SAICFF: Time Captured In A Photograph #4

Arthur and Hanna Rasco, winners of Best of Festival and Best Narrative for SAICFF 2005 with their film "No Greater Love."

Arthur and Hanna Rasco with Mr. Phillips and the $10,000 Grand Prize award.

Doug Phillips shares a personal moment with Arthur and Hanna Rasco.

Russ Pond, winner of this year's Audience Choice Award with his film "Growing Up," along with the film's star, his son, Caleb.

Joshua Moore, winner of this year's Best Festival Trailer, with his trailer "Digitally Remastered."

Spencer Weaver, runner-up in the Best Young Filmmaker category, for his clay-mation film "Why Did The Duck Cross the Road?"

Ken Carpenter, winner of Best Documentary, with his eldest son.

Mr. Doug Phillips congratulates 16 year-old Alabamian, Colton Davies, winner of this year's Best Young Filmmaker Award with his film "Blue State: Tolerance For All."

Justice Tom Parker of the Alabama Supreme Court stands in for Tyler and Ed Litton, winners of this year's Best Political Film Award with their film "Intent," along with Doug Phillips and fellow Alabamian, Colton Davie.

Anna and Elizabeth Botkin perform on the harp the themes they composed with their brother Benjamin for The League of Grateful Sons.

And that's that... Or is it?

The Rebelution's authors, with Mr. Doug Phillips, president of Vision Forum.

To everyone who read our blog over the past week: Thank you, for your encouraging comments and notes of appreciation; you truly made our "work" a joy. Now, with the 2005 San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival complete, our live-blogging has also come to an end.

However, The Rebelution was an active blog before the festival, and will continue to be, we pray, for a good while yet to come. And as we pack up and prepare for our drive back to Montgomery, Alabama, and as we continue to serve Justice Tom Parker of the Alabama Supreme Court for the remainder of the year, we would be honored if each of you would continue to visit The Rebelution.

Our slogan, "Do Hard Things," is the philosophy behind the blog; it is the reason why Brett and I are interning with Justice Parker; it is the reason why we live-blogged the SAICFF; it is the drive behind much of our future goals and aspirations. "Do Hard Things" is the one thing that our culture never tells young people. Rather it's message is one of idleness and sloth, encouraging young people to view the teen years as a vacation from responsibility.

This is frightening, because Brett and I both understand that these early years are preparatory, and that ill-preparation is still preparation. The results are already being documented, as we have discussed in length the rise of the "adultescence;" adolescence extended into the 20s, 30s, and beyond. Simply put, maturity and responsibility do not occur overnight, they are the direct result of godly preparation in a previous season of life.

This is the message of The Rebelution, and we would love if you would continue to come alongside us in this journey. Our sidebar is a repository of links to past articles, many of which are foundational to our message. If you have not read our introductory post, please do so.

The festival and our work with the Justice have provided us with much food for thought and material with which to further develop our vision for cultural rebelution. We will be posting that vision over the next few days, weeks, and months. We will also be adding additional "post-coverage" to the festival, including an interview and profile of Isaac Botkin, an interview with 16 year-old filmmaker John Moore, and many more pictures of during and after the award ceremony.

We pray you may continue to be blessed by our work here. Through you, God has richly blessed us.

SAICFF: Awards Ceremony — Complete!

The awards ceremony is now complete! A huge congratulations to all the Jubilee Award-winners. The future of the independent Christian film industry is very bright indeed. Pictures to be posted later tonight.

Best Film Trailer: Digitally Remastered, Joshua Moore

Young Filmmakers Runner Up: Why Did The Duck Cross The Road?, Spencer Weaver

Best Young Filmmakers Short: Blue State: Tolerance For All, Colton Davie

Creation Runner Up: Gentle Giants, Jeff Butler

Best Creation Short: Journey Thru Creation, Christian Hidalgo

Political Runner Up: For God, Family, and the Republic, Jeff Butler

Best Political Short: Intent, Tyler and Ed Litton

INTERMISSION

Documentary Runner Up: The Narrow Path, Dalanglin Dkhar

Best Documentary Short: A Journey Home, Ken Carpenter

Narrative Runner Up: Her Last Prayer, Daniel Nunez

Best Narrative Short: No Greater Love, Arthur Rasco

Audience Choice Award: Growing Up, Russ Pond

Best of Festival Runner Up: The Narrow Path, Dalanglin Dkhar

Best of Film Festival: No Greater Love, Arthur Rasco

SAICFF: 9:30 P.M. - 10/29

Mr. Doug Phillips closed the evening by thanking the many sponsors, speakers, Vision Forum staff, San Antonio community, and most importantly, God Himself. We now end the second annual San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival the way we began... To the beautiful words of age old truth, "Be Thou My Vision," performed by Amy Salter and Family.

What a beautiful event.

SAICFF: 8:45 A.M. - 10/29

During an intermission, festival attendees are being treated; first, to a performance of the song "No Greater Love," by its composer and singer, and second, to yet another wonderful oral interpretation of God's Word by George Sarris; this one of the Book of Jonah.

SAICFF: 8:00 P.M. - 10/29

Charlie Zahm is currently leading the entire theater in the old hymn "Chester" and the lively ballad "Lord of the Dance." Nearly every audience member is clapping and stomping their feet along.

SAICFF: 5:20 P.M. - 10/29

Attendees are flocking to the registration table to vote for their favorite film of the festival. From The Rebelution's unofficial polling, audience favorites include John Moore's "Bubble Trouble," Russell Pond's "Growing Up," and Arthur Rasco's "No Greater Love."

SAICFF: 4:45 P.M. - 10/29

Having just watched a slate of excellent, excellent films: No Greater Love, Clocks, Virtuoso, and Focus. I am thrilled by how much the quality has risen since last year. There are some truly marvelous films at this festival.

Audience members will now head off to vote for their favorite film of the festival. Our next post will be at the Jubilee Awards and Closing Ceremonies.

SAICFF: 3:30 P.M. - 10/29

The audience is now being treated to a highly creative and entertaining LEGO stop-motion film "The Wars of Humanity." I can't believe the hours and hours that must have been put into this film. I absolutely love the concept.

SAICFF: 3:15 P.M. - 10/29

The attendees in room 003 just finished watching the film "The Cookie Jar," by Jonathan S. Crisp. I would love my little brother to watch this film. An excellent treatment of temptation, sin, and salvation, for young children. Highly enjoyable!

