This first post is an email reply that I sent to a friend in relation to Christian films. It includes my insight into my views on the realm of Christian filmmaking, how media as a whole has such an influence culture today. I also give my ideas on how Christian media can be different to anything seen before...
I certainly know the films you're on about. I like the teachings that they have through them and there is a lot I can learn from a technical perspective but yes I fully agree that these films can be cheesy. In respect to this, people's response may be "aww that was a lovely wee film,"- but nothing more.Therefore there is no spiritual response.
When a person sits down to watch something they are basically sitting there waiting to be manipulated. Thats the power of film. Each image the audience sees, evokes a response whether its emotional or psychological. But how many films can bring about a spiritual response? This is obviously a response that can only come from Christian films and this is what makes them stand out from any other source of media. Therefore this type needs to be of significant quality as we are making something that only comes through the power given to us by God.
I think that a lot can paint a picture that Christianity as a fairytale and something that is far too hard to attain. I feel it can sometimes show a miss-representation of the life of a christian. This isn't always the case- i would have to watch films like Fireproof again to have a closer look.
Note: I'm not taking a stab at all christian films but more considering that these films can't be made lightly- filmmakers need to know what audiences they are dealing with- an increasing amount of un-churched people groups.
However it is something I am very conscious of and find it very important to make sure that the reality of a relationship with Christ is portrayed.
I would follow a christian guy on twitter called Phil Cooke he is very media savvy and has his own media company but I'm aware that he finds most christian media a problem as a lot of it is very cheesy- Thats my impression thus far. When I find time I'll be buying a few of his books and see what he has to say and I'm sure this will help in directing what themes should be used throughout my films.
This is certainly something I'm really interested in and its amazing how the Lord directs paths. I know this is what I feel the Lord wants me to do but i also know I've so much to learn so I can be sure of how my approach to christian films is the most effective.
Media is such a big influence on peoples lives- a lot of the themes that are in films and tv programmes dictate how our culture lives. For example, media here is engrossed in promoting such things like, alcohol and sex. A lot of people aren't aware how of influence this is, as it seems to be the only natural way to live your life. Soaps like Emmerdale and Coronation Street are mostly set in pubs and advertisements/films/soaps have bucket loads of sensual content that are subconsciously implanted into peoples minds.
This area of the subconscious is what warps our culture in craving things such as sex and alcohol. This shows how media can have such an impact on people and this is why christian media needs to show something completely different. If we present stories of peoples lives that are contrary to these themes in media- this will be something they haven't seen before, therefore something that could intrigue them. I have a real burden to make films that form a realistic approach to life and how those stories of changed lives can also change the lives of others. Film is such a powerful tool as more and more people would prefer to watch something than read it.
With this in mind I find it a paramount responsibility to be as good as I can before making something of a high standard for broadcasting to the world. I know the Lord has given me all these opportunities so far to gain experience and I'm gaining it at a fast rate but I know he has still loads to teach me technically and most importantly, spiritually- before I can take on such a challenge.
Sorry if I've rambled on a bit but this is something I'm so passionate about and know it needs to be given the greatest attention spiritually and technically to be successful. I hope this shows you that its not all about me but how God can use me to make something worthy of being known as 'the Lord's work.'
Aaron
