What is the 168 Film Project?
The 168 Film Project is an annual, worldwide filmmaking competition and exhibition. Films are based on Bible verses and made in one week. The challenge to filmmakers—draw a random scripture and in just one week (168 hours) shoot and edit a short film. Our goal is to focus emerging filmmakers on excellence and the Word of God. The 168 Film Festival is a glitzy red carpet affair held in Los Angeles.
168 provides a training ground for emerging filmmakers, reducing barriers and creating opportunities for pros and newcomers alike. It is like a "farm team" for artists, who are given tracks to run on as they improve their skills.
The contest is built upon faith and art, two passions the participants already have. 168 provides a structure that allows them to complete a project in only one week, and to gain confidence to then do it again, bigger and better.
Films are produced from ANY location and turned in for the deadline. Our mission is vital to a post-Christian world in which the language of the culture is media. We are changing our little corner of the industry from the ground up by teaching filmmakers to incorporate their art and their faith.
How did the project begin?
In 2003, a group of filmmakers led by John David Ware (me) decided to create a contest similar to the timed production contests of the day. Too many wanna be filmmakers kept saying "I'm gonna. I'm gonna only works for so long. After that you become the boy who cried wolf. We decided to let them put their money where their mouth was.
At the first meeting, nobody came except me. I kept having meetings and telling people about it anywhere they'd let me speak until the buzz got to the filmmakers in the congregation and beyond.
Thirteen films were made the first year and premiered to a standing-room-only crowd in Evans Chapel. The next year there were 53 films and it was recognized as a way to get started as a filmmaker of faith. In six years, over three hundred films have been created in over 20 countries.
What kind of films is 168 looking for?
There is no "typical" 168 Film. They range in degree of evangelism, but most of them are not preachy. I tell our entrants, no blasphemy, no gratuitous sex, language, or violence.
I used to say no gratuitous preaching, but even more importantly, I want them to be true to what God (not agenda or political view etc.) has laid on their heart. If they want to make an outspokenly evangelistic film, then they should do it to the very best of their abilities, never looking back or apologizing. There is room and a definite need for a broad spectrum of films in our contest.
Why is it important for people of faith to make films?
Everyone has some kind of faith. Science, secular humanism, nihilism, Christianity. All of these are very well represented in the mainstream media except one. Only one demands a complete re-birth of ideas, self-concept and concept of others. Only one forces change and cessation/beginning of processes and practices, which are completely counter to our nature at the most basic level.
Taking that long hard look in that long, hard mirror is something all humans will fight. It's hard and it's not pleasant. Examination of what is truly at our core is often not pretty either.
The artist is the one who sees the truth as shaped by their faith and has that "burning inside" feeling that dictates: I must express this truth. Their version of truth comes from whatever faith shapes their ideas. 168 asks them to examine and challenge what they know or think they know.
What opportunities exist for filmmakers after the 168 Film Festival?
We are working on many avenues for distribution on the web and on TV. Future 168 plans include greatly expanded online offerings and a path to feature length film production and TV.
There are now ninety-four "Best of 168" films available on DVD. The planned television show entitled "Project 168" will take the best elements of reality, documentary and news thus spotlighting the filmmakers "168" journey with interviews, behind-the-scenes, and the resulting film. It's ready to go, just waiting on the Lord for a green light.
Tell me some success stories?
Many 168 filmmakers go on to enjoy great success on the film festival circuit. Some have won awards, such as Talin Parseghian, Jim and Dawn O'Keeffe, who's film MAX was part of the International Cinematographer's Guild Showcase in 2004.
There are others making headway like Michael Costner, from 2005 (yes he is related to Kevin). His company (New World Sun Productions) started in 2007 and will be producing at least 3 movies this year.
"The Feast (168 project from 2005) was really the 1st film I ever produced. The nurturing, spiritually-open environment, combined with the pressure of actually getting a film done in that short amount of time, really brought us all together creatively and personally. It made me want to keep doing it. Now I get to do that for a living, with a lot more time, and I thank God for that." --Michael Costner
David and Kim Kiang are working on webisodes (see teaser) and feature length projects from their 168 shorts. It's very exciting to watch. http://alliwant.tv/home.html is the 2007 entry, and http://www.betteroffsaid.org/ is their website for the 2005 short.
MUCH MORE TO COME. We have 33 entries as of today.
10/9/08
9/30/08
Hernia, Streaming Media Conference, Ted Haggard Play?
I have spent a week of vacation finishing my short film called "The Chronicles of Hernia: the Lion, the Ditch and the Studio." It has been rewarding and exhausting at the same time. I never wanted to make a short film, I wanted to jump into making one of the features I have written. I am the kind of person who likes to just jump in. At nearly 40 minutes, "Hernia" is really closer to a feature than a short. But, Sundance Film Festival considers shorts to be 69 minutes or less. So, let's say featurette.
I am glad I did this short first. I have watched so many other people's mistakes that I have learned a great deal. Making a short is so much cheaper and can be a thorough education. It can also develop your stamina and maturity in all areas, professional, spiritual and managerial. That is why making a 168 Film is such a good idea for anyone remotely curious about a career in film.
I have written an article on making "Hernia," which will (Godwillin) come out in the next Indie Slate Magazine (October issue). Indie Slate is also planning to run my coverage of the LATV Festival, which is best described as a boot camp for TV producers. I thoroughly recommend getting involved with that group as well.
Some of the lessons I talk about in the Indie Slate-"Hernia" Article are about hiring friends and managing your expectations. This is soo important. First you must know intimately what you want to accomplish and what the production is and isn't. Is it a $3000 budget? Is it SAG? Do you need stars? What if you don't make your money back? What is the marketing plan? What is plan A, B, C?
These things should be well thought out in advance if you want to succeed in making a short film that you will learn from, get exposure and create career capital that you can spend with studios and production houses, so that they will read your next script and take you seriously as a director, writer, actor or whatever.
