Jackson (SNL, 1980s) and daughter Aubrey Wessel (Team 72, Burbank, CA), 2. Getting the Most From 168: Repeat Producers and why do they keep entering (Team 72, Burbank, CA & 81, Culver City, CA), 3. Deaf Actors Hearing God (Team 3-Santa Rosa, CA) 4. Newlywed Producers in Jerusalem (Team 31, a documentary), 5. Awards Categories,

__________________

The 8th annual 168 Film Festival is at the Hope Theatre in San Fernando, Calif (Mar. 26) and at Glendale’s Alex Theatre (Mar. 27). Tickets to the screenings and/or awards show ($15-27, All Fest $40, $50 VIP) can be purchased online at http://168project.com or http://alextheatre.org or by calling the 168 at 818-557-8507 or the Alex at 818-243-ALEX.

For 168 Film Festival Awards show promo from 2009 click here

Screenings are: Fri. Mar. 26 and Sat. Mar. 27, 10:00AM–9:00PM. The awards ceremony (appx. 1 hr. long) immediately follows Sat. screenings. Parental discretion suggested for children under 12 due to mature themes. For the March 26-27th screening schedule: (click here). For pdf version: click here.

The field of 23 finalist films out of 65 submissions (all of which will be screened on Friday or Saturday) boasts 15 dramas, five comedies, one thriller and two documentaries. All finalist films were rated by a ten-member jury that includes "X-Men" producer Ralph Winter and other behind-the-scenes luminaries. In 8 years, over 450 films have been made specifically for the 168 competition.

The prize package is $18,000 in cash and prizes. Sponsors include: AJA Video, Regent University, Sony, Roush Media, Kino Flo, Inc., TubeMogul, ARRI Lighting, Video Symphony, Final Draft, and Boris Effects. EIKI projectors will provide the pictures and Edirol/Roland will provide festival playback.  A total of 70 films, will unspool at the festival and contend for audience awards given out both nights, Fri. at the Hope Theatre, 214 Maclay Ave. San Fernando, CA 91340, and Sat. at the Alex Theatre, 216 N Brand Blvd. Glendale, CA 91203. Both theaters boast a 40-foot screen. Mature Themes – Parental Guidance suggested for kids under 12.

Presenters for this year’s splashy, two-day, split venue 168 Film Festival, starting Mar. 26 in San Fernando, Calif. and finishing Mar. 27 at Glendale’s Alex Theatre, where jury awards are bestowed after the evening screening, include Howard Kazanjian, producer “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi” and “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” Ken Wales, producer “Amazing Grace,” Michael Lehmann Boddicker, Grammy winning composer, John Shepherd, producer “The Stoning of Soraya M,” Jerry Jameson, director "JAG," "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman," John Tinker, writer/producer "Judging Amy," "The Practice," Gary Hall, Sr. VP 20th Cent. Fox TV Post Production, Leilani Downer, writer "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," Tracy Melchior, actress "The Bold and the Beautiful,” "CSI," Sarah Drew, actress "Grey's Anatomy," "Glee" and "Mad Men,” and Tenley Molzahn, actress “The Bachelor,” and Rebecca St. James, Grammy Award-winning Christian pop rock singer.

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Verse Assignment, Casting, Sneak Preview 2010

2010-02-08T14:25:00.000-08:00

Well, the verses are all picked and the horses are on the track and running. "Hearing God" is the theme this year and the teams are all very excited at the prospect.

Click here for more Verse Assignment Pics:

(Photos Courtesy of Nathaniel Bluedorn)

As usual, verse night was electro-charged. There's so much anticipation in the room as the producers waited in line for their destiny.

Hollywood Prayer Network Director Karen Covell prayed for all of the competitors and told them that each team has their own personal prayer intercessor at HPN. Pretty cool.

See link to all pics above. During the verse assignment, one gentleman broke down sobbing as the verse he got overwhelmed him. It's always a range of subtitles that God uses to speak to us; some needing a sledgehammer and others, simply a gentle word from a friend.

He wasn't able to share about the verses' personal meaning, but I'm sure in time he will. God is always present at this our holy-est of events.

I remember in 2007, when Chris (who had lost his daughter 8-months prior) got the verse that said, "While he was still speaking, people came from the synagogue ruler’s house saying, 'Your daughter has died. Why trouble the teacher any longer?' But Jesus, paying no attention to what was said, told the synagogue ruler, 'Do not be afraid; just believe.'” (Mark 5:35-36).

Wow. It seemed cruel at the time, but God knew what he was doing and at the end, Chris crossed the finish line with his finished film and was absolutely ecstatic, having finished the race and come through for his daughter. He had also passed many miles thorough the valley of grief and into the brighter days ahead.

As usual, before the verse assignment, we give the teams our best advice and try not to make them suffer too long before giving out the verses.

At the verse assignment, just before the malestrom begins, it's a bit of in-one-ear-out-the-other proposition, but it's our best chance to catch them before the madness of 10-days of pre-production and then (on Feb. 12-19 for the USA), 7-days of shooting, editing and delivering.

This year the main message (with a theme like "Hearing God") was to LISTEN. At all of our events, we have heard countless stories of hearing God, such as the stories 2nd Unit Director Greg Michael ("The Mummy," "G.I. Joe") told of the necessity to be nice and to be respectful of EVERYONE on your crew, because they hold the keys to your life, your production and literally the keys to God's plan for you.

To be sure 168 can be a sleepless, and sometimes hand-wringing time. But, the benefits and personal growth potential is exponential. When do you really grow? When you are faced with insurmountable odds.

People say "wow, you put the filmmakers under a lot of pressure." Not true. We tell them that if they do it right, then all of the pressure goes on The Almighty shoulders and they are along for the ride. Easy to say and hard to do, but miracles happen each year and everyone gets what they need.

Some are forced to drop out and that is hard. But, in general it is a time of testing your limits in your chosen field. The actors, producers, directors, editors, set designers, composers, sound, makeup and everyone else get a chance to MAKE A FILM that will screen at the 168 Film Festival.

It's really such a rush. I know, I did it the first year (2003). I wrote one of the 13 films "New Best Friend" and won second place in the contest. After the breakaway success of year one of the 168 Film Project, I decided that it would look pretty bad if I managed to win the contest I started, so since then, I have stayed behind-the-scenes. The second year there were 53 entries.

Casting was Saturday, Feb. 6th, 2010. It's always a little crazy. Over two hundred actors and dozens of roles up for grabs makes the atmosphere rife with competition, anticipation, hair gel and Starbucks Coffee.

Casting Pics 2010: Click Here (Thanks again to Nathaniel Bluedorn)

I got to run around doing man-in-the-street interviews with many of the actors. It was very interesting to hear them talk. Many had flown in from around the country specifically for the 168 casting and that was very exciting.

This year, we made a much bigger push for online submissions and thus, got many more submissions than ever before, over 1000. Casting coordinator, Susanna Velasquez and Tige Charity have certainly had their hands full wrangling all of the actors. It rained like a flood in the wee hours of the morning, but the day turned out to be exceedingly beautiful.

It was amazing to find out that many of the actors had no idea that the 168 Film Project is Bible based. I asked one girl why she entered and without hesitation, she said I love the competition aspect.

"What verse?" was her response when I told her what she was getting into. She didn't have a problem with the verse. She saw it as an interesting challenge. People are up for learning new things. I think we often make it way harder than it needs to be.

I spoke to another gentleman, an actor who also didn't know the structure of 168. I told him that all the films are based on randomly selected Bible verses and he got that look on his face that says, "Oh... what did I get myself into."

He gave me the standard Cally-speak, "I'm spiritual, but not religious." Then, I told him about the theme, which is "Hearing God," and his eyes lit up. He was passionate about that aspect and excited to be involved.

I pray he got a part and is well on his way to hearing from God. I'm sure he is.

It's been fun. Please pray for all of our efforts. I hope to see you at the Alex Theatre on March 27th.

