Wealth and Possessions

Here is the foundational verse for this year's Write of Passage Screenwriting Competition (Oct. 2015). Ecclesiastes 5:19 "Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil-this is a gift of God." NIV

The theme for 2015-2016 is "Work," as it is for the 168 Film Project (May 2016). What a great verse and theme for Hollywood.

I and so many of my friends continually obsess on success, which is a major ingredient of wealth, which is further complicated by fame.

I know of a man who is more slavish than others to the biz.  His continual obsession is for his work.  He toils and toils and grumbles at his lowly estate.  And worst of all, his rabid and obnoxious sense of entitlement disallows him to ever receive small victories that are won; with gladness of heart.

In Ecclesiastes 6:3, it says that "A man may have a hundred children and live many years; yet no matter how long he lives, if he cannot enjoy his prosperity and does not receive proper burial, I say that a stillborn child is better off than he." NIV

In Solomon's time, the cultural relevance is of a proper burial was of grave import (pun intended). If one was not interred either in the earth or in a tomb, it represented divine disapproval.  But, that's a subject for another time.

If one cannot enjoy one's prosperity, then I would say that it is akin to being buried alive by the vagaries of work.  As Solomon said in Ecclesiastes, it is "meaningless, a chasing after the wind."

Here is a line (slightly modified) from one of the Write of Passage Screenplays.  It's wisdom is profound:

It’s not wrong to want to be rich, but there is nothing more wrong than being a slave to that notion.  (If you succeed as you dream in your wildest fantasies), then you’ll be a slave to that business for life -- until it finally gets to a point, if it ever does, that it will give you the freedom you have right now!

Do you have this freedom?  Are you in bondage to success?  Do you HAFTA GET THERE, TO BE SOMEBODY, TO BE RICH, TO BE FAMOUS?  Will that success make the pain and emptiness go away?  What if it doesen't?

Proverbs 16:7-9 says: "When the Lord takes pleasure in anyone’s way, he causes their enemies to make peace with them. Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice. In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps." NIV

The end of the matter in the sobering book of Ecclesiastes is simple: Fear God, keep his laws, eat, drink and find happiness in your work IN THAT ORDER.

Easy to say, tough to do.

"Work" a Familiar Theme

Here's an answer to a very good ? from a writer in the "Work" -themed WP Writing Contest. It discusses Theme and Motivation.

The THEME AND DESCRIPTION for this year:

The theme for Write of Passage 2015 and 168 Film Project 2016 is "Work!" You’ll never find the phrase, “I just quit my day job” in the Bible.  Much to the chagrin of mankind, work is a critical ingredient in God's long-range plan for every human being.  Take the journey with us as we explore the world of work.  Our verse this year is: Ecclesiastes 5:19 "Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God." NIV

WRITER QUESTION: As I am endeavoring to study into and consider the verse and theme for Write of Passage Screenwriting Competition, I am continually struck by the fact that many new testament followers of Jesus, DID in fact "quit their day job." Matching this with the fact that Ecclesiastes is really viewed as "man's wisdom" is setting up for a pretty interesting ride.

Right off the bat, I feel that we are addressing "work" from a carnal standpoint. That said, I'm looking forward to writing, but more so in having a discussion about this topic in the someday future. There. Now that I've said that, in good conscience I will go back to my study.

Mostly, I just want to challenge myself and other Christians to think about why we are viewing things a certain way. Therein lies the beauty of this competition, so thank you! Have a great day at work...or rest, wherever you find yourself ;). Sincerely, Ellen

MY ANSWER:

Part of the tagline/teaser zeitgeist is provocation, hopefully to get people to think or laugh or identify. For me the description of the theme is frequently ironic and often appeals to and/or makes fun of us flawed humans.  As you read the description of this year's theme "Work," the fact is God wants us to work! And that is the issue.  Will we do work or will we take the easy way as we are prone to do.