In addition to writing and directing and producing, I was also one of the lead actors in making "Hernia." I would not advise this approach on your first film. But for this one, it made sense, at least to me.
I wrote the role for me (or some other repressed/explosive personality). I am sure there are actors who could have delivered the role, but I don't know them and I didn't find them when I went through the really lengthy casting process. With our short window, I didn't have a lot of time to teach someone what I wanted. I needed an actor who "got" my sense of humor as a writer-director. Finally, I would really really also recommend you hire a casting agent.
Stay tuned for the premiere of "Hernia" and pray it gets into Sundance. For more on "Hernia," see the next issue of Indie Slate and stay tuned to the blog for the premiere.
STREAMING MEDIA EXPO:
I just returned from covering this event in San Jose. I am doing an article on Indie Film and streaming distribution.
It was a small show, but that means much more intimate panels and networking.
I met with David Dolby of Dolby Labs, who expressed great interest in 168 and in "Hernia." I hope everyone loves the film as much as they love the title. Pray for partnerships like this to grow. With their help, I hope to offer the filmmakers a workshop on 5.1 sound production and editing.
I also met with a company/website called Tubemogul.com. This is a crucial, free marketing service for indie films of all lengths. This will allow you to have a much improved chance of getting traction with your short or feature indie film.
TubeMogul is the first online video analytics and distribution company serving publishers large and small who need independent information about video performance on the Internet and automated upload to the Web's top video sharing sites.
TubeMogul's analytic technology aggregates video-viewing data from multiple sources to give publishers improved understanding of when, where and how often videos are watched, track and compare what's hot and what's not, measure the impact of marketing campaigns, gather competitive intelligence, and share the data with colleagues or friends. Check it out.
The biggest question from all of the players, big and small was regarding making money on the web. When will it happen?
My favorite quote from the Streaming Media Expo: Let's not exchange analog dollars for digital pennies. This underscores the fact that for all the trends indicating a shift to online viewing, there are precious few digital dollars paying for online advertising and there is very little consumer willingness to pay for or watch anything but the program content and a very limited amount of ads.
The frog is in the skillet, so to speak and Madision Avenue is prepared to bide it's time with old advertising models while they wait for the killer app, the new breed of consumer and better metrics for tracking advertiser return-on-equity.
TED HAGGARD PLAY: THIS BEAUTIFUL CITY
So, I got this call to come as the guest to see a Ted Haggard Play at the Kirk Douglas Theater. What?!
Not knowing anything about the play, I felt a compulsion to go, like a moth unto flame.
"This Beautiful City" is a documentary-style play with music (a musical?), created from interviews with actual persons, that explores the Evangelical movement and its unofficial U.S. capital, Colorado Springs, CO. Ted Haggard's church, and numerous others are front and center in a play that highlights civic concerns and issues facing diverse parties in the USA.
The producing company is the Civilians from New York. They created the play based on hundreds of hours of interviews over the course of 10 weeks in Colorado Springs. Leading churches in the area participated in the project, as did numerous civic organizations, progressive/LGBT activists, and individuals from many walks of life.
As I drove to pick up my friend for the play, I wondered, what am I doing? There were really only two options in the treatment of the subject matter. A) Bash Christians and Ted Haggard, B) Portray both sides of a difficult complex of issues honestly and openly.
C) was not an option: To say Ted was a victim and defend him.
So, I got there and sat down and was greeted promptly with an ugly round of Christian bashing and lampooning that made me want to leave.
If you don't believe in evolution, stay out of science, if you want to restrict my life and my civil rights, than F--- you! Was one of the lines I remembered.
The crowd's uproarious laughter was reserved only for the most acerbic, vicious attacks on Christian foolishness and hypocrisy.
Up to now, the play was tedious and boring for me, a lecture on how ridiculous and myopic the Christians are. The big bad woolf is definitely Focus on the Family, no doubt due to their stature and power in Colorado Springs.
The anti-Christian players were bitter, angry, determined to expose and destroy. Why did I come here, I asked again?
So, at intermission, I planned to make my escape before they unveiled the lions den. I looked for my friend Phil Cooke, who had also gotten an invite.
It was a dark and stormy night...
The pensive, hunted, token Christians gathered in the foyer of the Kirk Douglas like so many sheep awaiting the clarion call of the chainsaw shepherd.
Just before we decided to make our exit, my contact Raul came up and welcomed us warmly. I desperately looked for a metal detector, but there was none to be found.
He commended us up to the reception hall after the second half of the play was over. "Will they be armed?" I asked wanly?
He laughed and made some apologies. And we were trapped. I felt I HAD to struggle thru the rest of the play. At some point I decided it would be cowardly to retreat.
The second half of the play was different. The portrayal of the anti-Christians was still accusatory and mean-spirited. The Christian portrayal was authentic! What? Authentic.
They showed two characters in a level of depth that made me care about them. Both were played by the same woman, Emily Ackerman, an excellent actor. One was a trans-gendered male who dressed as a female. She told the sad story of losing her job planning cities due to the way she looked. She'd also lost her faith.
Emily Ackerman's other character was warm and authentic and fascinating. She told the story of her victory over drugs and her love affair with Jesus. During her amazing soliloquys she often looked offstage to scold her kids. Maybe it was because she was so authentic and sympathetic that no one had the bad taste to make fun of her and her sincere beliefs. I wished for much more of her story to be told.
Remember these characters are all based on real people. And real churches.
Yes, they chose the most charismatic, often bizarre churches to portray Christians, and yes they made fun of them and of course Ted and his crew.
But, they showed the real deal from all accounts. A real slice of a prayer meeting that got very intense (complete with demonic deliverance), a worship service with authentic good music and respectful worship lyrics, and a group of Air Force Cadets who were sincere about being servants to their corps.