Soon we will have a complete sneak preview for you of the upcoming films, but here's a taste:

Team #1: W.G. MacMillan - North Hills, CA is making TWO films this year.

Team #3: Christopher Shawn Shaw’s LA cast includes deaf lead actress Lexi Marman, the first deaf/hard of hearing entertainment host hired to perform on the Disneyland stage. They’re shooting on RED with steadicam in LA, Thousand Oaks, and Ojai).

Team #16: Lynda Stein is back for her 2^nd year. She and assistant producer Bruce A. Haase will be Haase: Just wrapped a film with Kate Hudson, and Jessica Alba, and Bill Pullman as assistant producer. Shooting in Orlando, FL.

Team 17: Susan Shearer and Amber Deegan are returning co-producers. Their writer is Elaine Zicree of “The Table” and director Eric Tozzi is also back again with the team. Their verse: John 15:1-2 "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. (L.A.)

Team #18: Theo Love - (Anaheim, CA) is back again, new year, new genre…shhh!

Team #21: Owen Kingston - Croydon, Great Britain.

Team #25: Greg Yost/Jimmy Hendricks & Pioneers East Africa - Nairobi Central, Kenya

Team #29: Grace Craig & veteran 168 producer Rebekah Score have elected to make one of our “Write of Passage Spotlight Films,” sponsored by Resurrection Pictures. These films mark a new direction for 168 in that they are from scripts that are already written. The film is entitled “Regular Charlie Church,” and it was the winner of the Write of Passage competition.

Team #31: Newlywed producers Greg and Sarah Williams (Jerusalem, Israel) entry into the "168 Unlimited Documentary" contest is called "Desert Ark." As an unlimited doc, the producer's have picked their own scripture (instead of getting one randomly assigned), Hebrews 11:7 "By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith." The documentary tells the true story of a man named Avishi, who helps save victims of the Sudanese refugee crisis as they flee from Egypt and the Sudan.

Team #40: Deborah Brown – Italy. Deborah’s team won best picture in 2006.

Team #46: Onggo Susilo – Indonesia

Team #49: Eddy Nganji – Cameroon

Team #57: Repeat producer Caleb Brown is done with touchy-feely films, at least for now. He plans to make an action film and even blow up a car. He’s reunited with the Holecek brothers once again (“305”, a spoof on “300”: The Office meets "300" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wpa2Qplm8M) and with Joshua M. Bott.

Team #59: Alan Tregoning - Plano, TX. Alan wrote the 168 Write of Passage screenwriting competition winner (“Regular Charlie Church”), but elected to compete in the 168 signature, 1-week filmmaking competition. He may be one of our most prominent writers this time around.

Team #63: Kyrgyzstan is back in play. Always exciting to have such a vastly different cultural entry.

Team #71: Veteran Actor Gwen McGee, (“ER,” “My Name is Earl,” “Monk.”) saw the TBN interview and “had to sign up.” Her lead actor is David Ramsey, who is credited with "Dexter," (17 episodes, 2008-2009), "Hollywood Residential,” (8 episodes, 2008), "The West Wing,” and many others.

Team #72: Producers: Mike Wech and Tim Lowry are back together again. Mike directed in 2008 from a neck brace. They have cast Victoria Jackson, SNL Star from the 1980s (This is her second turn in the 168 Film Project, having been nominated as best actress last year.

Mike had a vision in 2008 of a car crash, so he was preparing to shoot a car crash. Two weeks before the competition, Mike was nearly killed in a car crash. He recovered and persevered as the film’s director in a neck brace. The whole team experienced many revelations, including both Tim and Mike awakening at the same time, but in different households with the same vision for the film. As a result of their process, one of the actors came back to faith and checked into a drug rehab.

168 Film Project Deadline Feb. 1st

2010-01-28T13:48:00.000-08:00

Dear 168,

Our annual competition is almost here. The films will all be produced by Feb. 19, the end of the USA Production week (168 Film Festival is March 26-27). Please pray for our filmmakers!

This is our 168 Film Festival Poster Concept (photo by Christina Arena). The Festival is March 26-27, 2010 in Los Angeles.

Saturday's Production Workshop (free and open to all) 1/30/10 at Media City Church 269 E. Providencia Ave. 9:00am-4pm rsvp@168project.com. More info click here:

Internally, we have had the usual financial wrangling and a bit of hand-wringing with the difficult economy, but God is so faithful. He is solving all of our issues even as I write this. We are changing the world through the media! Please pray for us and help support us financially by clicking here.

You filmmakers out there, take note this is your LAST CHANCE TO ENTER A TEAM: Deadline Mon. Feb. 1. We now have 73 teams from 12 states and 9 countries, including Great Britain (2), Kenya, Israel, Italy, Indonesia, Cameroon, Kyrgyzstan, and Mexico. I expect to be very close to our record of 83 teams set in 2009. Register your team here:

I really love our theme this year, "Hearing God." Some of us are on top of the world, while others feel they are barely hanging on. All of us, young and old, meek and bold need to be listening and expecting to hear.

Theme is a big reason why filmmakers jump in. This year they overwhelmingly say they want to do a 168 film because they want to HEAR FROM GOD! We have assured them that they will. God shows up each year on the set, at the awards show and in the verse assignment.

In selecting the verses this year, a funny thing happened. I learned that the well is deep, and I can't understand all of the things the Lord is working through this contest and especially through the theme.

Picking verses for "Hearing God" has been harder than I thought. It did not work to simply search for verse keywords like "listening" or "hearing." This does not allow for full support of the theme. This type of search yielded verses that TALK about hearing, but they are not demonstrative of hearing, making for unsatisfying support of our theme: a bunch of verses about listening/not listening.

So, why is this I wondered? I guess it's a fact that the whole of God's word is what we hear, see and experience when we open the book. I remember that scripture is God-breathed and that we live on every word that comes from God. So the whole of the Bible then becomes fair game, a more complete representation of what we all want, to HEAR GOD.

I hate this expression, because it's usually a lie, but in this case, "IT'S ALL GOOD," meaning all of the Bible is fair game for this exercise of a random verse as the foundation for a film.

As I always tell our filmmakers, the best journey they can take is the one that is completely dictated by the verse, not by preconceived ideas.

NEWSFLASH: 168 FILM PROJECT & NAB SHOW TO PRESENT “FAITH IN FILM” FORUM Wed. April 14, 3:30-5:30 PM at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Click here for more info:

USE our special NAB Show registration by using the code "HF02" - good for free, exhibits-only registration, now until April 1st or $100 off a Conference Flex pass until Feb. 5. Click here to register:

See what it's like producing a 168 Film:

168 Goes to Prison

2009-11-23T11:45:00.000-08:00

Here’s a review of my trip to the Pitchess Detention Center, to encourage the inmates by presenting a writing class. This new program is a joint effort with Gary and Cyndi Hall’s Hollywood Impact Studios, which teaches media literacy to those in prison.

Photo-Gary Hall addresses L.A. inmates

Gary is Sr. VP of Post Production for 20th Century Fox TV, a policeman and a jury member for the 168 Film Project. The writing class was taught by indie writer/producer, Derrick Warfel.

According to Founder Gary Hall, "The goal of Hollywood Impact Studios is to bring new hope and a brighter future to those individuals who have been dealt a tough hand in life; to use the art of television and film changing lives and to provide a training ground where Hollywood professionals mentor these individuals in order to identify and develop their individual talent for a career in Hollywood." For more, see www.hollywoodimpactstudios.com.

Driving into the prison, I passed the idyllic landscape of agrarian beauty. The landscape soon gave way to white picket fences and then chain link fences topped with concertina wire to prevent escape.

As I watched, the prisoners were exiting from one of the buildings. Man after man after man was dressed in prison denim uniforms, all with the words “LA COUNTY JAIL” on the back and the pants.

As they jumped up and down for warmth, I wondered why were they there, what had they done? That I don’t know, but they are all in the facility for one year or less. And they will get a second chance.

In the classroom, I had the privilege of introducing the 168 Film Project and the Write of Passage – Prison Edition.

