Leaving Limbo

As we grow older we often think back to periods in our lives and wonder “whatever happened to those years?”

Imagine if you were a promising young girl just out of high school and you suffer a horrendous accident that puts you in a coma for nineteen years. This is the story of Monica Wyatt in a lovely film, Leaving Limbo, who appears to have a great life until a careless automobile crash takes away everything she has ever known.

This film from award winning play writer Sandy Boikian is one I have to say at the offset is not to be missed. First I have to highlight the acting of Mandy Brown who is in practically every scene of the film having to run through the gamut of more emotions than most professionals do in a series of motion pictures. Mandy is a tour de force as she goes from scene to scene trying to adapt to a greatly changed world and the fact her fiancee’ Ben Hudson (Elias Cecil) who was also in the accident has since married, has had a son and is now divorced with some bitterness.

It is little wonder that Monica questions a God who would let this happen to her and there are times when she rages against the circumstances she is faced with. Her father Jack Wyatt (David Fruechting) on the other hand has not only made his peace with God, he is embarked on an important mission of caring for others. Their contrast is important to the plot and there are interesting short segments when Jack and Monica’s niece (Lauren K. Montgomery) have Bible studies with Monica as a listener who feels things are being deliberately aimed at her.

This is in part a beautiful love story, rather Shakespearean as you wonder if Monica and Ben will get back together after so many years. Like classic plays, there are misunderstandings between the two, even anger and resentment until they discover secrets about the accident they did not know. There is also a triangle here as another in the accident is Monica’s presumed best friend Tuesday (Noelle Perris) who adds both tension and at times humor.

This is definitely a well written film and redemption and forgiveness is a major part of it.
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This is definitely a well written film and redemption and forgiveness is a major part of it. A great job of acting is given by Wallace (Owen Williams) who caused the accident, though he is only in four scenes. The young Wallace reminds me of Jim Carrey and nineteen years later he is a man overridden by guilt. He has still managed to stay in contact with Monica and their coming to terms with each other is a real message for the audience.

It must be added that Sandy Boikian also has an understanding of British humor as for lightness has added Nurse Rosa (Violet Mathieson) who had looked after Monica during those nineteen years. Such writing is not easy to carry off unless you understand the genre’. Then again it is clear that the writer and director clearly has an understanding of all the elements that make a good story.

It may be doing an injustice to refer to this as a faith film as it is clearly one that will be enjoyed by everyone no matter what their beliefs. To some the phrase “faith film” is sadly a turn off. The film is not only well written and acted well, the cinematography, editing and music are excellent. Let nothing dissuade you from seeing Leaving Limbo. It is a film you will want to see more than once.

Hats off to the writer and director, Sandy Boikian.

Find it on Amazon: Leaving Limbo

Watch the Trailer: Leaving Limbo Trailer

When sitting down to what you think will be a faith movie it is surprising to hear a suspenseful musical chord and see the arrival of a train, a very Alfred Hitchcock opening. Doc Benson, the producer, director, and writer has surely taken a hint from the old master of suspense to give us a different tone for his faith film, Seven Deadly Words. Even the title has an Agatha Christie ring and it turns what has been an old story for many churches into a riveting tale that is based upon true events.

Can Evan Bennett Save this Church?

On the surface the story line sounds very simple. A new young minister, Evan Bennett, comes to take over an old established church in Connersville and finds that the church is in deep financial trouble. The leader of the board of deacons, Vincent Haman, and his wife Bertha have a great deal of control in the church and soon we hear that one phrase that has been the death knell for anyone with new ideas, “We’ve never done it that way before.” To add to the tension in the film Pastor Evan meets a man who once attended the church, Walt Tannin, who warns “They’ll be watching.” Later even the pastor’s wife, Elena Bennett, is told by so called well meaning ladies in regard to the deportment of her children, “We’ll be watching you, just to help out.” What seems like a peaceful community is one that is greatly divided.

A Suspenseful Mystery

There are several meetings shown in the film when the pastor must deal with the deacons and congregation members in budget concerns. The big issue is that a misappropriate amount of money is going into foreign missions and the needs of the local church are being ignored. One example is a weak, leaky ceiling which will prove to be important later. The Haman couple has a vested interest as a portion of that money is going to support a daughter who is a missionary. As the pastor works to add new people and to present a budget that would save the church, there is a whispering campaign against him and his family. When it looks like the pastor might succeed, his own children and Walt Tannin are nearly killed and we find ourselves in a real mystery. The ending of the film, I won’t be a spoiler, has twists and turns that will make the viewer want sequels. Think film noir.

Obedience to God’s Call in the Face of Opposition

It is possible that some who see this film will think it is promoting an anti-foreign mission theme; however, that is not the point. It is definitely a case of setting priorities and churches also have a responsibility for the needs of the local congregation and home missions as well. If a church dies, then missions are not served. There has to be a balance and there has to be compromise. For a brief time even Elena questions her husband going against what appears to be a majority. However, Pastor Evan believes firmly that “God brought us here for a reason.” He is not there because some of the deacons wanted someone to preside over the death of a church. The writer is reminded of Paul in the opening of his letter to Galatians. Paul writes that he is not witnessing to them because some board, some committee, made him an Apostle. It was Jesus Christ who made Paul an Apostle. Pastor Evan Bennett believes he is called by God to revive this particular church and in time he does gain support. Whether it is enough support you will have to see for yourself in the film.

Outstanding Cast

I freely admit I was not familiar with the stars in this film and have to congratulate Doc Benson and whoever did the casting on making some great selections. Roy Lynam as Pastor Evan Bennett and Guisela Moro, who portrayed his wife Elena, are the perfect choices for a couple new on the scene like this and you can believe their resolve to improve things within the church. Mark A. Ginther, as Vincent Haman, brings the right touch to seeming like a man who cares about his church and at the same time masking a sinister evil. Also very enjoyable are Shane Willimon as Brax McCoy and Wayne Greeson as Walt Tannin and it must be said that having good character actors is as important as good leads for a film to succeed. These two plus others could easily have made names for themselves in old Hollywood.

Accolades

Seven Deadly Words has well deserved a number of awards already and it is a shame that more has not been said about it. As this is being written it was learned that this film was at the Cannes Film Festival, something rare for faith films. It is a film that will cause a great deal of conversation about the needs in our churches and what our goals should be to successfully spread the Gospel. While mission support seems to be the issue here, it must be remembered that mission work starts first in our heart, then goes to our neighbors and community. I am reminded of a sign on the inside of a small Florida Church that reminds members when they leave, “You are now entering the mission field.”

Final Words

Doc Benson hopes that this film will be used in churches and church conferences. I would like to see it shown in every Bible Study group, schools and colleges. Please check out the web pages below for more information. And to Doc I would say, thank you for making this very important film.

