How to Become a Christian Filmmaker

Working as a Christian filmmaker is a task that requires great communication skills and clearly defined goals and boundaries. Whether you are fielding new projects or hiring staff for a production company, it is important that you define what is "off limits" and what is appropriate. Read on to learn how you can create a production company or work as a Christian filmmaker without compromising your beliefs or lifestyle.

Instructions

1. Start a production company. Register the production company as a Limited Liability Company and secure the right to license the business name. Use a name that clearly ties the production company to a Christian theme or biblical reference.

2. Create a business plan. Write a statement of purpose that articulates the core Christian values and mores by which the company will be structured. Identify the production company as a vehicle for Christian content, scripture and education. Outline how the production company will serve the Christian community. For example, you can elect to create a division for Christian-based documentary films, Christian-based feature films and/or Christian-based television programming.

3. Buy the right to produce or option a Christian-based script or story idea. Look for screenplays that examine Christian values or principles. You can either acquire original material or contract a Christian scriptwriter to adapt a biblical story. The scriptwriting process will require a contract that guarantees the production company the right to option and or purchase the script for a defined price. To protect the interests of the production company, hire an entertainment lawyer to review and oversee the process. Many option agreements are limited to 5 to 10 years, with an average limitation of 1 to 3 years.

4. Build a production team. Hire producers and directors to head the production company. During the interview process, question each applicant about his comfort with, and feeling toward, Christian-based content. Explain that the production company will ideally only produce Christian-themed content or material that does not conflict with Christian principles. These strictures could include decency standards as set by the production company, as well as limitations on the type and genre of film that is produced. The production company may establish a "no violence" clause.

5. Be clear in your intention as a Christian filmmaker. When fielding new material, ask key questions about genre, the likely film rating and the potential for harsh language and nudity. Explain that you may venture outside of Christian-based content, but can only do so if the material does not conflict with your faith. Clearly explain what constitutes a conflict. For example, you may indicate that you cannot attach yourself to any material that uses harsh or adult language, promotes gratuitous sex or violence, or is harmful to particular cultural or racial group.

Tips & Warnings

• Be open to working outside of Christian-based content. Consider material that is friendly to a general audience and includes a message of hope and understanding.