Jonathan Bock,  President of Grace Hill Media sent out an e-mail on 2/17 and stated:

“As the founder and president of Grace Hill Media, I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve chosen to write a personal letter to our entire database on behalf of a film. And while many of the movies we work on are great entertainment, rarely does a film fall into the category of “life-changing.” THE WAY is one of those films.”

The Maximus Group also sent out an e-mail today in regards to ’The Way’ and Cardinal Dolan.  Here is what he had to say:

In his remarks, Cardinal Dolan said, “A movie popular at home now is The Way, starring a popular actor, Martin Sheen,” Dolan said. “Perhaps you have seen it. He plays a grieving father whose estranged son dies while walking the Camino di Santiago di Campostella in Spain. The father decides, in his grief, to complete the pilgrimage in place of his dead son. He is an icon of a secular man: self-satisfied, dismissive of God and religion, calling himself a ‘former Catholic,’ cynical about faith… but yet unable to deny within him an irrepressible interest in the transcendent, a thirst for something – no, Someone – more, which grows on the way.”

Here is the rest of the Article…

Although CFDb has added ‘The Way’ film page, we want you to be aware of the Parental Warning!

You can purchase ‘The Way” from the film page!

Please check out the Review below for more details about the parental warning:

Movie Guide Review

We would love to hear your thoughts about this film!  Don’t forget to rate the film on CFDb and leave your comments on the Film Page as well as here on the Blog Page.  Please let us know if you think this is a “Life Changing” film and how it changed your life.

Real-life couple from ‘The Vow’ says it ‘would have been nice’ to see Christian  references in film

Read more: FoxNews

CFDb does not recommend this movie due to content!

CFDb Highly Recommends ‘The Vow’  Christian book!

Don’t forget to order you DVD or Blu-ray TODAY!

Just click on the “BUY THIS FILM” button to order…

The film relates the Biblical story of the Last Supper as told through the eyes of the Apostles.

Set in Rome A.D. 67, two jailers at the ancient Mamertine Prison take custody of a famous criminal. He is Simon Peter of Galilee — apostle, disciple and personal friend of Jesus, also called the Christ. Condemned to death, the elderly Peter (Robert Loggia) recounts his life as a simple fisherman who became one of the boldest figures in all of Christianity. As Peter prepares to depart this earthly life, he will make an unforgettable impression on his jailers through the saving power of the Gospel.

Check out the “Dove” review…

Once you’ve seen the film, don’t forget to rate the film and post your comments on the “MOVIE PAGE!”

There are TWO sides to this issue!

• The person accepting Christ

• The person responsible for holding the Christian Movie showing and/or the Christian(s) that are told by the person that they have accepted Christ.

Here is my personal failure and I pray this will be a wake-up call so it doesn’t happen to anyone else!

One of our former churches used to show Christian movies on a regular basis and my husband and I were in charge of picking out the movies, showing the movies, and speaking before and after the film.

This particular night we were showing “Facing the Giants“.   One of the pastors got up afterwards and asked if anyone wanted to accept Jesus into their hearts.  One of the youth raised his hand and accepted Jesus into his heart!  FABULOUS NEWS!

I congratulated him afterwards and gave him a hug and told him that if he ever had any questions to please contact me, that I would be there for him.  (Before you think – oh that was nice…is that all we are required to do?)   I don’t think I ever talked to him again after that.  We soon moved away and the situation haunts me to this day.

I did speak to two pastors to please follow up with this acceptance to Jesus but I don’t believe any follow up was done and I’m almost positive he is no longer following Jesus, although I pray I am wrong.

HERE IS MY QUESTION!

WHAT IS SUPPOSED TO BE DONE? WHAT WOULD JESUS DO?

• If you are sponsoring an event, plan ahead of time who will be doing the follow up after a decision is made, someone to make a commitment to help that new Christian.   (Does anyone remember how difficult it is to follow Jesus without any help?)

• If you aren’t sure who is doing the follow up, then YOU do it!  You make the commitment to help that person, to follow up with them, to check up on them on a regular basis and to pray for them often!

