Sonshine Theater, a new Christian drama ministry in Indianapolis, is in its inaugural season, and this summer, they will be bringing the world's most morose super hero to Indy - Morbidman!
Morbidman Meets His Maker will open this summer. For details on auditions and tickets, bookmark Sonshine's website:
http://sonshinedramaministry.org/
For more on Morbidman go to http://www.morbidman.info
The "world" is not shocked by people living together.
They are not shocked when couples get a divorce.
They are not shocked by teenage drinking.
Abortion, pornography, suicide, drugs, sexual assault, lying, disrespect, rebellion... these things do not shock the world.
To those of us in the church, these things are still shocking. That's because we believe in sin. We believe God designed the world to be a certain way, and any deviation from God's plan shocks us.
The world left the concept of sin behind decades ago. They have no moral center, no sense of right and wrong, and they've accepted the fall out as just being "normal."
If you're producing drama for the church, by all means continue with your "shocking" scenes of divorce, infidelity, and teenage rebellion. You can still shock the faithful. But if you're writing to reach a lost world, it's high time you shift your paradigm.
The world does not see things as we do. If we want them to see things God's way, we must (1) understand their worldview, (2) begin our drama productions with their perspective, not ours, then (3) gradually bring them around to see it doesn't have to be this way.
I'm not saying we need to write vulgar, violent, sinful material. We just need to learn to write characters in a sinful world who are not shocked by sin, placing them in stories that will reveal to those characters - and consequently our audience - the way to Christ.
The Essentials
By John Cosper
Righteousinsanity.com
CHARACTERS
Pastor
Meredith- A new believer
Larry, Doreen, Frank, Melanie- Biased believers
Jesus
Pastor is on stage with Meredith.
PASTOR: And this is Meredith Baker. Meredith comes forward today making her confession of faith. She'll be baptized after tonight's service. Be sure to come up and welcome her into the family of God after the service.
Pastor exits. Larry enters. (Note: Larry and all the other church members should have an armload of fliers, booklets, and other items to hand Meredith, as mentioned in the dialogue. Weigh her down with as much junk as possible.)
LARRY: Well, well, Meredith, huh? Welcome to the family of God, sister. We're sure happy you decided to join us. Here's your membership card in the Republican Party. Here's your pro-life bumper sticker, and of course, your NRA decal for the back window of your car. You display these things with pride, now. These are the marks of a true believer. Glad to have ya.
Larry exits. Doreen enters.
DOREEN: It is so good to have you join us. My name is Doreen, and in case you didn't know already, I lead the home school moms group that meets every Thursday morning. I know you'll want to be there because, let's face it, Christians can't send their kids to public schools any more. We're going to have a guest speaker in from the national office talking about ten new ways to shelter our children from the world. Be sure and bring a casserole or dessert.
Doreen exits. Frank enters.
FRANK: Hi, Meredith. My name's Frank, and these are you offering envelopes. Remember, ten percent is the minimum, but also remember, we're not looking for believers who give the bare minimum, okay? Wise stewards find a way to give more. Oh, and if you have debts, I have a new God's Money class starting next Monday. Registration is $130. See ya soon!
Frank exits. Melanie enters.
MELANIE: Well bless God, and bless you, sister. It's so good to see you here. Here's the instructions for reprogramming your TV remote. Now that you're a Christian, you need to avoid the sinful garbage on TV shows. Stick to TBN and reality programs that don't involve males and females doing overnights. Also, my husband and I offer a ministry where we can come to your house and personally remove and burn all the immoral books, movies, magazines, and music you might have. And for $5 a month, we can filter your Internet. Okay? Bless you, Meredith. So glad you joined us.
Jesus enters. He sees all the stuff that people have given Meredith. She looks very overwhelmed. He takes away the stickers, the fliers, etc and tosses them all aside.
JESUS: Come on. Follow me.
Meredith smiles and follows Jesus.
I decided it might be a good idea to write down all the film projects in the works at RI. Here's a quick run down of what's coming, including info on how you can get involved!