When I go to bed at night, have I done everything to my satisfaction? This is an easy standard to accomplish for many of us and it is a moving target.  What about "Have I done everything to His satisfaction?" That's conviction. Wrestle well.

John

Sorry, Write of Passage is closed for this year.
https://www.168film.com/WriteOfPassage

FAITH FILMS EMPOWER FEMALE FILMMAKERS - Seven-Year-Old Girl Nominated for Best Kids Film in 168 Film Festival

BURBANK, CA – 28 July 2015 –  When Kathryn Bigelow won the Oscar in 2010 as Best Director of “The Hurt Locker,” her accomplishment carried an expectation that a gateway was now open for female directors.  However, no woman has received a Best Director nomination since then.

The ranks of female studio film directors have fallen from 8.1 percent in 2010 to 4.6 percent in 2014, according to an L.A. Times analysis (Feb. 22, 2015).  Directors Guild of America’s 2014 statistics show that women directors comprise only 14 percent of their current membership, and head 14 percent of TV directing roles. 

The 168 Film Project and Festival is a very bright spot for women. Since its inception in 2003, the 168 Film Project has been a catalyst for launching the careers of the next generation of filmmakers. 

This year, over 30 percent of all 168 entries boast women directors, and nearly two-thirds of the entries overall featured women as Producer, Executive Producer, Director or Director of Photography. Entries in the 17-day speed filmmaking contest are based on the Bible. 

The 168 Film Festival takes place at the Premiere House at Regal Cinemas LA Live on August 29 - 30, 2015. Tickets are on sale here.

“We encourage women, men, and even children filmmakers to develop and grow in the 168 incubator,” said John David Ware, the contest’s founder and director. “It’s rewarding to see alumni launching their careers and establishing themselves in the film industry.”

Seven-year-old Rachel Lowry entered this year’s 168 contest with her directorial debut, “True Freedom,” the story of a young girl who is wrongly accused of a jewel heist. Lowry wrote, produced, directed and voiced all the roles in the film, which is a contender in 168’s “KidVid” category.

See Rachel's interview with her father here:

Writer/Producer Rachel Lowry – pic by Tim Lowry (dad)

Talisha Henderson's crew told her during production that they could not film on one particular day, and so she went on a date with her boyfriend. "He had hired my crew to record our engagement,” she said, “I got engaged last night!  I'm going off pure adrenaline today. This is our fourth year with the 168. I feel much more confident now.”

                      

                   Talisha Henderson and fiancée Frank Oliver – pic By Vincent McKinney

Second-time producer-writer April Manor returned in 2015 with the comedy, “Die Trying.” “My director, Liz Hewes, has a good rapport with our director of photography. She gave him room to do his job, so egos were left out of it. That lack of ego is magic,” said Manor. Her film is up for four awards, including Best Comedy.  Last year these newbies worked with 4-time Emmy Award Winner Michael Learned (“The Waltons”).

April Manor with her Kids On Set in 2015 – pic By John David Ware

 (L-R) Director Liz Hewes, 168 Founder John David Ware and Producer April Manor 2014 – pic By Antony Varon

Michael Learned Takes out Trash with Director Liz Hewes 2014-pic By John David Ware

The experience was challenging for “Birdie’s Song” director Shari Rigby. “We lost our script, location and writer at 11 p.m. on Wednesday,” she said. “Just 48 hours prior to the production, we wrote a new script (in 12 hours), complete with all new shots and locations. The 168 really puts you in a pressure cooker. I ran a crew and cast of 40 people. The contest showed us what we’re made of and who we are.” Rigby is also an actor, starring with Stephen Baldwin and Sharman Joshi in an untitled feature that is shooting in India.

