Behind the Screen: Hollywood Insiders on Faith, Film, and Culture

by Spencer Lewerenz (Editor), Barbara Nicolosi (Editor)

When it comes to Hollywood, Christians too quickly wash their hands of popular culture and leave this immensely influential media to unbelievers. In truth, the industry is listening. There is a church in Hollywood, but too often their work is unrecognized. Behind the Screen offers a glimpse of Hollywood insiders who, through their jobs on movie sets, behind TV shows, and in radio broadcasts, work together to give glory to God. With contributions from the writers and producers of such productions as Joan of Arcadia, Mission Impossible, Batman Forever, That '70s Show, and others, believers everywhere are encouraged to join with the church in Hollywood and do their part in closing the gap between Christianity and culture.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian, Christianity, Writing, Cultural, Film

218 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2005

Reviews

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a series of essays by Christian writers, producers, directors, etc. The main point seems to be that Christians should go see movies and let Hollywood know when they're doing well rather than just blindly boycotting spirtually themed movies. I enjoyed some of the essays better than others.

I read this book for one reason - there is an essay in here by someone I know. "A Filmmaker's Progress" by Scott Derrickson is a good essay. It is the story of his journey to movie making told in an allegory similar to Pilgrim's Progress. His essay was thoughtful and well written.

[Dianna Sandora Sandora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you have eyes to read and a heart to hear?

Hollywood needs our prayers, talent and money! This book gave me such insight and hope about the calling of Christian screenwriting on my life. It also opened my eyes to a world I never knew existed.

[Linda Santavicca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent resource.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found it fascinating to read about faith and film partly because I think of Hollywood as just corrupt now. So in that way, to read about how Christian the people who work there are, I just felt like it was a whole new experience/way of thinking. I also think, since pretending to be a celebrity, that it really can be empowering and maybe that's why these writers were defensive about appealing to a Christian audience. Because they don't want the rest of the country to think their morals are in jeopardy when the entertainment that's produced out of LA is uninspiring (at least to me). I'm sure it's pretty decent stuff some of it, but I think LA is more interesting to me from a fame objective standpoint in that the way the entertainers/artists live while conforming to entertainment standards is an art form in and of itself. So there Hollywood.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a collection of essays on Hollywood by Christian authors, and it was an intriguing read. I'm fascinated by the power of story & its potential impact on culture, and what is Hollywood, after all, but an industry that makes its living by telling stories? I definitely didn't agree with every perspective, but some essays were particularly enlightening: "Changing the Channels," "Opportunity Lost," and "So You Wanna Come to Hollywood." The book helped to open my eyes to see Hollywood as a potential mission field and to understand some of the history behind the frequent mistrust & misrepresentation of Christians there. Behind the Scene persuasively argues that Christians CAN have an impact on Hollywood culture, but it will require consistent character and creative excellence on the part of believers, and not just proselytizing.

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was not the best book I have read recently; and I have concerns about some of the theology. That being said, I gave it four stars because it challenged my views and positions on several issues...a lot. It forced me to consider some things from a different point of view, and exposed error in some of my thinking. It also helped me to think things through and clarify my position on other things.

[Philip · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of the ideas presented through this book reflect some of my own, and it offered a valuable insight on some things I didn't know about. With that said, I didn't agree with all of the views. Still, it's a good book overall, and I highly recommend it to the next Christian filmmaker.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really made me aware of the struggles Christians go through in the industry. But more importantly it focused on integrating both Christians and thier roles as film makers.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great collection of essays. I definitely reccomend to any Christian interested in film, or anyone interested on the Christian perspective. Loved it!

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Changed the way I think about Hollywood. A good read for any Christian film lover.

[Lilly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent source for anyone who's curious about why Hollywood works the way it does, and how it can be influenced. Cool stuff! Chapter #14 was my favorite, you could even just read that one if you aren't wanting to read the entire thing, because the book is a little repetitive. XD