SAICFF: 2:30 P.M. - 10/29

"Blue State: Tolerance for All" has just wrapped up. I must say, I was very impressed. Better than many films I've seen produced and sold in Christian circles, and evident of great talent and potential, I greatly look forward to seeing Colton Davie's future films, both next year, and for years to come. Be sure to go watch the trailer for the film here.

SAICFF: 1:35 P.M. - 10/29

I am now watching the opening moments of Colton Davie's film "Blue State: Tolerance For All." I have heard many wonderful things about this film. Thus far, it has exceeded my expectations. The script alone is excellent; something that is greatly lacking in most Christian films.

SAICFF: 12:30 P.M. - 10/29

I have just returned from watching three short films in the Narrative category: Doors of the Heart, Dumb Detective, and Mr. Safeguard. All three contained excellent messages and several flashes of brilliance in filmmaking. It is exciting to see the future of the Independent Christian Filmmaking represented so well by these early pioneers in this culture-changing movement.

SAICFF: 11:15 A.M. - 10/29

Mr. Botkin shares countless, powerful, chilling quotations by Marxists of the past century, whose goal in cultural warfare was targeted towards two institutions: The cinema, and the public school system. Consider the following quotes:

John Dewey, father of progressive education: "Literacy is the greatest obstacle to socialism."

Vladimir Lenin: "Of all the arts, the motion picture is the most important."

Leon Trotsky: "This weapon [cinema], which cries out to be used, is the best instrument for political propaganda, which cuts into the memory and may be made a possible source of revenue."

Severneya Pravda: "We are obliged... to make amusement a weapon of collective education. The cinema competes with the church. This rivalry may become fatal for the church. The cinema liberates you from the need of crossing the church door. Here is an instrument we must secure."

As Mr. Botkin said, "It was the perfect instrument of indoctrination because it was so well suited to create an entire society more blatantly devoted to the gratification of sensory desires at the expense of masculine responsibility and achievement."

A few more quotes:

Otto Gross: "If Jezebel had not been defeated by Elijah, world history would have been diffretna dn better. Jezebel was Babylon. By killing her, monotheistic moralism drove pleasure from the world."

Mr. Gross, once again, stated that one of his visions was "to start a sexual revolution to destroy the bourgeois, patriarchal family."

Mr. Botkin further points out that the Soviet's intelligence operation code-named Hollywood as "Babylon."

To show the Marxist's great power and influence in Hollywood, Mr. Botkin shared several quotes, inlcuding this by screenwriter-director Philip Dunne, in his 1980 memoirs, "All over town the industrious communist tail wagged the lazy liberal dog."

This is hardly a taste of the information being shared in this lecture... Mr. Botkin, a former Marxist himself, has studied this issue for over 10 years, and his knowledge and wisdom is incredible. The implications of the revelations shown in this session are astounding.

We wonder what has happened to society and why Hollywood is leading the way downward... The answer is chilling. It was planned, strategized, and calculated for decades upon decades by those who hate Christianity and all the values represented by Scripture. It was, as one author put it, "far and away the most successful psychological warfare operation ever launched against the West."

SAICFF: 11:00 A.M. - 10/29

In 1979, Hollywood insider, Ben Stein, published his book "The View from Sunset Boulevard," subtitled "America as brought to you by the people who make television." In it he outlined the results of his studies, which found the following depictions as consistently presented in Hollywood television and feature films:

Businessmen = criminals

The military = psychotic sadists

Minorities of all descriptions = goodhearted and hard-working

Small towns = evil

Criminals = victims of racism and poverty

Clergy = uninformed, unsophisticated, and ineffectual

Government social workers = noble, idealistic

Fathers = stupid

Children = superior and more intelligent than parents

Mr. Stein's conclusion was this: "It all came together for me only by using a Marxian analysis."

Here Mr. Botkin turned to powerfully present Marxism and Neo-Marxism as the direct but subtle power behind Hollywood's molding and shaping of culture. He quotes a poem written by a young Karl Marx:

"Soon I shall embrace eternity to my breast, and soon I shall howl gigantic curses on mankind... If there is a something which devours, I'll leap within though I bring the world to ruins. The world which bulks between me and abyss I will smash to pieces iwth my enduring curses... Behold this sword - the prince of darkness sold it to me. For he beats the time and gives the signs. Ever more boldly I play the dance of Death." — Karl Marx

SAICFF: 10:40 A.M. - 10/29

While Brett covers R.C. Sproul, Jr., and his lecture entitled, The Weapons of Our Warfare: Truth, Beauty, Righteousness, I will be providing notes and commentary on a lecture that was very popular and impacting to festival attendees last year, entitled Hollywood's Most Despised Villian by Geoff Botkin.

Mr. Botkin begins by defining two key terms:

Holiness: As applied to media: Purity of content, Biblically moral content, sanctified content consecrated to God, separate form and vastly different from conventional worldly standards.

Aesthetics: The science of defining goodness, truth, and beauty and how culture is perceived. Through aesthetic elements we feel, perceive and see a culture’s religion. Aesthetic elements are the external elements of culture, the physical building blocks of culture. They are the imprint of faith on life and culture. All are religious. They are the theological marks of society, even secular society. They are the marks of one’s values and moral codes. Christian aesthetic elements are the ingredients of Christian culture, which is nothing more than Christian civilization. They are the tools of discipleship, the very framework of the Kingdom of God.

SAICFF: 1:10 P.M. - 10/28

Images and quotations from press conference announcing the world premiere of Vision Forum's Faith of our Father's film project The League of Grateful Sons:

"[H]ere you have, perhaps one of the most important things that I think can happen in a man's life. And that is this, we're all ordinary men, but the world doesn't praise the most important things that are in the lives and hearts of ordinary men. And my father is an ordinary man. We're honoring him, but we're honoring him for the things that the world would never honor him for." — Scott Brown

“We are hoping to see this [film] distributed widely through the Christian community through a variety of different independent marketing vehicles. Now, historically, films have been marketed only through the monopolistic stranglehold mechanism of Hollywood. This is being broken up today. The Internet, private avenues, open up opportunities for independent filmmakers like myself to reach a large number of people.”

