o7There's a new movement underway to train Christians to be film and
television executives. The move is apparently in reaction to a
perceived bigotry in Hollywood toward Christianity. A new program
called f7o7Act One, run by Barbara Nicolosif7o7, trains
Christians to become television and film executives. It includes a
three-month-long program that places Christians in entertainment
internships while hosting lectures by industry professionals. First
off, do you think there is a bias in Hollywood that works against
Christians? And if so, can a program like this reverse that bigotry?
f7In my opinion, "Christians" would be missing a great
opportunity by not getting involved in Hollywood. However, it should
not be a hostile takeover! Movies and television influence the way
people think, so why not accept that some programs such as "Touched
by an Angel," and other "family" type programs have high ratings?
Obviously there is an audience who wants this kind of programming.
Opportunities for personal growth should be grasped by Christians
too! If "Christians" refuse to evolve and miss any opportunity to
reach out to someone who is able to listen and feel connected, then
shame on them.
THE REV. ALICE
PARSONS ZULLI
Director of Bereavement
Support and Services
Glendale Adventist
Medical Center
It is more than a perceived bias against Christians and I don't
think there's any other group that would tolerate the blatant
stereotyping that goes on against them on the big screen.
Unfortunately, we're caught in a vicious circle, where the right
is defining Christianity and the left is reacting to that definition
and the middle is lost.
I'm pleased that Barbara Nicolosi has taken the step to form Act
One. In particular, I appreciate her approach, because the message of
Christ is not one to be compromised. It is not a message that belongs
only to Christians, but a message that can have global implications
for peace. Films and television shape and define much of our society,
and the need to abandon stereotypes for messages of hope and the good
is essential.
FATHER VAZKEN MOVSESIAN
Armenian Church
Youth Ministries
It's not difficult to find "religious" folks in Hollywood. They
don't like using that term, but they are. The more accepted industry
jargon is "spiritual" but that's just nonsensical gibberish. Everyone
is "spiritual" whether they address the inner person or deny it
exists. Yet Hollywood's brand of religion is twisted. It wears red
strings around its wrist and displays lesbian embrace on awards
