168 Year in Review

Right now I am in Ohio.  The snow blankets the ground and laughs of children echo in my head.  These are the future of our world!

Nicholas and Camryn in Ohio (summer)

IF YOU BELIEVE THAT IT IS IMPORTANT TO HAVE CHRISTIAN IDEAS SHAPING THE MEDIA?  THEN, WILL YOU SUPPORT US WITH A YEAR-END, TAX DEDUCTIBLE ONE TIME OR MONTHLY GIFT? CLICK HERE TO DONATE.  

Through our ministry, we have seen the quality of Christian films greatly improve. This will allow Christian ideas to re-emerge in the culture. We also endeavor to support churches and missionaries to help them draw many to Jesus Christ through film.

Youth is the future of our world and they love stories (like all of us).  If they are led by media towards Christ, then we can WIN the generation. But, how to urge kids on toward faith and good deeds?

168 is different in that we do not attempt to fit into the Hollywood system. We are developing excellent storytellers for both secular and Christian audiences.  We are leading artists to achieve on God's terms, telling stories without gratuitous elements and refusing to bow to the appetites of the day.

 

Through story, we have a megaphone to the culture. Our opportunities for exponential ministry growth are engineered by the Lord and will soon be realized.  We need your help to be able to contain all of the blessings to be realized by His grace and by your financial support.

  

Please help us to communicate the love of Jesus in the language of the day (film & TV) by equipping new artists professionally and spiritually to speak in parables to the world.   

CLICK HERE TO DONATE. 

Some 168 Highlights: The Evangelista Award ($1,000) honors the best telling of the gospel of Jesus. "Evangelista" has raised the bar for "Gospel Films." Better films means more will listen.  Mission 168 is a new program, to serve visionary missions organizations in need of exposure by calling for film project ideas from non-profits and then matching them with a team to make a film.  The Write of Passage Short Screenwriting Competition is a one-week, mentored contest, which teaches writers as they compete. They develop redemptive, inspirational stories that honor God. One of our writers said, "Write of Passage serves as an excellent way to push Christian writers to (improve) and to put our creativity in the hands of the Lord. This competition is truly a blessing. It's my second year doing this and I'm honored and blessed to be a part of this.  I'm a stronger writer and most importantly a stronger Christian." CHANGING CULTURE: We have launched many individuals into careers in the media, teaching artists the wisdom of combining faith and work.  Maggie Elizabeth Jones was noticed after she won the 168 Best Actress Award for her role in "The Party" (Best Film 2010).    Since then, she has starred in "Footloose," "We Bought a Zoo" with Matt Damon and on the Fox TV series, "Ben & Kate." See Maggie and founder John David Ware interviewed here. 

 CHANGED LIVES: During the Write of Passage Competition, Caylan faced two deaths in the family. She said, "The contest helped me to keep hope for my family, many who don't yet know Christ. I was able to keep my focus on Jesus (instead of) on myself. "God gives us beauty for ashes. In some of the greatest pain I've known, this was a comfort." IMPACT: GLOBAL AND LOCAL: Deborah Brown's 168 film "Five Minutes" has recorded over 1 million viewings. Its twelfth language translation is into Ethiopian, which could reach 25 million people with the Gospel!  Could this be the New Jesus Film?  The Best Film of 2012 was "Refuge" (acted in Arabic with English subtitles).  It was shot in Pasadena, CA, which was made to look like Baghdad with some Hollywood magic. "Refuge" is a tale of revenge vs. forgiveness, made to carry the message of Jesus' love and salvation to an unreached population in their native Arabic language. We are making a big difference in this most strategic place, Hollywood. Our success has even caused a secular film festival to offer a faith-based category in partnership with 168!  This is how it should be; the world sees our joy and wants a piece of it.

My Birthday Wishes: Salvation & Love

John David Ware and Rebecca Ann Ware Martin

I have already received the greatest gift I could have asked for.  Take heart all of you who pray for loved ones.  God's arm is not too short.

We have prayed for so long for my sister, Rebecca to be healed, that is reborn.  A couple of months ago, a bad car wreck left her in horrible physical pain.  Eventually, she was led to the end of herself and to the feet of Jesus.

There is no greater feeling than having hoped and prayed for something like this and then against all odds, the Lord does an amazing miracle.  I can't wait to go home to Ohio this 

Christmas to meet my "new baby sister."  

God is good all the time.

At my party this Dec. 8th, I ask for no gifts for me, but only for my friends to help with the work of the Lord.  I pray you would volunteer your time, talents and love for the harvest that is coming. 