Director Shari Rigby and DP Lukas Columbo 2015 – Pic By Isaul Trinidad

Producer/Actress Marianne Haaland in "Birdie's Song" 2015 – pic By Lukas Colombo

 Actor/Producer Meredith Adams (Nominated for Best Picture)

Review: Webisodes, TV and Film with Gary Hall, Sr. VP of Post Production at Fox Television

 Gary Hall and John David Ware

Mix-ers

Gary and Me

The Lineup

This is a review of the event held at LA Valley College on Monday, April 6, 2015.  It was called "Webisodes, TV and Film" with Gary Hall, Sr. VP of Post Production at Fox TV.

Gary Hall  has been helping out at 168 Film for about 10 years judging the films on our Grand Jury. So when he came in it was kind of like seeing a good friend.  He is also Sr. Vice President of Post Production for Twentieth Century Fox Television.

Gary's work at Fox includes scheduling and running post production on dozens of television shows for everyone including the major networks to some cable networks and other providers like Netflix.   His division has started to dip it's foot into the 4K world. Gary shuddered when I mentioned 5K was just around the block.

 Why you ask? The post world is just about constant change, both in personnel and technology.  Once things get running really well, it's often just about time to switch to a new format and that can make life hard.  Fox is an all Avid shop, so that a unifying factor and a positive.

Gary is a writer at heart and he has taken jobs that allow him to earn a good living as well as participate in his passion projects like writing and teaching skills to the underprivileged.  

He advised one actor who had become a producer to take jobs that "allow you to have a pathway to your passion position."  Case in point, at 168 Film, it is perfectly legit for a producer to start a team and cast themselves and thus avoiding the casting line.  And you better believe it happens in "the real world" too.

Gary also had advice for young producers aiming towards a career making television. "Make a short film, show what you can do," he said.  Webisodes are basically short films on the web, and some of them make decent money and can inspire TV shows.

Googling "top earning webisode" yields a Top 25 Webisodes list and yes, it includes at least one 168 Alumnus Producer.  Robert Kirbyson's show CTRL is mentioned, starring Arrested Development fan-favorite, Tony Hale.  The site says that rumors of a possible second season are swirling. Reportedly, Yahoo! has recently taken interest in reviving the show (2013).  It's dated, but I like the sentiment!

A three-time 168 veteran, Robert Kirbyson also wrote and directed the Steve McEveety feature "Snowmen," which won Best Film awards at The Tribeca and Dallas Film Festivals.

Said Kirbyson, "I'm very thankful for the 168 Film Project. Within weeks of moving to LA, it helped me get connected to other Christian professionals, who have become long-term friends and collaborators. Most of the crew on ‘CTRL Z’ (his short, adapted into a 10-part webseries for NBC Universal) were people I've worked with on 168 projects, or wanted to work with after seeing their films at the festival."

Alumni Joshua & Rebekah Weigel's short film "The Butterfly Circus" will soon be made into a feature film with "Lord of the Rings" trilogy Executive Producer, Mark Ordesky.

What do they have in common?  168 Film.

According to Gary, "The 168 Film Project is an effective tool for exposing new talent. I regularly use the best of 168 as a showcase for my colleagues here at 20th Century Fox. It's a consistent source of excellent new Actors, Producers, Directors, Editors, Directors of Photography and more, whom we expect to work with in the near future."  According to Gary, several 168 actors have been cast in Fox Shows.

Gary did mention a certain multiple award-winning editor whom, he'd noticed in the 168 contest. He's tried to hire him many times, but the guy is just too busy.   

Mr. Hall will serve as a Grand Jury Member for the 2015 "Freedom-themed" edition of the 168 Film Project.  The Competition is in May and the 168 Film Festival is August 29-30 at Regal Cinemas at LA Live.

Gary is Sr. Vice President of Post Production for Twentieth Century Fox Television where he oversees post-production for all scripted network and cable series. His production responsibilities include past and present hits like 24, THE SIMPSONS, BONES, HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER, ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT and HOMELAND. Gary has written and produced for 21 JUMP STREET, THE A-TEAM and PENSACOLA: WINGS OF THE GOLD. In addition to working in the television industry, Hall has also worked as a police officer for LAPD for over 30 years, with multiple commendations for bravery and service. He has worked such assignments as gangs, narcotics, homicide and on several special assignments including the infamous “Night Stalker" case. Gary is currently assigned to patrol duty.

