By: Rich Christiano

In the 1800's, CH Spurgeon had some interesting thoughts in his book called "Around the Wicket Gate." The "wicket gate" is the narrow gate of Matthew 7:14. I believe what Spurgeon wrote speaks to all of us today, especially in ministry. Whether you're a preacher, teacher, artist, actor, singer, filmmaker, whatever ministry you do, this applies. I will try to sum up what he wrote.

The movement in the arts and the church is to reach people by crossing over. (especially in films) Make things easy, don't be too preachy. Let's have nice feel good sermons, feel good movies and the such. Let's reach the mainstream! I am not so sure Spurgeon would agree with this thinking.

Spurgeon says there are a myriad number of people just outside the narrow gate of Matt. 7:14. These are lost church members, intellectual believers and professing Christians. They are interseted but have never really received Christ as Lord. And our churches are full of these people. But, what the modern day church wants to do is to spend all their efforts in evangelism trying to reach the liberals. You know, people that could care less about Jesus or the Bible. However Spurgeon notes that Jesus tells us in Matt 7:6 not to cast our pearls just to anyone. Instead, Spurgeon would say to focus on reaching people already interested in spiritual things. Try to reach the deceived church members first. Let's reach the people "around the wicket gate."

I believe the aim of all ministry should be to first please the Lord because without Him, we can do nothing. (John 15:5) Since only God's Spirit can reach anyone, then we must first please Him, that is if we really want to reach people.

It's not about how large your church is and how many members you have because it's not a numbers game with God. It's a question of who are you pleasing? We all want to enlarge our outreach, but we need to do it without compromising the prime directive which is to abide and please the Lord. Jesus said that he "always did the things that pleased the Father" (John 8:29) and we should be no different in our ministries. Since only God's Spirit can reach people than the goal of our life should be to please and glorify Christ with all that we do, no matter what ministry we partake in. So, if you preach, preach to please Christ, not others. If you teach, the same. If you make films, make them to please the Lord first. It's the only way to really reach people.

By: Dave Christiano

An Introduction for Actors, Writers, and Filmmakers

Many people write and ask questions about how they can be involved in Christian films, either as an actor, actress, writer, or filmmaker. Here is some information that hopefully will be helpful.

Hollywood is set up where a person could actually approach a movie studio or production company and get a full time job in the film industry. Plus, there are many independent Hollywood producers that have full time staff who work from project to project.

The Christian film industry at this time is not set up like that. First of all, there are only a select few filmmakers in the country shooting Christian films. I define a "Christian film" as a film with an intended message for Jesus Christ. Secondly, these producers work on very low budgets compared to Hollywood. The Christian film producer wears many hats as most write, produce and direct their own projects.

Trying to find a full time job in Christian movies is a difficult task. You can't just apply for a job with a Christian film producer. This is the unfortunate part because there are a number of Christians interested in this industry, they just don't know how to get started or become involved.

For a Christian film production, the producers usually hire actors and crew people within the region they are filming, although there are exceptions to this. The major reason is because of budget.

How do you get started?

If a person wants to act in a Christian film, they can do two things. First, they can send their head shot and/or resume to the existing Christian film producers. This is not a waste of time or effort. Producers are always looking for actors/actresses because you never know who is needed for a particular project. Also, the producers talk among themselves and also help each other greatly with information. There are a number of actors who have been in more than one Christian film. A producer works with an actor, likes the work that they did or the ease they were to work with and as a result, that person is cast again in another film. Also, there are crew people who have worked on several Christian film projects. A producer finds a chemistry that works and continues with the same people from project to project. (This also makes it harder to break in).

Acting in a Christian film is contract work at best since there are so few Christian movies being produced and only a handful of producers. It's not a full- time job and the pay is not like Hollywood. For the Christian film industry to grow and really be a force, more Christian people are needed to get involved in the production and distribution of the entire Christian film process. This will take sacrifice on the ground floor to help lay the foundation for those to come.

Locating the few Christian film producers is not easy. The best way is to note the production or distribution company of a Christian film and try to make contact starting there. Most producers have their own website. You could enter their name in a search engine and see if something comes up. You could also track down a video of a particular producer and note their address for where to send your information. Also, as mentioned above, you must be aware that most producers cast and crew within their own region. (Note: Many people write to us and ask if we would send them the list of the Christian film producers. Sorry, we do not do this).

