Getting Work in the Biz: The 168 Connection

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

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

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

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

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.