The US population at the time of this writing is 308,400,408 (and that number just changed as you read it). Some estimate the percentage of Christians in the US is as high as 85%. According to an article written in 2007 in the denverpost.com entitled Jesus may save, but Christians spend “The Christian market, however, with almost 70 million American adults and $2.1 trillion, or 28 percent of the national annual income in 2006, is the main event”. Another article in USA TODAY written in 2006 called Faith’s purchasing power explains that, “Nearly 12% of Americans spend more than $50 a month on religious products, and another 11% spend $25 to $29, according to a national survey of 1,721 adults by Baylor University, out in September”.

I threw all those numbers at you to make a point, and believe me there are more fascinating numbers concerning Christian buying power then these, which we may visit on another blog.

So here’s my question: Why does Hollywood, a place that prides itself on doing the numbers, targeting demographics and monitoring the spending habits of consumers conveniently overlook the Christian moviegoer? They certainly can’t argue that Christians don’t go to the movies especially if Christians make up 85% of the population. They can’t argue that Christians don’t buy Christian products, nor can they argue Christians don’t support Christian movies. So why are we shunned by Hollywood?

Obviously the issue is not money, demographics, or consumer spending, the issue is values. And to be frank, from Hollywood’s point of view, the issue is Jesus. The purity and righteousness, the simplicity and modesty, and all the virtues of character that Jesus represents apparently don’t make good storytelling. For example, romance Hollywood style most often includes adultery or fornication, and these are words that Hollywood avoids in order not appear judgmental. And then of course you have the onscreen murder rate coupled with other acts of violence, the stealing, the swearing, the nudity and the list goes on. Hollywood is not comfortable around Jesus and Jesus is not comfortable around Hollywood.

Hollywood is willing to ignore a mega demographic like Christians if it means not having to face Jesus. If only it were that simple.

Christian filmmakers should not be deterred by Hollywood’s rejection, but we should see it as a blessing instead. There is not a better time in the history of filmmaking than it is right now to be an independent filmmaker, especially if you’re a Christian. Let me cite a few examples for you since we’re looking at the numbers.

Fireproof made for a budget of $500,000. Total US theatrical sales, $33,451,479, and total US DVD sales $32,135,369…

Letters to God made for a budget of $3,000,000. Total US theatrical $2,848,587, and total US DVD $4,990,902…

The Passion of the Christ made for a budget of $25,000,000. Total US and international theatrical $611,899,420. DVD sales somewhere near 15 – 18 million copies sold bringing in something near $400 million in receipts.

I wish Christians understood that we don’t need to knock on anyone’s doors begging for opportunity when opportunity has already been provided for us. Jesus has made provision for us right here at home in His church. If we are Christians, and we are filmmakers, then we should make films for His audience reflecting His values because we love Him and we believe in what He stands for. We want Jesus to be comfortable around us, and we want to be comfortable around Him.

Let’s tell stories about romance in marriage, and stories that fortify the family, stories that uplift human character and point people Christ-ward. And praise God at the end of the day, we don’t need Hollywood to do that….

Blessings…