They were portrayed accurately and sympathetically (albeit a bit naive, with a touch of messianic complex). The antagonists were especially vitriolic, bitter and determined. I am sure that is true too.
After the play, we went up to meet the cast and crew, who had done much of the research for the play in "the springs". They recounted with wonder how open and welcoming the Christian community in Colorado Springs had been towards them. I wanted to ask if some of them had become Christians through the experience. They definitely all had gotten a different view of "Evangelicals" as they call them.
One of the initial presentations of the play had taken place at Colorado College in 2007. The question was asked, how did they react to it? The crew said that they liked it, but the anti-Christian people had complained that they portrayed the Christians too warmly.
The truth can hurt both ways. Yes, there are the phony TV-Vangelistas and the Ted Haggards, who lead a double life. But, when you come across the love of Jesus from an authentic source, it is hard to forget. When you come to destroy and ridicule and you find truth and love, how bad would that feel to lie about it or not to honestly try to portray the "Evangelicals" with integrity as they have.
It seemed that the second half of the play was, in part an apology for the first half of the play.
As the talk back went on to the end, they asked for one final question. I raised my hand and asked writer Steven Cosson this question: What is the purpose of this play?
He had obviously never gotten this question or even considered why he was doing a play of this ilk. He was quite dumbfounded.
He finally got it out that he was trying to promote discourse. It is pretty difficult to promote discourse by punching someone in the mouth. But, as I said the truth hurts. Some of the true portrayals of Christians in this play will make you ashamed.
Would I recommend the play? Really good question. I'd have to say no for Christians. But, it might just be the kind of thing you could take non-Christian friends to (especially burned, angry ones) and then have a really, really good cup-o-Joe afterwards.
jdw
I am glad I did this short first. I have watched so many other people's mistakes that I have learned a great deal. Making a short is so much cheaper and can be a thorough education. It can also develop your stamina and maturity in all areas, professional, spiritual and managerial. That is why making a 168 Film is such a good idea for anyone remotely curious about a career in film.
I have written an article on making "Hernia," which will (Godwillin) come out in the next Indie Slate Magazine (October issue). Indie Slate is also planning to run my coverage of the LATV Festival, which is best described as a boot camp for TV producers. I thoroughly recommend getting involved with that group as well.
Some of the lessons I talk about in the Indie Slate-"Hernia" Article are about hiring friends and managing your expectations. This is soo important. First you must know intimately what you want to accomplish and what the production is and isn't. Is it a $3000 budget? Is it SAG? Do you need stars? What if you don't make your money back? What is the marketing plan? What is plan A, B, C?
These things should be well thought out in advance if you want to succeed in making a short film that you will learn from, get exposure and create career capital that you can spend with studios and production houses, so that they will read your next script and take you seriously as a director, writer, actor or whatever.
In addition to writing and directing and producing, I was also one of the lead actors in making "Hernia." I would not advise this approach on your first film. But for this one, it made sense, at least to me.
I wrote the role for me (or some other repressed/explosive personality). I am sure there are actors who could have delivered the role, but I don't know them and I didn't find them when I went through the really lengthy casting process. With our short window, I didn't have a lot of time to teach someone what I wanted. I needed an actor who "got" my sense of humor as a writer-director. Finally, I would really really also recommend you hire a casting agent.
Stay tuned for the premiere of "Hernia" and pray it gets into Sundance. For more on "Hernia," see the next issue of Indie Slate and stay tuned to the blog for the premiere.
STREAMING MEDIA EXPO:
I just returned from covering this event in San Jose. I am doing an article on Indie Film and streaming distribution.
It was a small show, but that means much more intimate panels and networking.
I met with David Dolby of Dolby Labs, who expressed great interest in 168 and in "Hernia." I hope everyone loves the film as much as they love the title. Pray for partnerships like this to grow. With their help, I hope to offer the filmmakers a workshop on 5.1 sound production and editing.
I also met with a company/website called Tubemogul.com. This is a crucial, free marketing service for indie films of all lengths. This will allow you to have a much improved chance of getting traction with your short or feature indie film.
TubeMogul is the first online video analytics and distribution company serving publishers large and small who need independent information about video performance on the Internet and automated upload to the Web's top video sharing sites.
TubeMogul's analytic technology aggregates video-viewing data from multiple sources to give publishers improved understanding of when, where and how often videos are watched, track and compare what's hot and what's not, measure the impact of marketing campaigns, gather competitive intelligence, and share the data with colleagues or friends. Check it out.
The biggest question from all of the players, big and small was regarding making money on the web. When will it happen?
My favorite quote from the Streaming Media Expo: Let's not exchange analog dollars for digital pennies. This underscores the fact that for all the trends indicating a shift to online viewing, there are precious few digital dollars paying for online advertising and there is very little consumer willingness to pay for or watch anything but the program content and a very limited amount of ads.
The frog is in the skillet, so to speak and Madision Avenue is prepared to bide it's time with old advertising models while they wait for the killer app, the new breed of consumer and better metrics for tracking advertiser return-on-equity.
TED HAGGARD PLAY: THIS BEAUTIFUL CITY
So, I got this call to come as the guest to see a Ted Haggard Play at the Kirk Douglas Theater. What?!
Not knowing anything about the play, I felt a compulsion to go, like a moth unto flame.
"This Beautiful City" is a documentary-style play with music (a musical?), created from interviews with actual persons, that explores the Evangelical movement and its unofficial U.S. capital, Colorado Springs, CO. Ted Haggard's church, and numerous others are front and center in a play that highlights civic concerns and issues facing diverse parties in the USA.
The producing company is the Civilians from New York. They created the play based on hundreds of hours of interviews over the course of 10 weeks in Colorado Springs. Leading churches in the area participated in the project, as did numerous civic organizations, progressive/LGBT activists, and individuals from many walks of life.
