Welcome to our community

Be a part of something great, join today!

Log in
  • Hey all, just changed over the backend after 15 years I figured time to give it a bit of an update, its probably gonna be a bit weird for most of you and i am sure there is a few bugs to work out but it should kinda work the same as before... hopefully :)

Christian Filmmakers?

Status
Not open for further replies.
I agree Lucas.

Does this put the subject of Christian Filmmaking out of bounds here? Because I thought it was a really good thread for a while, especially for Red users to find other serious Christian talent that's out there, and to possibly collaborate.

I can't speak for them, but I don't think that the Christians involved in this thread wanted to start any debates regarding peoples beliefs. I think if we could stay on track with filmmaking, and anyone who doesn't believe in the Christian faith could refrain from feeling like they need to start a debate over nothing, that lots of useful info could be brought to our attention, as has been the case with me.

In the end though, it's not our house, so whatever rules you want to go by.
 
Brian Langeman said:
I agree Lucas.

Does this put the subject of Christian Filmmaking out of bounds here? Because I thought it was a really good thread for a while, especially for Red users to find other serious Christian talent that's out there, and to possibly collaborate.
Click to expand...

Perhaps I should have rephrased to...

"Please stick to Christian Filmmaking on this thread."

Discussion of Christian Filmmaking is certainly not out of bounds. Just another community that REDuser can facilitiate. : )

Lucas
 
luki said:
Perhaps I should have rephrased to...

"Please stick to Christian Filmmaking on this thread."
Click to expand...

That's fine and well, but just imagine the uproar if there was a Muslim filmmaking thread, with explicit statements of faith, and advice about which schools to attend, and ongoing projects designed to glorify Allah, and what does and does not glorify Him. And the longer it goes on, the more theological it becomes in its assumptions, and sooner or later those assumptions begin to offend others.... You get the idea. And we haven't even gotten to the point where the FBI shows up.

Of course, it's not my house either, Brian and I agree at least on that much. It's also true that nobody has to visit this thread if he/she doesn't want to, but the 3000 some odd views do seem to indicate that it's a provocative subject. You can't spread out a blanket and have a picnic in the middle of Grand Central Station, and not expect to attract notice and food reviews.

I'm finished on this subject (promise), but I think it's either all or nothing. I vote for nothing. This is not the place for religious filmmaking threads.
 
jpp said:
That's fine and well, but just imagine the uproar if there was a Muslim filmmaking thread, with explicit statements of faith, and advice about which schools to attend...
Click to expand...

That's an awfully big assumption.

I believe that the community here is broad-minded enough to welcome all artistic and creative communities.

Lucas
 
Are you serious?

Are you serious?

Wow... that went somewhere quick. Two groups of people pointing at each other saying: "you need faith" the other saying "I don't need it..." and yet in the long run no-one talks about the subject of this Thread. Please stick to Christian film making as this isn't our house and should more than respect the desires and rules therein... that should be understood regardless of your "take" on religion.

Soooo... anyway... I find "film" (the word does have a new meaning) to be such a great avenue of expression; however, it is the route for stories. Art has many different applications for expression, but the strictness of film... where film draws the line... it needs to be a story and not only that, but a story well told. In many ways, public speaking is an art form in itself... even one that can integrate story, but to force your voice (literally) into film is to me disastrous and this is where I believe that Christian movies take a nose dive. Regardless of what the "message" of a movie is, we have to understand that a good movie... a great movie in fact... is one that can move someone in ways that individual didn't realize. Don't get me wrong, not even a regular film can move me the same way that The Lord can move me through His Word or through the words of a preacher any day of the week, but that experience is reserved for its time and place. I dream of being moved by the Lord through a movie... one that obeys the principles of Jesus AND Cinema. If you believe that your calling is to preach, then please move me from within the pulpit, but if you believe that your calling is to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ through film, then please do it within the principles that film making mandates. I for one feel that we need to stop worrying about what a "Christian movie" is or isn't and beg the Lord to place within us the Truth and then show us the way to express that truth with as much vigor and sacrifice as a Preacher does. As a filmmaker, I believe that we have been blessed with a wonderful opportunity to spread the Gospel... for the only prejudices that exist in the darkness of a movie theater or a living room is the quality of one's work... whether or not we were able to tell the truth truthfully through cinema. I get excited every time I dream of the possibilities that this community of fellow brothers and sisters have, but get the biggest knot in my stomach whenever I wonder of my abilities as a story teller. In either way, I plan to support the truth not only of cinema, but mostly of our Lord and Savior.

As a last note... please brothers and sisters... realize that the audience is thirsting for something that moves them. The audience has been malnourished by the garbage that is being put out today (cinematic speaking... nothing to do with religious point of view). We have been placed in the right moment in time to take advantage of and integrate these two great needs: 1- Salvation and 2- A Story well told.

Again, please do not allow this Forum to be closed due to our lack of standards... lets not argue anymore and talk about the realities of Christian Cinema... otherwise, the enemy will have accomplished what he has been trying to do for ages: to get the name of Christ out of our lives, even this Web-Site. Thank You.
 