Another avenue an actor or actress could try is to raise the money to finance a project which they could act in. This is a very real option because then you know you will be in the film as you could make sure you have a major role or even the lead role. If you can raise the money, the film can be made because there are quality filmmakers who can do the work. Also, if you can raise the money, you'll be one of the "producers" and this will also mean a return of income coming back for you once the film is released.

For a filmmaker wanting to produce a Christian film, finding your own financing is a major key. You can either save up enough money from other work or find investors. If you don't have a story, there are many scripts floating around waiting to be produced.

For writers, you can write to a producer and ask if they are interested in seeing your script. Actually, what is requested most is a one page story treatment. This tells the basic story. If the producer likes the idea, then they'll ask to read the script. Even though most of the current Christian film producers that we deal with on this website write their own scripts, most are open to looking at outside material.

After the film gets produced, distribution becomes the major key and that is really harder than shooting the film. Most producers release their films straight to video/DVD and for TV, trying to distribute them wherever they can. Christian films have for the most part been an underground movement in the church and therefore not surfaced into the mainstream. Times are changing though and Christian films are gaining more awareness among the public.

Christian bookstores, catalog distributors, Christian television and Internet distributors are main sources of distribution outlets. Homes, churches and selected video stores are places to sell the film to. None of this is easy. Some producers have tried to get a Hollywood actor in a Christian film to help with some name recognition in the secular market for the distribution of it. This can be very helpful if the casting is correct. Another angle is also establish known Christian actors. This would give the film some instant name recognition among the Christian circles and help with the distribution process.

If you are really interested in producing or acting in Christian films, pray and ask the Lord for clear direction. I am convinced that God wants films made that glorify and honor Him. He wants films that proclaim the gospel and His word. Ask the Lord to help guide your steps along the way. He certainly can do it. The Bible says nothing is too hard for Him (Genesis 18:14).

Looking ahead, there is really a bright future for Christian film productions and the Christian film industry. As the quality of work increases, and the distribution base widens, more and more people will likely get involved. As that happens, there will be more opportunities for filmmakers, writers, and actors who want to produce or be involved in Christian films. Also, it looks as if Christian films are going in the direction to be released in theaters and as this comes about, a much broader awareness will come to Christian movies.

If you are truly want to be involved in Christian films, stay the course for Christ, don't give up, and pray hard. God can show you a way.

One final comment. It is very hard to get back to everyone who writes or calls in. It is not that we don't care about you but there are just too many people contacting us. So, please understand this. We've written this article to try and help give you some direction. We do try to contact everyone who sends something if you include an email address. So, please do so. A number of headshots come in without one. Email is the fastest way to acknowledge something for us and we do want to let you know we've received what you sent.

I want to add a section below I'll call questions and answers. These are frequently written or asked questions that people email or call in.

Q: The Lord has put a great desire in my heart to act or produce Christian films. I really want to see the gospel proclaimed. I know God has called me to this. Can you give me any advice?

A: I understand completely your desires. Here's what I have noted about how God works. He may put a desire in your heart to do a great thing for Him (and working on films with a direct message for Jesus is a very good thing), but please beware, the Lord may take 10 years or longer for you to fulfill that dream. This is what I have noticed. God builds great patience in all of us and for most, patience does not come easy. The road He takes you on may not be the one you would prefer to travel. But I have seen how God takes us from point A to point C via a great detour through point B. It doesn't make sense at the time or add up in our minds, but we must trust the the Lord knows what He is doing. He is able to give you the desire of your heart and get it done. It just takes time, His time, and we must walk with Him during the process. Most times we are ahead of God, and frustration is usually the result.

Q: How can I act in a Christian film? I believe the Lord has giving me talent and I want to use it for Jesus.

This could be the most common email we get. Let me answer this way. There are hundreds, maybe thousands, that feel the same way. And when you have only a few films being produced, it makes getting roles very hard. Life is all about building relationships. First, we have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. That should be priority and number one. Second, we have relationships with family, friends, and business relationships. It takes time to get to know people. You have to try and build relationships on a business level with people that have a common goal as you. For the actor who wants to act, you have to do what you can to get seen by the producers. Like I said, this is hard because there are so few films being produced at this time and not many to act in. But, there are some being made. Therefore, audition whenever you can. Send out a headshot. The more you get seen, the better. Audition by video. This is very helpful cause the producer gets to see you act. Act in a church play. Stage play. Try to get in a commercial (that doesn't compromise your beliefs). The key is to get seen and known. It takes effort on your part but also the Lord will help you if this is His will for you.

