Christian-Themed Screenplays

JasonFox said:
Is there a reason to hijack this thread arguing about what is or isn't a Christian film? SR obivously wants a short script that adheres to the traditionally accepted definition of a Christian story. If you want to help, cool. If not, cool. But trying to tell the guy what is or isn't included in the genre he's requesting doesn't really help anybody.

And citing a allegorical story written by one of the greatest Christian apologists or all time isn't exactly the best example of a morally based film with non-Christians.

And maybe I misconstrued your tone, but I don't get the point of the sarcasm in your last sentence. I haven't seen anything in this thread that's been judgemental of non-Christians.
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If someone is trying to write in a genre in which they don't even understand the parameters, it's useful to point that out. What if someone said, "I want to write a horror movie, but as we all know, a horror movie can ONLY be about vampires."

btw, white people aren't the only ones who are good writers ya know.

And LWATW is a great example of a Christian film.
 
I don't think this is 'hijacking' the thread. I just think we're trying to clarify what he's truly looking for. When I see the words 'Christian screenplay', it means to me a story that specifically involves overt references to Christianity and the involvement of characters who profess a belief in Jesus Christ as their Savior. Based on that definition, "The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe" certainly isn't a Christian movie. (Although it IS a movie that appeals to Christians, so it could fit a looser definition of "Christian movie".)

Many people consider "Touched By An Angel" to be a Christian TV show -- but since it never (to my knowledge) mentioned Christ or the need to accept Him as Savior in order to get right with God, I don't personally consider it to be a Christian show. Admittedly, I have a very narrow definition of what I consider to be "Christian", but I think it's an accurate one.

So what I'm trying to ascertain here is whether he's looking for scripts ABOUT Christians and Christianity, or scripts that will simply APPEAL to Christians. And I think that's a perfectly valid line of conversation for this thread.

And you're right -- nothing's been said here that's judgemental of non-Christians, and that's a good thing.
 
Norm Sanders said:
If York picked it up, wouldn't they own the rights to some degree with regards to a reshoot? Speaking of York, did they pay you any $ upfront, or just a % of sales, which you may or may not have been able to see any $ from? Sorry, don't want to thread-jack ... just curiuos.
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York never pays up front and generally (many would say) doesn't pay. They're simply away to get your name. In about five years I believe I can get the rights back. But if not I'll simply remake the movie rename it. It's not like they really care about your film or filmmaking IMHO. That's why I'm self distributing "Wages of Sin" and will do the same with my 4th Beast squeal (prequel). Now that people can see my stuff on IMDB and know I actually "make movies" so now they are more willing to get involved.
chapelgrovefilms said:
Many people consider "Touched By An Angel" to be a Christian TV show -- but since it never (to my knowledge) mentioned Christ or the need to accept Him as Savior in order to get right with God, I don't personally consider it to be a Christian show. Admittedly, I have a very narrow definition of what I consider to be "Christian", but I think it's an accurate one.
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Frankly dude, you're right. Not to mention Touched by an Angel fits the mold of the New Age (Christless Christianity).

Many people who are secular consider my stuff "Christian" because most times it deals with Christian characters. But considering my films aren't made for Christian audiences and doesn't particularly push Christianity, some Christians would disagree. My first film is easily considered a Christian film while "Wages of Sin" really isn't.

I believe a "Christian" film is generally made for Christians by Christians and is very specific about it's message. I do consider "The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe" a Christian film, but only because I know it's whole deal. The average person without any foreknowledge wouldn't know this.

-Nate
 
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Had to chime in with my opinion.
Jesus told a lot of stories. Stories about farmers and planting seeds, enemies that help each other, and so on. They weren't so specific that everyone figured them out. He had to explain some of them even to his disciples. Too often "Christian Films" are too overt. Too preachy, too on the nose.
Aren't the best stories ones that connect us with one another, some part of ourselves or even God?
I think power in story is found in metaphor. Metaphor says, "life is like this.. "
You're better off not making a "Christian" story but telling a story that is beautiful & true. One that connects with your audience.
 
J.D. said:
I think power in story is found in metaphor. Metaphor says, "life is like this.. "
You're better off not making a "Christian" story but telling a story that is beautiful & true. One that connects with your audience.
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Bruce Almighty, Narnia are two great stories I can think of right off the top of my head. But when one says a "Christian" film they're normally being specific (aiming at the "Christian market").