We started the two hour session by relating to them a verse that had come to my attention as I read my Bible that morning at 5:30am. Perhaps against my better judgment, I read Acts 12, the account of Peter’s escape from prison.

It tells how the angel of the Lord came and woke Peter to bust him out of the joint. The shackles fell off and the doors opened by themselves. Later the narrative tells us that Herod executed all of the guards when he heard of the escape. They liked this.

“If God did that for Peter, what will he do for you?” I asked them. More importantly, what will he ask you to do?

To start, I asked who amongst them would enter the upcoming contest and write a script for the Write of Passage – Prison Edition. Less than half of them raised their hands. They’ve had some hard knocks and they didn’t believe in themselves.

I told them how awards are the lifeblood of a young writer, and really (I said to myself) “just trying” to conquer a daunting new task is the lifeblood of building confidence for a new start. We were there to lift their spirits.

Luke 4:18-19: "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.”

At the prison, the main focus is teaching the basics of writing a screenplay. In future classes, they also will learn short story, stage play and even news writing.

Finally, these men will write a short film based on a theme ("Hearing God") and a verse in a week. The top screenplay will win a prize. Actors will be used to perform some of these scripts for the men. I can’t wait to see their faces on that day.

Derrick Warfel gave the basics of story and gave a fascinating deconstruction of several scenes from the movie “Rocky.” After he showed them basic structure, examples and ways writers manipulate emotions, it was time to conclude.

We gave them a homework assignment to write a short scene. This is a confidence builder. They have two weeks and we will be seeing them again. Next time, we will bring professional actors, who will perform their work.

I asked if there was any bad language in prison. “Duh.” Then I requested that they humor me and write as if they were going to show it to mom. Maybe then they can show it to mom. I told them that bad language is most often a way to artificially heighten the drama in a scene and an excuse for lack of creativity.

I was a little nervous as to how they would react to the purist at the head of the class (me). But, they got it and they were ok with it. They understood that no one is going to turn off a good story just because there’s not enough “f-bombs” in it. Tell all the stories. Just leave out the bad language.

They liked the fact that we are trying to do something new and fresh that creates art that tells real stories, yet does not drag people through the mud of gratuity to get there. There was a sense of mission in this, really. There were smiles.

I asked again, who would be entering a script in the contest. Well over half of the hands went up!

What a great feeling to be able to pump up a group of men and turn them back into a population where hopelessness is a constant; where fear of the unknown lurks around every corner and where getting out may be the most scary of all because of what will or will not be waiting for them.

Please pray that we would be of great encouragement to them.

We talked with some of the men after. They were so very excited to jump in and write.

One told me that as I read the story of the jailbreak from the Bible, he looked at his compadres in shock. He had the same verse written down on his notes from days before. They are working on a skit on that very verse!

He works in mysterious ways.

"BUTTERFLY CIRCUS" WINS THE DOORPOST FILM PROJECT'S $100,000 FIRST PRIZE

2009-09-22T18:46:00.000-07:00

Los Angeles, CA - Writer-producers Joshua and Rebekah Weigel were awarded $100,000 first prize for their film, "THE BUTTERFLY CIRCUS," by The Doorpost Film Project Saturday, September 19th at Nashville's Belcourt Theatre.

Brothers Michael and Nick Regalbuto, finalists from last year, won second place and $35,000 for their film "La Premiere." Brent McCorkle, Steven Spielberg's darling on the FOX reality show "On the Lot" won $25,000 for his film "The Rift," and the "Filmmaker's Choice Award" and $15,000 went to Greg Kwedar for "Guest Room."

Photo: Filmmakers Joshua and Rebekah Weigel receive $100,000

at Nashville's Belcourt Theatre

Heartfelt, "The Butterfly Circus," is set during the height of the Great Depression. The showman of a renowned circus leads his troupe through the devastated American landscape, lifting the spirits of audiences along the way. During their travels they discover a man without limbs at a carnival sideshow, but after an intriguing encounter with the showman, he becomes driven to hope against everything he has ever believed.

"The Butterfly Circus" stars Eduardo Verastegui ("Bella"), Nick Vujicic (Life Without Limbs ministry) and Doug Jones (The Silver Surfer, "Pan's Labyrinth").

In the Doorpost Film Project, only ten finalists made the cut from hundreds of filmmakers. These ten received $30,000 each to make a new, 20 minute film based on the theme "hope." http://www.thedoorpost.com/

"Butterfly" producers Joshua and Rebekah Weigel are veterans of the 168 Film Project, a faith-based, global competition in which teams create a short film in 168 hours (1 week). Their film "Stained" won Best Picture in 2008's 168 Film Festival as the first ever film festival award given to a production shot on RED Digital Cinema. "Stained" was produced by Joshua Weigel, Aaron Moore and Jeff Bartsch.

According to founder John David Ware, "Many budding filmmakers like the Weigels begin their film careers with 168. We give them tracks to run on and once in awhile, we're amazed by artists like Josh and Rebekah."

During the first phase of the Doorpost process, "Stained" was the ticket into the contest and became crucial in other ways to the success of "The Butterfly Circus."

According to director Joshua Weigel, "Nearly every day we were facing some impossible feat that only seemed to be accomplished through prayer. The most nerve-racking was getting Nick Vujicic to commit to star in the film. We had pursued him for several months. Our stomachs dropped when he finally said 'no' less than two weeks before production.

But, we kept praying earnestly. Several hours later, we heard that he finally had the opportunity to watch 'Stained' and loved it. Nick called shortly after, still not convinced, but intrigued. Two days later he was on board."

"I am so proud of this group! And who says short films aren't profitable?" said Ware. "The time invested to create films for 168 has paid off handsomely."

Weigel agreed. "What I learned most on my (2) 168 Film Projects is to strive for the highest quality film you can imagine. Going all the way will absolutely attract talented people who will then help you reach that goal. People respond when they see that you're pursuing the best equipment, talent and locations. And that you are willing to spend money, or raise it, if necessary. Filmmaking is done best as a team. It is a great sacrifice for everyone so I've learned how important it is to make it worth the commitment," said Joshua Weigel.

The team included the whole family Joshua, Rebekah, Sydney, Judah and Sylas Weigel directing, writing, crewing and acting, sometimes out of necessity.

According to Joshua Weigel, "Last minute casting and lost locations got us way behind schedule. I lost three composers during post production, leaving me without music only five days before the deadline. Timothy Williams ("300," "The Day The Earth Stood Still") fit us into his busy schedule. He absolutely captivated me with a stunning score and did it in 4 days!

The next steps for "The Butterfly Circus" may involve a cocoon.

"We're working with the Doorpost on distributing "The Butterfly Circus" and are hoping to expand the short into a feature film. There has been a tremendous response to the film (100,000 views in less than three weeks) and we have already been approached by several interested parties," said Joshua Weigel.

"The Butterfly Circus" included "168" alumni Chris Witt-editor, Brandon Lippard-camera operator/additional photography, Jared Isham-second assistant camera, Brandon Griffith-sound designer, Martin Kitappa-production sound mixer, Timothy Williams-composer, Nasira Elias wardrobe assistant, Aaron Moore, Dane Bettis and Brad Bettis. In addition, 168 alumni cast for "Circus" included Mark Atteberry, Doug Jones, Bob Yerkes, Jared Day, Kirk Bovil, and Melissa Disney.

About 168 Film Project:

The 168 Film Project is in it's 8th year, having made over 400 films. Team entry is open now until January 25th for International Teams, and February 1st for USA Teams. Filmmakers are responsible for their own team, production budget and equipment.

After 168's signature verse assignment and ensuing ten days for teams to write, cast and schedule the production, cameras can roll Feb. 5th (international). USA teams (outside SoCal) start shooting Thurs, Feb. 11th, and SoCal teams start Fri, Feb. 12.

Exactly 168 hours later, films must be turned in to 168 or to a mail carrier. Unlimited Documentaries may begin production Sept. 15, 2009. "168" prizes include a guaranteed screening, thousands in prizes and meetings with Hollywood players.

