Sherwood Pictures-Courageous

A vision formed in the hearts of Alex and Stephen Kendrick as they played with cameras in their backyard in Smyrna, Georgia, has grown into a world-wide movie ministry.
The movies “Flywheel”, “Facing the Giants” and “Fireproof” are the realization of that vision through Sherwood Pictures, the unique filmmaking ministry of Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia. The Kendrick brothers, associate pastors at Sherwood, had a lifelong dream to make movies.
The themes and principles framed in lead characters and each storyline are based on the example set, and lessons learned from their father, Larry Kendrick. God is the hero in each film, as He works through people’s lives. The message “ God can overwhelm us with His goodness. When God is at the center, it impacts the rest of your life.”
When they were kids, their neighbor had a Super 8 film camera. "We played with that camera for two or three years until camcorders came out," Alex said. "We created our own entertainment."
Through trial and error, the brothers learned visual angles, editing, and eventually began producing their own short movies. Alex majored in communications at Kennesaw State University. After college, the Kendrick brothers continued making short movies as the leaders of college student and teen ministries. Their productions premiered at Sherwood Baptist Church on makeshift screens of paper tablecloths.
In 2002, Alex read an article citing a study by researcher George Barna that reported- movies have more influence over current society than any church; they are the most effective means of communication to this generation.
Alex proposed the church make a family-friendly movie that could be filmed affordably in Albany. "A huge segment of people love movies but leave theaters disappointed in the profanity, immorality, and messages that trample their family's values and faith," Stephen said. Senior Pastor Michael Catt agreed, and the church created Sherwood Pictures.
Their first movie, “Flywheel“ was filmed on video with a $20,000 budget that came from private contributions. Using an all-volunteer cast of actors, the movie utilized local homes and businesses as sets. The wardrobe department amounted to each actor's own closet. The camera crane, dolly, and steady cam equipment were built with supplies purchased from Home Depot.
Several crises occurred during production, including loss of 30 minutes of edited film. “It became another opportunity to pray”, recalled Alex. “The Lord can make a better movie than we can. We asked the Lord for creativity, and to allow things to happen beyond what we had planned.”
After three weeks of around the clock re-filming, dubbing, and editing, the final completed version of the film was burned to DVD on April 9, 2003, just six hours, 30 minutes before it premiered at their local Carmike Cinemas theater!
The overwhelming response to “Flywheel’ shocked the Kendrick brothers. They are still amazed the movie was ever completed. The movie intended for a community outreach through their local theater has been viewed around the world.
The next two films produced were “Facing the Giants” 2006 and “Fireproof” 2008. These productions were blessed with larger budgets, but as with “Flywheel”, no actors were paid. The talents of cameraman, Bob Scott added to the production quality of these films.
Scott, whose film credits include the “Bourne Ultimatum”, was impressed with the unified effort on set. Everyone gathered to start and end filming each day. “The attitude was ‘do whatever it takes’ to get the movie made. This just doesn’t happen in the movie business. It was great to be at work each day”, said Scott.
“The formula that has worked for us is “seek the Lord first, ask Him to bless it’” said Stephen Kendrick.
“Each film is a testimony that God can use what we give Him, and our sincerity. He will multiply it for His glory. Our desire is to touch the world from Albany”, said Executive Producer and Senior Pastor Michael Catt.- “We want to inspire other churches to find creative ways to reach people with the message that Jesus Christ loves each of them.”
Sherwood Pictures has announced a fourth film: “Courageous“. It will embrace God’s promise to “turn the hearts of fathers to their children, and hearts of children to their fathers.” (Malachi 4:5,6)
“Fireproof” is the story of a firefighter. “Courageous” will focus on four law enforcement officers. Fathers, wrestling with their hopes, their fears, and their faith in Christ. Called to serve and protect, each faces danger on the streets, as well as daily challenges at home.
Sherwood Pictures promises more action in “Courageous“, beyond anything they have previously attempted. The intent is to encourage men, as fathers, to rise up and be actively engaged in the lives of their children. The film will offer a challenge to be .... courageous! http://www.courageousthemovie.com/
Rent each locally, or purchase/ http://www.sherwoodpictures.com/

Wishing you a Happy New Year !

Hello All,
Just wanted to wish you a Happy New Year. Hope you have a prosperous new year. Have not posted anything since Nov. I suffered a tragic computer crash.

Recently, I saw the movie, "Julie and Julia". I liked the movie. It has inspired me to do more blogging. In the coming year 2010, I am going to attempt a weekly entry, maybe something every couple of days, if I can manage it.
Planning the Brickyard Creek Christian Film Festival for March 20, 2010 at New Hope Foursquare Church in Red Bluff, Ca. I would appreciate your prayers for this venture. Not sure how it will all come together at this point.
If you enjoy reading my blog, I would like to hear from you. Jay jlauriem@att.net
Jay