For more information check out the following websites:

sevendeadlywords.com

facebook.com/sevendeadlywords

Fred: We intended to first talk about the film, however we have seen your video clips on the net and learned a lot about you. What is Safire Publicity, that’s you company, right?

ReAnn: That’s my company. I do everything from helping people with social media to how to nurture your ministry on-line to market and present a message. Anything that has to do with media publicity. I help people who might be shy of a camera to be more professional.

Fred: And what is this 3:15 project?

ReAnn: The 3:15 project was a ministry project that we started a couple years ago. These gentlemen wanted to have a way to put the testimonies of Christians on video. It was non-profit. I loved it. They came to me and asked me to help get the word out. Very moving to have at events for churches or conferences. It was very challenging. A way to give your testimony according to 1 Peter 3:15. It had incredible results in getting the word out. Video is so big now, you can search on the net or social media.

Fred: What inspired you to get into this kind of work?

ReAnn: One day the Lord woke me up. I had a gifted friend who inspired me and I wanted to help her. I thought of paying it back by paying it forward. I realized I could help her with the media. I call myself a liaison to baby boomers. I could work with very gifted people and take their messages to younger people. This is how I got my foot in the door.

Fred: So this is what drew you to the film, Return to the Hiding Place?

ReAnn: When author and speaker, Pam Rosewell Moore, and I began working together, I had been so impressed by the women’s conferences she spoke at years ago. She had been the long time traveling companion, assistant, and nurse to Corrie ten Boom until her death in 1983. We began to do ministry trips together. We were in Chicago when I heard about the film Return to the Hiding Place and arranged for a meeting with Chicago actress, Mimi Sagadin, who portrays Corrie ten Boom in the new release. We fell in love with the film and I began talking about this film on Facebook. I was so blown away by the idea behind this film I knew I had to be involved. I was asked if I would like to do publicity for the film as I knew the story better than anyone else through my research. So I started helping them promote and to get the word out.

Fred: We noticed that the emphasis on this film is young people. In fact the printed storyline reads “Dutch Resistance fighter Hans Poley in World War II, found refuge at Corrie ten Boom’s house, which is crowded with Jewish refugees and becomes part of her teenage army. Hans gets a false identity and joins the Dutch Resistance. As the Nazis commit atrocity after atrocity, the danger for Hans and his new compatriots increases tenfold.” It seems to center on young people involved in a cause.

Fred: And now the big question, what is the status of the film to date and when do we get to see it?

ReAnn: We open on May 23rd and have received over nineteen awards and recognitions to date. And we are working on reservations for people to see the film in selected areas. There are thirty theaters on the website so far. (See end of article.) If you want to request the film in an area you can. There needs to be 500 tickets reserved to bring a film to that area. Right now we are working with churches and several well known names. It is an incredible film with an incredible cast. We have John Rhys-Davies who you may remember from the Lord of the Rings films and the TV series Sliders. There is also Mimi Sagadin as Corrie ten Boom, David Thomas Jenkins as Hans Poley and many other excellent stars. You could not have found a better cast.

Return to the Hiding Place-Tickets and Trailer:

www.seatzy.com/hidingplace

Return to the Hiding Place Website:

www.hide-movie.com

Safire Productions Media Facebook Page:

www.facebook.com/SafireProductionsMedia

As a movie buff I have developed a liking for many of the old silent films that dominated the screens until the 1920s. I assumed those days were gone until I was pleasantly surprised to find that a new company, Mainstreet Productions, has taken this art to a new level. Fred and Sharon Wilharm have put together a faith film that is without dialogue in several excellent short stories in one hour. Titled The Good Book, the acting, music and filming convinces the viewer that they are hearing dialogue. It is not the over the top acting in those old silents; it is professionally done so that nothing is missed in the viewing.

One Bible…Seven Lives

The story revolves around young Daniel who receives the a small red New Testament Bible from a church youth group. Circumstances cause him to run away from home. The Bible goes from hand to hand affecting the lives of several people including Daniel (Evan Fielding), the homeless man (played well by Torry Martin), a public defender and his wife (BK Bomar and Apolonia Davalos), a bag lady (Amanda Pentecost), a purse snatcher (Leanna Robbins) and a “church woman” (excellently played by Jenn Gotzon). As each person passes it on they sign it and eventually it winds up in the hands of a missionary (Josh Childs). We have all heard stories about how a Bible found by a prisoner in a cell or in a drawer of a hotel room has changed lives and this film illustrates the power that scripture can have in changing lives.

Does this Film Pass the Tests?

There is always a concern that combining a number of stories in so short a period can be confusing; however, the clever interconnecting of each vignette makes this a solid film that will move the audience and have them wanting more. Yes, there are messages; however, you are not hit over the head with them as too often happens when Christians try to tell a story. Also many independent films have been criticized for their sound, their lighting and their editing. The Good Book passes all those tests.

More Information about The Good Book

The Wilharms consider this a “World Outreach Without Words” and are proving a ministry kit. They hope to have this film featured in film festivals, churches and schools and you may contact them by going to the following website: www.goodbookmovie.com.

As one who loved Kevin Sorbo’s faith film, What If, I was glad to hear about his latest, God’s Not Dead, on Facebook and in a trailer they ran before the film, Son of God. The trailer alone was mind blowing as over the years I have read and seen personally horror stories about what many young Christians have had to put up with on college campuses. Recently I had the opportunity to see the film with family members and it was an overwhelming experience.

Josh Wheaton (Shane Harper) is a young Freshman Christian needing a class in philosophy for his major. Unfortunately, Professor Radisson (Kevin Sorbo) is a hardened atheist who wants his class to accept the idea that “God is Dead.” On the first day he demands each student to write and sign that statement on paper. Josh refuses even though it jeopardizes his education, his relationship with others and even his future marriage. Radisson challenges Josh to take a portion of three classes to prove there is a God. It is quite a challenge and Josh has to use every resource possible against a teacher who says that the only god is he himself in that classroom. Both do a superb job of acting, but they were not the only ones.

Multiple Stories and One Powerful Message

Lest the reader be misled, this film is more than a debate between a young Christian and a man who admits he hates God. There are several very interesting side stories including a Muslim student at risk because she believes in Jesus Christ, a Christian girl whose mother is dying of Alzheimer disease, a young man from China who must weigh what he has learned from Josh against his upbringing and a young non believer who finds she has cancer. Especially interesting is Reverend Dave (David A. R. White) who interacts with all of them while dealing with problems of his own. I admit I at first wondered what part Willy and Korie Robertson (Duck Dynasty) would have in this film; however, despite having short roles, they are very instrumental. The film also makes use of the Christian singing group, Newsboys, and they too are significant to the plot.