On March 26-27, 2010, the 168 Film Festival will showcase all films and filmmakers, casts and crews. For more information, visit www.168project.com.

168 has also started the 1st Annual Write of Passage Screenwriting Competition, which offers mentoring and critique as part of the process for all writers.

Top scripts compete for $1,000 cash and Hollywood introductions (producer Ralph Winter, "X-MEN Origins: Wolverine") and expert critique from writer/producers Luke Schelhaas ("Law and Order," "Smallville") and Brian Bird ("Not Easily Broken").

All entries will be written in 168 Hours, based on a foundational scripture with the theme: "Hearing God." Writing week is Oct. 19-26 Entry Deadline: Oct. 18th. Scripts are 12 pages or less. Entry Fee: $35. Winners will be announced in November 2009.

http://www.168project.com 818-557-8507, WriteofPassage@168project.com.

The 168 Film Project is a competition, in which films are based on a Bible verse and created in one week (168 hours). The 8th Annual 168 competition occurs in Feb-March 2010. All films premiere during the 168 Film Festival March 26-27, 2010 in Los Angeles, CA.

168 Film Project 2009-2010 schedule: http://168project.com/downloads%5CPR/168Schedj09%2D10%2E1%2E1%2Epdf

View the 2009 extended clip reel at:

http://168project.ning.com/video/168-clip-reel-2009-4-min

Click here to view 168 Film Project, KNBC-TV Coverage 2009:

http://www.nbclosangeles.com/around_town/the_scene/168_Film_Festival_Opens_in_LA_Los_Angeles.html

Weigel wins the Doorpost's $100,000

2009-09-20T18:08:00.000-07:00

168 Film Project veteran Joshua and Rebecca Weigel have struck pay dirt. Against all odds they have won the $100,000 prize in the Doorpost Film Project.

After winning a spot amongst 10 finalists, they were awarded $30,000 to make a film. Then all the films were available online to watch and receive votes. The audience voting accounted for 30% of their score, with the bulk of the score coming from an eclectic group of up-and-coming Hollywood judges.

The runners up were awarded $35,000 and $25,000 and the audience favorite received $15,000.

All three placing films had personnel from the 168 Film Project. Jenn Gotzon's film "The Rift" placed third, and Rebecca Brunk was in the second place film "La Primiere," which was helped along by a location from Universal Studios.

More soon.

168's 1st StoryLab with Derrick Warfel

2009-09-15T11:20:00.000-07:00

168 Film Project Update: 31 teams from 6 states, USA, Kenya, England and Israel. See website for next StoryLab on Oct. 2nd.

Write of Passage Screenwriting Competition now open: Deadline Oct. 18th, 2009

Friday nite was the 1st StoryLab with Derrick Warfel, Grad of Princeton, Dallas Theological Seminary and USC Filmschool. Derrick is a real wealth of information, due to this and his extensive study of screenwriting and his personal foray into Indie Filmmaking. StoryLab is designed to help writers and directors improve their craft.

Derrick's film was called "The Fall of Night," but he is astutely re-marketing it to react to market conditions. See www.fallofnight.com. He is a wealth of knowledge and a true benefit to the 168 Filmmakers, who get to take his A-Z one-day crash course in filmmaking for free in February! (see schedule www.168project.com). StoryLab is sponsored by the Peter Glenville Foundation.

Here are some quotes from attendees:

"...an eye-opening experience. It (shows) how Directors and Writers should approach filmmaking, whether they are experienced professionals or just getting their feet wet." -Ed Shin

"My only problem was that I couldn't take notes fast enough! UCLA would charge $500 for a class like this!" - Erik Jacobson

"Thanks for putting on the Story Lab last night. I thought it was amazing!" -Luanne Mohr

"... an excellent example of positive criticism! It is a safe place to learn how to improve your craft! I am honored that our film was chosen to be critiqued and I look forward to growing from the experience!" -Amber Deegan

"We're looking forward to having our film deconstructed. It can only help us in our quest to become better filmmakers. Thanks John, Karen and Derrick for all you do for us to make us better at our craft." -Susan Shearer

Why is StoryLab so good? The structure was a huge reason. Derrick started with just enough basic theory to give a refresher for the experienced folks and enough to to whet the beginners appetite for more.

Then we watched "The Test." This film has good and bad, strengths and weaknesses as you might imagine in a made-in-a-week movie. We took an interview scene where the hero is interviewing for a Harvard grant and compared it to a scene in "Flashdance," where the main character Alex, a welder by day and exotic dancer by night, whose dream is to someday be accepted at an illustrious school of dance (played by Jennifer Beals).

She goes to apply for a spot at the ballet conservancy. She rides up on a bicycle. The camera looks down on her as she stares up at the massive edifice of conservancy building. She navigates a gauntlet of revolving doors and impersonal legs and arms and torsos of the dancers, all unconcerned with her and unwilling even to straighten up as she asks for directions to the office.

As she enters the office, there are 3 girls in line to apply for the school. They all look like ballerinas and have their hair worn up. Alex's hair is free flowing and the girls whisper about her as she enters. The secretary repeats instructions to the applicants in an impersonal monotone and the camera reveals the applicant's ballet shoes in sharp contrast to Alex' welder's boots. In the end, Beals runs out and disappears into the crowd on her bicycle past a sign that says END, ONE WAY (comma added for effect).

It's a study in good choices that were made by writer and director, no doubt agonized over for weeks. From the background actors to the camera angles and shot selection, all of these choices converge to make the stakes higher, the odds more stacked against the heroine.

Please make sure to RSVP for the next StoryLab. Seating is limited to the first 25 RSVPs.

The other scene from "The Test" was the one where the hero is tempted to cheat on his college ACT test. We compared this to a scene in "Slumdog Millionaire," where the hero is tempted to cheat by using the answer provided to him by the corrupt game show host. He writes the answer in the steam on the mirror in the bathroom.

If you would like to participate in the exercise, get the films: "Best of 168" for 2009, "Flashdance" and "Rudy." The "Rudy" scene is the one in which the hero breaks into the football stadium he so desperately wants to play in. He later intrudes on Notre Dame coach Ara Parseghian for a forced "interview" with the coach to further his dream.

Your homework is to take and rewrite the scenes mentioned in "The Test" and bring them to the next StoryLab on October 2nd. You are encouraged to meet with friends (wherever you are) to discuss these films and how to improve your storytelling.

Call for Entries for Write of Passage Screenwriting Competition

2009-08-20T15:56:00.000-07:00

I am extremely pleased to announce the call for entries for our new writing contest called WRITE OF PASSAGE.

The competition offers writers the chance to be seen onscreen. Signups are Aug. 20 - Oct. 18, 2009. Writing week is October 19th-26th, 2009.

Top scripts compete for awards and $1,000 cash. Selected scripts will be eligible to be produced by 168 Film Project veterans. Resulting films will be screened during the Write of Passage Spotlight Exhibition at the 168 Film Festival, March 26-27, 2010 in LA, CA.

The prize package includes a meeting with Producer Ralph Winter ("X-MEN Origins: Wolverine"). In addition, writer/producers Luke Schelhaas ("Law and Order," "Smallville") and Brian Bird ("Not Easily Broken") will provide professional feedback to the top 3 writers.

For more, see press release by clicking on the title link above.

Enjoy!

John

John Hughes and the Creeping Nature of Acceptability

2009-08-09T14:38:00.000-07:00

A follower of the blog noted that John Hughes films are pretty raunchy, so I need to address it.

My very first blog ever noted that I was wary of the blog-o-sphere, because more words and flapping of the old cyber-gums threatens to make us cyber-bums and blow hards. Shakespeare said "More matter, less art." I think that is great wisdom.

So now, do I cop to the romanticizing of dearly held memories of my beloved John Hughes movies or do I take a stand and tell this guy to lay off my John Hughes memories?

Well honestly, I learned one thing. Never write a blog in haste. I looked at it and noted that it contradicted itself, even as I argued my point.

