Fireproof, and the 2009 San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival

Fireproof, and the 2009 SAICFF

~ Thoughts on Fairness, and the Purpose of Competition ~

Recently in this big ol' world wide web, there was a group of well-intentioned filmmakers discussing the fairness of allowing films such as Fireproof and Expelled, established big dogs in the world of Christian films, into the San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival.

The comments were along the lines of, 'how are homeschooled filmmakers supposed to compete with that level of film?' Numerous complaints have been raised that 'it is unbeatable,' and 'how could the award go to anyone else', and 'this isn't fair', and 'this will damage the purpose of the festival', and so forth, and so on. Maybe it's something I ate, or maybe it's my Moore blood, but these complaints really grated on me, almost like a child screaming in line at a shopping center.

Well, being a filmmaker who is supposedly going to ‘suffer’ for this decision, I have some thoughts about Fireproof and Expelled being in the festival. And to be fair, these concerns have arisen from members of the HeuMoore production team as well, but we quickly came to the following conclusion.

1.) A competition is never fair.

Varying levels of experience and talent sway the evenness of the competition more so than money, in most cases.

2.) Fireproof is just as independent as any other independent film.

Just because it’s six to twelve months further along in it’s development than our film doesn’t make it unfair for them to enter. In fact Fireproof and Expelled have been worked on for years; The Widow’s Might, from the first day of shooting to the final submission to the judges LESS than 5 months. In the big picture, where will we be with The Widow's Might 13 months from now?

3.) Fireproof legitimizes the festival, and thus, our film.

I do not, I repeat DO NOT feel the honor in being part of ‘podunk and bob’s indie film fest’. Having films that are where I intend to be, causes me to stretch, and ultimately gives me more power by way of association, when marketing or pitching future projects. I’m thrilled to be able to say to any investor, ‘Ya know Fireproof? Expelled? Secret of Jonathan Sperry? Well, The Widow’s Might was chosen along with those three to be part of the largest Christian film festival in the world." For that reason alone, I’m grateful that Fireproof is in the festival… This pursuit of excellence is what separates the SAICFF from 'podunk and bob'.

4.) Every film has the same chance.

Fireproof will probably be given a far more critical eye by the judges, for the reason that they had more time, experience, and financial support. It is stated on the festival website that budget is one of the things taken into consideration when judging the films. I think a film like Pendragon has ultimately the same amount of power to win as any of the others. It’s a film I would imagine the judges would tend to favor, especially when considering budget and the level of creativity exhibited by the filmmakers.

5.) Audience Choice is still the king of the hill.

The film that comes away from the festival with the Audience Choice award, will be able to say decisively that they beat out Fireproof. That’s just the coolest thing in the world, and it could very well be a short film; there, the audience is a true judge. Winning audience choice with no Fireproof would still be grand, but certainly not to the same extent.

6.) I hope to be next year where Fireproof is now; they’re not a studio picture.

It's not a huge budget film. It's just a well crafted indie film, that is an itsy bitsy miniscule drop in the bucket compared to even the lamest of Disney Channel TV shows. We need to take the blinders off, look at the real world of films, and grow up. Moaning about Fireproof and how unbeatable it is ultimately shows how small our picture is of the filmmaking world. It's time to think big, grow up, take charge, move on.

~ In Christ, John.

Shoot 2, Day 8 - Production Photos

Tuesday, we had the opportunity and pleasure of filming Terry and Lori Taylor ( as Mayor Sam Warner and his secretary ), and Larry Winters ( as Carl Kilgore, seen with Gator above ). These folks were examples of tremendous patience and rapid-fire learning. Having no working knowledge of film or the film process, they radically switched mental gears for their performances and despite being very affluent and influential men, took direction and humbly asked for advice when they felt it to be necessary.

Finding men in their position with that kind of giving attitude is a rarity. It was a true pleasure to work with them, and we at HeuMoore really think that Mr. Taylor should run for office. He has the heart and mind of a Godly servant-leader, plus he has the face and presence to match.

That may be why he was such a perfect and natural casting choice for Mayor Warner in our story... ;-)

Can't give away too much about Larry's performance. It's fun and fantastic as well, I think you all will really enjoy their work.

~ In Christ, John.

Shoot 2, Day 7 - Production Photos

After our God-given rest, we picked up filming again on Monday, August 25'th. Day seven of the second shoot, we were blessed to have multi-award winning producer Colin Gunn as a guest star in the film, and he brought one of his awards with him.

Colin is a modest man, but his accomplishments are not. Working with him and learning from him was a great experience, and we would gladly do so again. For those of you who didn't think this documentarian could pull off dramatic acting, we were pleasantly surprised and we believe you will be too. :-)

HeuMoore hopes to work with Colin again in 2009 on an untitled issue documentary project, but that idea is still in the talking phase.

~ In Christ, John.

Heartstrings takes Double Awards at SAICFF!

God in his providence has allowed HeuMoore Productions to take two awards this year at the San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival; the Best Young Filmmakers award, and the Audience Choice Award. Heartstrings is the first film produced by young filmmakers to take the audience choice award in the history of the SAICFF.

Thank you all for your prayers and support, we will try to get more information later!

For those who were unable to get a copy of Heartstrings at the festival, simply go to HeartstringsTheMovie.com and pick up a copy. It's the same deal you would have gotten at the festival, but you'll have to wait a few days for us to have films. The demand for DVD's was so high at the festival, we've already sold out our first run of DVD's. To God be the Glory!

We were also very delighted to see Colin Gunn's production 'The Monstrous Regiment of Women' take the Grand Prize Jubilee award this year! This is the first documentary to take a 'Best of Festival' award in the history of SAICFF. We are thankful for Colin's film and family; they are both favorites of ours.

Until later, Soli Deo Gloria!


~ In Christ, John.

A Bit of Charlie...

From the SAICFF '06, Charlie Zahm.

Definitely try to make your way to the SAICFF '07. If it's anything like the last festival, it will be fantastic.