“My dream is that churches will show this film and encourage people to see it in their homes and in their local churches. It is my dream that local theaters will pick it up; theaters that understand that families want to see more than the sort of stuff that’s coming out of Hollywood right now. Also, it’s our dream and our hope, should God provide the resources, or should the doors open up, that we’ll be able to see the film in its entirety or perhaps an edited version on the History Channel, the Discovery Channel, and others, so that we can reach an entire group of individuals who would otherwise not be seeing this film. Our goal is that millions of people will see the film and we’ll be pressing towards that direction in the months to come.” -- Doug Phillips

SAICFF: 12:55 P.M. - 10/28

Scott Brown, whose father fought in WWII on Iwo Jima, just shared his deep appreciation for being involved in The League of Grateful Sons. One thing that particularly stood out was this quote, regarding his father: "[This film is] honoring him for something that the world would never honor him for."

SAICFF: 12:45 P.M. - 10/28

Vision Forum is currently holding a brief press conference announcing the world premiere of The League of Grateful Sons this evening. Brett and I, representing The Rebelution, have been invited to attend and participate. We are incredibly excited about this film.

Updates and quotes to come...

SAICFF: 11:55 A.M. - 10/28

Brett and I are in room 007 watching two films in the Young Filmmakers category. The first, called Finally Home, directed by Phillip Leclerc, is a 33-minute film that tells the story of Jesse, a young teen whose parents were killed in a fatal car accident and who lives in a State home for boys. Driven by unanswered questions, Jesse takes a group of boys and feels the boy's home to the only person he knows can help him — "Uncle Owen." So far, I've really appreciate the high quality camera work in this film.

The second film, coming up next, is a film directed by then-15, now 16 year-old, John Moore, entitled Bubble Trouble. A brief description of this film can be found here.

SAICFF: 11:00 A.M. - 10/28

Presented by Geoff Botkins in his session Vocational Realities for Aspiring Filmmakers:

Spiritual Qualifications for Aspiring Filmmakers:

• Are you living in the real world?
• Are you a leader or a follower?
• Are you weak in faith or strong in faith?
• Are you teaching in truth or sound doctrine?
• Are you growing in grace and humility?
• Do you have vigor and spiritual authority?
• Are you pursuing a relationship with God through biblical literacy?
• Do you heed the voice of your parents?
• Do you take every opportunity to let your family sharpen your character?
• Are you building your own convictions?

Academic Qualifications for Aspiring Filmmakers:

• Do not go to film school. For many producers, and especially for independent Christian producers, college credentials mean the following: “The holder of these credential just spent four years in a dismally unproductive environment using gear that is no longer industry standard, trying to succeed in a totally artificial environment because he didn’t have the resourcefulness or creativity to go out and produce something for the real world. The graduate can tolerate futility and boredom.”
• Among your professional goals should be to become resourceful, responsible, virtuous, capable, dependable, accomplished, entrepreneurial, and honest.
• Your vocational goal should be the complete management of your own productions.
• As preparation to that goal you should make your own small production or assist mature Christian producers who are creating good material.

Note: Blogger is not allowing us to upload pictures. Hopefully this problem will be rectified soon. For now, there will be only text.

SAICFF: 10:55 A.M. - 10/28

Presented by Geoff Botkins in his session Vocational Realities for Aspiring Filmmakers:

Cold Facts About the Filmmaking Industry:

• Filmmaking can be a sin trap because the present industry is a sensuality cartel.
• Filmmaking is not as prestigious, refined, classy, or glamorous as the industry portrays itself. (“Film are made by morons for morons.” - Walter Matthau)
• Film can also be spiritually dangerous because it is a fun vocation. It integrates many challenging arts, sciences, technologies, and talented people. It entertains. It thrills. It’s so much fun, we can make an idol of it.
• Film is a religious weapon that has been used for both garish and brutish amusement and subtle indoctrination.
• You need spiritual maturity in order to know how to use this versatile weapon because it teaches. Filmmakers are teachers. (James 3:1 - "Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.")
• Because every film teaches theological truth and falsehood, you must understand the You must have character as well as sound theological footing on order to rise to positions of responsibility in the industry.
• You must choose your positions and training carefully in order to avoid helping the wrong people advance the wrong ideas.
• You must develop the vision to be a wise leader and not a blind follower. You must attain to positions of influence in order to be the most effective teacher you can be.
• You must aspire to be an independent writer/producer/director.
• The most influential form of media is the two-hour theatrical feature film. In the early 21st Century, this motion picture format is still the influential pacesetter of American Culture. As it is exported to other nations it upsets cultural realities wherever it is seen. It colonizes culturally and it disciplines theologically.

SAICFF: 10:45 P.M. - 10/28

Mr. Geoffrey Botkin is now presenting an excellent talk entitled Vocational Realities for Aspiring Filmmakers. It's purpose is to communicate to aspiring filmmakers what to expect, be aware of, and prepare for.

He began by warning attendees of the dangers of Hollywood. Mr. Botkin, a Marxist prior to coming to Christ, was drawn to the world of filmmaking when he realized the power of that medium. He went to Hollywood, observed it, and observed friends and acquaintances who, despite their good intentions, became mired in its filth.

Countless Christians have been harmed, many shipwrecked in Hollywood. You cannot succeed in that industry without compromising in order to please the powers-that-be; powers that are hostile to Christianity in every way.

"This is a dangerous territory. It's dangerous. And this is probably the only film festival you'll go to where the faculty will tell you, 'You better be careful. This isn't cool. This is warfare.'" — Geoff Botkin

SAICFF: 9:30 A.M. - 10/28

I have just finished listening to R.C. Sproul, Jr., deliver a provacative talk entitled Deliberate Culture. He began by presenting a brief history of the Enlightenment, and argues that this same philosophy of perfection through education continues to ensnare believers and unbelievers alike. As a younger man, Sproul explained, he was what he calls a Worldview Boy. He grew up under the teaching of his father, R.C. Sproul, senior, and Dr. Francis Schaeffer. He's written entire books on worldviews. And yet, he has a charge and a caution for worldviewish Christians.

As Christians, particularly those of us who are Reformed, we often fall into the error of measuring our level of sanctification by the sophistication of our worldview. Our godliness is decided by our ability to drop names of philosophers and theologians whose works we've studied. We attempt to solve our problems by reading books, attending conferences, listening to sermons, and watching video lectures. In many ways, we're still snared by a foundational enlightenment worldview, that man is perfectible, and that education is his salvation. We don't change our problems by changing our worldview. Man doesn't sin because of errors in his worldview. Rather he constructs erroneous worldviews to cover over his sin.

Because of this, making movies to change worldviews, simply will not work. That mindset is still enslaved to the enlightenment. It will only persuade audiences to construct different erroneous worldviews to cover up their sins. Mr. Sproul encouraged all Christians, whether watching or making films, to measure a movie, not by its ability to make us think true thoughts, but by its ability to encourage virtue. As Christians, we are not deliberate enough. He puts forth this charge as an example of this error: That the problem in America is not Darwinism, but the murder of babies.

