God Shows Up: 168 Assignment Night

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Click Here for the video.

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

Peace,

John David Ware

State of the Union of Faith & Film

168 Film Project Poster 2011

by Mike Rutland

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

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

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

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

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

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

"SECOND CHANCES"

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

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

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

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

Team Signup Deadlines:

Int'l 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

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

- 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.

Click here to make a Matching Donation

Write of Passage Winner in Familiar Territory

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

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

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!