As I drove to pick up my friend for the play, I wondered, what am I doing? There were really only two options in the treatment of the subject matter. A) Bash Christians and Ted Haggard, B) Portray both sides of a difficult complex of issues honestly and openly.
C) was not an option: To say Ted was a victim and defend him.
So, I got there and sat down and was greeted promptly with an ugly round of Christian bashing and lampooning that made me want to leave.
If you don't believe in evolution, stay out of science, if you want to restrict my life and my civil rights, than F--- you! Was one of the lines I remembered.
The crowd's uproarious laughter was reserved only for the most acerbic, vicious attacks on Christian foolishness and hypocrisy.
Up to now, the play was tedious and boring for me, a lecture on how ridiculous and myopic the Christians are. The big bad woolf is definitely Focus on the Family, no doubt due to their stature and power in Colorado Springs.
The anti-Christian players were bitter, angry, determined to expose and destroy. Why did I come here, I asked again?
So, at intermission, I planned to make my escape before they unveiled the lions den. I looked for my friend Phil Cooke, who had also gotten an invite.
It was a dark and stormy night...
The pensive, hunted, token Christians gathered in the foyer of the Kirk Douglas like so many sheep awaiting the clarion call of the chainsaw shepherd.
Just before we decided to make our exit, my contact Raul came up and welcomed us warmly. I desperately looked for a metal detector, but there was none to be found.
He commended us up to the reception hall after the second half of the play was over. "Will they be armed?" I asked wanly?
He laughed and made some apologies. And we were trapped. I felt I HAD to struggle thru the rest of the play. At some point I decided it would be cowardly to retreat.
The second half of the play was different. The portrayal of the anti-Christians was still accusatory and mean-spirited. The Christian portrayal was authentic! What? Authentic.
They showed two characters in a level of depth that made me care about them. Both were played by the same woman, Emily Ackerman, an excellent actor. One was a trans-gendered male who dressed as a female. She told the sad story of losing her job planning cities due to the way she looked. She'd also lost her faith.
Emily Ackerman's other character was warm and authentic and fascinating. She told the story of her victory over drugs and her love affair with Jesus. During her amazing soliloquys she often looked offstage to scold her kids. Maybe it was because she was so authentic and sympathetic that no one had the bad taste to make fun of her and her sincere beliefs. I wished for much more of her story to be told.
Remember these characters are all based on real people. And real churches.
Yes, they chose the most charismatic, often bizarre churches to portray Christians, and yes they made fun of them and of course Ted and his crew.
But, they showed the real deal from all accounts. A real slice of a prayer meeting that got very intense (complete with demonic deliverance), a worship service with authentic good music and respectful worship lyrics, and a group of Air Force Cadets who were sincere about being servants to their corps.
They were portrayed accurately and sympathetically (albeit a bit naive, with a touch of messianic complex). The antagonists were especially vitriolic, bitter and determined. I am sure that is true too.
After the play, we went up to meet the cast and crew, who had done much of the research for the play in "the springs". They recounted with wonder how open and welcoming the Christian community in Colorado Springs had been towards them. I wanted to ask if some of them had become Christians through the experience. They definitely all had gotten a different view of "Evangelicals" as they call them.
One of the initial presentations of the play had taken place at Colorado College in 2007. The question was asked, how did they react to it? The crew said that they liked it, but the anti-Christian people had complained that they portrayed the Christians too warmly.
The truth can hurt both ways. Yes, there are the phony TV-Vangelistas and the Ted Haggards, who lead a double life. But, when you come across the love of Jesus from an authentic source, it is hard to forget. When you come to destroy and ridicule and you find truth and love, how bad would that feel to lie about it or not to honestly try to portray the "Evangelicals" with integrity as they have.
It seemed that the second half of the play was, in part an apology for the first half of the play.
As the talk back went on to the end, they asked for one final question. I raised my hand and asked writer Steven Cosson this question: What is the purpose of this play?
He had obviously never gotten this question or even considered why he was doing a play of this ilk. He was quite dumbfounded.
He finally got it out that he was trying to promote discourse. It is pretty difficult to promote discourse by punching someone in the mouth. But, as I said the truth hurts. Some of the true portrayals of Christians in this play will make you ashamed.
Would I recommend the play? Really good question. I'd have to say no for Christians. But, it might just be the kind of thing you could take non-Christian friends to (especially burned, angry ones) and then have a really, really good cup-o-Joe afterwards.
jdw
8/23/08
You call that a Christian Film?
Dear 168,
I received an anonymous question about one of the films on the BEST OF 168 DVD (08) entitled "The Visit." It does merit some explanation.
The films shows a nurse making a home visit to a mentally handicapped man and talking with him. She is obviously not a person of faith and in her soliloquy, she imagines what it would be like to be posessed by a spirit like people of faith claim to be. Without knowing it, she is wondering about the presence of the Holy Spirit. Here's the question from the anonymous emailer:
THE QUESTION:
I saw "The Visit"on the (Best Of 168) 2008 DVD...How does that qualify as a Christian Film and get to be a top 20? The woman in it was major worldly and talking about how cool it would be to be possessed by something...
I'm serious, I watched that with a couple of friends and we were all three clueless as to how that film made it into the top 20 AND how that film is considered a Christian film at all. Where was the redemptive value in it? How were people pointed to Scriptural truth in it? We sincerely don't understand...so I am asking.
THE ANSWER:
From the world's point of view, this film is an explanation of an outsider's view of what faith and the Holy Spirit might be like. The film truthfully explores the subject from the point of view of one who does not know anything about the truth of the Christian faith.
The film is an important one and it is on the DVD to be used in this way: 1. To generate discussion for non-Christians who can relate to this point of view with absolutely no hindrance. 2. To provide a view of from the other side for Christians who have so long been in the "Holy Huddle" (so to speak) that they have forgotten how the world thinks of spiritual things.