I pray that many would come and help shoulder my burden, which is 168.  

God has been breaking my heart for the broken people in our midst.  That is why I have started "Mission 168," to try and give back some dignity to the world of hurting people out there and to validate the armies (sometimes of 1) who struggle to bring about a good work in the lives of others.  We will save some through this wondrous tool the Lord has given us, the media.

Together I pray we will make something lasting, something great and even something they will talk about in the future.  Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (NIV). 

B-DAY DREAMS: I have a dream that all my friends would come to my party.  Everyone would get saved if they're not and we would pray not talk about small stuff, but about things that really matter.  

Of course, we would be at a swanky venue where we could leave a mess and nobody would have to clean up.  There would be silliness and a steady parade of folks all day long bringing their spiritual gifts and collectively offering the keys they hold to my and each others lives.  There would be love and laughter and no problems that couldn't be solved.

We would speak volumes to each other and tell our testimonies as to the reason we have for the hope we are given.  My special friends would come or at least make a good excuse why not.

At the end of the night no one would walk away feeling unappreciated or weird or troll-ish, but they would say to themselves, "Yeah, L.A. ain't so lonely after all.  I LIKE THIS GROWING FAMILY that doesn't TALK, so much as they DO.

THE LATENESS OF THE HOUR AND FEAR:

Even nearer are we to our destiny than just a moment ago.  Is there an excitement, an urgency?

Sometimes we can see so clearly the speck in our sister's eye and wish with all our heart we could reach in and remove the cancer, which is fear, before its too late.  Before time renders dreams and visions incapable of walking on their own.

What do you need to give up today?  I submit to you my dearest friend, it's your fear.  

Trusting the Lord (the only one to be feared), we magnify Him to the point where he is much larger than all of our fears.  Yea, we are blinded to our fears when we worship Him, rather than fear. 

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight (NIV).

We all need each other's courage to prosper.  

Let us open our eyes as Elisha did for his fearful servant:

2 Kings 6:

¹⁵ And when the servant of the man of God arose early and went out, there was an army, surrounding the city with horses and chariots. And his servant said to him, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?”

16So he answered,   “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with 

them.”  

¹⁷ And Elisha prayed, and said, “Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. 

¹⁸ So when the Syrians came down to him, Elisha prayed to the Lord, and said, “Strike this people, I pray, with blindness.” And He struck them with blindness according to the word of Elisha.

Which Write of Passage Stories Will Win? Verse & Theme, Table Reads

The Write of Passage writers and their mentors (Development Executives or DE's) are busily dining on scripture and creativity in hopes that they will pen the best story in the contest.

Top scripts compete for $1,000 cash, prizes and Hollywood introductions and expert critique from writer/producers Luke Schelhaas ("Law and Order," "Smallville") and Brian Bird ("Not Easily Broken").  Final drafts are due Monday at 5 PM PT.  Please pray for our courageous writers and DE's.

Here's an insiders view of some of their struggles & questions.

Regarding judging of the Write of Passage Screenplays, here's a question from Kathy Larson (in Charlotte, NC).  A discussion of the verse and theme follows.

Q: Is "shoot-ability" (or production probability) a criteria for judging the scripts?  i.e. a story idea that probably won't be produced (due to big budget, futuristic set needs, or an exotic location, etc).  Would you say a production like this can't win the contest?

A: No, this is a story competition, so the best stories will win.  But getting produced is a goal for many writers and a huge honor. So, if that is the goal, writers will be smart about anticipating the resources and tools that are available to our indie filmmakers.

If you assume that a producer will spend $2000 to $10,000 on a 10-11 minute short, then you can easily write for that.  Because of the great creativity of our community, low budget doesn't have to mean a "walk and talk" script.

However, if you write the next "Star Wars," don't sit waiting by the phone.  This kind of 12-page script is more a means to a feature version script and not an end in itself.

168 and WOP will be announcing a series of table reads soon to give exposure for the best films.  Actors, Stay tuned.  We will need your help.

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DISCUSSION OF THE VERSE & THEME

The theme is "Atonement: Winning the Other Side"

Whether we are perpetrators or victims, some things are just wrong and must be set right. Often this involves great humility and dedication to bridge the divide.  Measuring our attempts at reparation against the ultimate reparation in Jesus Christ, this year's journey explores the courage of those willing to do what it takes to win others' confidence, love and salvation; the blessings of atonement.

