The Devil’s Playground

I have worked in the media for over 25 years in every capacity imaginable from writer, editor, director and producer. I have also created several television shows that have aired on 15 plus networks and on over 200 stations. In that time, I have had many young people approach me asking for my advice and help on how they can pursue a career in media, TV or films. The usual questions are: How do I break in? What school do I go to? Can I help them find a job? Most of the young people I have worked with are primarily Christians. So they are usually seeking careers as Christian filmmakers, looking to land a job in church media, or working for a Christian television station or network.

When I asked them if they ever considered working in mainstream media, they often had a puzzled look on their faces. It is as if they have never really thought of the concept. What about working in Hollywood at a movie studio or a television network like ABC or CBS? They seemed to have a one track mind. Because they are Christians, they think they can only work in Christian media. After all, isn’t Hollywood and mainstream media the devil’s playground? How could they live and work in such an environment?

For many young people I talked to, this is the first real discussion of the possibilities of a career other than in Christian or church media. There’s no question that there are several obstacles to overcome. Generally, there is a lack of support from the Church and, more importantly, from their own families. To consider such an option as to go into Hollywood or mainstream entertainment for most parents is a hard case to make. The resistance can be overwhelming.

Could Hollywood be a valid mission field and be just as important as reaching any nation? What exactly is a mission field? The U. S. Center for World Missions in Pasadena, CA, defines a mission field as a unique people group with its own culture, customs, language, and rituals. I think Hollywood certainly qualifies in every category. And, for the most part, Hollywood is still unreached with the Gospel.

But for a lot of other young people I talk to, the light does come on? Perhaps, this is not such an outrageous idea. Could a Christian be called to Hollywood to make mainstream films? I fully believe that God has a plan for each of us, and we are all called to do something. It could be for some of the young people I talk to a burden and passion to reach people, but they don’t understand the calling or how it can intersect with a passion for media, TV or film. It’s possible that God has combined all of these passions into one package. That’s why I have written a book called The Media Missionary, A Road Map for Hollywood Success to explore the possibilities that your passion for Christ and your passion for media can intersect and coexist. Quite frankly, most people won’t understand the desire God has put in your heart.

A Road Map for Success in Hollywood is about learning to fully embrace a missional lifestyle. We are called to be missionaries and reach the people around us whether we’re a plumber, electrician, an accountant, etc. For the media missionary, our mission field is media, TV and film. We’re called to go there and reach the people. It’s always going to be about reaching the people first and creating the product second.

Industry insiders tell me that 10,000 new people arrive each month in Hollywood looking to break into the industry. They also tell me that approximately 10,000 people also leave every month broken and disillusioned. Somewhere in those numbers are 200 individuals who believe they have been called to go to Hollywood and transform the industry. Those Christians who work in various ministries in the industry also tell me that less than 10% have a real chance to make it in the business. Those are sad numbers. So what can you do to improve your chances? How can you have success in Hollywood both professionally and spiritually?

This book is your roadmap. After talking to industry insiders who are on the ground, I am sharing with you their collective expertise and knowledge. Obviously to break in, you need talent, knowledge and training. That’s a given. But there are five other traits that are absolutely essential.

First, you must have a solid relationship with God. If you don’t, the media industry, especially Hollywood, will chew you up and spit you out. If you don’t know who you are in Christ, don’t ever consider pursuing a career in mainstream media. If your relationship with Christ is close and personal, you will know without any doubt if you have been called to Hollywood to pursue a career in media. Don’t move on unless this is crystal clear. A strong relationship with God will also lead you to seek fellowship and support groups who can help you in your spiritual and career development. I’ve talked to a lot of Christians who thought they could make it on there own. We all need help. There are Christians who work in Hollywood who can help and support you.

Second, you must love the people in this industry. People who work in entertainment and media whether in Hollywood or any other town, quite frankly, are different. Artists often don’t fit into the mainstream model. They are a different breed. More often, they will be more liberal in their views on politics, lifestyle choices, philosophy, and religion. You won’t find many Christians working in Hollywood and the mainstream entertainment industry. You will undoubtedly be a minority. They will talk differently, react differently and will be self-centered. Can you deal with that?

 

Recently, I talked to a young lady who was working in church media. She shared her experiences while she was in Hollywood. She had graduated from a Christian school in Los Angeles that offered an excellent film program. She had landed an internship with a major studio and was on track with her career. By all counts, she was in the process of making it. But she had problems dealing with the people. Many of the crew members used crude and suggestive language, and even though it wasn’t directed toward her, she had difficulty dealing with the situation and decided she couldn’t work in Hollywood. Obviously this is not good behavior nor do I condone it. I’m not saying she didn’t love the people, but you have to be able to work with people who do not follow Christian morals and values. How else will you be able to influence them if you are not there. That’s the whole purpose of a media missionary.

Third, you need resolution and determination. You will have the door slammed in your face countless times. Can you live with that and continue to fight on? Breaking into Hollywood and the mainstream industry is a challenge. Your resolution and determination has to be rock solid. It could take you two years just to get your foot in the door and another two to three years to have a legitimate shot at making a living in this business. Can you live two years without an income? That’s what it might take.

Fourth, you will need energy. There is no 8-hour or 10-hour day in the world of media, TV or film. No weekends off and little or no downtime. Most of the shoots I have been on are typically anywhere from 12 – 16 hours. Can you do that for weeks at a time? It looks fun from the outside, but once you are there, it’s hard work.

Fifth, you will especially need wisdom. If you are going to navigate successfully in this industry, it requires wisdom. Which jobs do you work on? Which jobs do you not work on? How do you balance your faith in a hostile environment? No easy answers here. You will need to ask God for wisdom every single day.

You’ve started your journey, and this is your road map for success. This book won’t answer all of your questions, but it will get you started in the right direction. If God has called you to be a media missionary, don’t let anyone talk you out of it. You know there’s something inside of you that you may not be able to explain to other people, but it’s driving you towards something bigger than yourself.