Q: I would like to meet the producers. How can I do that?

The best way to possibly meet with people in the industry is to attend a conference like CBA (Christian Booksellers Convention) and NRB (National Religious Broadcasters). These are the two major ones that most of the Christian film people are involved with. Try to attend and meet people. Networking with other people is fun and also helpful. You can do a search on the Internet for CBA and NRB. Persistence and perseverance are two key elements here though.

Q: I'm very discouraged. Can you please help me?

A: As a producer, this work is hard. People think wrongly that a producer has it made. On the contrary, it is very hard and that is why there are so very few people producing Christian movies. But, again I will say, it is not impossible. Secondly, I completely understand any discouragement. If God wants people to hear about Jesus and the gospel, then why doesn't He make it easier for Christians to be in films. Good question. I've asked that many times myself. All I can do is take what God gives me and work within the doors He has opened. You too. We have to proceed one step at a time and sometimes those steps go backward (which none of us like). But God is God and He can and will do everything He said He would in the Bible. He knows what He wants you to do in life and knows how to get it done. It takes trust and faith in the Lord. It is not easy, but you can do it with His help.

Dave Christiano & Barry Bowen

On Oct 25, 2002, the Christiano Brothers released their first theatrical film, Time Changer, to selected theaters nationwide. This lifelong goal began 25 years earlier. Here is their story.

In 1977, twin brothers Dave and Rich Christiano left their hometown of Waterloo, New York and drove out to Hollywood, California with high hopes and big dreams. Rich had written a high school script called The Valedictorian and was hoping this would lead to beginning a career in Hollywood. After negotiations with a few producers and one contract offer, Rich never signed and the movie was never produced. Then something happened that changed the whole direction of the Christiano Brothers’ lives.

"In 1979 I was attending Arkansas State University and I met a girl," says Dave. "We started dating and very early in our relationship she asked me if I had ever asked Jesus Christ into my life. At the time I had no idea what she was talking about. She gave me a little book entitled, So What's The Difference? This book showed me the different religions of the world and compared them to the Bible. I saw how important the spiritual aspect of life was and began to check into things."

"I became a Christian in March of '79 at the age of 22," says Dave. "I know now that every person must be born again, which is a spiritual birth, and that comes by receiving Jesus Christ into your life as Lord and Savior. The Lord changed the whole direction of my life, and although it is not easy to follow Christ, it is the only road to travel."

Dave then shared his newfound faith with his brother Rich, who also began to search the Scriptures. As a result, Rich became a Christian some 14 months later. Both brothers then saw the need to make Christ the priority in life, and the important call to tell others about Him.

Dave and Rich moved to Jonesboro, Arkansas, in the fall of 1981 and entered the Mass Communications Masters program at Arkansas State University. Their plan was to study for a teaching job and pursue filmmaking on the side.

In the fall of 1983, Dave got a job at San Antonio Junior College teaching entry level classes in broadcasting. While there, he began to study filmmaking. "I learned on an old 16mm Bolex camera shooting silent film," says Dave. "A cinematographer from the area, Michael Smith, was a great help in answering questions and helping me learn about the craft."

At age 28, in the summer of 1985, Dave wrote, produced and directed his first film called The Daylight Zone. It was a Christian version of the old TV series, The Twilight Zone. Rich co-financed the project. Filmed in south Texas, the movie was shot on 16mm film and released by Christiano Brothers Films in the spring of 1986.

Prior to the release of The Daylight Zone, Dave moved back to Arkansas and rejoined his brother Rich. They set up an office in Jonesboro and began to distribute their new movie.

The Daylight Zone was distributed throughout the United States and selected parts of the world. It was seen by church groups, Christian schools, and camps. Dave recalls, "I had only been studying film making for one year when we started this movie. I filmed for 5 days and then looked at all we shot. None of it was good, which was heartbreaking, so we threw it all away. A month later, we started again and shot the 26-minute movie in 8 days." Dave also served as director of photography, editor and even did the music score for this film.

In 1987, Dave wrote and directed his second film, a 39-minute youth film called The Pretender. Filmed in Jonesboro, Dave and Rich co-produced this project. Dave also served as cinematographer and editor. The movie was released in late summer of that year and played in many youth groups all across America.

In 1988, the Christiano Brothers shot and released their third film, Crime of the Age. Dave wrote the original story and the screenplay was co-written with his brother. They both produced and Dave directed the 32-minute comedy/mystery.