The verse is:
Proverbs 14:9 Fools mock at making amends for sin, but goodwill is found among the upright. (NIV)

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The verse breaks down into a few simple elements:

1. Fools that scoff at sin and atonement for it.
2. Those who are upright and take sin and atonement seriously and
3. (who) therefore find goodwill from God and men in their efforts.

So, how should do we make a story of this?

The best idea is to make the verse into a story that has relevance for today.  It can be metaphorical or literal to the verse, writer's choice.  Another goal idea is to make the script do-able: i.e. a film that could be shot in an  attainable location inexpensively.

We want to see these stories on the screen, so relevant, visceral, high-stakes tales of passion and intrigue are what we need.

The theme's synopsis above points to the atonement part of this verse, describing it as
an imitation of the selflessness with which Jesus willingly died for us.

That does not mean this imitation is an easy thing to do for proud humans.  On the contrary it often takes great patience, humility and dedication.

Writer Mark Baird correctly guessed that since Atonement is the theme, we chose the translation that emphasizes mocking the offering, or the atonement for sin, as opposed to mocking the sin itself.  The "mockers" can be a very small part of the story or they could be the focus.  Again, it's up to the writer to choose.

Regardless, special care should be taken to focus on the atonement, or making things right with others.

Some commentaries on this verse note that: Fools mock at the sin-offering; but those that make light of sin, make light of Christ.  (http://www.christnotes.org).

While it is not necessary to introduce Jesus as a character, the most clever of writers could well find a way to gently point back to the ultimate atonement as detailed in this verse:

Romans 3:25-26 New Living Translation (NLT and other)

"For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin.  People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past, for he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in this present time. God did this to demonstrate his righteousness, for he himself is fair and just and he saves and justifies those who have faith in Jesus."

To excel in the contest, the writers will study these fascinating verses including the words propitiation and atonement.  

168 and Burton Center for Arts and Technology

Dr. Fred Eichleman and John David Ware

I'm out of town this week (9/16-19/12) teaching in Salem, Virginia at the Burton Center for Arts and Technology, a vocational school designed to prepare students for immediate post-high school employment.

The school features four-year courses of study in Mass Communication: TV & radio production, print media, marketing, legal and ethics. If you prefer, they also offer performing arts such as choral, dance, musical theatre or speech communication.

Not your thing?  Try the school of Auto Service Technology (race car fabrication and all facets of the racing industry) Motorsports Technology, Engineering or Floral Design.  This is a fun school.

No, it's not a substitute for regular high school, it's an addition to it.  And yes, I'm a little jealous, but I am hiding it well.  The people here are very warm and friendly.

My hosts are Dr. Fred and Mrs. Carolyn Eichleman, rockstars of the blackboard.  They are retired, but they are very active in their 70's, publishing the Point North Tidings Newsletter among other things.  This tells the news of Christians in the arts who are making a difference.  Carolyn and Fred are big fans of the 168 Film Project and make great use of the 168 films for their weekly Bible study.

Their daughter Carol Webster is a drama teacher at the Burton School.

As you may have guessed, I am not here to teach their pit crew.  As the Burton Guest Artist, I am teaching a 3-day intensive on writing, production, acting, directing and everything else you might want to know about the business.



John David Ware Teaches at Burton Center for Arts & Technology

I humbly stand on the shoulders of friends from whom I have learned so much.  Special thanks go to Brian Bird, Derrick Warfel, Key Payton, Luke Schelhaas, Bruce Nahin and Kevin Sizemore.

Of course there is a dual purpose of recruiting students for the Write of Passage Screenwriting competition, BTW ONLY 2 WEEKS TO DEADLINE (Oct. 1).

I have been cramming their minds full of great info, which they are hungry for.  After the first day of three, one girl confessed to being so overloaded with ideas that she found it hard to concentrate.  "I can't shut off all of these ideas," she said excitedly.

So, I'm happy to be doing a reasonably good job.  My gift is exhortation, if nothing else and it is wildly satisfying to teach these young men and women and watch the lights go on.  Find (and fund) your gifts and give them away.


Peace,

John David Ware

Variety Family & Faith Summit Review

The Variety Family Entertainment and Faith-Based Summit was Thursday, June 21, 2012.

Kudos to Variety for seeing the need and providing an event of this caliber.  The biggest draw at these events as usual is the networking opportunities.  In person is still the best way to forge relationships.

The lineup of the program was impressive, making one wonder what they will do for an encore.  The room was sold out to the point of standing-room-only seating (Is that an oxymoron?) and there were many new folks to meet.