Mr. Sproul points out the passage in Romans 1:29-32, where we read, "They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Though they know God’s decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them."

As Christians we often will boycott movies with gross immorality, violence, or obscenity. You see, we believe we can identify the worldview behind such depictions of sin. And yet, we watch and support movies and television shows where gossips, fools, and disobedient children are continually depicted. We've missed something.

SAICFF: 10:00 P.M. - 10/27

For the evening’s entertainment, festival attendees have been treated to two magnificent performances. The first was a compilation Scottish ballads, sung by baritone Celtic balladeer Charlie Zahm. I wish we could allow those reading to hear Mr. Zahm’s incredible voice, but sadly, it cannot be communicated over the blog medium. The second was a performance of the entire Book of Esther, word-for-word, by veteran actor/storyteller George Sarris. Mr. Sarris truly brings Scripture to life. However, what I appreciate most about Mr. Zahm and Mr. Sarris, which can be communicated through written word, is their commitment to glorifying God through their areas of endeavor. It is a testimony to Vision Forum that they not only bring in artists who are experts in their craft, but also ensure that those artists fit perfectly in the message of the entire event: That Christ is over all.

SAICFF: Random Interview Samplings #1

Immediately after the opening ceremony concluded we started interviewing film festival attendees to get their first impressions. The following quotations do little to show how many different cities, states, and nations are represented at this event, or the incredible age ranged represented, however they all perfectly summarize the impression the opening ceremony had on nearly all who attended:

Chloe Anderson, an 18-year-old from Colorado: "We just got done with the opening ceremonies and I was blown away. I was very, very impressed with what is being done here."

J.J. Gauthier, an 18-year-old from Colorado: "Based on the opening ceremony I think this is going to be very interesting. This is something that really is kind of untapped by Christians, it's not something that is used well. So if this turns out to be as good, or hopefully even better, than what was previewed at the opening ceremony I think [filmmaking] is something [Christians] can really make an impact on."

John Moore, a 16-year-old from Texas: "I was extremely impressed with the purity that I saw here, the revelutionary insight from the speakers, and the quality of presentation. Just really the beauty of it all, I guess you could say. Anyone could see the beauty in this."

SAICFF: 7:30 P.M. - 10/27

The audience was just given the tremendous treat of watching trailers for two upcoming, independent Christian films. The first, by Scottish brothers Colin and Euan Gunn, winners of last year's Best Political Film for their film Shaky Town (covering the issue of gay marriage in San Francisco), is called The Monstrous Regiment of Women, which looks to be an excellent treatment of the feminist movement. Be sure to watch the trailer here.

The second trailer, by the team (led by Richard Ramsey) who won the Audience Choice Award last year for their allegorical critique of post-modernism Washington's Cross, is called The Oath, and appears to be excellent in quality. You can watch the trailer here.

SAICFF: 7:10 P.M. - 10/27

After celtic balladeer Charlie Zahm led the nearly 1,500 attendees in the National Anthem, and Justice Tom Parker of the Alabama Supreme Court opened the event in prayer, Doug Phillips, President of Vision Forum, began the evening with a thesis, a maxim, and an encouragement. The thesis for the SAICFF is that we, as Christians, should take every frame captive to obedience of the Lord Jesus Christ. Our maxim, from Scripture, is Nehemiah 4:14, “Be not ye afraid of them: Remember the Lord, which is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons and your daughters, your wives, and your houses.” And we are to be encouraged, because this is the greatest time in history to be an independent Christian filmmaker. As a preliminary observation, the anticipation and excitement in the room is readily apparent.

Justice Tom Parker, prays to our Creator, thanking Him for the gift of creativity and inviting Him to bless this weekend's festival.

San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival: 6:30 P.M. - 10/27

Brett and I are here at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center for the second annual San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival. Having signed in and received our press passes, Brett and I are preparing for the opening ceremonies, which will begin shortly. Unfortunately, we only have internet access in one room in the entire convention center; a room that is completely removed from any of the events that will be transpiring over the next several days. Because of this, we will not be able to give minute-by-minute updates, as we did for the Christian Film Academy. We will be screening films and interviewing filmmakers throughout the week, giving you as comprehensive coverage as possible, but will have to wait until we can return to this "special" room before posting. Thank you for your patience.

CFA: 5:25 P.M. - 10/25

We have officially graduated from the first annual Christian Filmmakers Academy... A big hand to all attendees.

Interview excerpts from students, and perhaps, more photographs, will be posted later this evening.

CFA: 5:00 P.M. - 10/26

Geoff Botkin just delivered a closing admonition to academy students. The emphasis throughout the week has been, not only technical excellence, but more importantly, on a heart after God and a life committed to Him. Mr. Botkin reminded students that they are ministers of the gospel through the films they make, and charged them to remain devoted to fearing God, and not man. They are currently passing out academy diplomas to the entire class, allowing each student to come up and shake the hands of the academy faculty.

CFA: 4:30 P.M. - 10/26

I apologize for the long delay between posts. Blogger is experiencing some technical difficulties, which forced us to rewrite this entry from scratch.

This final session has been a segment where all of the faculty, Doug Phillips, Ken Carpenter, Isaac Botkins, Geoff Botkins, Dan Rasmussen, and Anthony Biller, are fielding questions from the audience.

Many of the preliminary questions were targeted at Anthony Biller, regarding copyright laws. One question was whether permission was needed to show the Google or Microsft Word logos on a computer screen in a film. The answer was (assuming this does not play a large part of your movie), no, you do not need to ask permission.

A mother just asked a very excellent question. In paraphrase: "What do you advise for a unmarried young lady who desires to pursue the field of filmmaking?" The answer focused on the need for a unified family that will develop and cultivate the abilities of its members. Far too many Christians mistakenly believe that young ladies can be only one of two things; either she stays at home all day eating bon-bons, or else she's a warrior, conqueror, rabid feminist. This is simply not true. Mr. Phillips recommends several resources on this subject, both carried by Vision Forum. The first is the audio tape CD "What's A Girl To Do?" The second is a book by Mr. Botkin's 17 and 19 year-old daughters, entitled "So Much More."

CFA: 2:40 P.M. - 10/26

Isaac Botkin is showing us some amazing examples of graphic animation. He's taken a shaky, overexposed shot of a reenactment of the raising of the flag on Iwo Jima, and diminished the shakiness, added moving clouds in the background, and generally cleaned up the video footage to look like film. He also showed us some footage of a CGI plane flying by in the Vision Forum film League of Grateful Sons, which I believe will be shown in entirety at the festival later this week.

