12th Annual Conference Examines Hollywood's Embrace of Faith Fueled Films, Unearthing Pitfalls and Potential in the Resulting "Gold Rush"
Contact: Peggy Rupple, Biola Media, 866-334-2266, bmc@biola.edu
LA MIRADA, Calif., Feb. 6 /Christian Newswire/ -- The premier event for Christians in the entertainment industry, the 12th Annual Biola Media Conference will be held Saturday, April 21st at Biola University in La Mirada, CA. The theme for the 2007 event will be "The Gold Rush: Mining for Opportunity in the New Hollywood". Topics cover every aspect of media related careers, technologies, and ministries, from the creative to the financial and production processes for media.
"After decades of struggle in Hollywood, we realized we were finally in the "deep end" of the pool with the success of "The Passion of the Christ." explains Craig Detweiler, screenwriter and co-author of "A Matrix of Meanings: Finding God in Pop Culture". "Last year we celebrated coming out of the closet with hits like "The Chronicles of Narnia," "Exorcism of Emily Rose" and more. But now, with studios actually opening "faith-based" distribution divisions and pastors topping the bestseller lists on a regular basis, it's time to define who we are, and why we're here."
Phil Cooke, creative director of Cooke Pictures and Biola Media Conference strategy team member adds, "In our rush to cash in on Hollywood success, we need to ask ourselves…have we hit the mother lode or discovered fool's gold? Perhaps more important, are we becoming a sub-culture, the counter-culture, or THE culture?"
Hosted by Detweiler, the Biola Media Conference allows attendees to learn from and interact with a stellar group of luminaries from Film, TV, Radio, PR and Journalism. Speakers for this year's event include Ralph Winter, Producer of Academy Award nominated films such as Star Trek IV and VI, Planet of the Apes, X-Men films, Fantastic Four and Co-chairman of the Biola Studio Task Force; Mike Klausman, President, CBS Studio Center and Senior VP. of West Coast Operations for CBS: Brian Bird, producer/screenwriter of The Last Sin Eater and founding partner of Believe Pictures: Arthur Anderson, Co-producer of Mission Impossible 3, Windtalkers, Paycheck and The Hostage; and Phil Cooke, President and Creative Director of Cooke Pictures, and Co-chairman of the Biola Studio Task Force. Announcements of additional speakers will be forthcoming, and surprise guests also frequently appear to speak and attend the event.
"At The Biola Media Conference, the focus is on the real-life, practical issues of producing films and creating television and other media," explains Cooke. "From the perspectives of feature films, television, advertising, journalism, digital media, and more, we're exploring the deeper themes of who we are, what difference we can make in the culture, and how to "mine" our potential in the new Hollywood. Theoretical discussions are nice, but if you want to get your hands dirty and make a real difference, then this is the place to be."
The 2006 Biola Media Conference featured more than 20 sessions in 7 industry tracks. Speakers and panel participants included Scott Derrickson, Director of Exorcism of Emily Rose; Cory Edwards, Director of Hoodwinked; Darren Grant, Director of Diary of a Mad Black Woman: Ralph Winter, Producer of XMEN 3 and Fantastic Four: Arthur Anderson, Co-Producer of Mission Impossible 3: Simon Swart, Exec VP of Fox Home Entertainment: Judd Funk, Exec. VP at New Line Cinema and Kirstin Wilder, Deputy Managing Editor of Variety Magazine.
Industry professionals give five stars to the event:
"The Biola Media Conference is crucial resource for effectively bringing Christian thought into America's influential media culture. The quality of the conferences is exemplary." -- David McFadzean, Wind Dancer Productions (Producer, Home Improvement, and What Women Want w/Mel Gibson)
"The spiritual and practical importance of this conference should not be underestimated. It gives attendees the opportunity to hear wisdom from accomplished professionals who actually care about them -- something they are not as likely to get out in the media world which they are trying to break into." -- Brian Godawa, Screenwriter of Frank Peretti's The Visitation and To End All Wars (Kiefer Sutherland)
"Not only have I had the thrill of sitting under some of the most influential and knowledgeable people in the business, I've seen this conference change lives, birth dreams and create careers!" -- Holly McClure, Producer for Helpline Entertainment and national film critic
When I was first asked to participate in Biola's Media Conference, I hoped that I could contribute to what I believed could potentially be a revival in the arts. Now I realize that I received so much more than anything I had to offer. Biola's Media Conference is Rome to the New Renaissance. -- Rand Chesshir, Abbey Cinema, Abbey Academy of Arts
In its 12th year, the Biola Media Conference exists to educate, inspire and network people of the faith involved in media, providing creative inspiration into the spiritual nature of any career in the media industry. The premier event for Christians in the entertainment field, the Conference attracts attendees who will benefit from direct interaction with acclaimed industry pro's who are at the top of their craft. From CEOs to students, attendees secure the information, fellowship, and contacts that prove invaluable to their faith and their future.
Biola University is home to one of the most effective and successful Mass Communication Degree programs in the country. Located only 30 miles from the entertainment capital of the world, Biola graduates have unprecedented access to industry professionals and opportunities allowing them to compete with and win careers in the very competitive entertainment world. Their classrooms feature guest appearances by the finest producers, reporters, and publicists in the business. Biola graduates complete the program equipped to fulfill their goals and dreams in the media world or in Christian ministries, bringing an integrated standard of professionalism and Christian faith that is helping to change our world.
For more information about the 2007 Biola Media Conference or to register for the event, please visit http://www.biolamedia.com/.
If you would like to partner with the University, to be a sponsor of the event, or for information on promotional opportunities available at the Conference, please contact FrontGate Media on the web at www.frontgatemedia.com or by calling 949.206.9806.