• If you are the one that has given your heart to Jesus and don’t know what to do, approach someone you know that you trust to be a true Christian and ask them to pray for you and to help you or disciple you.  If they are a true, experienced Christian, they will say yes.  If they say no, don’t worry, ask someone else.  It just means God doesn’t want you to learn from that particular person.  He will open the doors for you!

So…what would you do?

Our failures are only supposed to teach us what NOT to do in the future!

Let’s all agree to say a prayer for all those people we’ve disappointed and remember that our decisions do have eternal consequences~~~

For ourselves and for others!

Please like this post if you will agree to say a prayer right now…

We would also love to hear your comments on this particular thread!  It’s a serious one!

“2012: Prophecy or Panic?”

a Rafflecopter giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Check out Cloud Ten Pictures Facebook and Twitter Page!

If you cannot see this giveaway, please let us know:  Annelie@christianfilmdatabase.com

]]> http://www.christianfilmdatabase.com/movie-giveaway/cfdb-free-dvd-giveaway-2012-prophecy-or-panic/feed/ 13 http://www.christianfilmdatabase.com/up-coming-films/thor-ramseys-romantic-comedy-comedy-tour/ http://www.christianfilmdatabase.com/up-coming-films/thor-ramseys-romantic-comedy-comedy-tour/#comments Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:17:12 +0000 Annelie http://www.christianfilmdatabase.com/?p=7857

Help Thor Ramsey Fund this Amazing Christian Film…

“Youth Group”

Check out Thor Ramsey’s Website 

Help Thor by booking a tour

Contact info:  Christopher Shawn Shaw

ChristopherNorthCal@gmail.com

(707) 237-1138

Or you can Contact Thor directly to book a Tour or to find out more information about how you can help fund “Youth Group”!

Thor@ThorRamsey.com

Come check out the CFDb “Youth Group” film page for more details!

=> How/Why did you get involved with composing?

I have always loved music. I love how it affects us. To me it wasn’t enough just to consume or play someone else’s music, but I also wanted to create it. There is this wonderful emotional experience when a piece of music comes together. On the purest creative level it doesn’t even matter whether anyone else likes it. The joy of creating the music alone is an experience worth the turmoil that sometimes accompanies the creative process. I simply just love that aspect of it.

When I handed control of my life over to Christ, the joy of the creative process was heightened to a degree that I thought wasn’t possible. There is this divine moment when the message of all God stands for and the music merge. It creates an exhilaration that is paralleled only by a few other aspects of life. You get a tiny glimpse of what God’s joy must be like when He creates.

=> Did you know right away that you wanted to specialize in soundtracks for movies? No, that didn’t happen until much later in my music career. I have been producing music for the most part of my adolescent and adult life. However, the music I wrote for my own band and later on produced on my own was more geared toward the pop and alternative music genre. Soundtrack scores from films I always enjoyed listening to, but not having been classically trained it never entered my mind of ever being able to compose the often intricate and complex music I heard on those soundtracks.

It wasn’t until I started adding simple string arrangements to the alternative music I produced that I thought that may be, just maybe, I could venture into trying my hand at creating film music.

As with many things in life, it takes learning and practicing a skill creating anything that others enjoy as well. The thought of creating the music for a film seemed like a huge mountain to climb, so as an exercise in feasibility I set out to create film music without having an actual film to score to. As I was busy working on other projects, this took the better part of four years of studying what film music composers had done and applying what I had learned. The result was an instrumental album that I enjoyed creating very much.

I always assumed that for my first true film project I would maybe get to work on a short film, just to get my feet wet. Little did I know that the first film would turn out to be a full-length feature film. The director contacted me and asked whether I would be interested in submitting music for a couple of scenes. I guess that was my “getting my feet wet” experience. As other composers had submitted samples as well, you can imagine how surprised I was when I got his call telling me that I got the film!

=> Do you only do soundtracks for Christian movies? If yes, please explain why. I create original music for all kinds of projects, including feature films, short films, documentaries, promotional films, TV shows, and digital media. My preference is to stick with films that have a distinct Christ-centered message, whether God or Christ is actually mentioned in the film or not.