Pictures to be posted soon...

CFA: 1:35 P.M. - 10/26

We have now come to a much anticipated lecture on graphic and computer design, presented by Mr. Geoff Botkin and his son, Isaac.

Isaac will be giving live demonstrations on his computer, which will be projected on the large screen to his right. This session will probably become more technical and complicated as we move forward. We'll post as much as we can.

CFA: 12:05 P.M. - 10/26

Some quick notes from Mr. Botkins session Editing and Project Selection, which has been excellent, I must say. More to come later... Lunch break is up next.

The primary emphasis of this session has been the importance of doing the bulk of your editing before filming your shots. Again, this goes back to the idea of "technological sloppiness;" we think that we can fix everything on the computer later, so we're careless and shoot a bunch of superfluous footage. We need to think through out shots before we get on the field. Just like a story should have a beginning, middle, and end, so should each individual shot. Most great films do not have a lot of bells and whistles in the form of fancy transitions or dissolves. Instead, they did a majority of their editing on the storyboard and on the field, which allows for fluid and sharp cuts, that greatly simplifies post-production work. The later you do your editing, the worse that editing will be.

Something that the Botkins advise is for filmmakers to take an excellently made film, and to take an individual scene and analyze every aspect of it. Look at the cuts and transitions, the angles and the lighting, the music and audio. Identify what makes it excellent.

CFA: 10:55 A.M. - 10/26

Just a brief taste of the excellent instruction of Mr. Carpenter. He is truly a repository of godly wisdom. More to come...

The Script: 1.) Your script needs to be properly formatted. There are industry standards to which any serious filmmaker must adhere. Part of the reason for this is, as your script begins to make its way into the hands of seasoned professionals, they’re going to expect professional formatting. 2.) You must pursue excellence in the area of script writing. Your movie can only be as good the script. 3.) For information and further links regarding screenplays and studio format go here. 4.) A good script will average about one minute of screen time per page.

The Story: When you're trying to come up with a story for your film, begin by making a list of all the things to which you have access. For example, if you have a friend who owns a yellow school bus, write that down. If you have a farm with horses, write that down. Work with what you have, not with what you don't.

Budget and Schedule: Be sure to ask yourself, "How many days can I afford to shoot?" As a general rule, episodic television shows shoot about 7 pages a day. Feature films shoot about 1 page a day. Bear this in mind. If you have a 30-page script and only 3 days to shoot, you have a problem.

CFA: 10:00 A.M. - 10/26

Paraphrased words of wisdom from Ken Carpenter:

• "Write what you know, not what you don't."
• "Use what you have, not what you lack."
• "Pursue excellence in scriptwriting. There's an old Hollywood adage that we would do well to consider: 'If it ain't on the script, it ain't going to be in the movie.' A mediocre script will not become an excellent movie."
• "Think like entrepreneurs."
• "Understanding the craft of writing equips you to be a better filmmaker. If you really want to make a career out of filmmaking; yes, think visually, but the best career advice I can give you is to learn how to write."
• "Don't ask 'how much will it cost?' but rather, 'how much will we have to work with?'"
• "Hone your networking skills. Networking is key in all areas of endeavor."
  
• "Good producers are always a step ahead of anything that happens."
• “The quality of your actors and actresses is only as strong as the weakest one.“
• “Great movies have really talented people in small roles.”
• "If you don’t care enough about excellence to find out how to do the little things the right way, you will not be taken seriously."

That last paraphrased quotation reminds me of Proverbs 22:29, "Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men."

CFA: 8:50 A.M. - 10/26

Mr. Phillips recites a Rudyard Kipling poem by memory to start the day:

If

If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or, being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or, being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;

If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with triumph and disaster
And treat those two imposters just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with wornout tools;

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breath a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on";

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings - nor lose the common touch;
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run -
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man my son!

CFA: 8:50 P.M. - 10/25

Mr. Rasmussen is now answering student's questions. This one regards a comment made by him earlier in the presentation.

The question was: "What is a stage line?"

The Answer: When an object or person is moving in a shot, the line upon which it travels is called the stage line. The filmmaking rule is to never have successive shots from two different sides of the stage line. This is because, if an object is moving from right to left, and you move to the other side of the stage line, the object will now be moving left to right, which is confusing and disjointed. If you want to switch from one side of the stage line to the other, transition with a neutral shot. For example, if you’re filming a car coming down a road, film from one side of the stage line, then get a neutral shot of the car moving straight toward you or straight away from you, and finally, move to the other side of the stage line.

CFA: 8:30 P.M. - 10/25

I have just returned to my computer after taking pictures of Mr. Rasmussen's slideshow. There are some truly amazing photos, whose brilliance, I hope, can be captured through our snapshots of his snapshots. Mr. Rasmussen's presentation has been, not so much about filmmaking specifically, but rather a story of mountains and a display of excellent photography. A truly breathtaking presentation. We will try to include commentary to some of Mr. Rasmussen's best photographs, perhaps not until we return to the hotel this evening.

CFA: 7:05 P.M. - 10/25

We now prepare for what looks to be a very exciting presentation by David Rasmussen, entitled Adventure Filmmaking for the Glory of God. Mr. Rasmussen has traveled to over forty countries around the world, filming locations in eighteen of them. In his twenty years as a director of photography and cinematographer, he has worked at high altitude as a cameraman on Mount Everest. He also directed and filmed a six-part series on K2 in Pakistan for National Geographic Television.

Updates and pictures to come...

CFA: 4:30 P.M. - 10/25

Another interesting point on copyright law, of which many people may be unaware. Do you know why publishing houses republish translations of old books (or for that matter, the Bible) every five to ten years? The reason is because, while the original document (published prior to 1923) is public domain, the translation is copyrighted. Modern English Bible translations are not public domain.

CFA: 4:05 P.M. - 10/25

These more technical sessions are much harder to blog in detail. However, the emphasis of this session so far has been to know copyright laws and then to act accordingly. Get everything in writing and read the small print of contracts.

Another good point, which was made in passing, is that the current trend in distribution and marketing is for artists to distribute their work directly to the consumer, thus bypassing the recording and production studios. This, according to Biller, is a primary reason why production studios are so quick to take teens who download music off the internet to court. They're trying to protect their industry. I found that interesting and worth considering. This would be yet another example of where Christians must recognize and prepare for changes in society.