To see the Variety Review: Click Here "Biz takes notice of family, faith-based media" Variety summit features sneak peek at Mark Burnett's 'Bible' mini

John David Ware and "Survivor" producer Mark Burnett

Mark Burnett flew in from Morocco with a clip from his 10-hour mini-series called "The Bible" (due in 2013). 

Burnett spoke enthusiastically about the huge, often untapped potential of faith-based productions.

My philosophy of approaching the famous and the "put-upon" is simple.  Don't ask for anything but advice.  Don't give a card unless it is asked for.  I got advice from "The Apprentice" creator and "Survivor" producer.  His words ring in my ears as they are the same words I heard at the start of 168, ten years ago.  They are not discouraging, but they are sobering, "You have chosen a very hard road for yourself," he said.

He is correct.  Route 168 has been a very hard road.  But where is the glory to God in an easy victory?  He doesn't like a fair fight if you haven't noticed.  He uses the weak things of this world to influence the strong.  Judges 7:4 says, "But the LORD said to Gideon, "There are still too many men. Take them down to the water, and I will sift them for you there"  (NIV).  In the end, the Lord used only 300 men to defeat the "multitudes" of the enemy.

It's clear that Hollywood still does not know what to think of the whole "faith thing" (no, it was not all Christians at the summit).  Some were surprised at the way the show skewed more toward Faith instead of pondering the ins and outs of the "Family Genre."

Variety's "Family Entertainment and Faith-Based Summit " Logo shows the "Family" part of the equation first.  

Dick Rolf of the Dove Foundation said, "Family" is not a genre.  If it were, then the "Family Genre" would be excluded from the Comedy, Drama, Action-adventure and other genres.  It's not a genre it's a market segment," he said.  

And it's a big one.  Financially speaking, Family is much more lucrative and much easier to sell than faith--ask Disney.  

So, why did the summit skew so heavily toward Faith?  First, because Faith weighs heavily on people's hearts; they want to please their God in their work. Secondly, because it's SO HARD to get it right!  It's so hard to walk the line between compelling entertainment and compelling people to faith and making them feel "preached up."

The very message most central to survival is the one that many refuse to hear in any medium!  So, the artistry with which we produce could be the difference between life and death for some.  Do you believe that?  Does it give you a new focus?

So, what is a Christian film.  The more I hear the banter about what a Christian film should be, the more I'm convinced that we don't know.  At least there is no consensus.

To me a Christian film is whatever the Lord lays one's heart to produce, whether that be a "full tilt boogie come to Jesus party" film or a gritty human drama without the invocation of His name or an altar call.  Truly, I believe that Jesus can use many kinds of vehicles to reach humanity.  Further, I believe we are still in the infancy of what the Lord can and will do thru the medium.  So, we press on. 

Yes, the usual questions were asked on the Variety panels, "Who's got the money and How do I get some?"  But, there were few questions asking "How can we be different?"  or "How can we show our love for God."  Hello?

Pastor David Jeremiah said that our constant struggle to be relevant is the precise thing that makes us irrelevant to the eternal.  But, Jesus taught in parables, hmmm.

Yes, there are arguments on either side of the content debate, but we should never be ashamed of the Gospel.  Sometimes the gospel presentation in films is artistically shameful, but truly, few are willing to attempt this magnificent and near-impossible feat of a compelling "Gospel Film."  Many of the "willing" are also new and inexperienced artists; and Mel Gibson and a few courageous others.  Is it falling on your sword?  Is it pleasing the Almighty?  Or is it making hundreds of millions of dollars?

Many still believe that there's no money in faith films.   This is clearly wrong, but we must be willing to pay the price to make them and to make them great.

Here's a thumbnail of Variety's Family and Faith Show.  It featured analysis on the Faith and Family Film Market from the Dove Foundation and Movieguide.  Notables were Ralph Winter, Producer, X-Men:Wolverine, X-Men: The Last Stand, Corbin Bernsen, Actor/Producer (Psych, The Big Year) Ben Simon, Director, Brand Marketing at Wal-Mart, reps from Sony Pictures, Fox Home Entertainment, Hallmark Channel, GMC TV, Alcon Entertainment, Believe Pictures, Mpower Pictures, Mission Pictures International and Paradigm Talent Agency.