There are those who criticize faith films for not having top acting, good editing, good music and a number of other faults. Pure Flix turned out a professional motion picture that can stand with the best of them and is Oscar quality in my opinion. Sadly when first released the theaters showing the film were limited to 780. However, the reaction of the audiences and their demand required more theaters to be opened and even the naysayers among critics have had to admit it is a success. In the theaters near where I am writing this there was applause and finally a standing ovation. People were invited at the end of the film to text all their friends with the news that “God’s Not Dead”. Theaters always warn you to have cell phones off, but as the credits rolled, cell phones in the theaters lit up as that message was being texted. Some like our film making friend Rusty Whitener added, “God’s not even sick.”

Preaching to the Choir?

One concern I consider unwarranted is that the film will be preaching to the choir. While that is often a concern with faith films, Christians should invite their non Christian friends and family members as their guests to attend a showing. It will cause discussion, questions and in the end revelation. The film deals frankly with criticisms often made by non believers and does an excellent job of putting light on answers that are too often obscured in non Christian films and TV shows. Obviously, my family and I intend to go back to see this film again and are recommending it to everyone we know. I would like to see it being used in churches and colleges.

Born Marilyn Louis on August 10, 1923 in Hollywood, California to Effie Olivia Graham, a famous model and actress in New York and businessman, Harold Louis, the future international film star grew up with aspirations to be a singer. It was during her years while attending Beverly Hills High School that Rhonda Fleming’s day of discovery would arrive. One day while running late to school, a seemingly suspicious car circled around the block observing her. “Finally, he stopped me,” Rhonda recalls, “and got out of the car and said ‘Young lady, have you ever thought of being in motion pictures?’ Well he turned out to be Henry Wilson, a famous agent who later became David O. Selznick’s right arm and started me on what I call a ‘Cinderella Story.’

Upon Rhonda’s future introduction to Selznick, the famed producer was so impressed that he signed her, without a screen test, to a seven year contract and offered her a featured role in Alfred Hitchcock’s Spellbound, with Ingrid Bergman and Gregory Peck. Rhonda says, “I had hoped to do some singing, but at the time I got into show business, musicals were not being made quite as often and Selznick did not do musicals. I wound up playing a patient at a mental institution with Ingrid Bergman as my doctor.” She won rave reviews for handling a very challenging role.

Rhonda did two more film noir classics, The Spiral Staircase, and Out of the Past. She also had a top featured role in her first Western film, Abilene Town, with Randolph Scott.

A tip from Hitchcock to Paramount landed her first starring role in A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court opposite Bing Crosby. Hundreds of actresses tested to play the exquisite Lady Alisande, but Bing Crosby and director Tay Garnett felt that Rhonda Fleming was perfect for this technicolor musical extravaganza with her beautiful reddish hair, emerald green eyes, and lovely singing voice.

Rhonda was thrilled to star above the title with Bing Crosby, who never wanted to star alone, whom she pronounces as one of her favorite people to work with. “He’d be telling a story right before the director would say ‘Action’ and he’d go right on with the joke then into his line in the scene without missing a beat. And I wouldn’t know where my cue was because I was so focused on the joke. I’d tell him, ‘You can’t do that.’ He’d say ‘Oh come off it Fleming.’ We kidded a lot. We had fun.”

One day Bob Hope came on the set, Bing introduced us and he said to the crooner, “Well Bing, if you can use her, I guess I can too.” Rhonda made two films with the popular comedian. The first was a comedy film noir The Great Lover and the second a Western comedy, Alias Jesse James. In the latter there were a host of Western favorites in cameo roles including Roy Rogers, Gary Cooper, James Arness, Hugh O’Brian and Jay Silverheels.

She was amazed at how much work went into Hope’s performances and contrasts his approach to that of Bing Crosby. “Bing was so easy going and very relaxed and Bob would rehearse and rehearse I wondered, ‘how did they make all those Road pictures together because their styles were so different.”

About her natural acting ability Rhonda says “I was never trained but inherited my talent from my mother; I just tried to be believable and mean what I was saying – and it was so interesting, most directors would let me do my thing, they didn’t really direct me and my work – just suggestions that helped.” She never had any trouble with any directors except one and that led to her friendship with a future president. This was in a film in which she co-starred with Ronald Reagan. “This director really made life difficult for me. There wasn’t any reason for it, because I got along with everyone on the set. And did my job and was always prepared.” The director became so insulting during one scene Rhonda actually burst into tears and walked off the set. “I went to my dressing room to patch up my makeup, and I was sitting there thinking to myself ‘Should I go home or what?’” Shortly thereafter there was a knock on the door…it was Ronald Reagan. He said, ‘come on back to the set, Rhonda, he’ll never do that again.’ I was able to hold my chin up and continue, but I would have gone home that day if it hadn’t been for Ronald Reagan. He was a wonderful peacemaker.”

The teaming of Fleming and Reagan resulted in four films, The Last Outpost, Tropic Zone, Hong Kong, and Tennessee’s Partner. In The Last Outpost a.k.a. Calvary Charge Rhonda says “Reagan was at his best, and even then I could see what he was coming into. He sent for his horse from his ranch, riding beautifully, and had a take-charge way about him. He was always holding court on the set, and often when I was in the dressing room changing hairdos or costumes I could hear Ronnie and all the crew outside laughing and talking politics.”

Over the years Rhonda remained good friends with Ronnie and Nancy Reagan. The veteran actress has fond memories of her first visit to the Reagan White House, saying “I stood in the reception line and gave Nancy a hug, and I was thinking. ‘What am I going to say to him now that he is president?’ All I could think of was that I made four B-pictures with this man who was a fellow actor-a good actor. And the first thing that came to mind was the last film we made together. So I said ‘Hi Tennessee’s Partner’ and he laughed and gave me a big hug.”

Her many other films, which are often shown today on cable television stations, include The Redhead and the Cowboy, Pony Express, The Eagle and the Hawk, Those Redheads From Seattle, Jivaro, Yankee Pasha, Slightly Scarlet and the celebrated classic Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. There were some forty films in all.

Unfortunately her many excellent TV performances are not as available today for fans except on cable channels that are bringing back the great shows. Rhonda particularly enjoyed working on two episodes of Wagon Train, one in which her singing and dancing were showcased. She also guest starred in a 90 minute episode of The Virginian, which would later serve as a riveting pilot for the Western spin-off Laredo. In addition to TV Westerns she also starred in mystery dramas including The Dick Powell Theater and Hong Kong. Her dramatic TV work extended into the eighties with appearances on Police Woman and The Love Boat.