The film is very well acted and simple, yet profound.
I received an anonymous question about one of the films on the BEST OF 168 DVD (08) entitled "The Visit." It does merit some explanation.
The films shows a nurse making a home visit to a mentally handicapped man and talking with him. She is obviously not a person of faith and in her soliloquy, she imagines what it would be like to be posessed by a spirit like people of faith claim to be. Without knowing it, she is wondering about the presence of the Holy Spirit. Here's the question from the anonymous emailer:
THE QUESTION:
I saw "The Visit"on the (Best Of 168) 2008 DVD...How does that qualify as a Christian Film and get to be a top 20? The woman in it was major worldly and talking about how cool it would be to be possessed by something...
I'm serious, I watched that with a couple of friends and we were all three clueless as to how that film made it into the top 20 AND how that film is considered a Christian film at all. Where was the redemptive value in it? How were people pointed to Scriptural truth in it? We sincerely don't understand...so I am asking.
THE ANSWER:
From the world's point of view, this film is an explanation of an outsider's view of what faith and the Holy Spirit might be like. The film truthfully explores the subject from the point of view of one who does not know anything about the truth of the Christian faith.
The film is an important one and it is on the DVD to be used in this way: 1. To generate discussion for non-Christians who can relate to this point of view with absolutely no hindrance. 2. To provide a view of from the other side for Christians who have so long been in the "Holy Huddle" (so to speak) that they have forgotten how the world thinks of spiritual things.
The film is very well acted and simple, yet profound.
8/15/08
Seeing past the stars in LA-Polar Ring Galaxy and Laminin
Losing sight of God in L.A. is pretty easy. Often we can’t see the stars for the stars who drive cars and private jets. We settle for what can be an extremely disappointing piece of incomplete reality.
Stars and other celestial bodies are unbelievably "hugemongouser" than we can imagine, so big they deserve a new word. But for the lights, and the smog and the hectic pace of our lives, we can’t seem to remember that these things are out there—cradled in the palm of the Almighty.
It makes me feel insignificant. Moreover, it makes me really glad that I am called his friend. He knows my name.
Some perspective: the sun is nearly 865,000 miles in diameter. Earth is not quite 8,000 miles wide. Jupiter, the biggest planet in our solar system, is 88,700 miles wide. A star called Betelgeuse is 500 times bigger than the sun, and the red super giant, VY Canis Majoris is 1950 times the size of our “tiny” star, the Sun.
The distances are so vast that they can’t even be measured in miles. Canis is 5000 light-years away, and it’s brightness is 430, 000 times greater than the Sun.
Proof and comfort is in the living word of God.
Isaiah 40:11-13:
He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on the scales and the hills in a balance? Who has understood the mind [d] of the LORD, or instructed him as his counselor?
AND:
Isaiah 40:25-26 "To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?" says the Holy One. Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.
Keeping these things in mind, where does knowledge breakdown? How do we get so wrapped up in our version of reality, i.e. the one that is visible. And how then do we ignore facts that are as close to us as looking up at the sky? And how do we then make such poor choices as to not amplify the Creator of all these things?
We breakdown in many places. In Hollywood, it starts with a bad idea that is excused on behalf of being “edgy” or deferring to someone who is perceived to have all of the power. They could be a hot writer, to whom the director doesn’t want to say no. Maybe the producer likes the script and he can hire and fire, make or break. You may see yourself as just a cog in the machine. And you are!
But you are His cog. And His control of the machine may rest entirely on your shoulders. Your part may simply be to say “no.” Or yes. Whatever the answer, we must be prepared in advance to be able to choose to honor God in all we do.
The opposite of jaded is what? Child-like?
Here’s a relatively new scientific fact:
Laminin is a protein found in the "extracellular matrix", the sheets of protein that form the substrate of all internal organs also called the "basement membrane". It has four arms that can bind to four other molecules. The three shorter arms are particularly good at binding to other laminin molecules, which is what makes it so great at forming sheets. The long arm is capable of binding to cells, which helps anchor the actual organs to the membrane.
The laminin protein is made up of three separate parts that give it a total of six "ends", which accounts for a lot of its flexibility in connecting various kinds of molecules. Laminins are a family of glycoproteins that are an integral part of the structural scaffolding in almost every animal tissue.
Laminin is vital to making sure overall body structures hold together. Improper production of laminin can cause muscles to form improperly, leading to a form of muscular dystrophy. It can also cause progeria. (more on Progeria below)
Laminin looks like this. (Clik the title link above (Seeing past the stars in LA-Polar Ring Galaxy and Laminin) or go to http://originalzchick.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/laminin.jpg
(the molecule is in the shape of a cross).
What is this disease caused for the lack of Laminin - Progeria?
Progeria (Greek, "old age") refers specifically to Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria syndrome. Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria syndrome is an extremely rare condition in which physical aspects of aging are greatly accelerated, and few affected children live past age 13. About 1 in 8 million babies are born with this condition. It is a genetic condition, but occurs sporadically and is usually not inherited in families.
And what did Jesus say? Mark 10:13-16
"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."
These cross-shaped molecules bind us together and keep us young (as little children). Did you get a chill?
Finally, consider this passage, which again shows how elegant and simple scripture is, yet how completely it describes the scientific realities as we discover them for ourselves.
Colossians 1:12-17:
Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
The following link will show you the "Polar Ring Galaxy," one curiously shaped like a cross. The evidence is everywhere. http://www.utahskies.org/report/20011109/HST_NGC4650A.jpg
Keep looking up.
Stars and other celestial bodies are unbelievably "hugemongouser" than we can imagine, so big they deserve a new word. But for the lights, and the smog and the hectic pace of our lives, we can’t seem to remember that these things are out there—cradled in the palm of the Almighty.
