A Christian-Friendly Hollywood?
By Paul Strand
HOLLYWOOD, Mar. 29, 2007 (www.cbn.com) - Just like in any other business, Christians are working hard in the entertainment industry.
But other than producing the occasional "Chronicles of Narnia" or "Passion of the Christ," Hollywood's often felt like enemy territory...not understanding the Christian audience, maybe not even caring to cater to it.
For years now in the culture wars, it's been Hollywood versus the Christians. But both sides are starting to wonder if there can be a détente that's mutually beneficial.
Michael Patrick heads up Regent University's School of Communications and the Arts.
He said, "We're here to encourage and support the industry."
This week, Regent held a forum and get-together at the Director's Guild of America building in Hollywood to highlight the fact that there's a massive Christian audience out there, and if Hollywood reaches out to it with faith-friendly films and series, it can make big bucks.
The huge success of "Chronicles" and "Passion" proved that.
"There's a great demand across the country for these kinds of films," Patrick said.
And Regent took time to honor Cheryl McKay, one of its alumni who wrote the screenplay for the exceptionally faith-friendly film "the Ultimate Gift," recently playing in hundreds of theaters across the country.
It is a sex- and violence-free look at how family, friends, faith and good hard work are the most important things in life.
CBN News visited with McKay and other Hollywood Christians to see if Tinseltown is turning more positive towards religious believers, and indeed, the Christians working right there in Hollywood.
"The executives in Hollywood have noticed there's a real market out there for Christians, and for content that Christians and churches can stand behind. So I have noticed the climate seems to be getting better for us out here," said McKay.
She said it took her about eight years to reach her present level of success, where she can make a good living from screenwriting.