When I 1st saw this thread I thought to myself OMG "There goes the neighborhood"

Unfortunatly every religion has its own "Do anything you want but don`t step on my blues suede shoes" clause...And having such a potentially volatile subject laying around exposed to the elements is in my humble opinion only asking for trouble...

Sooner or later the shit hits the fan because I think even though it is disguised as a unifying force more often than not it actually is the wedge that seperates groups of people.

I personally have strong unshakable spiritual beliefs but yes I would and do somehow take offence seeing the word, Christianfilmaker, Muslimfilmmaker, Jewfilmaker, on a thread here.

Because I believe in God doesnt mean I believe in people the contrary in fact is true. I think religion in the hands of people is a twisted concoction.

Its easy to paint others in dark colors to make ones self seem better. Morals are not to be confused with ethics. Morals are for the feeble minded control freaks who want to lord over others. Take care of your own laundry and I will take care of mine. I dont need a middle man between me and God. Thats private.

No matter how fervent we may get discussing different solutions from cameras, to hard ware, and soft ware, I seriously doubt it could ever escalate into something that could lead to more serious actions.

I think the way human beings have perverted Gods word for their own ends is grotesk. If I were moderator for a day I would have chucked this rubbish at once without second thought into a waste basket.

You wanna practice your system of beliefs go to church, temple or a Moske. Leave me out of it.

Things get so easily blown out of proportion against the backdrop of a Holyier than thou filter which religions happen to foster. The most genuine inquery can be persieved as inflamatory.

DogDay

P.S. My vote goes for squashing this garbage in time for spring cleaning. Or at least change the Tittle of the thread to something else. Its garish.

And if you have an opinion about this post please PM me about it I will not answer any more on this thread. Or just leave it alone and focus on the Camera called The Red One here.

Thats the beauty of this site it brings all nationalities and ethnicities and cultures together. Lets forget about our differences here and enjoy each others company and passion we share for the common good of art and tecnology...and humanity regardless of race or creed. No labels just people commited to excellence.
 
Yeah I dunno...I'm a Christian and a filmmaker and the subject does interest me...but maybe this is not the place. The thread doesn't seem to be able to stay on topic for more than a post or two before someone says something inflammatory.

I'll recommend http://artsandfaith.com - in my humble opinion, it's a far better environment for this type of discussion.
 
jpp said:
That's fine and well, but just imagine the uproar if there was a Muslim filmmaking thread, with explicit statements of faith, and advice about which schools to attend, and ongoing projects designed to glorify Allah, and what does and does not glorify Him.

I'm finished on this subject (promise), but I think it's either all or nothing. I vote for nothing. This is not the place for religious filmmaking threads.
Click to expand...

I know you want me to shut up, and stay on the topic I started, but I wanna say I don't really give a care if you want to start a Muslim Filmmaking thread.

I personally think that most of the ones who have piped in are either Christians, people who are searching, or just hostile to Christianity.

I really think it is interesting to see how people don't care if others talk about producing porn, yet people just absolutely are hostile to Christianity and the discussion about it.

I believe someone has already asked if they could start a Devil's filmmaking thread...I don't care about that either. I just think it is interesting how Christianity gets a lot more flack than other subjects.
 
If you hear... then please do say...

If you hear... then please do say...

All,

I understand the conflict that we all face on this day. I understand that no one here wants to be forced to believe anything that they are not prepared to... I understand that no one here wants to have some nut prying "his ways" into our brains... we do live in a country that allows us to freely choose what we do or don't want... as far as this is concerned I agree and I am a full supporter for. However, with all that a side... lets say that we are not trying to give you big knots on your forehead with our Bibles... lets say that we are not yelling in your ear "REPENT... REPENT... REPENT..." lets say that all we want to do, as a community of believers is to use this wonderful website and gift of God called Red One as the commonground where we as believers discuss filmmaking and support each other and use this website as what Jim Jannard meant it to be... a community of film lovers and creators hoping to NETWORK in common goals and interest. I do agree that we should keep our Theological complexities out of this Thread and Web-Site; however, to say that Christian Filmmaker causes offence and should be discriminated as a whole of people due to the negative impact that "others" have caused in your life. This my friends contradicts the whole philosophy behind Red. The Red team has kept a high level of integrity in discussing Red here and not dedicating their web-site to bash the so called "camera competition," (though many of us can't accuse, but can definitely use our common sense to say that the "competition" has not maintained the same level of integrity on the RedUser.net, but it is all the more credit to Jim and the Red Team). All I am saying is that we are trying to talk about the Red One, filmmaking and how it applies to our lives... and it just so happens that it has a tremendous impact on our desire to spread the Word. How is it that so many scream oppresion and then try to use their liberty to ban us?
Christians, please listen to my plea, DO NOT entertain anymore theological discussions against the believes of others... we are to lead by example. I know that we feel a need to protect our Lord, but there is a right time and place for it and this isn't it... please do not get this Thread closed down, but instead lets stand strong as believers and grow stronger together forming a community that can make OUTSTANDING films that touch the soul and the spirit... that is what is needed.