Some of the fresher questions and ideas explored were: What is the right balance between a compelling plotline and content that fits audience values? Brand placement, High-profile biblical projects (Noah and Moses) from directors Darren Aronofsky and Steven Spielberg.  The mainstream success of Soul Surfer.  Pitching broadly-targeted non-religious themed projects to the faith-based demographic – i.e. Relativity’s Act of Valor, TLC’s Sarah Palin’s Alaska, Alcon’s Dolphin Tale and Sony’s The Vow.  The panels continued with Crossover between larger family audiences and the faith-based demographic, Film Finance for Family and Faith-Based Entertainment: Brands, Investment Angels, Family Content Advocates and the necessity of aligning with certain family-friendly organizations, church groups, pastors and bloggers.  

After the summit, I met with a good friend who encouraged me to look at the audience for my project and the financial numbers (count the cost) and pray without ceasing and involve wise counselors in planning the attack.  Failing to use these tools is foolishness, an unwise use of resources.

Our directive is to keep meeting together as one body to encourage each other and to carry out the will of Him who made us.

As another friend said at the show, nineteen faithful (to evil) changed the world on Sept, 11th 2001 (by flying planes into the World Trade Towers).  What could 19 faithful to Jesus Christ do in 2012?

Finally, I learned some new terms and reinforced some old ones.

Regarding Faith and Family Entertainment: 

Multi-Generational means your film is something that the whole family can watch with Grandma and not have to excuse themselves because they are embarrassed (i.e. the rental car segment of "Plane's Trains and Automobiles").

Value-Affirming means you only offended the Baptists and either the Presbyterians or the Lutherans (with points for both), Faith Friendly means you didn't say anything too terrible or too good either, Faith Impermeable is the term for Hollywoods most mindless tripe ("Showgirls" or Friday the 13th Part 17), Faith Fried is a southern kinda film that is a little greasy but ultimately satisfying, Faith Tossed is a film with just a schmattering of God-but No Jesus, Faith Glazed is like a cruller--the message is pretty syrupy and might give you a stomach ache if you have too much, Faith Garnished is where the story is completely independent of the faith message (like the kale on a salad bar), Faith Seared is when you get a southern baptist preacher involved and it gets loud, and Faith Tartar is the term for for a RAW, RED MEAT KINDA FAITH that is not necessarily refined, but it is really really real ("Machine Gun Preacher" and "To End All Wars").

Corbin Bernsen Interview at Faith 'N' Film Summit 2012

         Corbin Bernsen, Filmmaker

The 2012 FAITH ‘N’ FILM SUMMIT Featured:

A Worship Service with Shane McCollum, Jennifer BoGray,

Comedy with Michael Jr., Interviews with filmmakers Corbin Bernsen and Kevin Sorbo, “Hercules: The Legendary Journeys,” A message from Dr. Ted Baehr, founder of Movieguide.com.

The panel discussion was moderated by John David Ware and entitled: "Show Me the Money: Funding Faith and Family Motion Pictures in 2012.”  The focus was on strategies in funding and what can indies learn from the studios (for a budget range from $200K to $15 million)?

Panelists included Genesis Capunitan, Senior VP Revolution Street Productions and Kurtzman/Orci Productions, Bobby Downes producer and founder and CEO of ChristianCinema.com and Chris Morrow, founder of EchoLight Studios.

Feature Film “25 Hill” screened by Corbin Bernsen, in which a father and son build a Soap Box Derby Car, but the work is cut short when dad is called to active duty in Afghanistan.  

The Faith 'N' Film Festival at NAB featured these "168" films: "Refuge," In Baghdad, a man is obsessed with a mysterious neighbor. Producers: Paul e Luebbers, Joel VanderSpek; director: Michelle Steffes (Los Angeles, CA)  WINNER: BEST FILM FNF FILM FESTIVAL, "InInk," A mysterious woman is the key to sacred scripture. Producer/director: Chris Wiegand (Dallas, TX), "Static," An astronaut's daughter misses her father. Producer: Brandon Carmichael; director: Luke Boney (Plano, TX), "Last Shot," An assassin asks, "Who cannot be redeemed by the hand of God?" Producer: Emil Pinnock; director: Damaine Radcliff (Burbank, CA), "Godless," A world without God, a girl without hope. Producer/director: Dwayne Tarver (a Write of Passage Film) (Perris, CA), Making of "Mirror Mirror" Behind the Scenes on a 168 Film. Producer: Doug Braddock; director: Steve Murray (Silverdale, New Zealand).