I believe that as followers of Christ we are to make two types of films. In a traditional sense, the use of film should be a natural extension of being the “light and salt” that we are called to be. Light is very visible, which we could correlate with a very visibly Christian film with a distinct Christian message. As such, those films are there to give direction, among other aspects.

Salt, once in food, is usually not visible, but its presence can definitely be detected. If we continue the analogy, this would be representative of films that may not directly present the Gospel, but speak of the values we hold dear and present those in a way that is pleasing and beneficial to the “taster”. Not enough salt makes food taste bland, too much salt… You get the point.

Where am I going with this? I believe there is validity in films that are directly targeted at the Christian community, giving guidance with a very clear message. Those films may never be accepted or praised highly by a secular audience, and that is perfectly all right.

Then there should be films that become influencers. Those are films made with underlying concepts that speak of the values and concepts we hold dear to, but may not be overtly “Christian” in nature and content. Take the concept of a “savior” for example. This appears constantly in secular films. Why? Because that is how we are wired – with a need for a savior, a need for THE Savior. It resonates with us. Films we produce in that category can make use of that same concept, but then play it out in a way where we keep it very clear with our understanding of a Savior without throwing in the typical mishmash of world culture.

These types of films should act as salt, influencing culture for good without necessarily containing a strictly Christian label. That’s what the “light” films are for.

=> What other types of composing are you involved in? This would include promos, ads, or public service announcements. Anything that does not overtly oppose the values I hold true to as a follower of Christ. This automatically eliminates certain activities. For example, I have signed with two very large and popular production music services where music can be licensed for use in all types of film. After having seen though where the music can end up, I elected to not submit music to those libraries, as I have no control over where that music goes.

Some may disagree with that decision, but when you look at the potential of music I create ending up in some “public service announcement” that directly opposes values I hold dear to, the choice for me is pretty clear. This is not a values judgment at all on other composers who feel differently. I simply chose not to hand over control of where my music goes.

=> What is the most famous movie you’ve composed for? If famous were synonymous with most exposure, I would say “Standing Firm” would be the most famous film I have written music for. However, the effort and detail that goes into any film I work on is the same, whether it has the potential of becoming a widespread success or not. I simply enjoy the process of adding a unique musical signature to a film that engages the viewing audience emotionally.

=> What is your latest soundtrack that you are working on? I have just recently finished a line-up of short films with another on the schedule called “The Gift”. I also hope to get back to the “Reflections” series, which is not a film soundtrack per say, but is created with a film style scoring approach. So, in essence it’s a film score without the film. The series is designed to help the listener key in on vital areas in their lives, using Scripture and the music to allow the Holy Spirit bring restoration and emotional healing into their lives.

=> How long have you been a composer? I have composed (written) music since I was 16.

=> How long have you had your own company? I have had my current company since 1994, but have been producing music before under different labels.

=> How can others find your website? My official website is at http://jurgenbeck.com. Folks can also find me at http://facebook.com/jurgenbeckmusic and http://twitter.com/jurgenbeck

=> What is the process for a company to hire you to compose something? First is to get in touch and start chatting about your film. I want to make sure that I am a good match for you. While I can write in a large variety of styles, it’s still a good idea to ensure that you end up with the score you had envisioned to push your film to the next level.

If you have the ability to involve a composer early on in the process, even just for consulting on the music score, I believe that your film will benefit greatly. There are certain choices you may make based on the music input your composer may give you. So, do yourself a favor and check in early.

The other reason is that your first pick for the music score composer may be scheduling projects around the time that you would like to engage him or her. The early bird gets the worm, as they say. I have had to turn down film projects from directors who really wanted me to score their film, because I couldn’t fit them in on the short notice they gave me. That’s tragic, as I may have been able to work around it by scheduling the other film(s) around their schedule if they would have contacted me sooner. So, don’t let that happen to you.

Secondly, building relationships to me is equally important to creating a great score for your film. I want to hear about your passion. Why are you making your film? What is compelling you to tell your story? Creating the music for a film is more than just a “job” to me. I want to create music for films that I believe in, that I can be passionate about and rally behind. So, dialog is the key.