Moderators, please understand that I don't believe that any freedoms are being violated by a thread entitled "Christian Filmmakers," just as much as I don't believe that my freedom would be violated by a thread entitled "Porn Filmmakers?" I might have an opinion of such a thread, but I understand and respect the sacrifices of the thousands that have died for our flag and country to entitle the freedom of expression... regardless how indignant I might find that way of life.

Thank You
 
dogday said:
My vote goes for squashing this garbage in time for spring cleaning.
Click to expand...

Thanks for your input, and I will put my vote in...lets not, and enjoy what so many others have also.

zeke said:
Glad to see other Christians here.
Click to expand...

Ryan Patch said:
Hey, guys. Great to hear and see this discussion going on in the RED community.
Click to expand...

lrdAbyss said:
Again, please do not allow this Forum to be closed due to our lack of standards...
Click to expand...

lrdAbyss said:
Moderators, please understand that I don't believe that any freedoms are being violated by a thread entitled "Christian Filmmakers," just as much as I don't believe that my freedom would be violated by a thread entitled "Porn Filmmakers?"
Thank You
Click to expand...
 
Yeah, I propose that we put the emphasis back on the filmmaking part of things.

So, what does "Christian filmmaking" mean? :)

How does it differ from all other kinds of filmmaking?

Does it have different methodology?

Or ideology?

How can we define the Christian part of Christian Filmmaking?

Personally, I think that no matter if it's Christian, Muslim or other kind of film,

It first has to be a good film, a good story.

So, we have to worry mostly about how to make a good story and just then, how to interweave our ideas and faith inside this story.

We have to follow the way of filmmaking first, and then try to find ways and insert a Christian subtext to the story.

But what is the tao of filmmaking? :)

That's a big question...
 
Would somebody have the elegant idea to close this thread which
does not belong to this forum ?
 
Man, lets talk about moviemaking

Man, lets talk about moviemaking

and lets all step aside from ourselves. Can we please talk about filmmaking? Lets talk about filmmaking! We need to talk about filmmaking... perhaps I am wasting my breath and more dearly, my time... can we please talk about filmmaking? Perhaps I should go back to my script...
Anyone besides me looking for $101,000.00 for their next Christian Film project?

http://www.independentchristianfilms.com/

I sure am...
Can we talk about filmmaking? Lets talk about filmmaking... how can we make good films? Can we please talk about filmmaking?
 
Would people please be respectful of us?

Is that too much to ask? Honestly

We aren't disrespecting anyone else.


I agree with you karapetkov. If it's a good story, people will want to see it. A good story even beats poor production value I think. But at the same time good production value immerses people in the story more I think. For me, that means real good clean audio, and clean visuals as 2 ingredients. The RED ONE obviously plays a huge part in production value with super clean visuals.

For the Christian part, some boundaries for me are to not add things in for shock value. For instance, why would you put some super grotesque decapitation in a film? What would be the purpose of it? Does it help tell the story? If it's only there for shock value, then it doesn't have any place in the movie to me.

That doesn't mean don't have swearing, or killing, or sex in movies. If someone were to make a movie right from the Bible it would definitely be R rated. If you're gonna do a movie involving soldiers, or gangs, there's going to be swearing, or it's not going to be real, and people will not be immersed into the film.
 
Another try at "Christian Filmmaking" :).

The striving for making good films that have Christian subtext and\or message.

The key here is: making good films.

Cause if our films suck, it won't matter what our intentions were.

In this way, we should be 100 % back to filmmaking. :)

...

And there's no point in crucifying this thread... it will be back anyway. :)
 
Brian Langeman said:
Would people please be respectful of us?

If you're gonna do a movie involving soldiers, or gangs, there's going to be swearing, or it's not going to be real, and people will not be immersed into the film.
Click to expand...

I can't completely agree with this statement for the only reson why swearing would be real to a movie is if the story called for it. I believe that there are many stories that can be told about gang violence and/or soldiers, be authentic and real w/o the curse words, that of course will be a maticulous process, but if you are trying to sell the authenticity of your story with the dialogue, then you are definitely walking down the wrong path. Think of the days that sensorship was extremely strict... they all worked around it and made their stories feel real... alfred hitchcock's birds were as psycho as Hannibal, yet neither one stepped out of the bounds that their story called for. Fine script writting, and good directional choices have far more to do than mere characterization; however, if your script calls for it... then yes. The question is: "Are the actions by the characters motivated by the movie told," not "Is the movie told motivated by the actions of the characters."
 
lrdAbyss said:
No pun intended :shiftyph34r:
Click to expand...

hehehe

I hear what you're saying. I think it also has to do with the setting. In the special features of 300, I think they talked on how there wasn't swearing in the film cause back then when the movie was supposed to take place, the words which we consider swear words today just weren't in their vocabulary.

A movie that comes to mind is one of my favourites Blackhawk Down. And this doesn't have to do with it being Christian or not. But if you were to make a war movie set in the modern day, like Blackhawk Down, when a soldier gets shot through the leg, he's more than likely going to yell out some profanities. Obviously you're not going to rely on that to sell the authenticity though, so maybe you could do without it, I'm not sure.

But I don't think that things like that should keep people from seeing a movie, and I don't personally think that you're dishonoring God by depicting things in that way.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top