With the sound of Paul Young's sentimental "Everytime You Go Away" echoing in my ears, I defended the sweet spirit of "Planes, Trains and Autos" even as I remarked parenthetically about the one gratuitous scene with the dozen or so F-Bombs. Hello. Earth to John.

Ok. I can fess down to it.

There is a lesson to be learned here. Maybe two:

1. We romanticize times past and remember the good things that were and the great feelings we associated with them and we ignore our pesky conscience.

I think that this is how we pass along a great deal of unintentional baggage along to our children. There are definitely things in the past that should stay there and not be coddled and romanticized.

Why do we get movies that are 97% wholesome? It is usually a money decision when directors or studios or even producers throw in a really gratuitous scene into an otherwise family film. Often it is to avoid a PG rating. Yet, great PG films (like "Home Alone") tend to make the most money...Hmmm.

The "Christian" films that are "completely redeeming" and hold no offense or affront to one's morality are often made by well meaning, but substandard filmmakers and thus a mixed blessing.

But substandard films in the world's eyes don't mean substandard in God's eyes. Thus we see some of these films doing very well at the box office and getting major distribution. And they are getting better!

Soon 168 Alums will be taking their place at the table and they will be tested. Will they go for the easy, exploitive bucks? Only time will tell. Pray for them to get there.

Many times, we are left to choose entertainment that is "mostly wholesome" or "fairly family."

As Bob Briner says in his classic book "Roaring Lambs," it is better to reward good films than to protest bad ones.

But, what if in reality, we agree with and love 97% of a film. How do we communicate to the filmmaker that we don't like 3% of the film?

Just not going to the theatre will send 97% of the wrong message.

One thing that can be done is to write the studios and/or the writers c/o the studios.

We should do our homework on sites like Movieguide.org to make sure we don't accidentally support low brow or debauched stories.

A friend recently went to see "the Ugly Truth." I rolled my eyes as she told me how shocked she was. "So you walked out, right?" I asked. "Huh?" she said.

Yes, it's true that you can and should get your money back and tell them WHY you want your money back.

THE 1/2 RULE: As long as the movie's not more than 1/2 over, you can get a refund and THEY WILL LISTEN AND REPORT TO THE STUDIOS.

2. The other lesson is the Creeping Nature of Acceptability

The censors of the 50s had a much easier job. The envelope was much more defined and pushing it took a lot less. The church threw in the towel during that era and vacated the position as guardian of acceptability. So in 2009, here we are with Judd Apatow and the rest of the "trade offensive for good comedy" writing crowd.

What passes for family entertainment at the theatre or on the Disney Channel would not have passed in the 50s.

What passes muster in our elected officials wouldn't have passed in the 50s either.

Accountability is a game that only a few dare to play. Most Americans think that they are far to busy to do anything like write the FCC or write to congress.

But we must. If ever there was a time for accountability, it is surely now.

Google the FCC and complain next time you are offended. Write your congressman about legislation, and walk out on a movie the next time you are offended. (There is an historic Town Hall meeting on Healthcare on Tues. 8-11-09).

Being sensible and respectful in these types of protests are proven ways to affect change.

John Hughes, Farewell

2009-08-07T12:59:00.000-07:00

It’s a sad day for American Cinema. Legendary filmmaker and writer John Hughes has died at the age of 59! He had a heart attack while jogging.

Here are some of his films:

“Sixteen Candles,” “The Breakfast Club,” “Pretty in Pink,”  ”Ferris Bueller's Day Off,” ”Planes, Trains, and Automobiles,” ”Uncle Buck,”  ”Home Alone.” 

If you’re like me, you have very fond memories of these and they take you back to a time and place when things were a lot brighter. We laughed more and people had time to spend together.

Indeed, some of my identity is directly from the side-splitting humor of “Planes, Trains and Autos.” In fact, I watch that with friends and family at least every other Christmas.

All of these movies are imperfect and some have pretty rough edges (PTA has a scene with one of the most concentrated barrage of F-Bombs I have ever seen. We usually fast forward that part).

But, the heart and (mostly) sweet spirit with which these films were created has not been equaled by anyone I can think of in such a great volume.

I think of today’s “hits.” Much of the fun seems gone.

Instead of one fast forward-able scene, many of today’s films take you through a gross-fest of disgusting sexual humor throughout, and it seems to be getting worse (thank you Judd Apatow and Sasha Cohen).

It’s not totally their fault, though.

It’s ours. As long as we go to see films that have such darkness in them (“Bruno,” “Knocked Up,” “40-Year Old Virgin”), they will not change the formula.

To me, it doesn’t matter that they give a lovely platitude at the end if they drag me through the mud to get me there (ie. "American Beauty").

John, I hope I see you in paradise. You will be missed.

The 168 Film Project aims to raise up the next generation of great filmmakers; ones who are not afraid to celebrate the beautiful things of life and the Lord Jesus, who created it and sustains it by his sacrifice.

Stand with us.

We need your prayers and financial support.

Entries are now open at the Super Discounted Price of only $168 per team! This price includes full benefits, including two All Fest Passes, Screening in L.A. and much more.

Please spread the word.

168 Team Entry Superdiscount Aug. 1st

2009-07-22T09:57:00.001-07:00

PHOTO: 168 team with "X-MEN producer Ralph Winter (Story Below)

August is almost here and that means the start of 168 Film Project Superdiscounted Team Entries ($168 per team). This price includes full benefits, including two All Fest Passes, Screening in L.A. and much more.

In this, our 8th year, we will produce our 400th narrative film, and greatly expand 168 for the Kingdom.

New events in development: (Stay Tuned!)

1. SCREENWRITING CONTEST to develop and identify writers for the 168 Film Project -"Write of Passage."

2. FILM FEST FUNDRAISER highlighting all the many ways 168 is making a difference on the set

3. FRIDAY NIGHT FILM CRITIQUES: this "think tank" will look at a willing 168 producer's completed film (in love) & suggest ways to improve the story.

4. 168 INCUBATOR: a new group for producers to assess personal strengths and strategies and jumpstart YOU!

Please join in the dialogue regarding all of these ideas. We want to offer the very best possible resources in hopes it will help change the world through the media. We value your suggestions.

++++++++++++++++++++++

PRODUCER RALPH WINTER "UP IN THE AIR"

July 7, 2009: As part of the 2009 prize package (valued at $7500) for the winners of the BEST PICTURE AWARD 2009, the members of the "Up in the Air" production team met with "X-MEN Origins: Wolverine" producer Ralph Winter. 168 Founder/Director John David Ware also attended.

Producer/Actor Doug Folsom, Director Wes Llewellyn and Producer Chris Roberts (not shown) met at the offices of Thomas Winter Cooke, producers of branded content, advertising and other media.

Lessons from Loss

2009-05-08T09:51:00.000-07:00

I lost my best (canine) friend recently and it's been a season of grief for me.

I have found a new dimension in my closest friends and also in some acquaintances.

God says He will never give us more than we can handle. He also said that a cord of 3 strands is not easily broken.

Put these together with all the other notes on community and it's pretty obvious that we need each other.

Having a dog provides so much in the way of fellowship, and virtually none of the problems (gossip, betrayal, jealousy) that dog owners can sometimes retreat into the dog bubble.

When the animal dies, there is a tendency to appreciate friends more. To want to be around and to need people more.

Maybe that's why dogs live about 12-15 years. Maybe it prepares us for saying goodbye to humans as they die. Hard to say, but though I do not plan to get another dog anytime soon, I am profoundly glad for the furry little creatures that the Lord has given us to enhance the joy and ameliorate the pain of this life.

I can do all things thru Christ who strengthens me. The joy of the Lord is my strength.

Goodbye Frankie

2009-05-01T12:17:00.000-07:00

I feel like a brick has hit my head hard.

I'm in a daze, having lost my best friend in a very short time. Frankie (aka. Franklin B. Dog) has been my dog for 11 years, a loving mutt who really appreciated being rescued.