Next, we need to work out the composer agreement details. Contrary to popular believe, you have to feed your composer! You’ll be amazed at how much better everything drives when there is fuel to operate the engines. Seriously, most folks are surprised at the amount of resources it takes to produce a film score. Yes, it is possible to create a film’s music on a minimal to almost non-existent budget, but the results will show.

Just because there are composers out there that are hungry enough to get credit only, don’t assume that every composer does it. Keep it with 1 Timothy 5:18 (I’ll let you look up that passage, if you are not familiar with it.) and be prepared to pay for a quality score.

I don’t like talking about money, as I’d rather do away with it completely and just happily create music. That’s what I am passionate about. However, the harsh reality is that a very specialized and expensive to run trade such as this is not possible without sticking the funds into buying and maintaining the tools of the trade. My family will thank you for it!

Once all that is locked down, it is time to talk specifics of the film score in what we call a “spotting session”. In the session we discuss where the music is placed and what it is supposed to do. Music tells the audience how they are to feel about what they see. So, it is very important to determine what that should be. We want to hit the mark.

Out of the spotting session comes the cue sheet, followed by my disappearing from the realms of society and time as we know it and creating your magical film score.

=> Do you have any advice for anyone who might be interested in becoming a composer? Lots, but mainly to pursue your dream with a fiery passion, grabbing anything you can learn about the craft, the technology, the social skills, the marketing, and everything else that goes into becoming a successful composer. There is so much competition in the field and it is easy to become discouraged when no one knocks at your door. Don’t give up and instead learn to become a true master of your craft, determined to being used by Our Master. The rest will follow.

November 14, 2011

Chester Branch, author of the book, Holy Subtext, has obtained several degrees that focus specifically on Christological content coding: BA in Film and Theology, MA in Directing, and MFA in Screenwriting. While working on his Doctorate, he works as a script consultant and develops screenwriting classes.

= > How/Why did you get involved with script consulting?

The reason I wanted to get involved with script consulting is because I’ve always been drawn to the power of story-telling; not just the story itself but the story behind the story. Tolkien and Lewis argue that the Grand Narrative (i.e. the Gospel) is embedded in all aspects of culture. The film and TV culture has always interested me the most. As a consultant and prof., I want to make as many people aware of this Gospel message as possible.

The way I got involved was in 2004 when the Young Audiences of Virginia Organization asked me to help develop a script targeting specific educational SOLs in Virginia.

= > How long have you been a script consultant?

I have been a script consultant for 7 years. This includes guest lectures, one-on-one clients, and developing screenwriting classes for universities.

= > What company are you working for now? What does your job entail?

I work with several companies and universities like Regent U, Screenwriting Basics, and St. Augustine’s College but my own company is called Parables Today.

= > Do you do outside consulting work? If yes, please give your contact
information for people who may want to obtain your services.

Yes. You can reach me at parablestoday@gmail.com or my blog http://tinyurl.com/parables2day

= > Are there any scripts that you did consulting for that we might have heard of?

Most of these films are in pre-production but I did recently consult an award winning filmmaker who is working on the Helen Baylor film. This is a story that is fairly popular in the African American Christian community.

= > What is your most favorite script consulting job?

That’s easy, all of them.

= > How would you rate the importance of social media for anyone wanting to get
involved in writing scripts, producing films, or distributing films?

I would rate the importance pretty high. I wrote a blog about how social media can help you get into the screenwriting industry called ‘I Wrote a Great Script, Now what?.’

Here is the link: http://parablestoday.blogspot.com/2010/11/i-wrote-great-script-now-what.html

But social media touches on a deeper issue: Transmedia storytelling and transmodernism. I also wrote an article on how transmodernism has eclipsed postmodernism. Social media has taken high-concept, mega-branding, and transmedia storytelling to the next level.

= > In your opinion, which are the top 3 social media outlets for anyone in the filmmaking industry?

This depends on whether you are in pre-production, production, or post-production.

Facebook for example saved the Narnia films through petition. Twitter and You Tube practically created Justin Beiber and brought success to his Never say Never film. Then there’s a battle now between Hulu, Netflix, and what will soon be Google TV. I guess it is hard for me to pick but I would say Facebook, Twitter, and the Blogosphere.