It makes me feel insignificant. Moreover, it makes me really glad that I am called his friend. He knows my name.
Some perspective: the sun is nearly 865,000 miles in diameter. Earth is not quite 8,000 miles wide. Jupiter, the biggest planet in our solar system, is 88,700 miles wide. A star called Betelgeuse is 500 times bigger than the sun, and the red super giant, VY Canis Majoris is 1950 times the size of our “tiny” star, the Sun.
The distances are so vast that they can’t even be measured in miles. Canis is 5000 light-years away, and it’s brightness is 430, 000 times greater than the Sun.
Proof and comfort is in the living word of God.
Isaiah 40:11-13:
He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on the scales and the hills in a balance? Who has understood the mind [d] of the LORD, or instructed him as his counselor?
AND:
Isaiah 40:25-26 "To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?" says the Holy One. Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.
Keeping these things in mind, where does knowledge breakdown? How do we get so wrapped up in our version of reality, i.e. the one that is visible. And how then do we ignore facts that are as close to us as looking up at the sky? And how do we then make such poor choices as to not amplify the Creator of all these things?
We breakdown in many places. In Hollywood, it starts with a bad idea that is excused on behalf of being “edgy” or deferring to someone who is perceived to have all of the power. They could be a hot writer, to whom the director doesn’t want to say no. Maybe the producer likes the script and he can hire and fire, make or break. You may see yourself as just a cog in the machine. And you are!
But you are His cog. And His control of the machine may rest entirely on your shoulders. Your part may simply be to say “no.” Or yes. Whatever the answer, we must be prepared in advance to be able to choose to honor God in all we do.
The opposite of jaded is what? Child-like?
Here’s a relatively new scientific fact:
Laminin is a protein found in the "extracellular matrix", the sheets of protein that form the substrate of all internal organs also called the "basement membrane". It has four arms that can bind to four other molecules. The three shorter arms are particularly good at binding to other laminin molecules, which is what makes it so great at forming sheets. The long arm is capable of binding to cells, which helps anchor the actual organs to the membrane.
The laminin protein is made up of three separate parts that give it a total of six "ends", which accounts for a lot of its flexibility in connecting various kinds of molecules. Laminins are a family of glycoproteins that are an integral part of the structural scaffolding in almost every animal tissue.
Laminin is vital to making sure overall body structures hold together. Improper production of laminin can cause muscles to form improperly, leading to a form of muscular dystrophy. It can also cause progeria. (more on Progeria below)
Laminin looks like this. (Clik the title link above (Seeing past the stars in LA-Polar Ring Galaxy and Laminin) or go to http://originalzchick.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/laminin.jpg
(the molecule is in the shape of a cross).
What is this disease caused for the lack of Laminin - Progeria?
Progeria (Greek, "old age") refers specifically to Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria syndrome. Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria syndrome is an extremely rare condition in which physical aspects of aging are greatly accelerated, and few affected children live past age 13. About 1 in 8 million babies are born with this condition. It is a genetic condition, but occurs sporadically and is usually not inherited in families.
And what did Jesus say? Mark 10:13-16
"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."
These cross-shaped molecules bind us together and keep us young (as little children). Did you get a chill?
Finally, consider this passage, which again shows how elegant and simple scripture is, yet how completely it describes the scientific realities as we discover them for ourselves.
Colossians 1:12-17:
Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
The following link will show you the "Polar Ring Galaxy," one curiously shaped like a cross. The evidence is everywhere. http://www.utahskies.org/report/20011109/HST_NGC4650A.jpg
Keep looking up.
8/5/08
NATPE's LATV Festival-A review
I just covered the 3-day LATV Festival for Indie Slate Magazine. It was held July 30-Aug. 1st at the Highlands (Hollywood and Highland), the Renaissance Hotel, and the House of Blues. The LATV Festival defies classification. It is truly a "how to do Hollywood" manual, encompassing a Digital Day, Content Industry Forum (formerly TV Producers’ Boot Camp) and Pitch Pit.
I was impressed with all of the real opportunities for working and aspiring professionals offered by NATPE.
What a great infusion of Entertainment Industry knowledge.
The panels were dripping with delicious, juicy info both for the newbie and for the jaded veteran. Let's face it, in the internet age, we are made to be newbies every day. The panels ran smoothly and left me wanting more (yet needing time process it all). Topics included such diverse offerings as: "Follow the Money", "Developing Original Content for the Web", and "Think Like a Marketer, Succeed as a Producer."
The "Pitch Pit" was crowded not just with eager pitchers, but also with catchers worth every bit of the wait. ABC, BET, CAA, CBS, BBC, FOX, MTV, NBC, RDF, FremantleMedia (American Idol, America's Got Talent, Celebrity Family Feud, etc.), Talpa, (brainchild of John de Mol - Big Brother, Deal or No Deal and Fear Factor), Lionsgate and more were looking for everything from Hosts to Show Pilots, and Spec Scripts to Television Series. They were not just summer interns either. It was a great coup having the "Tonight's Show" there accepting pitches for a segment where Leno's audience votes on the pitches and on the show.
Finally the "mentoring" event called "Schmoozefest" was also a great success, giving attendees new insights and connection to living, breathing executives and to each other.
For many newbie attendees, the sheer joy of being welcomed inside the studio curtain gave hope to their dreams fueling the fires of courage and creativity.
Predictably, it IS all about money. But there were glimmers of hope amongst the many opinions on the panels.
While the AOL TV/Moviefone.com representative encouraged content producers to deliver R-rated material (because if you don't they will get it somewhere else, she reasoned), others like Blip.tv and YouTube do not and will not accept nudity and certain other prurient material. They don't want to offend their audience. Imagine that!
It's convincing evidence that we must continue to embrace this, the most influential secular industry.
Onward!
I was impressed with all of the real opportunities for working and aspiring professionals offered by NATPE.
