THE 168 FILM PROJECT BY JOHN WARE
by Bernie Smith
The 168 Film Project is a competition, in which films are based on a Bible verse and created in one week to premiere at the 168 Film Festival. The 8th Annual 168 Film Project competition occurs in Feb-March 2010 (the 168 Film Festivals is in Late March). John Ware is an independent filmmaker who has written and directed a spoof of Hollywood stereotypes entitled “The Chronicles of Hernia: the Lion the Ditch and the Studio. We had the chance to talk with Mr. Ware about the 168 Film Project.
GMM: Can you tell us a little about yourself?
John: John David Ware is the Founder, Director and President of the 168 Film
Project, which has birthed over 400 short films in seven years in over
20 countries. "168" has helped propel the lives and careers of
hundreds of media professionals all over the world by teaching them to
focus on excellence of craft and on God's Word. John's writing
credits include "Mission Field," based on a true story of a missionary
in Cameroon, and "Uncle Frank," a comedic fantasy about a boy and his
uncle's dog. John has written and directed a comedic spoof of
Hollywood stereotypes entitled "The Chronicles of Hernia: the Lion,
the Ditch and the Studio" (chroniclesofhernia.com). Originally from
Columbus Ohio, John went to film school at Miami University and
graduated with honors. In 1998, he co-founded SLATE Entertainment
Fellowship at Bel Air Presbyterian Church, which he led for 5 years.
John is a conference speaker and consultant for the Production and
Post-Production industries in Los Angeles.
GMM: How did you start the 168 Hour Film Project?
John: In 2003, a group of filmmakers led by John David Ware decided to
create a timed film production contest. There was (and is) great
intrigue surrounding the making films based on Bible verses. This
concept combines the two passions that define Christian Filmmakers.
So, the buzz spread quickly to the filmmakers both in Los Angeles and
across the globe. Thirteen films were made the first year and they
premiered to a standing-room-only crowd. The next year there were 53
films and 168 was recognized as a place to get started as a filmmaker
of faith. In seven years, over four hundred films have been created
in over 20 countries.
GMM: What inspired you to do the 168 Hour Film Project?
John: According to Ware, "Too many wanna-be filmmakers kept saying, 'I'm
gonna.' I'm gonna only works for so long. After that you become the
boy who cried wolf. We decided to let them put their money where
their mouth was." It had to be something of excellence at the top,
yet something that beginners could get recognized too.
GMM: How can people reach you if they would like to get information on
becoming a filmmaker?
John: 168 Film Project 145 S Glenoaks Blvd. #159 Burbank, CA 91502
818-557-8507 www.168project.com info@168project.com
GMM: What type of support does your project rely on and how can someone
contribute?
John: 168 rely on private donations, foundational grants, ticket and entry
fees. If you want to support our mission to change the world through
the media, you can donate at our website (www.168project.com) or
contact John David Ware directly at 818-557-8507.
GMM: How has this project made your life more rewarding?
John: 168 has been the hardest challenge I have ever faced. We have gone
from total grass roots to being the internationally recognized
organization we are today. Only with the grace and leading of the
Lord God have we done this, and only by demanding that we continue to
focus on His word at our core.
GMM: What word of advice would you like to tell someone just starting
out in filmmaking?
John: Just do it. There is no better teacher than experience. Beginners
are welcomed and encouraged to enter the 168 Film Project. Yes, you
should take classes and compare notes and work for and with
like-minded people. But, getting out there and developing your style,
you voice and making your mistakes is invaluable. Also, I have a word
of warning. Here in L.A., we see so many people who are diligent to
take steps to success. In addition to excelling in their craft, they
become accomplished at networking, promotion and marketing. They
develop great strategies and plans and forget about the Creator. 1
Corinthians 13 says: "If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels,
but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.
If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all
knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not
love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender
my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing" (NIV). I
encourage you to keep the Word close to you at all times, especially
as you navigate a difficult course like achieving excellence in film.
The avenues open to all of us are so varied and vast that it's
difficult hearing from the Lord through all of the interference. He
is faithful to speak to us if we continue to wait on him.
GMM: Where do you see God taking you next?
John: Media is a powerful agent for change, especially if it is built on the
Word. We will be making our work known to larger groups of people on a
worldwide scale. Immediately, we will build a new website to better
serve the community. Then we will build on the success of the 2009
film festival. We will soon add a mentorship/leadership component to
better serve the community.
We wish Mr. John Ware much success on his great Film project for the near future.
Blog: http://168project.blogspot.com/
See our KNBC-TV Story: http://video.knbc.com/player/?id=236143
See our ABC-TV Story: http://www.168project.com/abc-TV-4-10-08.mov
See ('08) promo at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXt_dE5F0aM
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.channel&vanity=168project
See ('09) promo at:
http://168project.ning.com/video/168-clip-reel-2009-4-min
See our KNBC-TV Coverage 2009:
http://www.nbclosangeles.com/around_town/the_scene/168_Film_Festival_Opens_in_LA_Los_Angeles.html
