Lord of the Rings. Schindler's List. Saving Private Ryan. Excellent examples of
We know this challenge faces all of us who serve in the local church. Whether you are crafting a story through a creative video or an interview you face the challenge of being authentic, creative and compelling. That is why we wanted to introduce you to Max Paul Franklin. That is why we invited him to teach at this year's arts conference, Creating Videos that Tell a Story and Telling Compelling Stories: Conducting Great Interviews for Video & Live Services.
In June of 1972, Max Paul Franklin left Viet Nam as an Air Force combat cameraman to start IMS Productions. Since then he has filmed kings, presidents and CEO's of major corporations. He's also filmed the stories of some of the poorest of the poor. His journeys as a cameraman/storyteller have taken him to over 70 countries, from the beautiful and mysterious rain forests of South America to the, war-torn battlegrounds of Rwanda, Sudan and Iraq.
As a storyteller, he's produced award winning television commercials, documentaries, and corporate films throughout the world. His clients have included every major Christian organization in America. He's best known for the video series Edge TV, a discussion starter for teens to have a "safe place to talk about unsafe things".
Raised in India, as the son of medical missionaries, Franklin, best known for his transparent in-depth interviews considers himself an international nomad and "recovering missionary's kid". For 37 years, he's built his company on lifetime relationships.
I got to meet Max Paul & have lunch back in February. I was struck by his genuineness and his heart for Christ and the people God has put in his life. He was gracious to answer a few questions for us. Enjoying getting to know Max Paul.
If you had to describe your artistry in one word, what would it be?
Storyteller
How did you develop a love for your art?
I love beautiful movies. I wanted to be a Disney animator and was told I wasn't good enough...then my high school English teacher said I was an inept writer, so I finally discovered that I could express myself and tell stories through making movies and I wouldn't have to write. I had writers block so severely, I had my staff write all my letters and proposals for 25 years! I was so ashamed of my writing, I almost didn't graduate college. I was able to break that core belief about four years ago with the help of a prayer counselor. Since then, I've treated my ability to write, as a whole new gift from God! That change happened overnight.
What inspires you?
Meeting people who have overcome unbelievable odds to become productive adults despite being spiritually, physically, emotionally, or sexually abused...the Overcomers! People who never, never give up.
Describe your ‘creative process'.
My mission is to dig deeper, find truth, then tell emotionally compelling stories that move people to action. I love the dig deeper part of the creative process. That's where lifelong intimacy takes place with people I meet...BUT it's a very draining process and when someone dumps the truck on me with their lifelong secrets, that pain is often transferred and I go overeat or numb out in some unhealthy way.
What is a common mistake you notice during the creative process?
Not taking enough time to build a "safe place" for people to share their real story. Intimacy takes time and everything else is just blah, blah, blah.
What are you learning these days?
That even though I'm retired from running a business after 37 years, God isn't finished with me yet. I spend much of my discretionary time studying church history, trying to understand why people are so brutal to each other in the name of God. If God is love...why don't we see more love expressed? I'm a lifelong student.
How would you encourage artists, like yourself, who serve the church?
If your passion is to express your Faith through media at church, know that you'll never have enough time or budget. But nothing is more satisfying than touching people's hearts. Even if you don't have the latest or greatest tools, we can be assured that "Story is King"! It's not about toys and techniques, it's about telling a powerful, compelling story.
What are you looking forward to at this year's arts conference, Wonder?
I'm excited to meet with this generation of storytellers and exchange ideas on telling God's story in real, transparent ways that blow our critics away. Seekers are looking for the real deal, it's critical for us to use the media of this day to tell stories that ring true. No more Blah, blah, blah!