Singing has remained a first love and she has two albums to her credit. In the ‘50s Rhonda joined a gospel singing group known as The Four Girls. With her was Jane Russell, Connie Haines, and Beryl Davis. They were a hit on TV and stage and they were encouraged to make an album which was titled Make a Joyful Noise Unto The Lord. Spirituals on pop labels was something not done, but the album soared on the charts. Later she was invited to open the new ‘Tropicana Hotel’ in Las Vegas following Eddie Fisher which led to great reviews – her singing on stage caused her to be persuaded to record an album of classic love songs simply titled Rhonda.

Rhonda Fleming performed dozens of her own stunts, having been a natural athlete since childhood. And with being engaged in numerous adventurous escapades also came her share of spills. “I was a real daredevil when I was young and foolish” Rhonda admits, “and paid the price.” At the age of 12 she was tattered and torn after being stirrup dragged across a bed of gravel by a skittish horse; and at the age of 14, nearly drowned when she was twirled vehemently by a massive riptide off the coast of the Pacific Ocean. Another time while making The Redhead and the Cowboy she reports, “they wanted to get a close-up of me rearing a horse without using a stunt girl but never told me it was up a hill. So in the scene I was riding up hill and I reared the horse up too high and it almost fell back on top of me. By the Grace of God I was not squashed like a bug. I was knocked unconscious. How I got up and walked away and finished that film was another miracle.”

Mishaps such as these, whether on a movie set or in her personal life have led Rhonda Fleming to feel that God’s protecting Hand has always been present. It was during her 23 year marriage to theater mogul,Ted Mann, until his demise, that Rhonda’s thoughts about being a recipient of miracles were confirmed. While vacationing in Jamaica, the actress decided to go snorkeling with a group of tourists, as Mann, who was not a swimmer, stayed on shore. She was so busy enjoying the underwater scenery that she soon found herself far behind the pack. “I looked back and saw Ted standing by himself on the beach and I thought, ‘I better get back’ because I was really tired, and my breathing was getting a little tougher. I started to head back, and I hyperventilated. I’m a swimmer, but I could not stay above water. It was like two hands pulling my feet and legs under and I let out ‘Help me, help me.!’ “Not being a swimmer Mann could not do anything. Rhonda cried out the last “Help me!” and immediately began to submerge. “This is where every time I tell this story, I get goose bumps and tears,” she shares. “because suddenly there is a man standing next to Ted, and he was not there before.” Finally realizing Rhonda was in danger – Mann turned to the stranger and said “Oh, go! Go!”. No time was wasted. Rhonda continues “This man came out to me so fast because I went under, and he grabbed me by the elbow and took me into shore.”  The man who saved Rhonda Fleming’s life vanished as mysteriously as he appeared. “He found some paper bag from who knows where, and had me breath into it, and then he was gone.”  Rhonda asked Ted later “Where did he come from?” And Ted replied, “I don’t know”. Rhonda says “In my heart I knew it was an angel. I have been saved so many times. It’s by His grace that I’m here today. I think God always intervened because he had a higher purpose for me.”

Rhonda Fleming’s purpose has been revealed by the positive effects of her many philanthropic efforts. Along with her late husband Ted Mann, she established the Rhonda Fleming Mann Clinic for Comprehensive Care for Women with Cancer at UCLA and the Rhonda Fleming Research Fellowship at the City of Hope to advance research and treatment associated with women’s cancer. Rhonda started the clinic in memory of her sister Beverly, who died of Ovarian cancer in 1990. “We wanted a place where there was caring, compassion, communication, and concern, with clinical social workers, support groups, and lots of information and hope. I told my sister not long before she died that all the tender loving care that she and I had yearned for but never found when she was treated would be available to women. She said ‘Oh, Honey, I’m so glad. Just always make it a place of hope.’ And that’s what we did. Beverly always had hope. She survived many more years than she would have with the rare form of Ovarian cancer she had. Her courage and her sense of strength really encouraged me to move forward with God’s help.”

Rhonda has also been a big supporter of Childhelp USA, a non-profit organization dedicated to the care and treatment of child abuse and neglect. Moreover her main emphasis today is reaching out to the homeless via PATH (People Assisting The Homeless) with her Rhonda Fleming Family Center. According to PATH CEO, Joel Roberts vision, PATH gives thousands of people per year a new lease on life, including our veterans.

She meets regularly with a group of “Prayer Warriors” to pray for individuals, groups, and situations. She believes very strongly in prayer and its ability to heal.

A special blessing for Rhonda was Darol Wayne Carlson. Widowed for two years after the death of Ted Mann, Rhonda ran into Darol who was an old friend and whose wife had also died. A deeply Christian man, they make a good team and have been married now for more than ten years – a double blessing for all who know them.

Rhonda Fleming-movie star, mother, grandmother, philanthropist, and humanitarian shares her personal philosophy. “To me, the key to a rich inner life is love-the ability to love, to have love, to give love, to share love, to feel love. It’s not always easy and it’s not always reciprocal. Jesus taught us how to love. That’s what He came for because He is pure love.”

In retrospect, Rhonda sees her life mirrored in the Biblical passage: “Call upon me in the day of trouble and I will rescue you and you will honor me.” She concludes “And He has rescued me and I’m doing my best to honor Him.”

The film Saving Mr. Banks has caused quite a buzz despite not being nominated for any major awards. This has centered around Walt Disney because for the first time, in the excellent portrayal by Tom Hanks, there was information about Disney’s past and his upbringing. While Disney enthusiasts have likely read the many books about the man, there was information the general public may not be aware of. One question that might be asked was if Disney was a religious man. Did he believe in God?

I was delighted to find this book at Asbury University in their Tree of Life bookstore, available for teachers and students seeking a seminary degree. Author and religion journalist Mark Pinsky has used an approach with Disney similar to what has been done with the media in the past. There are already Gospels according to Peanuts, Superman, Star Trek and many more. However Pinsky does not rely upon his own judgement and has gathered information from many religious leaders in regard to their opinion about the work of Disney. Pinsky tells us that in 1954 Time Magazine, in a cover story announced, “Measured by his social impact, Walt Disney is one of the most influential men in the world.” Doctor Robert Schuller would later reflect on Disney saying, “Gospel means good news. In the culture that comes from Judeo-Christian values, that is the theme: God will reward the right and will never reward the unrepentant wrong.”

Walt Disney was raised in an extremely strict church going home which made him not a fan of organized religion. However, he likely would agree that Christianity is a relationship with Jesus Christ and not a religion. Disney considered himself a religious man, but never belonged to a church. His faith in God never wavered and he wanted his films to reflect themes that were moral and ethical. He also believed greatly in prayer and wrote an article for Guideposts in 1964. He maintained, “….whatever success I have had in bringing clean, informative entertainment to people I attribute in great part to my Congregational upbringing and my lifelong habit of prayer.”

