Praying, Then Producing a Hit

Article from the New York Times. Click Here to read the full article.

Many directors think of their work as a kind of religion, but few actually refer to their production company as “a moviemaking ministry” — unless of course they are the people behind Sherwood Pictures. The Georgia-based Sherwood Baptist Church has released four films, and its latest, “Courageous,” has shown once again that it has a way with Christian audiences.

“Fireproof,” Sherwood’s 2008 film about marriage, which starred the “Growing Pains” alumnus Kirk Cameron, grossed more than $33.4 million, and “Courageous,” its latest film, is poised to be even bigger — it opened at No. 5 at the box office last weekend. The film tells the story of four law enforcement officers and the challenges of fatherhood. “With God’s help, they struggle to be able to find a way to serve and protect those that are most dear to them,” a press release says. It also incorporates higher production values than any of Sherwood’s previous projects and, for the first time, a cast of professional actors.

We talked to the director and associate pastor Alex Kendrick about “Courageous,” his ministry’s growth and movies. Here are excerpts from the conversation:

Q. Why did you want to make “Courageous”?

A. Well it’s important to keep in mind we’re not Hollywood, we’re not trying to be Hollywood. We’re first a ministry. So before each movie that we do, we commit time to pray and say, “God, what movie do you want us to do next?” So we felt like me, my brother, that fatherhood was where our heart was turning. Given that, we started researching fatherhood, the national fatherhood initiative, Washington organizations, just pulling stats, and we noted that part of a dad’s job is to protect and serve his family and law enforcement is known for protecting and serving, so we put it in the context of a law enforcement story.

Q. Were you excited by the success of your previous films?

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Highly recommended for filmmakers!