Secrets to Making Your Own Faith Movie

On the silver screen

“FAITH FILMS DON’T HAVE TO BE ‘CHEESY.’ Modern faith films have a well-earned reputation for amateur quality writing, acting and production value, says Silverman. “To be fair, most faith films are made for a very low budget, and most low budget films, in general, have less than stellar writing, acting and production values. But it is also fair to say that for this generation, the faith film genre holds the crown like no other for being amateurish. However, considering the life-changing reality and sincere importance the Christian faith plays in the lives of so many, there is absolutely, positively no reason that a portrayal of faith in film must or should, in any way, be poorly done.”

On the silver screen

“MAINSTREAM ACTORS WON’T DO FAITH FILMS. A recent trend in faith films,” writes Silverman, director of Grace Unplugged, “is to only cast actors of like faith. While this choice may be admirable and well intended, the composite result is often a very amateur final product leaving many viewers finding it difficult to be fully engaged in the story. A good example to the contrary is my own Lionsgate release, Grace Unplugged. While the film was written, produced and directed by committed Christians, we chose to employ veteran mainstream actors including A.J. Michalka, James Denton and Kevin Pollak, all of who give, arguably, the performances of their respective careers. The end result is an exquisitely compelling story in which, though tackling issues of faith head-on, the film feels as organic and believable as any film of any genre."

On the silver screen

“HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS DON’T NECESSARILY CORRUPT FAITH FILMS. Many film makers of faith are encouraged to stay as far away from the studio system as possible, fearing any positive mentions of God will be shot down by evil Hollywood. Most studio executives, however, are simply businessmen and women like any other industry. Many are even believers in the God of the Bible. In the case of Grace Unplugged., Lionsgate took a page from Sony Pictures (who released hugely successful faith titles including ‘Fireproof’ and ‘Courageous’) by taking a largely ‘hands off’ approach during the making of Grace Unplugged.. While Lionsgate did offer tips and pointers through all phases of the production, the filmmakers were free to make final decisions, including those dealing with the faith elements of the film. Put another way, the filmmakers had access to all the resources and experience of the studio, yet without the encumbrances. In other words, it can be done!