The author deals strictly with Disney’s animated films because he believes they have a consistent set of moral and human values based upon Judeo-Christian faith and principles. Faith is an essential element, faith in yourself and faith in something greater than yourself. Some thirty four animated feature films are examined by the author. Though cartoons are left out, a point is made that the classic character of Mickey Mouse is a perfectly innocent creature, like Adam before The Fall. There is no guile in him, he has not done anything sinful in his life and we all cheer for him because he is so good. John Updike described Mickey as “the most persistent and pervasive figure of popular culture” in the Twentieth Century.

We only have space to deal with a few of the films here and the one that set the tone was Walt Disney’s first animated feature, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. In this story there is a strong theme of sin and salvation When the film came out Reverend Charles Brashares of the First Methodist Church in Ann Arbor Michigan described Disney as a theologian and that the film was like “a reprint of the Scripture.” He compares Snow White to the innocent Eve of Eden who is tempted by evil to taste a poisoned apple. However she is raised back to life by the prince. To Brashares the evil queen was clearly Satanic.

Pinocchio is the favorite of most of the early Disney films. Though Disney would not use angels in his films, so as not to seem too doctrinal, fairies often took on that role like The Blue Fairy who gave instructions to the puppet about what must be done if he wished to become a real boy. Truthfulness was very important in proving himself. It is interesting that today some of the leading newspapers in America like to use the term Pinocchio for a mistruth and often award Pinocchios to people in government, Of course Pinocchio, after many misadventures due to misbehaving, is redeemed by the end of the film. He had to go through many trials before he would prove himself.

Often it is a matter of having faith as in the case of Dumbo who had what at first appears like a serious deformity. It was also a story of Mother Love being supreme. Many of the films had strong examples of characters being different and having to work to be accepted. There were also strong Christian themes in the cases of Snow White and Sleeping Beauty who among others found there is life after death. And the new life was much better than the lives they had experienced before.

I suspect this book may cause the reader to want to get those old classics, most still available on DVD and show them to their children and grandchildren. The book could be a good guide to use when watching the films, to discuss what messages may exist. Unlike Alfred Hitchcock who once put off a fan by saying, “It’s only a movie” for Disney these films were a great deal more. I would not go so far as one sermon by Michael Catlett in the McClean Baptist Church in McClean, Virginia which was titled, “Everything I needed to know I learned watching Disney.” However the films could be used as excellent teaching tools as long as we don’t get too pontifical which would kill the fun. There is a beautiful sense of wonder in Disney’s animated films which is something we should never want to outgrow.

The Gospel According to Disney is available at:

• Amazon

Several friends have told me that Morgan Brittany was a person we needed to interview and a few months ago I had the opportunity to meet with her and quickly agreed. I knew right away this was someone to cover as she had quite a bit to say about what Christians are faced with in the mainstream entertainment world.

Fred: The first thing I am interested in is something we read in a story about you. How as a young starlet you came under criticism for wearing a cross.

Morgan: Yes, and that was in the seventies. You can imagine how much more difficult it is now. It is very odd, the first time that happened to me, it kind of blindsided me. I never thought that religion was an issue. I had grown up in the business in Hollywood and there never was an issue about religion. It was not talked about, nobody criticized you for it. I had no reason to believe that if I wore a cross that no one would care one way or another. This manager who wanted to represent me, came over to me and took it off my neck and said, “If we are going to work together, this has gotta go.” And I said, “What are you talking about?” He answered “You can’t be religious and Christian in Hollywood. You can’t flaunt it out there. If you are going to be a Christian, it has to be in silence. They get an impression of you that is not what they are looking for. I told him, “If that is the case then we can’t work together.” I left because I thought it was ridiculous, I was not going to hide my beliefs. I was not going to be silent, so I continued on my way.

Things worked out fine for me. I can’t complain, but now it seems to me that things have changed so much in the way of religion. A lot of actors and a lot of singers conveniently trot it out when they do award shows. Many of them that lead a life style or promote products that are very anti-Christian will stand up in front of their fans and say “Thank you God and thank you Jesus.” Yet they are putting products out that are completely against the teachings of the Bible and the teachings of Christ. I think they do it for a reason, I think they use it to get more fans because they know a lot of people in the country are religious. I see religion being used and I don’t like that. Granted, there are many believers as well, but sometimes it is very obvious when they are exploiting God for their own benefit. There are a lot of times in Hollywood when you get chastised if you are a true believer. Some of the Hollywood elites are very uncomfortable around you because they don’t know how to react to people who are true believers. The only thing they know how to do is attack you and make you the bad guy, make you the crazy person. We are considered Bible Thumpers. We are considered intolerant if we don’t go along with their beliefs.

Fred: Would you say this is why so many Christians are making independent films outside of Hollywood?

Morgan: I do believe that. If you look at the box office receipts there are many films that have good values, American values, family values, those are the films that are raking in the money. Those are the films people are flocking to see. The Avengers, Captain America, even action films where the good guys win. The industry understands where America is at, they just don’t like to admit it. Independent film producers are finding that when they have a really great project, sometimes the studios will pass on it if it has an agenda that they don’t agree with. Unless it is connected to someone who has a lot of clout and a lot of power in the industry. Then they will do it. The people who have faith based films, family value films have to find their money from other sources. They have to do a grass roots fund raising to get the money to back their project . Hollywood is just not behind it.

Fred: Now in your career as a child you were more prepared to be a singer or dancer were you not?

Morgan: Yes, that is true. When I was very very young my mother and grandmother put me into dancing and singing classes. I was basically a young performer that sang and danced. I was taught everything and groomed to be an all around triple threat performer. I worked consistently from the time I was five years old. My big movie musical was Gypsy. I played the child star Baby June when I was around eight years old.

Fred: As you grew older you changed your name from Suzanne Cupito to Morgan Brittany.

Morgan: As a child actor, at least back then, in the fifties and sixties, I had established myself as an adequate performer. Producers, directors, everyone knew me. As Suzanne Cupito. When I grew up, when I became a teenager, there were not that many roles. If they needed someone fifteen or sixteen years old they were going to hire someone eighteen or older so they didn’t have to deal with the school situation, the hours situation and all they had to deal with with a child actor. So my career tapered off and I really didn’t have any direction. I was very lost because my whole life up to that point had been as a successful working actor. At 16 I was suddenly thrown into a situation I wasn’t used to, going back to public school, dealing with kids my age for the first time, not making any money to support the family. It was very difficult for me. I was eighteen when I realized that the only way to survive was to completely change my image, change my name and move out of California. That was when I moved to New York City and became Morgan Brittany. I threw out my resume and my old life and started anew. It was very difficult to do, especially since all of my childhood had been the income of my family I had no nest egg to fall back on and literally had to start from scratch.

