Chronicles of a Filmmaker: Media and Parental Responsibility

In the first part of this article I gave some examples on the influence of Media, particularly Film and Television. Media can actually be used to slowly decay our culture or greatly empower the culture to greatness. Certainly it can also be used to make or break a politician's career or even publicly shame or humiliate anyone who gets targeted and it can happen at any time. I believe that a lot of the examples I discovered in my studies are relevant even today and perhaps you will realize that just turning off the television or staying away from the video store (although sometimes I would recommend it) does not always solve the problem.

I would say that those who argue the point that if "you don't like it don't watch it" need to realize that living life (with or without Media) is a lot like the experience of driving a car - no matter how good you drive, you have no control over how the other drivers are driving. You must learn to respond and react appropriately to the poor decisions of other drivers. No... I'm not saying that I'm perfect or that "I've arrived" nor am I saying that I am the best driver in the world. But what I am saying is that just turning off the television in my house doesn't necessarily keep my children safe (or me) from negative media. Because a whole bunch of other folks in the neighborhood are probably still out there watching it and no matter how well I teach my kids what is right and wrong, or how well I behave in society - there is always that potential threat that we all may be forced (with no choice in the matter) to respond to someone who has been negatively influenced by it.

Granted, putting my kids and your kids (and even ourselves) in front of positive film and television can be a great benefit in wonderful ways bringing the experience of hope, education, and inspiration. The trick is not to let it replace the time that we need to spend with our children or our families and time to disciple our children in the ways of the LORD. Naturally children are the most vulnerable to the power of media - but actually none of us are immune to its effects as I've shared.

One of the powerful aspects of filmmaking is that it is a compelling way of sharing stories and getting a point across to the audience. Telling stories is the means that the Greatest Storyteller of all time used to get His point across. Yeshua (Jesus) the Messiah told stories that His audience could relate to with the purpose of sharing His message about the Kingdom and it changed the world. When people hear a story told to them, it is really a great tool the storyteller uses to truly hammer home a point. Think of the influence of telling stories through film.

If you are considering this form of expression as a career or calling, I want you to consider the importance of understanding that this is not about becoming famous or having a platform to share whatever mood we are feeling at the moment. Not everything that comes to our mind is valuable or profitable. Our hearts can deceive us many times as to what is truly good and right. Consider the fact that this medium is so powerful that you better have your act together before you so carelessly seek to express one "idle word" through it. I believe what the Bible says about the tongue (having the power of life and death) can speak to this - imagine combining these words of "the tongue" into a media image with special effects, inspiring music, compelling acting, and drawing in an audience who has just let you into their minds and hearts to hear what you have to say. Do you really have a clue what you're saying? Is your mind renewed in the Truth? Are you being careless? Is this a waste of time? You know, it takes hours and hours of hard work to get a film or documentary made. And we must lay a proper foundation in order to properly engage our audiences. We must or we will find ourselves highly accountable in the end.

It does well for us to realize that whatever work we put out can cause some serious damage and further harm to our culture - or we can have a great opportunity to speak life and be a part of bringing healing and hope to that culture. We have the ability to encourage and inspire a soul - which the end result of that seed -the fruit of that seed does indeed have eternal consequences.

What I want to leave you with is the understanding of the higher calling and responsibility you have as a filmmaker and the necessity to not violate the trust of those who enter into a relationship with you when they view your projects. There is a great influence and power you have in your hands as you take your audience down a road they may or may not want to go. Because when they make a decision to watch your film and the first scene fades in and the opening credits begin - the powerful music, acting, and other elements of the film (if it is properly crafted together) will most likely draw that viewer in and if the viewer is engaged by the material, he or she is now trusting that film to enter into an intimate place. And once your story enters in, they will find it hard to resist the underlying message that will penetrate their very souls.

Consider the great message of Spiderman, my favorite comic book character, that really hits home this point that "With great power comes Great responsibility." Life and death is truly in the power of our tongues. May we use our gifts and talents as filmmakers with an understanding that this is a way we are speaking to the culture and we will either speak life or death. And we have no idea who will be influenced by what we are saying and how it will impact the lives of those who are watching and listening.