Since Art  is not a believer, my role was to help put together the team for him, as well as function as 'spiritual advisor' (as they sought to interpret the 'verse)'. As I helped him build his team, I sought to get a Christian writer, 2 other Christian producers and a team made up of about 3/4 believers in the Lord. The rest, including the cinematographer were non- believers who work in the entertainment industry. (We also had the drummer from the band Judas Priest as our sound operator).

Below is an email I just received from Keith that was sent out to our entire crew. (He is a camera operator on a major TV show.) He was hostile toward God and the Church when we began, but was willing to help out his colleague Art (on what he called a 'stupid little film') despite the Christian presence and overtones. (We called ourselves 'Team Art")

FROM KEITH: In a message dated ******************@adelphia.net writes:
<< Hello Team Art!
I have been lurking and listening to the chatter, and it is time for me to weigh in. What a wonderful and magical group you are! (I mean good old four-square Christian magic, as in miracles, not that nasty Pagan magik stuff!)
After thirty years in this business we call show, I am a cynical SOB.
It has been nearly eight years since I participated in a "stupid little movie". Art knows, that is a direct quote-from me. What I want you all to know it this-THIS IS NO STUPID LITTLE MOVIE! I am proud, grateful and yes, dare I say Blessed to have met, worked and shared fellowship with each and every one of you.

Some of you may know a bit of my background in the church. Let me take a moment to share with the rest of you.
I was born and raised a Presbyterian. As soon as I was out of diapers I was in Church School, and continued through High School. I was a youth group leader through college, and the youngest Deacon in our urban church with over 2,700 members.
However, as a result of what I saw of "the man behind the curtain" and the disheartening politics in that church-I have not been to any church in over thirty years. But you people tempt me...
And for someone fallen from the way as I have, that says A LOT. You all have given me more than a little bit of Faith!
Thank you all for your help and efforts in all departments. Each and every one of you went the extra mile and shouldered the extra load to make this wonderful experience happen for all of us. Self-fives for everyone!
"(The title of the film)" is a miraculous achievement we can all be PROUD of!!!
Quite simply-I have never participated in any project in my thirty year career whether commercial or "stupid" in nature of which I am more proud. None.

Thanks for having us along and Thanks again to all of you for coming with us. (FROM KEITH, our Cinematographer) >>

----------------- Art, stepped up to produce and direct for the first time. He is a Jewish non-believer I have been sharing Jesus with for a long time. He was interested in being a part of this festival and randomly selected this Bible Verse:

"Reverence for the Lord gives confidence and security to a man and his family." --Proverbs 14:26
ART WRITES:

In a message dated 3/3/06 12:12:14 PM, a******gmail.com writes:

<< Right after I submitted our entry to the festival I came to the realization that my experience in the making of this film ran parallel to the verse I pulled over two weeks ago. Our production unit was very diverse, incorporating believers and non-believers, professionals and newcomers to the industry, young and old. My goal was to achieve a harmonious blend of all these forces.
I did so out of respect for the processes at work, including God. As a result found the confidence I needed to steer this production. I found myself immersed in a secure and safe environment, a place free to be creative and have fun at the same time. I hope all of you, as part of my production family, experienced growth and fellowship through your involvement. >>

Also, following this email. (I got word from a friend at a nearby church that they ran into him as he was sneaking in the side door for a Sunday AM service last week (he has never been to church before)
Let's pray for both Art and Keith