While action films may be the biggest money makers, there are markets for faith based films. During these troubling times of turmoil around the world, filmmakers can promote positive messages, and gain financial independence at the same time. There is quite a big market for the Christian market, as this has been a proven market for many filmmakers. As a producer myself, it is important to uplift people and inspire them with more then violence, especially our youth. Films that promote family values, and at the same time controversy do quiet well. Regardless weather it is a documentary, a short, or a feature, you can be sure a distributor will make a point in distributing your content. Winds of Freedom for instance is a documentary that is a social message that combines classical symphonic music with mans quest to achieve peace. Documentaries such as these educate and have a certain interest for those who are concerned about the environment, and the future of our planet. Creating this kind of content should be a producers responsibility to add a positive note to peace and environment. Let this be a strong message for the future of keeping a balance in out society through filmmaking, planting seeds to its viewers.
Producing : Adding Film Content That Uplifts Viewers by Pete Allman
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Nicely said Pete. I come from a very, conservative Christian family. I was approached by someone who wanted me to direct his "faith based action movie" but unfortunately the writing was terrible and he didn't want to take my notes on how to make the movie more approachable.
I love creating good, intense action, it's definitely my strongest skill as a director. Looking forward to the day I can make a good action movie that has a message!
Pete, was there a question in there somewhere or were you just making a statement? I agree that there is a strong market for faith-based films, however that market is rapidly closing and will eventually close in the next 5-10 years. Have you looked into producing a faith-based YouTube or Facebook show? That’s where the audience’s attention is at/going to now. Wish you the best, man!!
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Ryan, I don't wish to get into a debate, but for you to make a statement such as the faith-based market is "rapidly closing and will eventually close in the next 5-10 years," is pure conjecture. I know successful filmmakers who have made a good amount of money with these types of films. One that is just petering out of the theaters now. Played almost five weeks and is now being added to some second-run theaters. The DVD/BLU-RAY will be coming out from SONY Home entertainment. I know another filmmaker that won some festivals got a theatrical release and his DVD is out. And, I have some mutual friends with The Kendrick Brothers, who just a little over two years ago had the No. 1 movie in America with War Room. Last year The Shack did exceptionally well theatrically after being put out by Lionsgate. Just ask Summit Entertainment if the window is closing. I can provide more examples, but I will stop there. I just don't think you should be making blanket statements like the one you did with no evidence to support it.
Sam Borowski I think what Ryan McCoy is saying is that there is a general decline of religious affiliation with the up and coming generation. It's great that you know so many people with successful films happening now, but I think Ryan's point is valid, the new generation of people are no looking to align themselves with a particular religion or viewpoint. I feel a lot of the faith based films are hitting their stride because they are more mainstream then ever, and a strong effort by faith communities are making the awareness of these films now, and the fact that there are not many of them being released these days make their numbers much stronger as audiences grasp the few decent faith based films they can. The bible belt always does decent numbers with faith based films, but faith is dwindling across North America with the younger generation, it's just facts is all. It's unfortunate.
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@Matthew@Ryan - Like Sam, I have no desire to get into an argument over this topic. But anyone who actively follows the trades and international markets knows Sam is right on the current popularity of the f-b genre. And it has absolutely nothing to do with whether or not "faith is dwindling across North America with the younger generation." Faith-and-family films are simply a very hot genre right now. Period. There are more f-b films being produced at the moment than at any time in history. Why? Because the producers Sam listed (and many others) are finding a ready market for their films. Just this week the Hollywood Reporter (May 8th) had a lead article about the fact that this year's Cannes is flush with quality f-b films. Sample quote: "After years of being virtually ignored by the market, Christian-themed hits are converting international dealmakers into true believers (even in China)." And to those who follow the industry closely, it was no surprise that "I Can Only Imagine" has been 2018's highest grossing indie to date.
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Matthew, I can only go with what I know. I see the Faith-Based Films doing well here in the Northeast - that's not the Bible Belt. I think there is a Niche Audience for them, and I gave multiple examples. Your giving me opinion and conjecture. Where are the numbers to prove that they are declining? Paul, Apostle of Christ was released by SONY / Columbia I believe around Easter and is currently still in 146 theaters and is at $17, 449, 404. Not too shabby. How about God's Not Dead: A Light in the Darkness? Released by Pure Flix, still in 44 theaters and has made more than $5.5 million. They are Niche Films. Just not sure what numbers you have to base your claim on.
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Good stuff here! And like I said in my earlier comment, I agree that there is a strong market for faith based films right now.
Sam Borowski I'm not arguing against you here, in fact no one is arguing the popularity of the current market. We are all on the same page as you in regards to the popularity and success of the current industry, I even agreed with you in my post. I think there is a niche market and I understand they are a hot thing right now. I didn't say that faith based films are declining or anything along those lines, I just said that I believe the amount of people taking on a faith/religious affiliation in their person life is declining and I think that will eventually sway the market. My post was in regards to Ryan's that he feels the faith based film market will drop in 5-10 years, and I agree with him.
Unless the world continues to turn to shit, which in that case there could suddenly be a lot more people suddenly praying. Either way, I'm glad to see so many faith based films out there, I grew up on them and the market is sorely lacking in them.
I just wish there weren't so many that beat you over the head with their message.
Hacksaw Ridge? 100% top tier of faith based films. So good.
Matthew, First - I agree with Ryan that this a great discussion to have. While I might disagree with both of you that the market is declining in 5-10 years, I do think there are plenty out there that don't necessarily beat you over the head with their message. When it comes to NETFLIX, check out Getting Grace. My friend, Daniel Roebuck, directed and co-wrote the film - and starred in it. You will recognize him from LOST, Matlock or The Fugitive. It is considered a Faith-Based Film for sure, albeit a very unorthodox one. See what I mean. It's currently petering out of theaters and will hit DVD/BLU-RAY from SONY Home Entertainment. Duane Whitaker from Pulp Fiction plays a VERY UNRECOGNIZABLE ROLE. They also have Dana Ashbrooke from Twin Peaks. But, I think after this one, you will agree that they all aren't boiler-plate. Hope you both get to check it out and enjoy it. GOD BLESS and STAY FRESH! <3
Great to see this thread continuing!! I believe the entire market of what’s popular in movies today is going to change in the next 5-10 years, comic book adaptations, faith-based movies, everything. I’m not sure what the next thing will be, but I just feel it that our industry is not only in NEED of change, but that it WILL happen. The shift in the youth’s attention is already present and will only grow over time. Your guys’ thoughts??