God Told Me To Break Up With You (Post-Production)
Filmed almost four years ago, RI's popular tale of the Christian singles world should be finished this summer... with the possible exception of the "lost" scene that held up its completion. Three scenes are now finished and online in short film format: Denial, How to Pick Up a Christian Babe, and God Told Me To Break Up With You.
Yet (Pre-Production)
A comedic drama about four singles who just haven't found what they're looking for... yet. Natalie Nicole Gilbert (How to Pick Up a Christian Babe) will star and produce from the script she wrote with John Cosper. Filming this summer in LA.
Med 814 (Pre-Production/Casting)
A sci-fi story told in 14 shorts, based on the short story by John Cosper about a conspiracy to eradicate religion with psychotic drugs. Now seeking directors and actors with cameras who would like to get involved. For information, please email johncosper@yahoo.com
The Sensitive Christian Man (Pre-Production)
Eight short films for men's ministry on a wide range of issues. John Cosper, Denny Grinar (Adam and Eve, Never Cheat on a Super Hero), and Tyler Bradley (Baptist Eye for the Catholic Guy) are currently cast. Filming this summer.
Chasing Leia (Pre-Production)
Remake of RI's first film, about a Star Wars fan who falls for a Trekkie. RI regular Denny Grinar will make his directorial debut with this short. Filming in 2008.
Wing Man (In development)
A mockumentary about a super hero sidekick who has to seek a new career in the private sector. Produced by John Cosper and Denny Grinar.
Tolerance (In development)
A short film based on the short story by John Cosper. Aliens live among us, and, in the interest of tolerance, all science fiction featuring bad or hostile aliens has become contraband. Now seeking a co-producer/director who can make this happen sooner rather than later. For more information email johncosper@yahoo.com
Fluffy 2 (In development)
They're baaaaaaack! Trish Angel reunites with fellow former astronaut Stone Brockman to do battle with the cute and fuzzy homicidal aliens again. Script now in development.
For information on any of these projects, email johncosper@yahoo.com
You can also read Med 814 or Tolerance online at www.lunarshuttletickets.com
Shakespeare is one of the most challenging undertakings for any actor or director. It's also one of the most rewarding, and a vital part of any classical literary education. Now, Righteous Insanity offers you a unique introduction to Shakespeare that will get you and your students excited about studying the world's most famous playwright.
"Bring the Bard Home" is a brief, jam-packed intro to the works of Shakespeare. This ebook will help you get started choosing a play, guide you through auditions and rehearsals, and give you educational exercises beyond the stage productions that will challenge and inspire your students.
"Bring the Bard Home" is only $5.00, and is one of many resources for Home Schoolers available through Righteous Insanity. Get the book today at shop.righteousinsanity.com
Righteous Insanity, a Christian drama and film production company, is seeking film makers and actors to help shoot a sci-fi story in 14 parts. This is a unique story and series, and you do NOT have to be located near me (in Louisville) to play a part. We're not looking for "pros." Just folks with a DV camera, a good eye, and some acting talent.
If you are interested, please email me at johncosper@yahoo.com
This is a story told from different angles, requiring a number of actors and different types of shoots. There's no pay, but this is a chance to be a part of something unique, get a credit, and let your talent shine. You can take on a little or a lot; it's all up to you, so long as you can get the job done.
Righteous Insanity, a Christian drama and film production company, is seeking film makers and actors to help shoot a sci-fi story in 14 parts. This is a unique story and series, and you do NOT have to be located near me (in Louisville) to play a part. We're not looking for "pros." Just folks with a DV camera, a good eye, and some acting talent.
If you are interested, please email me at johncosper@yahoo.com
This is a story told from different angles, requiring a number of actors and different types of shoots. There's no pay, but this is a chance to be a part of something unique, get a credit, and let your talent shine. You can take on a little or a lot; it's all up to you, so long as you can get the job done.
Here's another new clip from an OLD film shoot. This is the opening scene from "God Told Me to Break Up With You", starring Randy D. Pease and Sara Lacy. Enjoy!