INTERVIEW WITH CORBIN BERNSEN:

In addition to eight years on "LA Law," Corbin Bernsen has appeared on "Seinfeld" and "The Larry Sanders Show" and has been nominated for Emmy and Golden Globe awards. He starred in "Hello Again," "Disorganized Crime," "Shattered" and as the Cleveland Indians' third baseman-turned-owner Roger Dorn in the popular "Major League" films. Corbin appeared with Robert Downey Jr. and Val Kilmer in "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang."

His many other film credits include "Judgment," "Tales From the Hood" and "The Great White Hype." He has two faith-based films ("25 Hill," "Barlowe Mann") due to be released in 2011. Corbin lives in Los Angeles with his wife, actress Amanda Pays and their four sons.  

Quotes are approximate.  JDW is John David Ware and CB is Corbin Bernsen.  His latest films are "Barlow Man" and "25 Hill."  Reading an article on the Soapbox Derby moved Corbin to write "25 Hill" to help generate sponsorship for the Derby, headquartered in Akron, Ohio.  His 4 kids inspire him to make moral movies with a spiritual bent to them.  

Having interviewed him and watched Corbin's process in filmmaking over the last year, I (JDW) have some insight into his 'psyche' and what he's trying to do (pun intended, Corbin stars in a USA Network series called "Psych").  

JDW: I tell people right or wrong, that Corbin is working out his spirituality on the screen for everyone to see.  It's such a beautiful technological age to be able to watch you do that.  What have you learned spiritually in the year since we've talked?

CB: Wow, this is gonna get deep.  I was raised as a Christian Scientist.  I had a foundation and like so many people, things just drifted away.  I always had a sense of God, a sense of Christ in me.  But, kind of like an atrophied muscle.  I hadn't been to the gym.  I am working it out.  My son, who's pretty much an atheist, he's 24.  We're at a family restaurant in Akron, OH on Easter morning, and he says, what do you need all that stuff for.  He's the art director on my film, so I know God's working his magical ways.  All these smiling people came over from church in their Wal-Mart best and the were so nice.  So I told my son, you can either have these people who've been in church and are touched by Christ, or you can go to the neighborhood where the shooting was the other night.  Which world do you want?  And he said, "You know ok, I get it."

What I'm trying to work through is...I don't wanna preach to the choir.  There's a massive group of people (and I'm that person) who want God, want Christ...they've been so distanced because of things that have happened.  But they want this in their lives.  They wanna bring this peace that was so integral to the foundation of this country.  One of my next movies is going to be an exploration of just being free to say God and give it to God.  I want people to feel free to... re-investigate faith in their lives.

Republican or Democrat, I don't care what you do, (It's by) the goodness in us directed by some moral barometer that is driven by faith in God and belief in human decency, that we will succeed.

JDW: Do you think America is redeemable, & if so, is it through Christianity or through film?

CB:  I believe in people.  I believe in this great gift from God (which is life).  I believe in all people...I believe it's all redeemable.  We just have to reach inside and touch that moral ground that God gave all of us, the smile, the joy.  We've just gone so far astray. 

 It's not even about morality.  It's about reaching in there for one second and 

As I say to people, you are witnessing my journey...watching me still working this stuff out.  I'll be honest with you, I'm still working this out...My journey is to lead people to the grand canyon and look at the magnificent sunrise with the reds and greens and blues and say... if you don't see God in that...If you just take one second to smell a rose and say, 'Wow, that's magnificent.'

JDW: People want miracles everyday and if they look around, they would see them.

CB: Everyday!  Every moment, look at your child... I look at and marvel at the way my beard grows or my hair (what's left of it).  I'm amazed at shaving.  I will probably be driven to insanity by marveling at the miracles of this incredible thing.

If people could just start (doing that) and as an extension of that, even if it's a placeholder, this is where I get into dangerous ground, just for a moment you call that God.  Just give it over to God.  Don't "pearly gates" it, don't "white beard" it.  People wanna get back to that. 

I'm doing this for me and that's the process of my films. 

Corbin talked about his worldview of film worldview: I believe there should be a Christian at the table, not because I want them to be right or I wanna change everyone's point of view.  92% of all people believe in God, I want that point of view at the table, if for no other reason than to have a good discussion.

JDW: With all your busy schedule, how is the juggling of family and producing and shooting?

CB: I simply do the things I love.  I love acting and it pays the bills.  I'm 57 and my dad just died and I got 1/3 of his ashes in a bag and I was looking at it and asking "Is that it?"  Does it stop at this ziplock bag?

I have four sons and I want to leave them with a world (that's better than this one is now).