Fred: Well you obviously made a very successful transition. Now I have to ask you about Dallas. You really had a preference for film and originally were signed for just seven appearance on that show. They then decided they wanted you to be a regular.

Morgan: It was an interesting, because when they originally wanted to cast someone to play Katherine Wentworth they had no real picture of her. They knew she would be the half sister of Pam and Cliff Barnes, but they didn’t know what direction they wanted her to go in. Initially they wrote just a small description. She was a sixteen year old high school student who was basically a generic character. She wasn’t good, she wasn’t bad, she was just kind of there. I remember they auditioned all these girls in the hopes of finding the direction. They were hoping to find an actress who would walk in the door and when they saw her they could say, yes that is what we want. I didn’t want to go on the audition. I had just gotten married and just gotten back from Georgia. My agent called me to go on this audition and I was very hesitant and didn’t want to go.

When I got to MGM Studios the room was full of girls and it was a two hour wait. By the time I got into the casting session it was all producers, directors and casting people in the room. Back in 1981 there was no video tape so you did your reading in a room with everyone there. When I walked in I was very frustrated, I didn’t want to be there. I had waited two hours and I had an attitude. I was feeling “I don’t care about this”. I read the scene and then looked at them and said “Is that all you need because I have to go.” I then walked out of the office and in my entire life I had never done anything like that. I was concerned afterward about being so rude and called my agent to explain. He said “Don’t worry about it, they don’t really know what they are looking for anyway.” Evidently THAT was what they were looking for. That was the direction they had that character go. She was abrupt, no nonsense, had no patience, went after what she wanted and got it. They liked that.

They cast me for seven episodes. After the seven episodes were over I figured that was it, but the public liked that character so much they wanted to see more of her. The producers called and said they wanted to put me on contract. That is how I ended up doing four seasons of the show. It is amazing how things like that happen. It was a show that people really related to. When it first came on in the late seventies it really didn’t catch fire. It didn’t catch fire until the JR character started emerging. This man that everybody was fascinated with, Larry Hagman, emerged as this iconic character that everybody was attracted to. The show kind of perpetuated the “yuppie” movement and the need for status. The Ewings were wealthy, but they were “real”. The viewers could see that rich people were not always happy, that sometimes they had miserable problems and some of them were awful people who did awful things to each other. That kind of scenario attracted an audience that found it fascinating.

We have gone through a twenty year cycle where we are kind of reliving that same economic period. In the late seventies we were coming out of an economic disaster. High interest rates and long gas lines. People didn’t have work and things were bad. Well, we are in that same situation now. I think that the appeal of the new Dallas and Downton Abbey is kind of a repeat of the late seventies and early eighties. The writers in the original show initially were almost Biblical in their story lines. They told the story of the Ewing brothers, the good brother against the bad brother. If you look at the structure of that family it almost had Biblical overtones. That whole show was basically good against evil. Temptation in all of its forms. Yet the family stayed together. When it came down to the family needing to bind together, as a strong family they would do it. There was always conflict, but there was always that strength and backbone of the family. First it was Jock, then the catalyst was Miss Ellie, Barbara Bell Geddes, the mother.

Fred: You have been in a lot of popular TV shows and films. Are there any favorites you would like to comment on?

Morgan: I did a lot of shows in the sixties, I did three Twilight Zones that I enjoyed a lot. They were so simple, but they were so riveting in the way they were written and with Rod Serling being there. I loved doing The Andy Griffith Show. Walking into that situation was like walking home. It was comfortable, it was friendly. It was a happy experience. I really would have loved to have worked on that show on a weekly basis. If I could have picked anything I think I would have picked that show. Everyone was so wonderful I felt so at home.

I enjoyed doing all the shows in the sixties because they did have a moral to them. At the end of the episode there was a message to them. Even if I played a negative character there was always a lesson to be learned. I noticed as we got into the seventies and eighties things really changed. The agenda turned around and you could see subliminal changes and shake you head and wonder “what direction are they going?” There were still a lot of good shows and films in the eighties but they were guidelines. There were things you couldn’t do on television that would offend the viewing public. Now, they don’t care if they offend. They don’t care what they put on as long as it makes money. The business has shifted from an art form to a money making machine. There are of course some high quality things still out there. Some mini-series, some comedy shows that are good but, there are some that really horrific. Certain reality shows portray society and human beings as the lowest of the low. They promote bad behavior and perpetuate teen pregnancies and dysfunctional families. I feel bad because the young generation of kids growing up with all of this are being bombarded with negative material.

Fred: What advice would you give young Christians desiring a career in film and TV?

Morgan: I am an example of someone who fought agents, managers and directors and fought them for years and stood up for what I believed in. I didn’t compromise what I believed was right. I always looked into the future and would always consider what impact my decisions would have. What impact would it have on my family and on my children? Young Christians and young performers have to remember that nothing goes away. It is there forever. If you do nudity, if you do Playboy, if you do a sex film, if you do something you’re not comfortable with and yet someone is pushing you into it you need to beware. The biggest line that too many fall for is, “This will make you a star.” No, it won’t make you a star.

You may work, you may be lucky, but if you do something and it compromises your values, your inner heart and what you believe in and you go against that, nothing you ever do can get that back. It is very difficult to stand up for what you believe in, to let people know, “I’m not going to do that.” It is very difficult to see your peers rising in status and you’re still sitting back working your way up because you won’t do certain things. You have to be true to yourself. As a performer, as a human being you have to be true to yourself, because once you compromise, you sell out. Like I said, it will never go away; your children will see it, your family will see it, your friends will see it. You don’t want to live a life of “Oh if only I had not done that.” I see so many actors that are tormented with that. And so many of them turn to drugs, they turn to alcohol, sex addition, whatever it is to ease their minds. Trying to forget what they have done or how they sold out takes a heavy toll.

I really believe that young Christians can make a big difference in the entertainment business. The more there are that stand up and hold on to their values and hold on to their beliefs, they will get stronger and stronger and stronger. These are the performers who are going to start to turn the tide because people have reached the end, they have had it with being saturated with so much negativity and so much of a decadent life style being portrayed. Young Christians can pave the way as producers, directors, writers and performers and show an alternative to what Hollywood feeds us. People are looking for someone who will stand up. Look at Tim Tebow. They may demonize him, they may knock him down, and they may say, “Oh he’s this Christian guy, he’ll pray” and they’ll make fun of him, but he holds his head high and smiles. Realistically he is holding his values and people admire that.

Fred: Amen to that. Are there any current projects you would like to tell us about?

Morgan: You can go to my political website, http://politichicks.tv/ which has articles, interviews, current things we put there. People can find me on http://townhall.com/, I’m a columnist. I am trying to do as many things as I can for veterans. I feel that rather than doing something in the entertainment world these days, I’m working more politically now.

