HAS HOLLYWOOD TAKEN NOTICE?

A recent article from Reuter's was headlined, Hollywood wonders "What would Jesus direct?". This subject was prompted due to conservative Christians criticizing Holloywood for "profiting from violent or sexually graphic films that corrupt the young." Hollywood may finally be listening. But we must be reminded that criticism alone does not draw the attention of the movie makers.

Jonathon Bock, head of a movie marketing company that specializes in religious audiences, recently reported to the Tribecca Film Festival, "On Sunday, 43 percent of America was in church. For studios to not recognize that's an audience is like them saying, 'We're not marketing movies to men.'"

Movie's such as Mel Gibson's 2004 movie "The Passion of the Christ," which surprised many in Hollywood by grossing more than $370 million in the United States, and "Chronicles of Narnia" may also be responsible for gaining movie maker's attention. After all, the bottom line in Hollywood is profit. It seems many in the industry are looking for Christian books that can be made into silver screen hits.

The future may offer movies with spiritual emphasis and moral content. Christians need to be encouraged to support movies containing such themes. The result may well be more movies of such content that can draw unbelievers to view. This can have dramatic cultural impact.