The Importance of Engaging a Listener:

(For a very brief review of the book I'm quoting from and a link to buy it on Amazon take the jump.)

I've started reading a ton of stuff on filmmaking.  I want to write a script.  I want to make something.  In all this down time I've felt that itch to create that I never can act on by myself.  So, instead, I read about how to do it.  While I was reading I came across this quote.

Stories are seduction. They desire, and require, the audience's attention. A branch of literary theory has said that stories literally don't exist until they are received, enacted, and embodied by an audience. Stories need to hook an audience and weave them into their very existence in order to even exist.

 I've seen a ton of parallels between faith and film making in looking at through this book.  This one just really jumped out at me.  I was particularly caught by "Stories need to hook an audience and weave them into their very existence in order to even exist."  Is that true of the Gospel, the greatest story ever told?  I think the answer is, yes.

The Gospel doesn't live in someone unless it really has woven itself into the very existence of the hearer.  It's not a simple hearing of the Word.

But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!”  Romans 10:14-15

 You have to BELIEVE in Him.  Hearing is good but without that deep hooking and weaving the story may very well not exist in your heart.

Worse yet, if the Good News isn't woven into your very existence then you might be writing your own version of the story.  A version that has you recasting the starring role of Messiah.



So, this book isn't exactly a technical book on how to make a film.  But, I get the feeling that the one thing they don't teach you in film school is that you can actually do it.  It seems like the competitive nature of film school creates a "have's vs. have not's" type society.  The book mainly finds it's voice in constantly affirming that you are good enough, smart enough and gosh darn-it people like you.  It also gives advice on how to handle working on a set and working the crowd.

I have been enjoying the book and feel like it would be a good read for someone interested in the more holistic approach to learning.  There really are no technical skills to be learned from reading, but if you need a dose of motivation this might just be the book for you, whether you want to make a film or not.

And, you can buy it here!