How did your network with Hollywood professionals begin?
Before I founded TRIBE, I had developed a film and arts ministry at my previous church, First Congregational Church of Los Angeles. It began with my adult Sunday school teacher being Randall Wallace, who directed Braveheart. When he had to go to Paris to make Man in the Iron Mask, I had to get substitute teachers for his class. He gave me the names of believers also in the industry, so those people taught his course in his absence. Through them and my connections at First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood my relationships with believers in the film industry grew.

I created an international art gallery out of a long hallway in our church, created art groups, retreats, film groups and film retreats. After a while our church developed a reputation for having one foot firmly planted in the arts and one foot in film. I was invited to come to Reel Spirituality and the City of the Angels Film Festival. They both asked me to be on their boards right away, and I accepted. I’ve been on boards of both of those ever since.

As those ministries grew and developed, the church at that time went through a strong growth spurt.

How do you integrate your degrees in philosophy and divinity with educating young people about entertainment? How do they all connect?
The Theology and Hollywood class absolutely connects because I’m using my theological and pastoral background. I’m trying to get students to process what God is doing here in Hollywood. A lot of students are going through spiritual trauma, culture, developing their own thoughts. Many are seniors, which adds a new dimension to their outlook. The philosophical background gives the framework for all the cultural issues. I take them through that process.

Yesterday we looked at Jesus’ parables and how they use metaphor and how film should do the same. They had to come up with a metaphor for their present life, and they came up with some powerful images.

Other than teaching about film and movies, how do you stay active in the industry?  
In addition to serving on the board for Reel Spirituality and being director of the City of the Angels Film Festival, I mentor filmmakers and artists and bring them into relationship with my students. I also just know many people in the industry, and I’m in regular contact with them.

Can you think of any moments during the semester that you always look forward to?
 I love to watch the student films at the end, but every part of the semester is exciting.

What is the biggest obstacle that students typically have to overcome as they adjust to life at LAFSC?
It’s a huge culture shock, so there is spiritual processing over that. Add to that sheer exhaustion— we keep them going night and day.

How do you hope students will be changed by their LAFSC experience?  
Improved quality of film making is number one. I’d also want their call to Hollywood to be confirmed or clarified as they process their own authentic relationship with God. I hope they have a broadened understanding of how God is moving in Hollywood, and a humility regarding what they have to learn from this culture.

What kind of student would you consider to be a perfect candidate for this program?
Someone who is very bright and creative, with a passion for film, as well as an understanding of metaphor and symbol.  I look for students with a depth of spirituality, critical understanding of culture, and a willingness to engage culture. Students who are eager, willing to ask questions of God, culture, everything, and yet have a deep abiding faith within a philosophical framework do very well in our program and in Hollywood.

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