After the release of Crime of the Age, the brothers decided to set up two separate production companies for their future projects. The first three films were released under the name of Christiano Brothers Films.

In 1990, Rich started shooting The Appointment, a film he wrote, produced and directed. The film was released in the summer of 1991. This 39-minute suspenseful evangelistic drama had a very powerful presentation of the gospel. It was distributed under Rich Christiano Films, but later changed to Christiano Film Group. Also in 1990, Dave started filming two movies simultaneously that he wrote: a sequel to The Pretender called The Pretender Strikes Again and a second episode of The Daylight Zone entitled Kingdom Vision. Unfortunately, disaster struck, and after 9 days of filming the quality of work was going so poorly that production was stopped on both films and never completed.

In 1991, Dave re-grouped and started work on his 57-minute drama, Pamela's Prayer, which was filmed in Colorado. This movie took 7 years to complete. It took 16 months to shoot, 13 months for the music score, and over a year just for the sound edit. For Pamela’s Prayer Dave wrote, produced, directed, edited and shot as cinematographer.

Pamela's Prayer was finally released on Mother's Day weekend in 1998. It premiered at a movie theater in Jonesboro, Arkansas, and was distributed under the name Dave Christiano Films.

In 1992, Rich took a story written by Danny Carrales and co-wrote the screenplay for Second Glance. Rich also produced and directed the movie, which features the first major role for actor David White. The 50-minute drama was released on New Year's Eve night as it premiered in numerous churches across the country. It was distributed under Rich Christiano Films but later changed to Christiano Film Group.

During 1990's, the whole Christian film industry changed in that films were not released on 16mm anymore but rather came out straight to video. This allowed Christian movies to come directly into homes and also made it easier to air movies on television.

In 1998, Rich again teamed with David White for his 54-minute end-times drama called End of the Harvest. He wrote, produced and directed the film which premiered in early December at a movie theater in Jonesboro, Arkansas. End of the Harvest was distributed under Christiano Film Group.

In February 2000, Dave started work on Late One Night, his 5th movie that he wrote, produced and directed. Filmed in North Carolina, this motion picture started shooting 9 years later (to the very day) from when he started filming Pamela's Prayer. Dave brought in Philip Hurn as director of photography for the project. Late One Night premiered on March 3, 2001 with a world television premiere over The Inspirational Network. It was released under Dave Christiano Films.

In October 2001, Rich wrote and directed Time Changer, his first feature length movie. Rich teamed with Kevin Downes who co-produced the project and Dave served as his story consultant/script editor. The film featured actors D. David Morin and Gavin MacLeod in the lead roles. A novel version was released in January 2002. The movie came in October 2002 and the Christiano Brothers formed a new distribution company, Five & Two Pictures, which released Time Changer. The movie eventually played in 310 theaters.

In 2004, Dave started worked on a project entitled, 7th Street Theater, which was to be the first ever prime time Christian dramatic TV series. After shooting the first 24 episodes for Season One, the series premiered March 3rd, 2007 on TBN, the world's largest Faith-Based Television Network. The series now airs on several Christian Networks. It has 24 episodes in Season One, 20 episodes for Season Two, and 20 more produced for Season Three. There are a total of 64 episodes in the three Seasons for the seires. 7th Street Theater TV Series Website

In May of 2005, Rich wrote, co-produced, and directed Unidentified, his second feature length movie. The subject of the film dealt with UFO's and how they could possibly play into the end times. Dave served as his story consultant. It was released in theaters in April 2006 under Five & Two Pictures and played on 85 screens.

In June of 2006, Dave wrote, produced, and directed his first feature length movie, a love story, entitled Me & You, Us, Forever. It was based on a true story about a 47 year old man, on the other side of an unwanted divorce, who reminisced about his lost first love of 30 years ago. The movie was released by Five & Two Pictures in 83 theaters on February 15th, 2008.

Rich's latest film, The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry, with Gavin MacLeod in the lead role, was released in theaters on September 18, 2009. It played in over 300 theaters nationwide and grossed $1,350,000. Set in the summer of 1970, it's the story of a 75 year old man and how he influences three 12 year old boys for the Lord. Dave co-wrote the screenplay with Rich on this project.

Looking ahead...

Dave is currently editing the third and final season of 7th Street Theater scheduled for release in the fall of 2010. As for beyond that, the brothers each have two scripts but have not yet determined what the next project will be. No timetable has been set for a new production.

The goal is to produce these projects and continue to present messages for Jesus Christ. And with that purpose in mind...it makes all the difference.