He and his wife Cyndi founded a prison ministry called HOLLYWOOD IMPACT STUDIOS, whose goal is:

To bring new hope and a brighter future to those individuals who have been dealt a tough hand in life; to use the art of television and filmmaking to change lives; and provide a training ground where Hollywood professionals mentor these individuals in order to identify and develop their individual God-given talents and passions in order to choose a new path.

With 'Fifty Shades of Grey' Universal Studios Advocates Violence Against Women - N.O.W. Oddly Silent Advocates

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When it Rains, It Pours - Daniel Furukawa

Daniel Furukawa, Producer

Best Film of 2014 Acceptance Speech

I recently got a chance to visit with Award Winning Producer, Daniel Furukawa.   His film "What Showers Bring" won the Best Film Award at the 168 Film Festival 2014.

"What Showers Bring" garnered ten nominations including: 

Best Film, Best Director, Best Actress (2 Noms: Kelli Goss as Rachel, Paige Spara as Leah), Best Screenplay–Drama, Best Scriptural Integration, (use of foundational scripture), Best Sound Design, Best Original Score, Best Production Design and Best Hair and Makeup. 

"Showers" Won for:

Best Film: Daniel Furukawa, Producer 

Best Actress: Kelly Goss as Rachel
Best Original Score: Sean Massey, Composer

THE INTERVIEW:

JDW: What is your level of experience in the industry?

DF: I have very little experience on a film or television set. Most of my experience is in shooting and editing for churches, missions organizations, and corporations. A few of our teammates on the project have had some experience in smaller television productions, but for most of us this project was our first attempt at creating a narrative.

JDW: How did you get started?

DF: Actually, one of the first video projects I worked on, aside from high school class projects, was a tribute to a friend who passed away in college. I started shooting and editing consistently about 10 years ago for the church where my dad was working at the time.

JDW: What was your goal in producing for 168 Film?

DF: Our original goal was to find something to do that would challenge us as a group and stretch us creatively. We had been meeting together for a while and knew that we needed a specific goal to set our sights on. The 168 project provided that point of focus. As artists, we recognized that we had the tendency to plan and brainstorm, but rarely make it to the point of actual execution. By entering 168 we had guidelines and a goal, but most importantly for us, we had a deadline. I think deadlines are the necessary evil for artists. We hate them and need them at the same time. 

JDW: How did you organize your team?

DF: We had been meeting for a while prior to the 168 project.  A group of about 8-10 of us, each with our own individual skill sets, had decided about a year ago to meet and create projects on our own. Our hope was to create projects from the ground up, for the sole purpose of practice and perfecting our skills.

Best Film Team 2014

 Daniel Furukawa, Producer

JDW: Did you have everything you needed when you started out?

DF: It depends on how you look at it. We had a camera, a microphone, a crew ready to create and work hard, and luckily, an extremely talented group of actresses and actors who were willing to give up their time.  So yes, we had everything we needed, technically.  We shot on a very small budget (less than $1000), so we made decisions to shoot everything in one day, and mostly with natural lighting.  We also made decisions to shoot in locations that we had access to for free, like our own home. 

JDW: How did you get the actors that worked on your film?

DF: Our Casting Director, Genevieve Penn, is very good at what she does. She is an excellent evaluator of talent and potential. We trusted her completely and it paid off. 

JDW: How did your faith impact the production?

DF: Our faith impacts everything. I know that sounds like a Sunday school answer, but its true. We hope that our faith dictated the process completely. Our intention was to make a film that would impact people. We felt that it was important to create a story that people could relate to, and in turn, find hope in its message. We didn't want to necessarily wrap it up in a "Jesus Bow," but we wanted people to see that redemption is real, and Jesus is offering it to us. We experienced God's change of plans many times.  He has a wonderful way of taking what we've done (or set out to do) and remaking and renewing the plan into something we never thought possible.