Another thing that makes this session hard is that I'm afraid that, if I get too specific, I'll be guilty of some sort of copyright infringement. :wink:

CFA: 3:55 P.M. - 10/25

Anthony Biller, Esquire, gives us a rundown on copyright law. A copyright protects original works of authorship. "Original," in this sense, means that the work originated in the author. "Works," in this sense, exclude concepts or ideas. It only applies to the expression of concepts or ideas.

Copyright does not extend to public domain. Public domain includes events in history, objective facts, or historical documents. Any work prior to 1923 is considered public domain.

Individual copyrights extend 70 years after the author's death. They do not give you a monoply ownership over the work, they only protect you from others copying your specific work.

CFA: 3:05 P.M. - 10/25

A 30-minute break... Next up, Anthony Biller, Esquire, on intellectual property rights.

CFA: 2:55 P.M. - 10/25

An interesting point, which Mr. Phillips just raised, is that advances in technology has made us very sloppy. We may wonder how the Founders were able to write out such an amazing document, like the Declaration of Independence, without a word processor. The truth is that, in years past, people were required to organize their thoughts and think out their words before they put them down on paper. Consequently, their thinking was much more logical than ours today. We have lost something. We no longer "need" to think out our words before we sit down to write, because we have word processors. We can switch paragraphs around and change or delete words and sentences. This breeds irresponsibility in writing.

Applied to filmmaking, many filmmakers fail to plan their shoots before they make them. They take hours and hours of digital film, because it's cheap. But then they have to log and watch all of that footage. They would have done better to carefully plan their shots beforehand, and make only the shots they have planned. Technology can make us sloppy, and we must fight that.

CFA: 2:15 P.M. - 10/25

Mr. Phillips outlines an important principle for filmmakers (and really, anyone): "Be Redundant."

This means to back-up everything. If you don't, you'll find yourself in a tremendous pickle. It is best to assume error. Assume that there will be problems and that things will go wrong. Always have a Plan B. If you anticipate problems in advance and then work "redundancies" into your project, you'll save yourself from enormous losses.

Save The Wheel: New Short Flicks

We've been talking to many young filmmakers here in San Antonio about making short films for Save The Wheel dot Com, and they've been very enthusiastic. Meanwhile, be sure to go and watch the five flicks that have been submitted (click on the "your flicks" image). Currently these include: Using a Door, Job Interviews, Sneezing, and several others.

CFA: 1:45 P.M. - 10/25

We are now beginning the first session after lunch. Geoff Botkins is presenting a session entitled Graphics, Animation, Compositing, Post, and Other Grading. I expect, from earlier precedent, that this session will cover other topics as well.

Updates to come...

CFA: 12:15 P.M. - 10/25

They're doing a question and answer session before conclusion:

Question #1: Would it be advised to purchase equipment, or rent/lease that equipment for a particular project.

Answer #1: If you're doing a lot of productions, buy your gear. If you're only doing a few, rent your gear. More on this tomorrow.

Question #2: How do I learn to make films with the same quality as Hollywood, without having to learn those skills through men and women who are incredibly hostile to Christianity?

Short Answer #2: That's what the vision of the Christian Film Academy and San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival is all about. Next year, a book will come out called "Outside Hollywood." There's the CD series from last year's festival, and the CD series from this year. There's the Film Academy, which will continue to develop through the year.

Also, identify upright and Christian filmmakers and apprentice underneath them. Mentorship under noble men, who are godly Christians, and who will not divorce their faith from their methodology, is better than a college degree. You exchange your time and energy for their expertise and wisdom.

A few final notes, as it is now time for the lunch break:

A lot of attendees have said that their ultimate goal is to make a feature-length film. Mr. Botkins makes this good point: "Study your Bible every day, so that you'll be ready to make the feature film." It seems simplistic or trite, but that truly is incredibly important.

Mr. Phillips alerts attendees of an exciting addition to the San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival next year. A 24-hour film competition among attendees.

CFA: 12:00 P.M. - 10/25

Isaac tacks a disclaimer onto the recent discussion that occured: Our goal is not to get into a mad scramble to be the first Christians to get onto a Video iPod. Our goal is to produce the most God-honoring films, no matter what the method of distribution may be. We are responsible to take advantage of opportunities that God makes available, but we must use godly discretion based on His Word.

Bravo to all the faculty of the academy for stressing this point.

CFA: 11:50 A.M. - 10/25

Doug Phillips, in following the line of thought initiated by Isaac (see the last post), has brought up the idea of adopting a video distribution system similar to that of the Apple iTunes Store with the new Video iPod. This seems to be the future of film-viewing and is something that Christians must be thinking about.

Mr. Botkins also added, very appropriately I believe, that our ultimate focus must always be to glorify God and remain committed to His truth in all areas of life. This emphasis is most appreciated.

Isaac has now added that, while short films are not in high demand at this time, they may become so in the near future, because of the iPod Video.

CFA: 11:45 A.M. - 10/25

Isaac makes an excellent observation that should be considered by all Christians, in all areas of work. Technology is moving incredibly fast. As Christians we must be ahead of the times, not lagging behind. In the past 5 years, we've seen the introduction of Tivo, Netflix, iPods, the iTunes store, etc... These advances in technology have changed the way Americans watch TV, rent DVDs, and listen and buy music. That's only the beginning. We have to see where technology is going and then be the first to adapt to it.

CFA: 11:30 A.M. - 10/25

Mr. Botkin and his son, Isaac, will now be presenting an overview of current filmmaking technology. We will post as much of that information as is practical.

Isaac is sharing now on current technology. One point he makes is that video quality has gone down recently, with the digitalization of film. Now HD (high definition) seems to be the future of video, and Isaac encourages Christians to look into producing in HD in order to be ahead of a majority of modern-day culture.

CFA: 11:15 A.M. - 10/25

Now we come to the more technical aspect of the film academy. Mr. Geoffrey Botkin is speaking on Lights, Camera, and Sound. Updates and observations to come.

CFA: 10:20 A.M. - 10/25

Mr. Phillips just shared the following. In 1930, the Hays Commission and its rules were the binding regulations for all filmmakers. I include direct quotes below. It is shameful how far Christian filmmakers fall from these standards. Not to mention Hollywood as a whole.