What a great infusion of Entertainment Industry knowledge.
The panels were dripping with delicious, juicy info both for the newbie and for the jaded veteran. Let's face it, in the internet age, we are made to be newbies every day. The panels ran smoothly and left me wanting more (yet needing time process it all). Topics included such diverse offerings as: "Follow the Money", "Developing Original Content for the Web", and "Think Like a Marketer, Succeed as a Producer."
The "Pitch Pit" was crowded not just with eager pitchers, but also with catchers worth every bit of the wait. ABC, BET, CAA, CBS, BBC, FOX, MTV, NBC, RDF, FremantleMedia (American Idol, America's Got Talent, Celebrity Family Feud, etc.), Talpa, (brainchild of John de Mol - Big Brother, Deal or No Deal and Fear Factor), Lionsgate and more were looking for everything from Hosts to Show Pilots, and Spec Scripts to Television Series. They were not just summer interns either. It was a great coup having the "Tonight's Show" there accepting pitches for a segment where Leno's audience votes on the pitches and on the show.
Finally the "mentoring" event called "Schmoozefest" was also a great success, giving attendees new insights and connection to living, breathing executives and to each other.
For many newbie attendees, the sheer joy of being welcomed inside the studio curtain gave hope to their dreams fueling the fires of courage and creativity.
Predictably, it IS all about money. But there were glimmers of hope amongst the many opinions on the panels.
While the AOL TV/Moviefone.com representative encouraged content producers to deliver R-rated material (because if you don't they will get it somewhere else, she reasoned), others like Blip.tv and YouTube do not and will not accept nudity and certain other prurient material. They don't want to offend their audience. Imagine that!
It's convincing evidence that we must continue to embrace this, the most influential secular industry.
Onward!
7/17/08
"Expelled" Wins 1st Ammendment Battle with Yoko
Yoko Ono failed to force the producers of this very important movie to remove the John Lennon song, "Imagine." This legal victory is in keeping with FAIR USE of music in documentary and film.
Stein (the judge, unrelated to the film's star Ben Stein) described Fair Use thusly, "the doctrine provides that the fair use of copyrighted work for purposes of criticism and commentary is not an infringement of copyright." He was right and the 1st Ammendment was upheld.
Lawsuits with agendas to shut down first ammendment rights are dangerous and un-American. The 1st Ammendment (Known as Freedom of Speech) has two clauses concerning religion.
The Establishment Clause prohibits the government from passing laws that will establish an official religion or preferring one religion over another. The courts have interpreted the establishment clause to accomplish the separation of church and state. This is to protect religion from government control, not goverment from religious control as is so often mis-construed.
The Free Exercise Clause prohibits the government from interfering with a person’s practice of his or her religion. However, religious actions and rituals can be limited by civil and federal laws, ie. no animal sacrifice.
In a free society, Christians must argue for protection of all religions, that we may practice our own. In a democracy I believe we must be informed and active because WE ARE THE GOVERNMENT. They will do what we say if we say it loudly.
"Agenda-based film and art" is a redundant label. The fact is that all art has a point of view and an agenda. There are more overt or less, but the fact is to use (the medium) is to choose a worldview. The only question is whether the message is clear or muddled, subtle or overt, fair or unfair.
Michael Moore is not ashamed of his viewpoint. His religion is expressed in his ranting against what he hates, & for what he likes. His portrayal of the "facts" is not often debated by those who love and agree with him. The means justify the Moore, you might say.
It is well documented that MM is not afraid to "groom" the facts, the words and the pictures to support his premise. This means that his "Academy Award Winning 'Documentary'" is NOT a documentary at all. It is a work of fiction. The rules for the Academy Award say that a documentary is a non-fictional movie. This is another example of a system rigged to support a point of view. Very dissappointing.
Moore's brand of agenda film is spewed forth with a similar venom that you see from a "Christian" Hate Group such as Westboro Baptist Church. Not that bad, but you get the idea. Inciting people to hate is profitable and dramatic. And it always gets ratings. But, it is not converting or trancendent as is truth spoken in love. We must strive for this winsome tone in all we do. It is a formula for success.
"Expelled" is biased. But, it does explore in a humorous way the truth of the state of the academic community toward Intelligent Design and what academia considers the fairy tale of a creator god in charge of the universe. If open-minded liberal viewers actually went to see the movie, would they be laughing? Would they be sympathetic?
To it's credit, "Expelled" does not have the bitterness of a Michael Moore hachet job, ie. his treatment of the aging Charlton Heston in Heston's own home.
Ben Steins cagey toungue-in-cheek humor is not ment to wound, just to poke the sore spots. Watching him get avowed athiest Richard Dawkins to admit there quite possibly may be a God was somehow endearing for both. Humanity and humility (if athiestic) is quite refreshing!
You should plan to see "Expelled"! It is both entertaining and enjoyable.
"Expelled" plans a national re-release of the film this summer and the company has come up with an ambitious plan to make the film available to any group which would like to bring the film to a local theater.
For more information or to schedule a screening please contact: Premise Media at (678) 546-5580 or email: Tripp@premisemedia.com
For media inquiries or to schedule an interview please contact: laurakobbs@gmail.com.
For more information please go to: http://mm.ninjitsuhosting.com/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=17602&qid=182582
Stein (the judge, unrelated to the film's star Ben Stein) described Fair Use thusly, "the doctrine provides that the fair use of copyrighted work for purposes of criticism and commentary is not an infringement of copyright." He was right and the 1st Ammendment was upheld.
Lawsuits with agendas to shut down first ammendment rights are dangerous and un-American. The 1st Ammendment (Known as Freedom of Speech) has two clauses concerning religion.
The Establishment Clause prohibits the government from passing laws that will establish an official religion or preferring one religion over another. The courts have interpreted the establishment clause to accomplish the separation of church and state. This is to protect religion from government control, not goverment from religious control as is so often mis-construed.