JDW: What are your plans for the film?

DF: We want to make it available to as many people as possible, especially as an encouragement to couples struggling with the desire to have children naturally and harsh realities of infertility and other issues relating to conception.  Adoption is a wonderful alternative. 

JDW: What are your plans for the future?

DF: We hope to make more films. The 168 process opened our eyes and lit a fire in us to continue to create. We were encouraged not to limit ourselves with our budget and equipment excuses, but to allow the story to drive what we do. My dad always used to tell me when I was young, "the equipment doesn't make the man." That couldn't be more true than in filmmaking. Don't get me wrong, we love gear, but we won't allow the lack of it to prevent us from pursuing excellence in what we love to do.

JDW: What would you like people to know about the production? About you? About your team?

DF: We are young and inexperienced, but we are wide-eyed and excited to learn and better ourselves. We know we have so much to learn and we are thankful to 168 for contributing to our journey. Ultimately, we hope that in our team you see a glimpse of our Creator.

Peter Wigand, "Blood" and the "M" Word

Director Peter Wigand

Sexual sin is often NOT talked about.  There are some that believe that if sin doesn't affect anyone else, then it's not really sin.  Or maybe it doesn't count as much.

Jesus himself had much to say about the subject, as does the Bible.

Director Peter Wigand's film was made for the 168 Film Project in 2013.  "Blood" is a daring film that takes on the "M" word (masturbation) with so much subtlety that you might not even know it is going on.  Yet it gets to a discussion about lust that we all need to have.  

To see the 10-minute film, click here.  Note: There is zero sex in the film, but there are very mature themes.  So, Mature Audiences Only, please.

The Bible says nothing about M, but clearly condemns lustful thoughts.

Many adolescents and really all men of faith have to wonder if it is possible to do this without lust and therefore avoid shame and guilt feelings.

Some call it a pressure release with which we have been availed and a necessary way to avoid greater sins.  Why does it even work?  Why are human arms of a certain length?

Whatever the truth, here is an interesting verse that could speak of doing the difficult thing and "suffering" or striving to want holiness more than we do a release.  Therein lies the key, what do you allow into your mind and for how long do you allow it to distract you from your true purpose.

1 Peter 4:1-2 "Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. 2 As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God." (NIV)

Here's a candid interview with Peter Wigand.  Enjoy!

168: What was the collaboration on the set of "Blood" like?

PW: It was great actually. It's the first time I got to direct a narrative film with a strong Christian message, and for some reason it was clear God wanted me to do this. So He really brought it all together. We had regular prayer on set and our meetings, and the difference that brings is enormous. Everyone was filled with a positive energy and wanted to do their best all the time.

Describe the collaboration of shots and ideas with your Director of Photography?

PW: "My DP, James Drake, is one of the most talented, yet humble people I know. He was great in collaborating with me and handled my “cinematographer moments” very well.

I think a strong collaboration with your DP is one of the most important things.  He and I went out to the location once we had a rough script and "shot out" the movie in little stills to be sure we are on the same page.

What were you trying to say with the film?

PW: It's easy to forget (or to not REALLY believe) how God's grace through Jesus' all sufficient sacrifice really does make us clean if we accept it. A lot of us still live as "bondservants" to sin or religious thinking, trying to somehow redeem ourselves through good deeds or sacrifices of some sort (in our film we took the literal approach obviously).

The foundational verse for "Blood" is Hebrews 9:22 "The law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness (of sins)." (NIV)

It's the old covenant versus the new covenant. Christ entered the heavenly tabernacle once and for all (as described in Hebrews 9). 

But, instead of dying to ourselves, or letting ourselves "dissolve" in God's grace and forgiveness and through that, receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit, which is really the only thing that can set us free from the power of sin, we still hold on to the idea that we can somehow be righteous and please God through something we do.