My biggest problem is that I have a wife that doesn't get it (my struggle to understand faith).  She lives a Christian life and she's blessed for it, but she doesn't question it.  I'm given to fits of trying to take it all apart.  It's really important that in this world that's crumbling around us, that we have to have some faith back in our lives.

I don't even wanna address the hard issues.  I have great friends who are gay and I'm working through my thoughts on that and abortion and capital punishment...and that's the hard part of it, when you really start applying these beautiful, wonderful principles to these hard facts.  I'm not sure there are answers.  

JDW: Where did you get this kid in your film, Nathan Gamble, he's tremendous?  He's got better lines than you do.

CB: We had a big casting session and he wasn't my top choice, but something about him.  He was in "Dolphin Tale."  He's an incredibly gifted actor at 13.  It was if his dad died in Afghanistan.  It wasn't until the end of it that he told me he was Christian.  I didn't even know it through the whole film.  This kid just blows everyone away!

JDW: Is the Soapbox Derby saved?

CB: They just picked up a sponsor for 3 years, so... (APPLAUSE)

The movie comes out on July 2nd.  

JDW: How are you financing your films?

CB: I rob banks with a big cross on my chest.  (LAUGHTER)

JDW: That's deplorable, Corbin.

CB: It would be easier (MORE LAUGHTER).  I stay outside of the Hollywood system.  I raise money in these communities.  We have meetings and I get potential investors together.  Basically it's been pockets of money in these small towns.  "Rust" and "Barlow Man" were both funded by these small Canadian towns.  I talked to the economic development director and he said he could raise $500,000, so I was on the next plane and we shot "Barlow Man." 

JDW: We've got to wrap it up.  What would you like to leave us with?

CB: I am looking for one really rich Christian.  I really enjoy going into the communities, but it adds 6 months to the process.  And it does require being in touch with 20 people and letting them know everything you are doing, which is not bad, but I'd love to have a film fund.  But, He's making me work it.

JDW: How many pictures are on your slate that you wanna produce?

CB: I have one very funny Christian romantic comedy, "Christian Mingle," which is around the Christian Dating Website.   I was listening to Michael Jr. and I wanna do a film, "Good Cop, Christian Cop." Like "Good Cop, Bad Cop."  If one doesn't work, we'll try the other way.  

JDW: So Corbin, if we come up with a script for "Good Cop, Christian Cop," would you make it?

CB: You got a camera there, you got Michael there and me here, I say, 'let's do it.'

JDW: I want to thank you for coming.  I know you have to get up to Canada to shoot "Psych."

CB: Yeah you gotta pay the mortgage, but I really have enjoyed this and I really appreciate you having me here.  I look forward to seeing the film again.  Every time I watch it I get something new out of it.  They're my own movies, but they still inspire me to do more.

JDW: Well you inspire me and I think all of our audience as well, Corbin and we are really excited about watching you and watching what you do working out your salvation, working out your faith with fear and trembling as you make these films to inspire the world.  

CB: I wanna say one thing.  Dr. Ted Baehr has been my counselor through all of this and if it weren't for him, I might've given up.  He just keeps me being true.  

JDW: Any parting thoughts?  Do you have to leave?

CB: No I wanna watch everything that's going on.

JDW: Sweet, then you'll get to watch five 168 films and I promise, you'll be amazed.

CB: I was thinking I wanna do that.

JDW: Wow, you mean do a 168 film?  How about one with Michael Jr, Jenn Gotzon & Maggie Elizabeth Jones?

CB: As long as we win, man.  (LAUGHTER)

JDW: We'll I can't guarantee that...

CB: I do have a parting thought.  For anybody who's Christian, just invite people in, don't tell 'em what to be.  Just show them the beauty...take a rose and give 'em roses.

MORE DETAILS ON THE SUMMIT ARE FORTHCOMING, STAY TUNED.

Faith at NAB Show: Kevin Sorbo, Corbin Bernsen This Weekend

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Jennifer BoGray jennifer@168project.com OR John David Ware 818-843-6060, john@168project.com

KEVIN SORBO, CORBIN BERNSEN AND TED BAEHR TO PRESENT AT THIS WEEKEND’S FAITH ‘N’ FILM SUMMIT

NAB Show hosts summit this Sunday in Las Vegas

Photos: Michael Jr, Dr. Ted Baehr, Kevin Sorbo, Corbin Bernsen (L-R Clockwise)

LAS VEGAS, April 10, 2012 – The 168 Film Project is, once again, partnering with NAB Show to offer the Faith ‘N’ Film Summit, a day of networking and education from a faith perspective. The event will be held on Sunday, April 15, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM at the Las Vegas Convention Center - Room S219. The announcement was made today by John David Ware, Founder of the 168 Film Project.

