Christian Films

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D_and_G

Well-known member
I was just wondering is there a market for Christian short films?

After I finish up this next project i'm doing, I thought about exploring (screenwriting and directing) a period piece short film, in a genre that I have always wanted to tackle (think Kurosawa). But I know nothing of the Christian market, and was curious as to whether there is any ROI in it, for short films.

BTW - it's a period piece set in Tokugawa Imperial Japan, although I wouldn't shoot it there obviously.


:beer:



RED# wish I was higher
 
My latest period piece short [link] hits the Christian market on Nov. 7... so there is some interest. Also, if you haven't seen it you should definitely check out MOST [link]. Fantastic film. Academy Award nominated even.

The key (like anything, but especially with shorts) is to be careful with your money during production b/c ROI will be much less than a feature. Also seek to appeal to audiences beyond the scope of the religious only market. If you don't label it as a strictly Christian film other folks will be more likely to give it a chance as well.
 
I think the market is growing, but I really don't see much demand for feature length films.
A lot of churches nowadays are moving towards contemporary worship services where the lyrics for the music are broadcast on screen and video shorts and clips are shown as part of the message. Where I do see a lot of growth are in those 5 minute (or less) shorts. Sermonspice.com is a good example of what I am talking about. I wouldn't expect to make a fortune with it, but it does give an outlet for a lot of church productions to show off some of their stuff.
 
Thanks for the replies guys ! :beer:

I remember reading about a indie grass roots marketing campaign for a Christian feature that did very well, so I was wondering if there was a shorts market out there too.

And Brandon, your short/feature is what got me to ask this question and consider doing a short next :)

I've had this idea for awhile now, and feel that after my upcoming project I would want to do something different, challenging, and philosophical.

I'll check out the links you guys gave. You're the tops.
 
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Short Film and Ar Design Christian Festival In Puerto Rico

Short Film and Ar Design Christian Festival In Puerto Rico

My name is Lester Rive Padilla I'm director of Mordecai Productions ministry of thr church "Centro Cristiano de Restauracion" in Cabo Rojo Puerto Rico.
We are organazing the first ever Short Film and Ar Design Christian Festival In Puerto Rico and we are trying to get any help we can get getting some short films or graphic design for the festival. We already have on board ministries like "walking on water and "sermon spice".The festival shorts nad art design should cover the subject of family, social interest or biblical values.
We really could appreciatte your help in anyway possible. If you want more information or have any doubts don't hesitate on asking. Thank you
[FONT=Arial Black, Geneva, Arial, Sans-serif]Lester Rivé Padilla[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial Black, Geneva, Arial, Sans-serif]Director, Mordecai Productions[/FONT]
 
it's all very up in the air...

Does it mean there is a Christian character in the film?

Does it mean the film involves Christian issues? And are Christian issues much different from everybody else's issues?

Hm.
 
I would assume it's a film that is either based on Christian values or morals, but also is in the family friendly PG realm.

However being a Christian myself and having grown up in the church (my pops is a pastor) just about every movie reference in a sermon or clip played during the service, or any powerful reference in books I've read are all from "non-Christian" films, so maybe the "Christian" market should take notice?

That being said I feel like a "Christian" film is marketed at an alternative market providing something the whole family can watch without needing to fast forward or mute certain parts for the kiddos. Which is why they can come off as kind of soft and why a church might opt to show a powerful scene from Braveheart as opposed to an entire "Christian" feature based on standing up for your beliefs.

So if you're looking to market something I'd say short films would be a good idea, cause like someone posted earlier about the MTV style services, brief and very well done short films could be marketable to churches.
 
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RokMartian said:
I think the market is growing, but I really don't see much demand for feature length films.
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The Omega Code and Meggido: Omega Code II are the only recent general-release features that come to mind. Unless you count films like At Play in the Fields of the Lord or The Mission or End of the Spear, which seem to me to be in kind of a different category.

Brandon Rice said:
And are Christian issues much different from everybody else's issues?
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To the degree that they are specifically Christian, yes, very much so.
 
I should rephrase.... are Christian's issues different than anyone elses? I think not... Christians suffer from heartache like anyone else, they experience joy like everyone else, and loss... they feel the same things, they just might react to them differently.
 
Sure, but my main point in saying what I did was to say that "Christian films" should NOT be that much different, if much at all from "non-Christian" films.
 
It would be interesting to see if there's a widely acceptable definition of what constitutes a 'Christian' film.

Christian themes are kind of common, apart from Christian articles of faith, in a lot of movies, I think.
 
Sad Max said:
The Omega Code and Meggido: Omega Code II are the only recent general-release features that come to mind. Unless you count films like At Play in the Fields of the Lord or The Mission or End of the Spear, which seem to me to be in kind of a different category.
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You're forgetting The Passion of the Christ. That was a Christian film that definitely wasn't suitable for the kiddies. R-rated, and not even in English, Passion made a phenomenal amount of money worldwide -- which leads me to believe there is a huge market out there that is STARVED for a Christian story with some meat to it.
 
In my mind, a "Christian" movie is one in which the protagonists are Christians. They are presented in a positive light (compared to how Hollywood depicts them), and they are faced with a conflict that either tests their faith or the resolution of which is brought about through the strength of their faith.

A "Christian" movie can also feature a protagonist who isn't a Christian, but who is brought to faith as a result of the conflicts and events in the story.

A Christian movie doesn't have to be bland or boring, and it certainly doesn't have to be suitable for children. Movies that are suitable for the whole family fall into the category of "Family-Friendly Movies". Christian movies certainly can be family-friendly, but it's not a requirement.

I believe it's a tremendously lucrative market just waiting to be tapped by the right people.
 
Brandon Rice said:
Sure, but my main point in saying what I did was to say that "Christian films" should NOT be that much different, if much at all from "non-Christian" films.
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I absolutely agree!

Brandon, if you're interested, I've got a couple of solid Christian feature storylines that I'd love to see someone bring to life.
 
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