We live in an age of what Toffler calls ‘prosumerism.’ I think Google TV and Apple TV will allow filmmakers and TV shows to take story worlds like Lost to a whole new interactive level.

= > What recommendations would you give to script writers who are just starting out?

I would recommend that they just write every day. Writing one page a day equals a 90 page script in three months. And to paraphrase M.C. Walker, writing every day is one way that God speaks to you.

November 13, 2011 

February 20-25, 2012

The biggest festival in independent Christian filmmaking is back for its 7th year!

 ChristianFilmmakers.org

CFDb recently received the ChristianFilmmakers.org newsletter with some great news and wanted to spread the good news!

• Independent-made Christian films in multiple categories will compete for the Jubilee Grand Prize of $101,000, along with numerous other awards.

• Is your film or script treatment a semi-finalist in the festival? Send Christianfilmmakers.org your project name and a list of your team members to info@christianfilmmakers.org so they can spread the word! If possible, please include links to your team members’ CF.org profiles, IMDB profiles, or personal websites so they can promote your crew.

• Are you planning on attending the festival? Join ChristianFilmmakers for their CF SAICFF meet-up! Visit with your fellow members in-person for a great evening of fellowship. Details here. Even if you can’t make it to the festival, you can join in the excitement and share news on this discussion thread.

• For more FILM FESTIVALS! 

In This Issue:

• CFDb Newsletter News
• CFDb Blog
• CFDb Interviews Cheryl Ariaz Wicker
• Silver Dove Films Interviews Elijah Rock
• New Releases

 ******

CFDb Newsletter News!

CFDb is still looking for personal testimonies to share on upcoming newsletters
in regards to how a particular Christian film changed your life.

Submit your story…Annelie@christianfilmdatabase.com

******

CFDb Blog 

Our webmaster has redesigned our blog page so check it out often:

CFDb Blog – Annelie’s Christian Film World 

******

Greetings Fellow Christian Film Lovers!

February is the time of love. It is also the time of the year when we give up on
our New Year’s Resolutions. Let today be an encouragement to you to continue those
resolutions, even if you have already decided to give up. Have hope! Make the
decision to begin again! God wants all His children to walk in victory.

If you want to encourage yourself, take an inventory of how many things God has
given you the strength to overcome already. Then walk in that strength!

Sincerely,
Annelie Rudlaff
christianfilmdatabase.com, llc

******

Philippians 3:13, 14 – Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this
one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto
those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high
calling of God in Christ Jesus.

******

This inspiring story of the origin of Valentine’s Day is a real gem!

Highly recommended
for all to watch!

This would make an excellent tool for a

Bible Study Group, Youth Group or Children’s class.

 ******

CFDb INTERVIEWS
Cheryl Ariaz Wicker
Film Producer, Publicist, Media Personality

How long have you been in the media industry?

Sixteen years… and may I say that it’s been a one exciting and challenging ride
as I have worked my way up in the industry. After I decided that a legal secretary
career wasn’t right for me, I changed directions with a job as a television news
reporter. I then went on to hone my skills in a variety of areas, including television
hosting and producing, casting, publicity and marketing, producing commercials and
promotional videos, and a variety of other film production roles. All these experiences
prepared me my current career as a film producer, publicist, and media personality.

Do you only produce Christian films? If yes, explain.

I do not limit myself to “Christian” films per se. But I do limit my life’s work
to things that are redemptive in nature. Since my teens, I have felt a calling
to ministry. So as a producer, my standard is that a film be either faith based,
family friendly or life affirming. I believe there is a place for evangelical films
as much as there are for films that simply reflect good values without an overt
gospel message. I believe that the Godless values found in today’s media play a
big part in separating people from God and destroying the faith of today’s culture.
Therefore, it is essential to lay the foundation of a Christian world view in order
for hearts to be receptive to the gospel. Hollywood has changed the thinking of
the culture slowly through the years with very subtle messages that conflict with
Biblical values while they dish out truly great entertainment. Christians have the
opportunity to reverse this effect and impact the culture in a positive way by producing
equally high quality films with a Biblical worldview. This is my passion and my
calling.

What is the greatest achievement so far in your career?