Tickets for the Faith 'N' Film Summit are $50 and include access to NAB Show exhibits. Register here: http://tinyurl.com/FNFSummit-2012 (Code EP01). For the Faith 'N' Film Summit Agenda, visit http://tinyurl.com/FNFSchedj-2012. For more on 168, visit www.168project.com.

"The community has no shortage of talent," noted Ware, "And the strength of this year's crop of faith and family films is a testament to the growth we have seen in the genre. With our partner NAB Show, we are very excited to bring the discussion of how these films will be financed in 2012 and beyond."

Slated to present at this year’s Summit is actor/writer/director, Corbin Bernsen. In addition to his newest show “Psych,” Bernsen has appeared on eight years of "L.A. Law," "Seinfeld" and "The Larry Sanders Show," and was nominated for Emmy and Golden Globe awards. He starred in "Hello Again," "Disorganized Crime," "Shattered" and as Cleveland Indians' third baseman-turned-owner, Roger Dorn, in the popular "Major League" films.

Bernsen is scheduled to screen his latest film, "25 Hill," a story about a 12-year-old boy whose Soap Box Car Derby dreams are threatened when his father is sent to war in Afghanistan.

Also scheduled to appear is actor/author Kevin Sorbo, who played the title role in “Hercules: The Legendary Journeys,” and Gene Roddenberry’s “Andromeda.” Sorbo acted in the films “Soul Surfer,” “Kull The Conqueror” and “Meet the Spartans.” His many TV appearances include “Just Shoot Me,” “According To Jim” and “The O.C.”

Sorbo will discuss his book “True Strength: My Journey from Hercules to Mere Mortal-and How Nearly Dying Saved My Life.” During the height of his TV career, he suffered three strokes. He was playing the world’s strongest man while feeling like its weakest.

Sorbo continues to act in movies and television and heads the mentoring program, A World Fit for Kids, a non-profit organization providing gang, drug and dropout prevention for teens.

Sought after speaker Dr. Ted Baehr will be on hand to discuss the state of the soul of the entertainment industry. He is the chairman of the Christian Film & Television Commission and founder/publisher of Movieguide.org, a website that evaluates motion pictures and other entertainment products from a conservative Christian perspective on suitability for families.

Comedy sensation, Michael Jr’s clean comedy (“The Tonight Show,” “Comedy Central,” “The Late, Late Show”) will tickle audiences without making them turn red.

The Faith 'N' Film Summit is produced by the 168 Film Project, an incubator for filmmakers, which includes worldwide filmmaking and writing competitions. All work is based on randomly assigned Bible verses.

A Faith 'N' Film panel discussion, "Show Me the Money: Funding Faith and Family Motion Pictures in 2012," features Genesis Capunitan, SVP of Revolution Productions/Kurtzman Orci, Bobby Downs, founder & CEO of ChristianCinema.com, and Chris Morrow, chief global strategist at Echolight Studios.

“The Faith ‘N’ Film Summit encourages storytellers and filmmakers to use their skills and resources to elevate the consciousness of audiences to God-inspired or life affirming values,” said Genesis Capunitan. “This is one of those great opportunities that should not be missed.”

Screenings include short films from the 168 Film Project's annual speed-faith film production competition. All are welcome, including the worldwide community of faith, church media professionals, filmmakers, artists, pastors and ministries seeking excellent faith-based content.

For more information or interviews with Founder John David Ware, please contact Jennifer BoGray, jennifer@168project.com; 168 Film Project at 818-557-8507, info@168project.com.

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About 168 Film Project

The 168 Hour Film Project is a competition where producers have 168 hours (1 week) to film and edit an 11-minute movie based on a theme and a Bible verse. All films are created during production week and premiere at the annual 168 Film Festival.

About NAB Show

NAB Show, held April 14-19 in Las Vegas, is the world's largest electronic media show covering filmed entertainment and the development, management and delivery of content across all mediums. With more than 90,000 attendees from 151 countries and 1,500+ exhibitors, NAB Show is the ultimate marketplace for digital media and entertainment. From creation to consumption, across multiple platforms and countless nationalities, the NAB Show is home to the solutions that transcend traditional broadcasting and embrace content delivery to new screens in new ways. Complete details are available at www.nabshow.com.