I am writing about this because it helps me to grieve. Also, as a writer, I need to express all the richness and detail of my life, including love and grief. It also helps to know that others loved him and love and support me. I hope it helps you. The sun also rises.

A short history of the diagnosis and the end:

He was 12 years old and I knew he was slowing down. But, the end was so very abrupt that I had no time to process before he was gone. The fact that he had virtually no time to suffer is comforting.

Friday April 24th I took him to Bank of America in Burbank. The tellers get mad at me when I fail to bring him. He was a little sluggish, but he had no remarkable symptoms. As we left, he refused to come down the stair. I knew something was wrong, but I was in a hurry. I carried him to the car and quickly deposited him in my apartment so I could run to the airport to pick up my mom, who was visiting for a few days.

From the airport, mom and I went to an event and then to a movie (a really bad one). When we got back home, I had to carry Frankie out to pee. He didn't want to move and the facts about his health that I had blocked out came rushing back. I took him back inside and went to bed, preparing to take him to the vet in the morning.

Sat. April 25th at 5:30AM, I awoke to sounds of Frankie's grand mal seizure. I ran over to him and prayed over him and the seizure stopped.

At 8:00AM, we arrived at the vet and Frankie immediately had another seizure. The vet kept him for awhile while we went home.

We were scheduled to pick up the dog at 12:30PM. I didn't like the fact that the girl on the phone wouldn't tell me what was wrong, but she insisted I speak with the vet, who was not available. When I arrived, the vet (whose English is much better than my Korean, so we used English) told me he was really bad and I needed to make a decision. He said I could spend 10s of 1000s to discover what was wrong (he suspected poisoning or a brain tumor) and then put him down, or we could put him down. Mom and I talked (thru the tears) about options as we watched Frankie stumble around the kennel room, drunk from the narcotics. But, at least the seizures had stopped.

We asked for some oral Phenobarbital for when the shot wore off and took him home to ponder the inevitable. I stopped at the pastry shop next door to the vets and bought a raspberry tart for Frankie with tears streaming down my face. I'm sure they get a few such purchases each month from despairing pet owners like me buying a last meal.

We went home and Frankie soon had another seizure. That was the fleece that I had set to tell me if I must say goodbye to my faithful friend today. Oh, God must it be today. The answer came, yes today.

So, I called the vet and arranged to meet him at 7 to say goodbye to my dog.

I called all the neighbors and those I could think of that really liked Frank. If I forgot you, please know I wasn't thinking straight.

We swapped some Frankie stories and my little boy got the rest of the pastry, some chicken noodle soup and several hot dogs. He was happy.

Later in the vets office, I held my beautiful beast as the pink liquid coursed into his catheter. There was no noise or light or fanfare. He simply lowered his great head for the last time and slept.

Franklin B. Dog was a home maker, a sleeper, a slacker and a lover of people. He served as the erstwhile mascot for the 168 Film Project and was a great actor, who did not get distracted and was nearly perfect at hitting his marks. He was the perfect canine companion for me, a single man with too many goals and dreams for one lifetime.

I found him in 1998 when I was looking in the paper for the date of a Lloyd Cole Concert. There I saw a pic of a freak of nature. It was a dog with an enormous head and three legs. The SPCA had taken his pic and neglected to photograph his fourth leg. Since he was depressed, living in the institution, he had lost a lot of weight so his head looked Enormous. Mystery solved.

I went down to look at him, knowing I didn't want or need a dog (though I always had them growing up).

He was an intimidating-looking dog, so I asked them how many people he had mauled. None (but). But what I asked. Under the breath, they mumbled the fact that he likes to chew things up. I don't care about that, I said.

After they dropped their objections about me living in an apartment and after they were satisfied that I wasn't spending the $75 to acquire a fighter, they gave me the keys and let me play with him. I fell in love with him completely.

The next 11 years were wonderful. He gave me many laughs and a few tears, some anger (chewed up my couch, a Bible and many other things) and a real satisfaction that comes with caring for an animal.

We also made a couple of short films together, "New Best Friend" for the 2003 version of the 168 Film Project, and the soon to be released "The Chronicles of Hernia: the Lion, the Ditch and the Studio," due very soon (www.chroniclesofhernia.com).

Among his talents were acting, opening doors, frisbee catching, climbing trees. back scratch, back rub and much more. He tried to save me once by pulling in the tow rope after I had finished wake boarding. He let me into my office more than once when I had locked myself out.

I am sure that the Lord Jesus made Frankie specifically for me. Thanks be to the Lord for letting me enjoy him for 11 years. And for arranging for mom to be here to help me through the whole ordeal. Not exactly the vacation either of us had planned, but exactly what was needed. True difficulty is experienced alone.

As for the problem of time, I heard on the radio that the Lord gives us all the time that we require. If we don't have enough time, than could it be that we are doing something we shouldn't.

For the immediate future, I know I am working at about half strength. So now, much more than normal, I have no doubt from whence my strength, success and power come from.

KNBC-TV, Parties, Prayer, Biola, Britweek

2009-04-16T17:42:00.000-07:00

Well, the Film Festival was awesome! Glory to God and to his son Jesus for the success of the 168 Film Festival Apr. 3-4, 2009. For photos and more, see: http://168project.com. Visit our photographer John and purchase a photo of you on the red carpet. https://www.imagequix.com/exec/vando2009/?id=Q9WLF91

So much to tell and so much coming up: KNBC-TV News Coverage of the 168 Film Festival, Biola Media Conference, 168 Wrap Party, Britweek Forum and more. At the end of this rather lengthy note are some comments from a guest columnist and compadre, Gary Swanson on Prayer. Philippians 4 says: Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 4:7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (NKJV)

ABOUT THE 168 FILM FEST: We couldn't have done it without our sponsors Media City Church, tubeMogul, EIKI, Resurrection Pictures, Kino Flo, Regent University, Church Production Magazine, AJA, Video Systems, Out of Frame Rentals, Video Symphony, Arri, and Sony.

At the 2-day 168 Film Festival, we welcomed Ralph Winter, Producer of "X-MEN Origins: Wolverine," Zachary Levi, star of "Chuck," and many other celebrities both human and canine. There were 87 on hand from Guide Dogs of America, and 27 actual guide-dogs-in-training in the festival audience. (They came to watch Frank Lozano's "Guided," which tells the story of the families who raise guide dogs for the blind).

We welcomed 3 teams from England, two from Canada and many more from around the USA.

ABOUT KNBC-TV: Please go to the KNBC-TV Link below and thank them for 168 Coverage. Your thanks could mean we get future coverage! Last year over 100 comments were placed! http://www.nbclosangeles.com/around_town/the_scene/168_Film_Festival_Opens_in_LA_Los_Angeles.html

ABOUT PRAYER: After the tremendous success of the 168 Film Project and Festival this year, I am reminded of how God answers prayer. We MUST re-double our prayer efforts for this country and ALL things.

Here at 168, we are trusting God to provide the funds for us to continue with a staff of 3 year-round. Please pray for us and attend a NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER GATHERING near U.

ABOUT TO PARTY: Don't forget the 168 Wrap Party Potluck at the BIG TOP. Sat. May 9th, 5-10PM

17721 Roscoe Blvd. Northridge CA 91325. RSVP: rsvp@168project.com, 818- 557-8507).

We'll bring drinks and dogs! Please bring food according to the 1st letter of your last name:

--------- A-H: Appetizer or Salad, ---- I-R: Main Course, ---- S-Z: Dessert

Our host's home includes a pool, jaccuzi and training compound for Cirque de Soleil. Don't miss the fun.

The party will feature a High Flying Chicken, courtesy Mr. Mike Capozzi (& his brand spankin' new chicken suit) and a special ceremony to honor our amazing volunteers.

ABOUT THE BRITISH COMING: Speaking of volunteers, we need two to serve BritWeek's "Filmmakers Forum: Over There," Friday, April 24, 8:00am-6:30pm, Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills. These 2 volunteers will be needed for the duration.