The Free Exercise Clause prohibits the government from interfering with a person’s practice of his or her religion. However, religious actions and rituals can be limited by civil and federal laws, ie. no animal sacrifice.
In a free society, Christians must argue for protection of all religions, that we may practice our own. In a democracy I believe we must be informed and active because WE ARE THE GOVERNMENT. They will do what we say if we say it loudly.
"Agenda-based film and art" is a redundant label. The fact is that all art has a point of view and an agenda. There are more overt or less, but the fact is to use (the medium) is to choose a worldview. The only question is whether the message is clear or muddled, subtle or overt, fair or unfair.
Michael Moore is not ashamed of his viewpoint. His religion is expressed in his ranting against what he hates, & for what he likes. His portrayal of the "facts" is not often debated by those who love and agree with him. The means justify the Moore, you might say.
It is well documented that MM is not afraid to "groom" the facts, the words and the pictures to support his premise. This means that his "Academy Award Winning 'Documentary'" is NOT a documentary at all. It is a work of fiction. The rules for the Academy Award say that a documentary is a non-fictional movie. This is another example of a system rigged to support a point of view. Very dissappointing.
Moore's brand of agenda film is spewed forth with a similar venom that you see from a "Christian" Hate Group such as Westboro Baptist Church. Not that bad, but you get the idea. Inciting people to hate is profitable and dramatic. And it always gets ratings. But, it is not converting or trancendent as is truth spoken in love. We must strive for this winsome tone in all we do. It is a formula for success.
"Expelled" is biased. But, it does explore in a humorous way the truth of the state of the academic community toward Intelligent Design and what academia considers the fairy tale of a creator god in charge of the universe. If open-minded liberal viewers actually went to see the movie, would they be laughing? Would they be sympathetic?
To it's credit, "Expelled" does not have the bitterness of a Michael Moore hachet job, ie. his treatment of the aging Charlton Heston in Heston's own home.
Ben Steins cagey toungue-in-cheek humor is not ment to wound, just to poke the sore spots. Watching him get avowed athiest Richard Dawkins to admit there quite possibly may be a God was somehow endearing for both. Humanity and humility (if athiestic) is quite refreshing!
You should plan to see "Expelled"! It is both entertaining and enjoyable.
"Expelled" plans a national re-release of the film this summer and the company has come up with an ambitious plan to make the film available to any group which would like to bring the film to a local theater.
For more information or to schedule a screening please contact: Premise Media at (678) 546-5580 or email: Tripp@premisemedia.com
For media inquiries or to schedule an interview please contact: laurakobbs@gmail.com.
For more information please go to: http://mm.ninjitsuhosting.com/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=17602&qid=182582
7/8/08
Will Smith's "Hancock" a Foul-Mouthed Disappointment
Dear Blog,
I was so excited for the new Will Smith movie that I let the guard down. I didn't even look at a review, so strong was my opinion of Smith and his ability to choose quality roles. I was not prepared for the ugly words that came from the mouth of the homeless superhero.
Sh--, Bit--, ass---- were frequent refrains as the characters in the movie painted Hancock as an insensitive jerk for his eventual (predictable) chance for redemption. I was shocked and disgusted.
Against my instincts, I continued to watch, thinking that Smith (and the movie) would turn around and stop the foul language. It continued nearly the whole way through to the end.
The movie is disturbing in it's flirtation with and easy acceptance of adultery and it's uber intense and disturbing violence and graphic images of blood, guts and superhero suffering. Really icky stuff, especially when I was expecting a feelgood flick from my ol' buddy Will.
Yes, Sony has a reall winner on their hands with this disturboriffic picture. To me it's a bait-and-switch, Appatowic slippery sloping, disgusting, revolting development that will tarnish Smith's squeaky reputation and serve to cram even worse language into the MPAA rating system. No, I don't care that it has made over $100 Million! This movie will offend a significant part of its audience and they may think twice before going to the next Will Smith movie.
SO WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT IT? All of the ratings for the MPAA are handled out of their Sherman Oaks office in LA. The Ratings Chairperson's name and email is: Joan_Graves@mpaa.org.
I intend to start a dialogue with the MPAA. It must be done if we are to avoid the future of even uglier words being allowed into the stories our children hear. A large enough outcry will make an impression and change will occur!
Peace out!
I was so excited for the new Will Smith movie that I let the guard down. I didn't even look at a review, so strong was my opinion of Smith and his ability to choose quality roles. I was not prepared for the ugly words that came from the mouth of the homeless superhero.
Sh--, Bit--, ass---- were frequent refrains as the characters in the movie painted Hancock as an insensitive jerk for his eventual (predictable) chance for redemption. I was shocked and disgusted.
Against my instincts, I continued to watch, thinking that Smith (and the movie) would turn around and stop the foul language. It continued nearly the whole way through to the end.
The movie is disturbing in it's flirtation with and easy acceptance of adultery and it's uber intense and disturbing violence and graphic images of blood, guts and superhero suffering. Really icky stuff, especially when I was expecting a feelgood flick from my ol' buddy Will.
Yes, Sony has a reall winner on their hands with this disturboriffic picture. To me it's a bait-and-switch, Appatowic slippery sloping, disgusting, revolting development that will tarnish Smith's squeaky reputation and serve to cram even worse language into the MPAA rating system. No, I don't care that it has made over $100 Million! This movie will offend a significant part of its audience and they may think twice before going to the next Will Smith movie.
SO WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT IT? All of the ratings for the MPAA are handled out of their Sherman Oaks office in LA. The Ratings Chairperson's name and email is: Joan_Graves@mpaa.org.
I intend to start a dialogue with the MPAA. It must be done if we are to avoid the future of even uglier words being allowed into the stories our children hear. A large enough outcry will make an impression and change will occur!
Peace out!
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