We were at my father in law's house the other night, watching The Truman Show. My wife had never seen the movie, and we ended up sticking around, keeping everyone up, so that she could see one of my all time favorite movie scenes. It's the scene right before Truman is reunited with his father, when he's sitting on the edge of the dock with his best friend. Truman has come to believe there's some sort of conspiracy, that everyone is watching him, that his whole life may be a facade. His friend is assuring him it's all real, that no one is lying to him. After all, if this was a big conspiracy, he'd have to be in on it too.
It is during this dialogue we get the first look inside the television control room of The Truman Show, where the producer, Christof, is feeding the best friend his lines. It's an eery moment. Truman has all the trust in the world that his best friend can be believed, and yet... his best friend is feeding him lies straight from the devil himself. It gives me chills every time.
This led to a discussion of favorite scenes in movies. Not the movies themselves, but the best scenes, the ones you'd keep people waiting just to watch one more time (even though you have it on video). It's a good study for any writer: what scenes in movies inspire or touch you the most?
Being a comedy writer, my list includes a few more comedy scenes than most. These are in no order, and are subject to change, should I be reminded of something I forgot.
- The end of "The Usual Suspects." This scene doesn't shock people like it did originally for reasons I won't go into (and I still won't give it away here), but when I first saw the movie, I went from half-asleep to wide awake, mouth wide open. It was a phenomenal twist.
- The speeder bike chase in "Return of the Jedi." This scene cannot be fully appreciated unless you see it up close in a theater on a BIG screen.
- The death of the horse in "Animal House." My wife thinks I'm sick, but this scene makes me laugh so hard every time. I'm including the heart attack scene, and the one that follows, with the handiman, the tape measure, and the chainsaw. This ranks just above the horse getting punched out in "Blazing Saddles", but just below the drunk horse leaning against a wall in "Cat Ballou."
- Christopher Walken in “Pulp Fiction.” Monologues are often the death of movies, but this monologue amazes me. It’s a powerfully dramatic speech by Walken, as a soldier delivering an heirloom to the son of a fallen comrade, that draws you in – then sucker punches you with a twist making it the most awkward, gross, and ludicrous story a young man ever had to endure about his father.
- The stateroom scene from "A Night at the Opera." Grouch Marx's constant banter alongside the building gag of dozens of people piling into a tiny room on a cruise ship. A classic gag.
- The fountain scene in Clooney's "Oceans 11." Not sure why I love this scene so much. There's no dialogue, and none needed. It's a curtain call for a great ensemble cast, and the final bow goes to Carl Reiner. Sweetness.
- "Stonehenge" from "This is Spinal Tap." Making a big thing of it might have been a good idea.
- The "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" gunfight in "Face/Off." Proof that no one does violence like John Woo.
- Woody Allen plays cello in the marching band in "Take the Money and Run." I was a band geek, so this means a little more. Woody is so brilliant. Honorable mention would be Woody ordering lunch for the guerilla freedom fighters army in "Bananas."
- The final dogfight in "Top Gun." This movie didn't deserve to be a classic. The script is garbage, the dialogue is horrible, the characters are completely flat. Ironically, they got everything else right - especially the dogfighting shots - and it works.
- Gene Kelly performing the title song in "Singin' in the Rain." The greatest musical number ever filmed in my favorite movie musical.
- The first scene with Gene Wilder and Zero Mostel in "The Producers." I used to think this was the funniest scene ever written. Then I saw Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick do it in the remake. Not that they weren't funny, but they just couldn't match the insanity of Wilder and Mostel.
- Charlie Sheen's cameo in "Ferris Bueller's Day Off." Another scene where I can't stop laughing. Charlie Sheen is a master of deadpan comedy, and this scene steals the whole movie. It's why the movie is in my top 3, and I never miss a Charlie Sheen comedy.
Marketing guru Seth Godin had a blog yesterday that really struck me. This was worth sharing with anyone in ministry. It's a good set of questions we should always ask ourselves.
http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2008/04/self-promotion.html
