The Forgotten Martyr: Lady Jane Grey

Hedrick Brothers Productions was pleased to serve J&J Productions on their latest project, “The Forgotten Martyr: Lady Jane Grey.” Follow this link to view the films press release!

www.ladyjanegreymovie.com

Five Incredible Films Shown at the SAICFF Part 5

This film, though not a submission into the festival, was one of the best films shown in San Antonio. As most readers here are aware, I have a great passion for the church, church reformation in particular. And when you take my passion for church reformation and mix it with the phenomenal work of the Leclerc Brothers...need I say more? “Divided” is a personal journey following Phillip Leclerc as he strives to discover whether programmatic age segregated ministry is multiplying or dividing the church, and more importantly, whether its biblical. Along the way, Phillip interviews experts, pastors, youth pastors, x-youth pastors, and young men and women at youth rallies in an effort to uncover the truth of how God intends us to minister to youth.

This is a must see, thought provoking film, that challenges the church to examine modern traditions and ministry models in light of the teaching of Scripture. View the trailer below and follow this link if you'd like to purchase a copy.

Divided from Leclerc Brothers Motion Pictures on Vimeo.

A Recap of Two Overwhelming Weeks #6

During the three days of the festival I watched a number of films, most of which you have seen glimpses of in my top 5 list of films from the festival. It was fascinating to walk through the crowds of people and realize how many are hungry for distinctly Christian, professionally crafted films that glorify God in every frame. For me, the highlight of Thursday was the opening ceremony and the screening of the documentary produced by the National Center for Family Integrated Churches and the talented Leclerc Brothers.

Before the screening, however, Mr. Botkin presented a session I had been anticipating entitled “How to Evaluate a Hollywood Film.” In this session, Mr. Botkin practically informed the audience of the way in which the Botkin family watches films. This process, in a nutshell, consists of heavily evaluating the film against Scripture; pausing it often to discuss what has been seen. By frequently pausing the film, it not only presents an opportunity for analysis, but also prevents us, the viewers, from becoming so emotionally engrossed in the action on screen that we are unconsciously brainwashed into the ideology of hollywood screenwriters. Furthermore, it allows us to evaluate the techniques being used to present the message of the story (shots, VFX, GGI, music, coloring, blocking etc...).

Prior to commencing with the analysis of film, Mr. Botkin spent a lengthy, but necessary, amount of time discussing paintings and book illustrations. How, at an early age, he would take great pains to explain to his children the messages behind every painting and illustration in some of their favorite books. He cautioned parents not to assume your children know the content or the message of the illustration. When he'd read stories to his children that dealt with fictional animal characters, he'd always ask them, “Now can (fill in the blank) really talk?” “Of course not Daddy!” They'd reply. Mr. Botkin would then say, “Right, children, it's a story designed to communicate a message.” After demonstrating this point by showing us a few illustrations and paintings, he progressed into the topic of film evaluation. The majority of his time spent in film evaluation was focussed, primarily, upon analyzing Disney's “Finding Nemo,” but he also focused his attention to analyzing scenes from the “Love Comes Softly” series, and a single scene from “One Night With the King.” In each film, Mr. Botkin paused frequently to discuss technical elements and the philosophies presented in the sequences viewed.

Shortly thereafter, “Divided” screened before a crowd that Mr. Phillips said, could itself, be divided over the issue presented in the film. The issue the film seeks to address is summed up in its tagline, “Is age segregated ministry multiplying or dividing the church?” I'll summarize the film in my next post, for now, know that the documentary is masterfully done and beautifully shot, featuring some of the best work the Leclerc brothers have done.

On the second day of the festival, Friday, the notable films I watched included, “The Penny” and “The Runner From Ravenshead” (see my review of these films in previous posts). In conjunction with these films, I attended a seminar by Mr. Kevin Swanson and another by Mr. R.C. Sproul Jr. Around seven o'clock that evening, after a fabulous mexican meal on the River Walk, I joined the crowd awaiting the opening of the doors at the Municipal Auditorium for the anticipated premiere of “Ace Wonder.” As I took my seat near the front of the auditorium that evening, I found myself in a state of thanksgiving. I was thankful to the Lord for the remarkable outworking of His sovereign plan which lead to my brother and I both being given internships on set and exceedingly grateful for the generous extension of friendship by so many, including the Moore and Moreland families, and the great lengths they have gone to invest so much in my life.