Interested? (Wrap Party or Britweek Vols!) Email info@168project.com and put "Volunteering" in the Subject line. BritWeek's creative forum is about making movies across the pond (meaning the USA). Britweek has graciously extended the industry discount to the 168 community. Tickets are $150 (vs. $200) if you select the "PGA" discount. BritWeek guests include Michael Apted and Kenneth Branagh.

Program Elements: Directing Over There, Pitching Over There, Producing Over There, Playing Over There.

The day-long session will explore the creative challenges and detail ways of bridging the cultural gap between the UK and US markets. Each session will include Q&A and audience interaction with panels comprised of US and UK entertainment industry leaders. See www.britweek.org.

ABOUT THE BIOLA MEDIA CONFERENCE:

I'm sure that when Joe Eszterhas ("Showgirls," "Basic Instinct") got the nod as keynote speaker at Biola's (Baptist Institute of L.A.) CBS hosted Media Conference, there were at least a few evangelists rolling in their graves. It was probably a similar reaction to when Paul (Saul) got the nod from the Almighty to preach the gospel of Jesus to the Gentiles.

It proves that almost anyone can be used by God. I for one am very interested to hear what he has to say. We hope to see you there. Please stop by our booth and pickup the 2009 DVD at the conference.

Call For Entries for An Evening of Arts & Entertainment is the leading visual & performing arts showcase for artists creating art from a Christian Worldview. Check out their men's group too!

Peace, John David Ware, Founder/Director

168 Film Project

ABOUT PRAYER (FROM GARY SWANSON): (L.A. residents, check out Gary's Media Industry Bible Study (Tinseltown) in Burbank and on the FOX Lot, it's fantastic! Details at the bottom)

Prayer is a popular subject among Christians who are a part of the media and/or the creative arts community here in Los Angeles. And it should be. But I wonder how much praying we're really doing? Earlier today I received a reminder about the National Day of Prayer coming up on Thursday, May 7th. The reminder came from someone who must be respected for her hard work in various prayer ministries here in our city, and in many other areas of ministry as well. I believe her words came from her heart.

And I began thinking about my heart, specifically my heart for prayer. To be sure, I give prayer a lot of lip service, but in spite of 33 years plus of teaching the Word of God and therefore having some understanding of the importance of prayer, I still don't pray enough. Oh, I talk to God a lot. I should say also that He is almost always a part of my thinking as I make decisions, and I am almost always conscious of His presence with me as I go about my day. But I don't sit with Him enough, and focus on Him enough, to clearly understand the desires of His heart. That has consequences. Many years ago I cut a brief paragraph out of one of those pre-printed church bulletins and taped it to the flyleaf of the second bible I ever owned. It said:

Satan dreads nothing but prayer.

His one concern is to keep the saints from praying.

He fears nothing from prayerless studies, prayerless work, or prayerless religion.

He laughs at our toil, mocks our wisdom, but trembles when we pray.

The psalmist puts it this way in Psalm 105 verses 1-4: 105:1 Oh, give thanks to the Lord! Call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples! 105:2 Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him; Talk of all His wondrous works! 105:3 Glory in His holy name; Let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the Lord! 105:4 Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face evermore! (NKJV)

The mighty Apostle Paul has this to say about prayer in Philippians chapter 4 verses 6-7: 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 4:7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (NKJV)

I need to get my life back into balance concerning prayer. I also need to put a greater emphasis on prayer in the Tinseltown Studies, something I've been saying but not doing for too long. And whenever I pray, I need to pray as I used to pray when first saved ... diligently, with childlike faith, filled with wonderment. How about you? Pray much?

If you would like to join those of us who regularly attend the Tinseltown Bible Studies as we continue our always unpredictable trip through the Gospel of Matthew, you have two locations and two nights from which to choose:

THE WESTSIDE STUDY gathers on WEDNESDAY EVENINGS at the Twentieth Century Fox Studios next to Century City. The address is 10201 Pico Blvd, Los Angeles CA 90064. If you would like to join us at Fox, you must be pre-registered. If you have been regularly attending either Tinseltown Study, you are already pre-registered. Otherwise you will need to email us or call us no later than Wednesday at 2pm, using the contact information below, and ask to have your name added to the guest list for Fox. You cannot pre-register by contacting Fox Studios directly, so please do not bother them.

Enter Fox by the main gate at the corner of Pico Blvd and Motor Avenue. Turn right and then left to the main security gate. Tell the guard that you are there for the "Tinseltown Meeting". Everyone in your car must be pre-registered and have identification. If you are properly pre-registered you will be issued a pass and given driving instructions to get you to Building 1. Once there, you may disregard the "reserved" signs and park in any available space.

THE VALLEY STUDY meets on THURSDAY EVENINGS at 825 Evergreen Street on the far west edge of Burbank, about 10 blocks north of Warner Bros Studio. Take either Pass Avenue or Hollywood Way to Verdugo Avenue. Go west on Verdugo Avenue to Evergreen street, which is one block west of Pass Avenue or five blocks west of Hollywood Way. Turn north on Evergreen Street and go 1 1/2 blocks to the address on your left, a one story home on the west side of the street. Normally street parking is readily available within a block of the house.

Both Studies open their doors at 7:45pm to give you time to sample the snacks, snag a bottle of water, and settle in before the regulars finally show up. The actual discussion begins at 8:00. Need more information? Email me at gary@tinseltownministries.org or Judy at judy@tinseltownministries.org. If you prefer, call me at 310-779-7443 or Judy at 310-779-7442. However, if you text message either one of us, we will have to take away your cell phone the next time we see you.

Gary S

168 Film Festival is Here April 3-4

2009-03-31T00:44:00.000-07:00

Well,

It's been a long trip through the turn in of all the films, nominations and jury procedures.

Very exciting, the list of awards presenters for the 168 Film Festival.

All the nominations are on the website and the winners are selected and sealed on 18 categories of awards. Here's the latest on the parties, promos and paparazzi. Hope you can make it.

Please pray all goes well and that the power of these visual parables reaches past the curtains towards the open window.

Peace,

John

168 Film Festival 2009 Scheduled Events

Friday, Apr. 3, 10AM-9PM
(United Community Church 333 E Colorado St. Glendale, CA 91205)

Saturday, Apr. 4, 10AM-Close (Awards Show 9:30pm-10:30pm)
(Alex Theatre 216 N. Brand Blvd, Glendale, CA 91203)

Tickets ($10-35, VIP $65): http://store.168project.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc
818-557-8507. –OR- 818-243-ALEX http://www.alextheatre.org

$1 Raffle: Win an iPod Touch & hundreds of dollars in food and services from Area Restaurants and Merchants! (Must be present to win)

Glendale Participation: Angela's Bistro, Aoba Restaurant, California Pizza Kitchen, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Islands Restaurant, Lunchbox Restaurant, Olive Garden, Outback Steakhouse.