-Nate
 
J.D. said:
Had to chime in with my opinion.
Jesus told a lot of stories. Stories about farmers and planting seeds, enemies that help each other, and so on. They weren't so specific that everyone figured them out. He had to explain some of them even to his disciples. Too often "Christian Films" are too overt. Too preachy, too on the nose.
Aren't the best stories ones that connect us with one another, some part of ourselves or even God?
I think power in story is found in metaphor. Metaphor says, "life is like this.. "
You're better off not making a "Christian" story but telling a story that is beautiful & true. One that connects with your audience.
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That's exactly what I need/want.
 
Wow, I came late in the game. I'm glad to find more believers in here. srproductions, give me a theme.... And what I mean, is give me one solid principle you would like to be in your movie, and then give me a week, and I'll have short banged out for you. And God bless you for using your gifts in this way. If Christ can feed 1000's on two fish, imagine what he can do with a filmmaker. If anything, allow me to pray for you. PM me, please...Or e-mail me: unclebenja1977@yahoo.com Again, God bless!
 
Oh, and Ted Dekker is the man, and Three was incredible.. Here's hoping someone finds a budget for The Circle Trilogy! =)
 
Hey! Awesome. I will shoot you an email. Definately, Thr3e was amazing and House is going to rock too. Anyway, I'll send you a message.
 
Look guys, as much as I'd like a Christian story, I need something SOON. So, if someone has a short screenplay with good morals/values that makes you think, let me know. I'd like something along the lines of The Prestige or The Illusionist.
 
Here's a little something short and simple I wrote in an hour on the way back to Moscow a while ago...

http://www.pixel-canvas.com/NOTFORSALE.pdf

let me know what you think. and please, anyone else's opinion would be great! I'm not much of a writer, but this is just something that popped into my head and I just had to put it on paper/harddisk/whatever.
 
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Why don't we help you get started on a short right here. Why look around, hoping to find material when you probably can write your own script. I'm of the opinion if you are going to take the time to preproduce, shoot, edit something like a short it needs to be a topic, or issue that resonates with you. Don't just shoot a script you kind of like. (but also don't spend all your time not shooting!)

If you're game, I'll brainstorm with you.

Think about what inspires you? What makes you mad? Where do you see injustice? What gives you hope? What issues are you thinking about/concerned with these days? We are looking for a universal theme or just something you are passionate about.

what do you say???
 
J.D.'s brainstorming idea might be just the ticket. Just make sure at least one of you can write well. I've read lots of lousy scripts written by filmmakers. Know your strengths -- and weaknesses.

Best of luck!
 
J.D. said:
Why don't we help you get started on a short right here. Why look around, hoping to find material when you probably can write your own script. I'm of the opinion if you are going to take the time to preproduce, shoot, edit something like a short it needs to be a topic, or issue that resonates with you. Don't just shoot a script you kind of like. (but also don't spend all your time not shooting!)

If you're game, I'll brainstorm with you.

Think about what inspires you? What makes you mad? Where do you see injustice? What gives you hope? What issues are you thinking about/concerned with these days? We are looking for a universal theme or just something you are passionate about.

what do you say???
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Sounds awesome. Let me get back with you in a bit.
 
Brandon Rice said:
Not to resurrect this thread too much, but I just loved this quote, from Anthony Tyler Quinn, best known for his role as Mr. Turner in the TV show Boy Meets World. Tony is a professing believer.

www.noaricedigital.com/personalbr/tony_quote.mov
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Easier said than done, but it can be done. The elements of Christianity easily carry over into popular fiction. I'm in the process of making horror film and I always wondered why people in supernatural horror films never pray or turn to God or Jesus. Let's be real, in America if you're in a situation where you know something supernatural is real and coming to get you, the first thing you think is "exorcist" right (or maybe the first thing you think is "let me investigate" but I digress).

I generally assume supernatural horror films are about what I've titled "atheist in trouble" and they're a great showcase of what happens when you don't have God in your life; mainly little supernatural girls come out of wet televisions and kill you or force you to duplicate their demo reel. I guess it's cheaper than Discmakers. Whatever.

-Nate
 
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