Before I knew it the lights were dimming and the opening scene of the first feature film I've ever worked on was playing on a big screen before my eyes. A story, prior to that night, I had only come to know and love on paper, in the mountains of Tennessee, and in the editing suite in Texas was now beginning to play. For the first few moments I sat in a state of bewilderment, surrounded by friends and co-laborers. The film was shrouded in memories; looks and laughter being exchanged between interns, crew members, and actors often through the course of the film.

The film was premiered in a rough cut format. A film in this stage is not complete and still lacks some final touches (tightening, music, visual effects, color correction etc). Nevertheless, even though portions of the film had no music and even though some scenes were not in their completed form the film I saw was a successful translation from script to cinema! In fact, though I may be slightly biased, it was truly phenomenal. While the credits were rolling (and everyone was watching for his name in the credits), John Moore and Mr. Phillips ascended the platform and called up actors and crew members for a panel discussion about the film. It was during this discussion that John revealed to the audience that the film itself was actually rendering while the audience was viewing it (talk about taking it down to the wire!). Everything about the film is high quality. It's story is dynamic and fresh, the music is fabulous, the production design is stunning, the quality is high, and the acting is stunning. HeuMoore Productions has truly perused excellence in “Ace Wonder” and I pray its crucial message of fatherhood and the importance of leaving a spiritual legacy for your children shines through to audiences across the nation when it is released.

When the panel discussion concluded, much of the audience, including myself, talked until the custodians forced us into the hallway where we conversed for some time before we were again forced out, this time out the front doors of the building. But, that didn't stop the brethren from fellowship! After some time had passed, something most memorable occurred. Myself, my brother, and my oldest sister were all gathered around with many from HeuMoore Productions when it was suggested by our fearless leader that we sing some hymns. In short, the rest of our evening was spent singing hymns a cappella beginning with a group of less than ten and slowly increasing to over twenty. Young men and young women all gathered together singing praises to our Heavenly Father with one united voice on the side of the street in San Antonio, Texas, around midnight is quite an invigorating, stirring experience. My brother and I, along with some friends, returned to our rental home at nearly 4AM after a special night spent in celebration with fellow believers.

The final day of the festival came, and with it, an early morning. The first film I viewed Saturday was the film which, after viewing, I was hoping would leave the winner of the Jubilee Grand Prize: “Agenda: Grinding America Down,” and leave the winner it did! During the next period, I stood in the hallways and fellowshipped before heading over to the Municipal Auditorium to catch the end of The Penny. Directly following the conclusion of the Penny I (you can probably guess) fellowshipped some more until it was time to get a bite to eat before returning for the closing ceremony and award presentation.

I've already written about the closing ceremony in previous posts and, hence, most of you are already familiar with the winners in most of the categories. I confess to you, I was tense that evening; I had collected my guesses for the winners in each category. In some categories, my guess was correct. In others, I was pleasantly surprised. As always, however, the Jubilee Grand Prize is the highlight moment of the evening, and Mr. Phillips has a way of making the announcement even more memorable and more suspenseful than it already is. Casually, but with eager anticipation, the envelope was torn open and Mr. Phillips unfolded its contents. He looked at the audience, and back to the sheet, then back to audience. “Agenda!” He cried, as I, along with the rest of audience, leapt to our feet and the auditorium erupted in applause. I, along with everyone else, immediately started looking for the family. Little did I know that when I took my seat that evening I had positioned myself one row in front of the Bower family (makers of “Agenda”). As a direct result, I had a first hand view of the initial reaction, which consisted of tears of joy and thanksgiving. If my memory accurately serves me, I'm confident that Mr. Bower sat with this head in his hands, bewildered for a few moments before rising to lead his family up the platform where his remarkable acceptance speech was made.

I couldn't help but feel somewhat saddened as Mr. Phillips declared the 2010 San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival to be concluded. In part it was due to the many friends convened there, but it was also the realization that an incredible year of having witnessed God's sovereign plan at work was drawing to a close. Upon the conclusion of the ceremony we, big surprise, fellowshipped some more. In fact, myself and some members of my family along with a few friends were the last ones standing outside the auditorium that night. It was well after 1 AM before we piled in the car to head home.

Monday morning, after a glorious Lord's Day on Sunday, we began the long journey home. When we finally exited the interstate, late Wednesday evening, my Dad said with tears, “May we never be the same.” Two overwhelming weeks had ended, but now the real challenge began; meditating on the wealth of teaching we had received and striving, by God's grace, to put into practice the things we had learned. I hope you have benefited from this summary. I thought it was paramount that I summarize the events of those two weeks (though, admittedly, it has taken longer than it should have) if for no other reason than to give me the opportunity to reflect and write my thoughts. Keep an eye out for the next post.

In Christ,
Joshua