Others: MB2 Raceway Sylmar, Knitting Factory Hollywood

Parties: To Celebrate the Filmmakers!
Friday After-Party: 9pm to midnite Aoba Restaurant 239 N. Brand Blvd. JAPANESE-THAI FUSION AT 20% OFF!
Saturday After-Party:10:30pm-Late - Celebrate down under at the OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE 146 S Brand Blvd. (1 block south of Alex Theatre)

Extended Clip Reel: http://168project.ning.com/video/168-clip-reel-2009-4-min
Nominations: http://www.168project.com/news/196.cfm

Prize Package: Valued at $7500 for award winners!
-TubeMogul will provide a lifetime Business Account for the BEST PICTURE award winners
-AJA Kona 3 I/O Card Value for the BEST PICTURE award winners (value $3,000)
-Out of Frame Prize: $1000 in production support rental credit
-Kino Flo Rental Credit $1,000
-Video Symphony donated $1500 in tuition for the Best Editor of 2009
-The Best Film Team will meet one-on-one with “X-MEN-Origins: Wolverine” Producer Ralph Winter
-Joanne Baron/D.W. Brown Studio: Donated Master Class Tuition for Best Actor/Actress

Awards Show Scheduled Presenters Include:

Ralph Winter, Producer: “X-MEN Origins: Wolverine”
Howard Kazanjian, Producer: Raiders of the Lost Ark, Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, Star Wars: Empire Strikes Back
Zachary Levi, Star of NBC’s “Chuck”
Sy Richardson, Actor: The Coroner on "Pushing Daisies"
Michael Lehmann Boddicker, renowned synth player, grammy-winning composer
Brian Bird, Writer/Producer: "Touched by an Angel," "Not Easily Broken"
Gary Hall, Senior VP of 20th Century Fox Television
Rick Fry, Pastor of Media City Church
Kim Dorr, Talent agent and Pastor of Arts

Sponsors: Tubemogul, Eiki International, Regent University, AJA Video Systems, Resurrection Pictures, Out of Frame, Church Production Magazine, Kino Flo, Video Symphony, Arri and Sony

Friday April 3rd Screenings

Screening #1 – 10:00AM

Team 81 FAMILY MATTTERS (Unlimited Doc) Producers: Owen Kingston, Judith Kingston, Jon Wadsworth
Team 16 THE WAY HOME Producer: Cheryl L. Farr
Team 65 DISOBEDIENCE Producer: International Interns Inc.
A 168 Classic from 2008 HOME Producers: Mark Blaney, Jackie Sheppard
Team 40 UNTITLED PROJECT Producer: Christopher J. Boghosian
Team 37 LOST FOUND Producer: Kathy O’Brien
168 Behind the Scenes Documentaries
Team 29 INHERITANCE Producer: Mikki Hall
Team 51 GRANDMA, YOU’RE FIRED Producers: Barry Thurston Jr., Emmett Loverde
Team 82 GOODBYE Producer: Kayla Tabish

Lunch – 11:45AM

Screening #2 – 1:00PM

Team 28 JUST LIKE YOU Producer: Adekunle Ilori
Team 83 MEET ME ON THE INSIDE Producer: Don Wahl
A 168 Classic from 2008 STAINED Producers: Joshua Weigel, Aaron Moore, Jeff Bartsch
Team 74 PASSION FOR PURPOSE (Unlimited Doc) Producer: Pete Brown
Team 10 LIKE FATHER Producer: Steve Puffenberger
Team 39 AND A CHILD SHALL LEAD THEM (Unlimited Doc) Producer: Don Weisbrod
Team 14 THE WORLD ACCORDING TO MJ Producer: Mary Burkin
168 Behind the Scenes Documentary
Team 19 MORE THAN ABLE Producers: Jantin Manntai, John Lockmer
Team 66 JASMINE Producer: Richelle T. Sanchez

Break – 2:50PM

Screening #3 – 3:10PM

Team 68 SURFACING Producer: Tommy Stork
Team 46 WHERE TO BEGIN AGAIN Producer: Chris Lambert
Team 56 MOUNTAIN OF TRUTH Producer: Stephen Maiorana
A 168 Classic from 2008 WHILE YOU WERE AWAY Producer: Vance Elliot
Team 33 PESACH: A PASSOVER STORY Producers: Ben Boquist, Kristen Van Valkernburg, Doug Boguist,
Michaele Lavigne
Team 67 HOTLINE Producer: Shira Fry Dillon
168 Behind the Scenes Documentary
Team 9 PAPER FLOWERS Producer: Alicia Hottle
Team 1 LISTEN UP Producer: Jim Foust

Dinner – 4:55PM

Screening #4 – 7:00PM

Team 3 LOVE ECHOES Producer: Elena Bueca
Team 42 REVEALED Producers: Sam & Shawn Calvillo
Team 78 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Producer: Stephen Byrd
Team 8 LOVE NEVER TIRES Producer: Mike Capozzi
A 168 Classic from 2006 INTERROGATION Producers: Don LaFontaine, Paul Pape

Break – 8:15PM

Screening #5 – 8:30PM

Team 23 RONNIE’S RESTAURANT Producers: Clint Loveness, Alan Tregoning
Team 7 LELA Producer: Lynda Stein
Team 71 CHINESE ANTIQUE Producers: Anthony Ma, Jennifer Ng, JC Chang
Team 24 HIDDEN TRUTHS Producers: Tim Lowry, Mark Chang
Team 57 OBEDIENCE Producers: Mathew Abate, Caleb G. Brown, Naomi Kasa

Saturday April 4th Screenings

Screening #1 – 10:00AM

Team 54 PUSH Producer: Jordan Easton
Team 61 REFLECTIONS Producer: Pat Daugherty
Team 76 JACK’S PLUMBING (Unlimited Doc) Producers: Isaac Anderson, Jack Parker
Team 32 THREE OF CLUBS Producer: Mike Shields
168 Behind The Scenes Documentary
Team 70 WHO DID WHAT WITH KENNY MARCUS Producer: David Waddell
Team 22 ONE Producers: Geoff Hall, Tim Woodford, Ben Small
Team 53 BY THE BOOK Producer: Mark Gentz
Team 44 SHADES OF GRAY Producers: Marc Stone, Rochelle Wornardt

Lunch – 11:50AM

Screening #2 – 1:15PM

Team 60 CONCEPTION Producers: Kurt De Vries, Rick Ellis
Team 30 ASHA TO ASHES Producers: Jonathan Perkins, Sonia Mari
Team 73 BROKEN Producers: Alexander Smothers, Patrick Ingram, Chris Wycoff
Mike Wech
Behind the Scenes of 168 Films
Team 80 PULLIN’ TEETH Producers: David Gaw, Nick Ganas, Justin Dial, David Martinez
Team 72 DADDY’S GIRL Producers: Susu Keepman Lee, Eric Lee
Team 20 FATHER OF THE MAN Producer: John O’Neal
Team 43 ASHES TO APPLES Producer: Richard Juden

Break – 2:45PM

Screening #3 – 3:00PM

Team 64 THE LAST OBEY Producer: Derek Butler
Team 63 GOD MOVES (Unlimited Doc) Producer: Deana Spyres
Tema 34 HIMIG Producer: World Mission Communications Asia-Pacific
Team 35 PUTTING THE ASH BEHIND YOU Producers: Ryan Johnson, Mark Blitch, Adam Kitchen,
Danny Owens
Team 25 JOSEPH’S WHEEL OF DESTINY Ian Eyre
Friday Night Audience Winner

Dinner – 4:15PM

Screening #4 – 5:55PM

Team 69 GRIP Producers: Chris Ackerman, Brandon Chandler, Josh Holt
Maddy Curley, Scott McLean
Team 55 THE LAST LAUGH Producers: R. McCall Jones, Susan S. Shearer, Amber Deegan
Team 58 THE TEST Producer: Pat Smith, C.A.T.C.H.
Team 45 GREAT OAKS Producers: Laureen Trujillo, Jason Lewis, Sharon O’Leary-Martin
Team 49 ABEL’S WHEELS Producers: Rebekah Score, Sara Messer
Team 52 HELP WANTED Producers: Ryan Skeete, Kelly Allard, Jacob Snowden,
David Skidmore
Team 79 THE CALL Producers: David & Jarusha Kiang
Team 50 STEALING HOME Producer: Nathan Bettisworth

Break – 7:35PM

Screening #5 – 7:45PM

Team 58 WHEELCHAIR ANGEL (Unlimited Doc) Producer: Don Maynard
Team21 UNSCRIPTED Producers: Jonathan Brown, Jackie Sheppard, Luke Walton
Team 48 STILL BORN Producers: Andrew Librizzi, Chad Gunderson, Benjamin Dane
Todd Terry
Team 2 GUIDED (Unlimited Doc) Producers: Frank Lozano, Monique Newman
Team 13 UP IN THE AIR Producers: Chris Roberts, Doug Folsom, Wes Llewellyn
Team 18 SAVING LEVI Producers: David Bradshaw, Michael Ramsey
Team 26 LOVE IS GOOD Producer: Theo Love

Break – 9:20

Award Ceremony – 9:30