The highlight of my career thus far has been producing “Flag of my Father,” starring
John Schneider, GiGi Erneta, Andrew Sensenig and William Devane. The film, which
received the Best Narrative Feature Film Award at the GI Film Festival, is available
on DVD and has aired on Trinity Broadcast Network. It is a film that has been an
inspiration to many people, particularly veterans and families who have lost someone
in service to their country. I enjoyed the great cast and a crew and am thankful
to R2 Productions owner Rodney Ray for bringing me onto the team.

(Here is a link to “Flag of My Father” on CFDb.)

Can you tell us about Christian Movie Connect?

Christian Movie Connect is a weekly video podcast that features top personalities
in the Christian film industry, including filmmakers, actors, screenwriters, studio
heads and other well known Christian media professionals who influence the industry.
The interviews are conducted on location at leading Christian media industry events
such as National Religious Broadcasters Convention, Biola Media Conference, Gideon
Media Arts Conference and Film Festival, International Christian Visual Media Catalyst
Conference, etc. I started the podcast because I saw an unmet need in the Christian
film industry for a venue to showcase Christian movies in a video format. It seemed
like a no-brainer considering my background as both a filmmaker and a television
host and interviewer. And considering my passion for promoting positive entertainment,
it also fits very nicely with my personal goals to support the Christian film industry.

Read More including recommendations on getting involved in the Christian Media industry…
Cheryl Ariaz Wicker Interview

******

To learn more about Cheryl Ariaz Wicker, you can visit her personal website at http://www.cherylwicker.com/.
You can also view her Christian Movie Connect video podcast at http://christianmovieconnect.com/.
or stay in touch with CMC on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ChristianMovieConnect.

KEEP AN EYE OUT – in future newsletters we’ll be featuring some of Cheryl’s interviews
from Christian Movie Connect as well.

******

Silver Dove Films Interviews 
Elijah Rock – Actor

Soon to come – interview with

Bruce Marchiano

******

Christian Movies Coming in February, 2012

If you want a sneak preview of all upcoming films…

All Upcoming Christian Films

******

= > How long have you been in the media industry?

Sixteen years… and may I say that it’s been a one exciting and challenging ride as I have worked my way up in the industry. After I decided that a legal secretary career wasn’t right for me, I changed directions with a job as a television news reporter. I then went on to hone my skills in a variety of areas, including television hosting and producing, casting, publicity and marketing, producing commercials and promotional videos, and a variety of other film production roles. All these experiences prepared me my current career as a film producer, publicist, and media personality.

= > How did you get involved in film producing?

The funny thing is that I never planned to become a film producer. After I moved to Louisiana is when I decided to pursue a new career direction for my life. My creative mindset naturally gravitated to media so I began pursuing one media opportunity after another. Living in a small town without a lot of opportunities in this field has taken a lot of creativity and often an entrepreneurial spirit to keep myself employed in entertainment media. I got my first job as a producer after getting an email totally out of the blue from a friend telling me he was starting a film production company and would like my help casting a short film. My involvement kept growing until they eventually hired me on full time. When they were ready for their first feature, I was promoted to the role of producer…it was a bit scary at first but a great learning experience. I never would have dreamed I’d be living the life that I now am. I have just taken life one day at a time and trusted God to open doors for me.

= > Do you only produce Christian films?  If yes, explain.

I do not limit myself to “Christian” films per se. But I do limit my life’s work to things that are redemptive in nature. Since my teens, I have felt a calling to ministry. So as a producer, my standard is that a film be either faith based, family friendly or life affirming. I believe there is a place for evangelical films as much as there are for films that simply reflect good values without an overt gospel message. I believe that  the Godless values found in today’s media play a big part in separating people from God and destroying the faith of today’s culture. Therefore, it is essential to lay the foundation of a Christian world view in order for hearts to be receptive to the gospel. Hollywood has changed the thinking of the culture slowly through the years with very subtle messages that conflict with Biblical values while they dish out truly great entertainment. Christians have the opportunity to reverse this effect and impact the culture in a positive way by producing equally high quality films with a Biblical worldview. This is my passion and my calling.

= >What is the greatest achievement so far in your career?