Though I was not a religion major or minor in college I have had enough courses, seminars and book readings to feel fairly comfortable in my Christian education. However, when it came to Christian apologetics I admit I found myself either overwhelmed or bored. This is largely due to the fact that books utilizing apologetics are usually written as though they are for seminary students and people already serving in Christian leadership roles. One reason C. S. Lewis remains so popular is that he could delve into the deepest line of Christian thought and the reader would find it understandable and take something away from it. We need more writers like that and we have one in Pamela Christian. 

When sent this book I was very pleased to find it both heavily into issues we face today and examines a belief that has become too prevalent—the belief that all roads go to the same God and Heaven. There are many churches taking this line today and sadly, in many cases, it has caused a loss of church membership. It is no wonder that there is an increase in home churches, with people wanting to go back to worship as described in the book of Acts.

In a very down to earth style Pamela Christian first goes into her own story and background. A good teaching concept used by many of your best classroom professors. Those who first let students know why you are there and what gives you the ability to handle the subject they have signed up for. Do not get that wrong, her approach is humble and loving and you get the feeling that she truly wants you to learn from her own experiences. She does not want you to think she is the authority on all things, but asks you to look at the evidence of history, archeology, religious writings and more to see what we can know about the many issues we face today. We do have spiritual warfare in our world and very much so in our nation. Equipped with accurate knowledge as the author seemingly earnestly desires people to be, is tantamount to putting on the full armor of God as Paul would say, (Eph 5:10-18). 

The author then examines various popular faiths, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Secular beliefs, Islam and Christianity. In looking at these the reader will see how some ideas contrary to Christianity, have crept into many of our churches. For example there is an embrace of Buddhism even by some who profess to be Christian. You may also be surprised to find that Hinduism has encouraged the idea that evolution will lead us to perfection someday without the need of accepting Jesus Christ. In the secular line there is the New Age movement which has already split many denominations. Secular humanism has crept into our nation and has also been accepted by too many Christians. Another thought is that we do not have to take the Bible literally—we do not have to accept the stories in the Old Testament or all that is written in the Gospels. 

I was especially interested in the section on Islam because as a young man I read the Koran out of curiosity and frankly found it frightening. Yet, today many people feel that the only way to protect ourselves from what appears to be a world takeover by Islamists is to attack in return, to show great anger and exchange insult for insult. Pamela Christian carefully describes the beginnings of Islam, which go back to the days of Abraham and what it is today. She uses the approach of comparing Christianity to Islam and how Christians have a relationship with Jesus Christ that cannot be equaled by any other belief. Her approach is similar to that used by SAT-7, a satellite TV platform organized through indigenous people who are Christians, spreading the Gospel in North Africa and the Middle East. Jesus on Line, uses the same approach as produced on the Internet. The author doesn’t go into those programs, however they are examples of the way she handles Christianity’s differences with Islam. 

The third section is most appealing of all as here we look at the origin and expansion of Christianity—deciding truth as she calls it. Here again she goes into some differences between various faiths and then takes a careful look at how Jesus is distinct. She traces prophesies about Jesus and goes through his whole story from birth to his ministry, crucifixion and resurrection. Like C. S. Lewis she examines the logic of specific old stories that Christians have grown up with and shows how objective verifiable evidence proves them true and that they have great meaning for today. The importance of belief and faith are paramount in her reasoning and the intellectually honest reader will agree. 

I am one of those who likes to know where a person gathers their information and making use of the chapter endnotes is vital. In addition to scriptures, the writings of people down through the ages are referenced. A great deal of research went into this book and while 212 pages may not seem a lot, there is a great deal of meat in this book. Once you finish the book there is good news as two more are in the planning. Renew Your Hope! Remedy for Personal Breakthroughs and Revive Your Life! Rest for Your Anxious Heart. Pamela Christian is referred to as the “Faith Doctor” and once you finish this book you will agree it is an appropriate title. Like this reviewer, you will be recommending the book to others.

For more information about Pamela Christian you may check out her webpage at pamelachristianministries.com.

Examine Your Faith is available at:

• Amazon
• Amazon Kindle

A complimentary copy of this book was provided for review purposes. The opinions expressed are my own.

We have been hearing a great deal about a new film coming out January 17th, 2014, Stand Your Ground  and about one of its principal stars, Francine Locke.  She has already been making waves in the faith and family film world so we knew we needed to be in touch with her for details.  Francine made sure we knew her back ground even before our questions were put together.  She graciously sent this writer a short film, Family Law, with a beautiful Hitchcock style twist that has been greatly enjoyed in  Bible Studies

Fred:  Francine, the first thing we want to definitely hear about is this new film Stand Your Ground.  We understand it has already won some awards.

Francine:  My goodness, yes! Under the working title A Cry for Justice, the trailer, film and screenplay have all won awards, including two for 1st Place, lots to be excited about!

Fred:  Tell us about your role.

Francine:   I was honored to play the leading role of Jackie Carpenter. Jackie’s son Jason, is a contractor, and his home sites had been hit on multiple occasions by copper theft.  Each time it happened, he had filed a report with the police, but they could or would not do anything about it. Finally, a rogue cop suggested that her son arm himself to defend his property, hold the thieves at gun point until the authorities arrived, which would only be a few minutes, as they’d be patrolling the area.

Unfortunately, the gun went off, the police never came, and the ensuing months were horrific. Jackie wrote 2 books about the ordeal, and the film is based on the actual events. The cinematography is wonderful, scenes are intense, emotions raw, and the joy that comes from faith in our Father, unbridled.  AND I am excited to say it will be in selected theaters  January 17, 18 & 19, 2014! There will be cast members at each theater signing autographs, so if you are in the Southeast, I hope you will make it a priority to come out and support the film! Go to Seatzy.com to reserve tickets!

Fred:   You have won several best actress awards and there is one that especially intrigues us as it was for a short film that relating to a film maker who has family in Japan.

Francine:  Yes, True Tale Monsters! The writer and director, Maiko, was a student at Columbia when we made the film. Frankly, I had sworn off student productions as I was so tired of reading scripts that were so filled with negative images & language, but then I read this script & it was so charming, I fell in love with both my character & the spunky little girl. Maiko had returned to Japan to visit her family and that’s when the earthquake & tsunami hit, though thankfully, all were safe. While she was there, I entered TTM into the Gideon Film Festival, and was so excited to give her the news that she and her film had received five nominations!

She came to the Gideon Film Festival, and was thrilled to have won “Best Film,” “Best Sound” and I won “Best Actress”…. And the icing on the cake was that she had on idea what to expect from Christians, didn’t know we would all be so sincerely happy for her! What a gift to be a part of exposing her to true Christians, working and loving together, I have a feeling God is doing great things in her heart.  And truly, winning “Best Actress” was an honor, but being a part of Maiko getting recognition for her work, was incredibly humbling and thrilling at the same time!

