Are Christian Creatives Really Welcome In Hollywood?

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

What, you expect an answer?

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

Film Project Team Entry Deadlines:

International Team Entry Deadline: Jan 23rd.

USA TEAM ENTRY DEADLINE: FEB 1.

To Register Click Here

Brian Bird

168 VIP Mixers - Mondays: 7-10PM

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

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

Mon. Jan 23rd:

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

Writer Producer, "Touched By an Angel."

Mon. Jan 30:

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

Info & Bios below

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

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

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

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

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

Howard Kazanjian

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

Terry Botwick

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

168 Calendar 2012:

THEME "PROMISES, PROMISES"

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

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

Scotty Dugan

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

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

Reception to follow. All are welcome.

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

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

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

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

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

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

PRODUCTION WEEK START:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Information subject to change

Students Make a 168 Film Project Run

High School Students Jessica Hernandez &

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

from Locke II Charter High School in Watts, CA

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

For Schedule, Click Here.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Write of Passage Winner 2011, WOP Success

The 2011 Winner is:

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

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

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

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

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

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2nd Place

"Broken"

Lisa England from Milwaukee. WI

Development Executives: Ted and Karen Eachus

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3rd Place

"Rebirth"

Paul F. Spite from Cookeville, TN

Development Executive: Rowena Kuo

____________

Finalists:

Aftershock, Babydoll, Belle, Men's Group,

Mirror, Mirror, Roosevelt Heights, What Life Is Like

Names withheld until Audience Award selection.

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

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HOW ARE THE WRITE OF PASSAGE 2010 FILMS DOING?

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

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

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

Awards:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Producer Andrew Librizzi

Alumni continue to advance!

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

See audience responses from the second test screening:

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

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

The Zondervan novel pre-order:

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

HERE'S WHAT CHURCH LEADERS ARE SAYING...

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

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

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

– John Hossler, CEO, Josh McDowell Ministries

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

–Bob Higley, Vice President, Trinity Broadcasting Network

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

–Bob Mason, President, Missions International

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

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

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

–Peggy O'Connor, Executive Producer, Legacy Films

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

Pastor Toni Gore, Faith Fellowship Church, McKinney, TX

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

Associate Pastor Zane Sipes, Clearpath Church, Mesquite, TX

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

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

"Story of transformational grace!"

–Zack Smithson, Pastor, Church of the Nazarene

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

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

168 Film Festival 2012: Book the Alex Theatre Now!

Hey Y'all,

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

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

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

There are cool perks for donating.

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

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

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

Wildflower Film Project Interview with David Roland

For Interview with Organizer

David Roland, Click Here

John David Ware and some of the Wildflower Film Project Committee

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I asked organizer David Roland some questions:

How do you plan to get other schools to cooperate?

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

What else you want people to know about this?

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

Tell me how 168 has influenced your plans to date.

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

168 Helping Birth Wildflower Film Project for Kids

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I asked organizer David Roland some questions:

How do you plan to get other schools to cooperate?

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

What else you want people to know about this?

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

Tell me how 168 has influenced your plans to date.

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