The highlight of my career thus far has been producing “Flag of my Father,” starring John Schneider, GiGi Erneta, Andrew Sensenig and William Devane. The film, which received the Best Narrative Feature Film Award at the GI Film Festival, is available on DVD and has aired on Trinity Broadcast Network. It is a film that has been an inspiration to many people, particularly veterans and families who have lost someone in service to their country. I enjoyed the great cast and a crew and am thankful to R2 Productions owner Rodney Ray for bringing me onto the team.

(Here is a link to “Flag of My Father” on CFDb.)

= > How were you involved in the film “Flag of My Father”?

I was the producer of the movie. I was involved from development to post production…pulling together a crew, taking on the role of casting director which included casting John Schneider and William Devane, and overseeing publicity and distribution.

= > Tell us about your experience as an actress?

I consider myself an “aspiring” actress. I started in community and church theater and have spent many years as an on-camera host and celebrity interviewer so being in the spotlight is not new to me. Film is a little more new though. I have trained off and on for about three years and have had several speaking roles in smaller independent films as well as background and featured roles in major film and television productions. I recently booked a lead role in “The Maker Unknown” by Majesta Films, featuring Hugh McLean of Dave Christiano’s “Seventh Street Theater,” which will shoot January 2012.

= > Can you tell us about Christian Movie Connect?  (what it is about and why you started it)

Christian Movie Connect is a weekly video podcast that features top personalities in the Christian film industry, including filmmakers, actors, screenwriters, studio heads and other well known Christian media professionals who influence the industry. The interviews are conducted on location at leading Christian media industry events such as National Religious Broadcasters Convention, Biola Media Conference, Gideon Media Arts Conference and Film Festival, International Christian Visual Media Catalyst Conference, etc. I started the podcast because I saw an unmet need in the Christian film industry for a venue to showcase Christian movies in a video format. It seemed like a no-brainer considering my background as both a filmmaker and a television host and interviewer. And considering my passion for promoting positive entertainment, it also fits very nicely with my personal goals to support the Christian film industry.

= > What is your favorite job that you do now?   Please explain.

Okay, now that is a hard question. I have lots of energy and a lot of different skills and interests. So I must say that the job I love best is the job I’m doing right now. I enjoy being behind the camera as a producer, casting director and publicist; and I enjoy being in front of the camera as a film actress and TV/radio/podcast host and interviewer. They all have their positive aspects, so I think I will just continue walking through the doors as God opens them for me in any and all of these areas.

= > What recommendations would you have for others that may be interested in working in the media industry?

I will share four recommendations:

(1) Be willing to pay your dues. You can’t expect to jump into your dream position right off the bat. You will need to work your way to the top. And you may have to do freebies for awhile to gain experience and make connections in the industry. But in time, it will hopefully pay off as you move up and gain the recognition you desire.

(2) Learn whenever you can from whomever you can. There are people everywhere you go that you can learn from.  Don’t be afraid to ask questions…most people are willing to share their wisdom. In general talk less and listen more. Sometimes when you get in the presence of seasoned professionals, the temptation may be to try to impress them. However, the smart thing to do in this situation is to talk less and listen more.

(3) Don’t try to do it all alone. The best works are collaborative works. If you want to do it all, it will only be as good as you are. However, if it is a team effort, it will be as good as your entire team put together. I always seek out the best to work with me and defer to them in their areas of expertise. I have nothing to prove, only great things to accomplish.

(4) Realize that entertainment is a tough industry to work in. Stay grounded in your faith so you don’t compromise your standards. Put God first in every area of your life, including your career. Entertainment is a good field for people with great passion and unwavering principals to impact the world in a positive way!

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To learn more about Cheryl Ariaz Wicker, you can visit her personal website at http://www.cherylwicker.com/. You can also view her Christian Movie Connect video podcast at http://www.christianmovieconnect.com/ or stay in touch with CMC on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ChristianMovieConnect.

Film Promotion Package Giveaway!

CFDb is giving away 2 packages from the “October Baby” Film Screening.

 Included in each package are:

• One T-Shirt
• One Pen
• Poster
• Pamplet
• Flyer
• Bookmark
• “October Baby” Resourse DVD

TO ENTER:

Please make a comment and let us know how you are going to promote the film!