 Fred: We’d like to hear about your background and what brought you into acting and performing. What inspired you to go into films?

Francine: Initially, a girlfriend talked me into going to a party for a new agency in Chicago, and I won the contest to have all sorts of promotional photos taken, etc, but it ended up being a fly by night group. Lucky for me, I didn’t give them any money, but I learned not every smiling face is to be trusted.  That was my first experience of dipping my toes in the water so to speak, but it intrigued me.

I did not have a very positive self image, and this showed me that perhaps my perspective was flawed. Also, my mom had modeled throughout Canada after she emigrated from Lithuania, I was always amazed by her beautiful photos.  So after a rocky start, I was accepted with a legit agency, and began my career modeling in the midwest, Toronto & Montreal, eventually acting in commercials, and industrial film and had a few roles on episodic TV shows being filmed in Chicago. I had a great time working and traveling, but really didn’t have much focus.

I met my first husband in Toronto, we bought a house in the suburbs of Chicago, and began our family, unfortunately, I learned he didn’t feel the same commitment and ended up leaving when our son was only a year old. Eventually the economy changed, several Chicago studios closed their doors, and the SAG strike in 2000 was the final straw, forcing me to take full time employment rather than rely on the erratic workflow. So, even though I’ve been in the business over 25 years, it changed so much during my time away, that it’s been quite the learning curve to figure out how things work now!

Fred:  You have also been very involved in the 168 Film Project mentioned earlier.

Francine: It was about five years ago that I discovered the 168 Project out of LA, a Christian film festival where you are given one week (168 hours) to film a 10-minute short. Through some pretty interesting circumstances I ended up being cast in two films, each one helping me to grow in different ways, and Stealing Home stole my heart! My experience on the set of Stealing Home was wonderfully positive, they were all professionals, I was working with Frank Ashmore (V), and director Ben Lobato. I was a novice in comparison, coming into the business after such a long break, and not an LA talent, nonetheless, I was treated as an equal, we were all part of a team. And this was the first time I had ever witnessed prayer on set prior to filming, and believe me, it made such a difference. Add to that my nomination for “Best Supporting Actress,” and I was hooked!

This was such a great affirmation for me that I was doing the right thing. You see, when I first got involved in the industry, I didn’t even realize there was a Christian film market, and while I had really enjoyed the work and camaraderie on set, this time I was searching for something more fulfilling than just the paycheck. Now I finally understood that rather than  a certain look and random skill set, I had a specific gift from God that could be used for a better purpose than paying the mortgage!

Fred: You then like doing films that will have an impact on the audience, is that right?

Francine: Absolutely! Films are such a big part of our culture and every thing is so visual, a good film reaches into the audience heart & makes a change, good or bad.  That being said, while feel good films with a rosy ending are nice, real life can be dirty, painful, messy, and that is where I feel that we have such a responsibility to reach out and share God’s message. Many unsaved people will never see a “nice Christian film”, they want to see reality, see themselves or someone they can relate to on the screen.

My desire is to portray characters who are hurting, in pain and on a journey that hopefully ends with their redemption. I don’t care for glorifying the drug dealer, but instead show their pain and emptiness, and hopefully, they find a better way to fill that void. My performance may not lead a person to Christ, but if I can be a stop along the way and at least make them ask questions, seek answers, then I have done my job.

After all, which of the people in the Bible led a pristine, moral life? Other than Jesus?  There is certainly an audience for film with a direct gospel message, but I especially want to reach those who Jesus would be sitting with, who need his redemptive message. My gift is in being able to show my pain on screen, I reach in and take out my heart and offer it to the audience, and hopefully touch their heart.  In saying all this, you have to know where you fit in, and what pulls at your heart strings.

A few words of advice, if it is your desire to be involved in the film industry, if you feel a visceral excitement watching movies, or writing, or thinking how you might have done a scene differently, then go for it! If this is where God has gifted you, it is up to you to use your gift, refine it, and grow in your craft.

Fred: What advice would you give Christians of any age who may have a desire to get involved in the media?

Francine: Do not wait to be discovered, instead, read, ask questions, attend classes and seminars, begin to develop a plan. If you wanted to be a concert pianist, you would not just look at the piano and think you could make magical sounds, you would practice different styles, listen to various musicians. God may have given you the talent, but the skill must be developed. No great actor is suddenly “discovered”, they have been working on their craft probably for many years, doing plays, student films, taking classes, etc.

Be the absolute best you can be, do not settle for “good enough”. Be willing to take criticism, and learn from it. Your way may be the best, but be open to suggestions, accept guidance.

Fred: What about challenges that non Christians may give you because of your faith?

Francine: We will be faced with challenges one way or the other, and not just because of faith.  Know that & be prepared! Number one, don’t compromise your values, be confident of where you stand on moral issues. Will you be able to proudly say I was a part of such and such? What you do may haunt you for many years.

And remember who your audience is, a story that may on the surface not appeal to you, may in fact have a deep message for a person at a different place. I recommend finding out the whole story. The story, that is paramount!  And don’t get enmeshed in arguing about what is or is not a good project, if it is Christian, etc.

Let’s not be fighting  against each other, but rather support each other. I don’t think all the folks on a set need to be Christian, but where ever you are, be a Christian! Be the light! Show what it is like to work with a bunch of Christians.

Too many Christians focus on their projects, their “baby”, and by doing too many things, master none of them and the end result suffers. You really cannot write, direct, produce, act and edit, and do all things well, at least not on the same project! If you have a fantastic story but the acting is mediocre, the sound is off, no one will remember the story, but they will remember it was a poor quality film and it’s up to us to raise the bar and do the absolute best we can do. Last, keep a network of believers around you, get involved or start your own group. There are plenty on Facebook.  They will help you stay grounded, pray together, and ask for guidance.

Fred: Lastly, what have you been working on lately?

Francine: I wrapped on In Gramps Shoes late fall, then was up in Buffalo working on My Dream Beside Me. Fun fact, I met Jeff Rose (finally) on Gramps set. Although he was initially involved in Stand Your Ground, we’d only been Facebook friends, then I worked with him on My Dream and finally saw him in our home state for the first time a few weeks ago at a premier! Small world!

The series Sacred Eternal (Daniel Pickett) has funding and been green lit, I am co-authoring a book with CJ Powers, and also working with Jerry Gill on a script that we hope to be filming next fall, and of course auditioning. So all in all, keeping pretty busy, but that is the fun of this industry! All this to say, if you want to be busy, you can be, just do it! Be the light!

Fred:  That is a challenge we pray will be taken up.  We encourage readers to follow you through your web page,   http://www.francinelocke.com