The Hays Commission of 1930: (choice outtakes)

• No picture shall be produced that will lower the moral standards of those who see it. Hence the sympathy of the audience should never thrown to the side of crime, wrongdoing evil or sin.
• The treatment of low, disgusting, unpleasant, though not necessarily evil, subjects should always be subject to the dictates of good taste and a regard for the sensibilities of the audience.
• Obscenity in word, gesture, reference, joke, or by suggestion (even when likely to be understood only by part of the audience) is forbidden.
• Pointed profanity (this includes the words, God, Lord, Jesus, Christ - unless used reverently - Hell, SOB, damn, Gawd), or every other profane or vulgar expression however used, is forbidden.
• No film or episode may throw ridicule on any religious faith.
• Ministers of religion in their character as minister of religion should not be used as comic characters or as villians.
• Complete nudity is never pemitted. This includes nudity in fact or in silhouette.
• Indecent or undue exposure is forbidden.
• The technique of murder must be presented in way that will not inspire imitation.
• Brutal killings are not to be presented in detail.
  
• Revenge in modern times shall not be [presented as] justified.
  

CFA: 9:40 A.M. - 10/25

Mr. Phillips makes a powerful, powerful point. He tells the story of his family's visit to the beautiful ancient Mayan temples where, each day, the priest would take a twelve year old boy or girl, cut out their beating heart, eat it, and throw the body down the temple steps. The Aztecs also followed this horrendous practice. When Montezuma met Cortez, he invited him to lunch, took a twelve-year-old boy, laid him on the table, cut out his heart, and ate it. The most shocking aspect of this historical fact is that this practice was completely normal and societally accepted. There was absolutely no outcry. The culture was entirely desensitized.

He then turned the story on modern Americans, including Christians. We laugh at depictions of homosexuality, at disrepect and disobedience to parents, and at bumbling reverends and pastors in a majority of secular television and films. We secretly root for men and women in "romantic" films to leave their hateful husband or wife and commit adultery. We do little, besides voicing our opinion from time to time, to raise a cry against the murder of millions of unborn children. We've also been desensitized.

CFA: 9:15 A.M. - 10/25

Mr. Phillips makes the excellent point that interpretation is everything. Even a film that is technically beautiful, includes no "gross immorality," and has a redemption theme in the end, but does not interprete that redemption biblically, is not God-honoring. Beauty of creation without a right understanding of the Creator will pervert truth. Redemption by works or changed environment is a twisted redemption.

CFA: 9:10 A.M. - 10/25

Mr. Phillips defines the term "epistemologically self-conscious": "To be 'epistemologically self-conscious' is to be aware of your worldview and its implications on life. It is to know how you get from A to Z." In other words, it is to think and act in a way consistent with our Christian faith.

Now we turn to address the problem of the one and the many. Speaking of the ancient Greek philosophers, Mr. Phillips asks the audience to name the "point of interpretation" that gives meaning to the many "things" and "facts" we see and experience around us. The answer for us, as Christians is, as Mr. Phillips says: "Christ is that point of interpretation."

A lot of definitions coming here. Mr. Phillips defines "presupposition" as: "An elementary assumption. A basic commitment. A foundational perspective in which experiences and facts are interpreted."

Several of these presuppositions, which are vital to an epistemologically self-conscious film, include the sovereignty of God, the Lordship of Christ, the depravity of man, the Creation account in Genesis, the fallen nature of this world, etc... To insert my own thought here, which I'm sure Mr. Phillips means to imply: Nearly every single film that comes out of Hollywood blatantly denies each and every one of these Christian presuppositions.

CFA: 8:50 A.M. - 10/25

We are here for the second day of the Christian Film Academy. Mr. Phillips is presenting a talk called Toward Epistemologically Self-Conscious Films. Your first question is probably, what does "epistemology" mean? In its most basic definition, it means "the theory of knowledge." It is the philosophical question of how we know, what we know, and how we know what we know. So far, no word from Mr. Phillips regarding the actual title of the presentation.

One of the first points that was made is this, which Mr. Phillips calls "Doug's Theory":

"When we are sufficiently mature to produce the right films, God will provide the resources and opportunity."

In other words, don't expect God to open the floodgates of heaven and bless your efforts when you are spiritually and presuppositionally immature. Again, emphasis on a biblical worldview as a prerequisite for Christian filmmaking.

Drowning Melville: Second Episode

We take a very quick break from our live coverage of the First Annual Christian Filmmakers Academy (CFA), alert our readers that the second episode of the hilarious short film "Drowning Melville" has been released and is available on the Save The Wheel website.

The Rebelution would encourage its readers to remember that some things don't need to change. Sometimes it's just better to forget reinvention and "save the wheel." Will you join us?

[Note: Alex and I should be receiving a box of 20 Save The Wheel T-Shirts while we are here in San Antonio. We will be recruiting avid supporters of the "wheel" to share their passion with the good people of San Antonio.]

[Note #2: For those who are following our live-blogging coverage of the Christian Filmmakers Academy, rest assure that we are not slacking on our job (see below). We are still at our hotel with no additional, fast-breaking news.]

[Note #3: Because we arrived at the CFA "as-it-started," we haven't had an opportunity to tell everyone about our incredible drive from Montgomery, Alabama, to San Antonio, Texas. That will come tomorrow which is relatively uneventful.]

CFA: A Note Regarding Internet Access

I would like to quickly alert our readers to our current situation. Our status regarding wireless (or even, non-wireless) internet access is currently in question. We were able to gain access to a network this first evening, however, we do not know whether this network will be available for the remainder of the academy. The festival itself, later this week, is in another facility where the internet accessibility status is currently unknown. Our hotel, which has internet access, is about 5-10 miles from both facilities, so we will not be able to update from there, except in the evenings. Suffice to say, we cannot currently guarantee continued live-blogging at the facility. However, rest assured that full updates will be posted each evening, at the very least.

As the week progresses, we are planning on posting interviews, profiles, and longer articles. Pictures will be uploaded each night as well. God bless you all!

CFA: 9:05 P.M. - 10/24

Mr. Botkins is going through a brief survey of academy students to identify needs, areas of expertise, and level of experience. I was most delighted to note that Mac users comprise nearly 50% of attendees.

The first evening of the academy has closed with the entire body of students rising and singing the first verse of the hymn "To God Be the Glory," a perfect summation of the purpose of this entire week.

More to come later tonight...