It’s to indulge in pleasure that seems less sinful than acting out the sinful fantasies. It's using other people in your mind for your own pleasure.  It's selfishness.

Yet, Jesus clearly points out the importance of thought life and attitude of the heart. (Mathew 5:28).
Also, the old and somewhat worn out phrase “what would Jesus do” can be applied here as well.

Hebrews 4:15 says "(Jesus) has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet he did not sin." (NIV)

And by LIVING in his grace, not abusing it as a ticket to sin, we ought to live holy lives which starts in our hearts.  Romans 6:14 "For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace."

But why do we deceive ourselves into thinking it’s fine if we do it? We think it’s fine, cause we aren’t God’s son and we are still in our weak flesh that we have to battle. But that’s just half the truth.
The truth is we ARE children of God, through Jesus’ sacrifice, which involved His very own BLOOD. 

The symbolism of the lamb and it's sacrifice in your film is hard to take for some.  Describe your process in making the connection with "the sin that no one talks about."

PW: Its interesting that there is a sin that automatically brings more shame than other sins. Sexual sin does bring shame, but I feel like masturbation is probably even one of the most shameful sexual sins.

That's why we chose to have our character struggle with that very thing. It needed to be something that he was so ashamed of that he can't talk about it with anyone else, which is exactly why it has so much power over us.

James 5:16 says: "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." (NIV)

Of course in the story he also commits straight up adultery (as in extramarital sex) and it's interesting how most people are more uncomfortable watching the scene where he disappears in the bathroom (alone), but are fine with the scene that implies him having had sex with the other woman.

Anyway, it shocks me how we are believe that we don't need to be as accountable to God when it comes to our thoughts and imagination, our hearts and minds.  

Matthew 5:27-28 says: “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart."

I used to think that it was OK to indulge in that kind of sin as long as it was all imaginary, but God worked on my heart a lot over the last couple years, and it's clear to me that only if we give our all to Jesus can we be free and live life to the full.

It's sad how ineffective our churches and Christians are in this country (or most of the western civilization) and I truly believe that being subdued to the power of sin (which happens by being fine with having "a little bit of evil" dwell in our hearts) is the reason for that (sadly, for we males, who are supposed to be the leaders) most of the time, its the sexual sins that keep us down.

Anything else you want to point out?

PW: Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.  Hebrews 9:14 says:
“How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God.”

One thing we tried to portray in the film is the seriousness of the consequence of sin, which is death. Blood stands for life. The shedding of blood (death) is necessary for redemption.

The reality of sacrificing and shedding blood for our sin is STILL here. Just because Jesus did it once and for all over 2000 years ago, doesn’t mean He didn’t shed His blood for the very sins we are committing TODAY or may even still commit!

We take His sacrifice MUCH too light-heartedly when applying it to our lives.

People cringed and shifted in their seats when our film “Blood” suggested (through the power of sound design) the sacrifice of an “innocent, poor” sheep. Yet we don’t seem to be too upset to “make use” of Jesus’ blood over and over and over again.

This is not supposed to be a guilt trip, but rather to remind us of the reality of the sacrifice of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and how it OUGHT to impact us much deeper than our superficial, selfish struggles in the flesh, such as masturbation.

And on top of Him giving His own life for us, he even gave us a helper, and promised us that there is ALWAYS a way out, 1 Cor. 10:13: " No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it."

What are you working on in the near future?

PW: Currently I am working on a short film called "Bound."  It's about a man who is bound to an electric wheel chair on which he escapes the nursing home to find his freedom. Although it's only a 7 pages long it will be quite the production and we're hoping to be ready to shoot in the summer.

I am also working on a feature about the life of someone I personally knew and recently passed away.
The story deals with addiction on a very deep level. My writer and I are currently sifting through his (many) life events trying to shape it into an engaging drama, but we still have a long way to go.