CFA: 9:00 P.M. - 10/24

Mr. Geoffrey Botkin, a former Marxist, now a solidly Christian, presuppositional film producer and IT pioneer, shares on the responsibilities of independent Christian filmmakers. One point that continues to resurface — one that is absolutely critical — is that, without a solidly biblical worldview, it is not good for Christians to venture into the world of filmmaking. Our goal is not just to equip Christians with the latest filmmaking technology, or to persuade as many professing Christians as possible to go out and make movies. Rather our ultimate goal and need is for godly Christians who follow the Lord's calling on their lives, who allow their faith to permeate all areas of their lives, and who refuse to compromise their convictions. If such Christians can be raised, then equipped, and finally, networked together... Then we will truly change our society.

CFA: 8:15 P.M. - 10/24

There is currently a short break. Preliminary pictures will be posted soon.

Up next, Mr. Botkins will speak on The Responsibilities of Independent Christian Filmmaking.

CFA: 8:05 P.M. - 10/24

Mr. Phillips makes two excellent points:

1.) Christian films do not need to directly mention God or contain an overt Gospel message. Shocking perhaps, but true. As an evidence of this, I would point you all to the Book of Esther, found in the Old Testament, which does not once mention the name of God. However, it is solidly, presuppositionally, and foundationally God-centered.

2.) Too many Christians are far too easily satisfied with modern films. We have come to a place where we are satisfied by a film, just because it contains no overt pornography, "too much" obscenity, or "blood everywhere." This is shameful. Christians are called to a higher standard.

CFA: 7:55 P.M. - 10/24

Mr. Phillips makes a powerful point: Culture is religion externalized. No art is neutral. All films have profound religious implications, even films written, directed, and produced by a devout atheist. This is why a solid, biblical worldview is a prerequisite for all Christian endeavors in the world of the arts.

He also raises a controversial question: Is beauty objective? Mr. Phillips, correctly, I believe, says that it is. Why? Because the Bible speaks of beauty as objective. It speaks of some things that are objectively beautiful and lovely, and others that are objectively ugly and abhorrent. This is in direct contradiction to our society's relativistic understanding of beauty (i.e. "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder."), which sadly, has become deeply engrained in the minds of Christians as well.

As a note of importance, do feel free to comment on our updates. We will read them, and if a question is asked, try to respond in future posts.

CFA: 7:15 P.M. - 10/24

Doug Phillips, President of Vision Forum Ministries, is giving a talk entitled The Vision of Independent Christian Filmmaking (see event schedule below). He mentions that the San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival has been mentioned among secular film festivals by Variety magazine. The reason? The SAICFF is the only Christian film festival to comprehensively, and with excellence, equip and network Christian filmmakers and to encourage them in their work by giving them an outlet and an incentive (i.e. the $10,000 grand prize for the festival's top film).

Mr. Phillips has also recently purchased an iPod Video, which he showed us students. His point? The way people watch movies is changing. Christians must have foresight and take advantage of changing technology. That admonition in itself sets the SAICFF apart from nearly all Christian events targeted to filmmakers.

CFA: Schedule of Events

Schedule of Events (subject to change — all times 'central standard time')

Monday:

6:30 p.m. - Session Opens
7:00 p.m. - The Vision of Independent Christian Filmmaking — Doug Phillips
8:00 p.m. - The Responsibilities of Independent Christian Filmmaking — Geoffrey Botkin
9:00 p.m. - Session Closes

Tuesday:

8:30 a.m. - Opening Worship and Prayer
8:45 a.m. - Toward Epistemologically Self-Conscious Films — Doug Phillips
10:15 a.m. - Break
10:30 a.m. - Lights, camera and Sound — Geoffrey Botkin
11:30 a.m. - Panel Q&A — Botkin and Phillips
12:00 p.m. - Lunch
1:30 p.m. - Graphics, Animation, Compositing, Post, and Other Grading — Geoffrey Botkin
3:00 p.m. - Break
3:30 p.m. - Intellectual Property for Filmmakers — Anthony Biller, Esquire
5:00 p.m. - Break
7:00 p.m. - Adventure Filmmaking for the Glory of God — David Rasmussen
8:30 p.m. - Optional: Faculty Breakaway: Live Critique of Student Projects
9:30 p.m. - Close

Wednesday:

8:30 a.m. - Opening Worship and Prayer
8:45 a.m. - Editing and Project Selection — Geoffrey Botkin
10:00 a.m. - Break
10:30 a.m. - Production Logistics — Ken Carpenter
12:00 p.m. - Lunch
1:30 p.m. - Managing Special and Unusual Projects — Geoffrey Botkin
3:00 p.m. - Break
3:30 p.m. - Panel Discussion — Faculty
4:30 p.m. - Graduation — Botkin, Phillips, Faculty
5:00 p.m. - Close Academy

Christian Filmakers Academy: 6:45 P.M. - 10/24

Well, after a long, one and a half day trip from Montgomery, Alababma... We're in San Antonio for the first annual Christian Filmmakers Academy. Prayer has been said and introductions are underway. Praise God, there is wireless internet access! Further updates to come.

Jiffy N' Lou: Installment #105

It's time once again for America's favorite comic strip: The Adventures of Jiffy N' Lou! Brought to you courtesy of the late New Attitude Magazine, Joshua Harris, and The Rebelution. Click on image to enlarge.

This comic bears special significance as Brett and I prepare to leave for Alabama tomorrow morning and plan to attend the San Antonio Independent Christian Film Academy and Festival next week. We will be dealing with these issues in interviews, reviews, and articles from downtown San Antonio, August 24th-29th. Meanwhile, we ask you, our readers, to give us your thoughts in response to the following series of questions:

1.) Is Hollywood getting better or worse?
2.) What in Hollywood is worth redeeming? What is not?
3.) Are Americans currently in the process of embracing or distancing themselves from Hollywood and the values it espouses?
4.) Should Christian filmmakers try to infiltrate Hollywood or start an independent Christian film industry?
5.) Is Hollywood growing in power and influence or weakening?
6.) How many movies do you watch a month? Do you think it's too many, too little, or just right?
7.) What's your favorite movie?
8.) Would the kinds of movies you watch most frequently qualify as wise companions or foolish companions? [For background on this question, click here.]

Feel free to answer as many of the above questions as you like. Try to answer, at the very least, the last three. Brett and I most likely won't be posting for the rest of the week, so our next update will be from San Antonio. Also, be sure to check out Kristin and Hannah's new blog for young ladies: Beauty From The Heart. Excellent work, girls!

Finally, please keep Brett and me in your prayers. We are filled with excitement, as well as fear and trepidation. God bless you all!

Note: Be sure to catch up on any of our old series or posts that you've missed while we're settling in to legal intern life.

Continue to Jiffy N' Lou: Installment #106