David Nixon Interview
By Emirhan Kardes
Orlando- Filmmaker David Nixon came to Valencia Community College on December 3rd to give a press conference on the Christian based films for which he is best known. The audience made up of news reporting students listened intently as Nixon spoke of his rise as a film maker and how he advanced from being a missionary to applying his knowledge and skills toward making movies with a message.
Nixon’s first film was “Facing the Giants”, a very low budget movie filmed with an all volunteer crew from a church in Albany Georgia. His $80,000 investment ended up grossing $10.1 million at the box office and lasted in theaters for 4 months. The idea came from the pastor and a parishioner who wanted to make an inspirational film about football. They decided it could be done and contacted Nixon. They told him, “We can’t pay you, but we can feed you.” He accepted the offer.
They never thought the movie would go anywhere, but they were lucky to have made it at the right time. Their movie came out on the tail of Mel Gibson’s “The Passion” which made an astounding $610 million. The audience was accepting of another Christian film even though for years film makers stayed away from these movies because they didn’t want to offend anyone and they thought they wouldn’t make any money. But Nixon only wanted to make faith based movies that made a difference and he saw a need and an audience for them. Nixon went on to produce “Fireproof”, a movie about Christian values and marriage.
Nixon’s latest film to be released in Spring 2010, is called “Letters to God”, a touching story of an inspirational little boy suffering from cancer. With Letters to God, David Nixon saw the convergence or transition from people going to church, to the media playing a bigger role in gathering such masses or target audiences. He made this type of film because he wanted to make a difference in minds and hearts. For decades, Hollywood stayed away from making or even producing faith based movies thinking it would offend peoples’ personal beliefs. Directing two movies as well as producing them gave Nixon the experience, exposure, and know- how of how a true story can be powerful and compelling and yet preserve the fundamental Christian values. Nixon also acknowledged that his movies are independently done and that they don’t use the same marketing strategies as Hollywood. He was hugely inspired by the Passion which Mel Gibson has made and gave it away to the churches before actually releasing it to big screens in theaters.
The story of “Letters to God” was written by the boy’s father and was brought to Nixon’s attention by a friend. “A cancer story is more universal”, claims Nixon. The disease has affected so many people, that people can relate to it. In fact, Nixon’s own family has been touched by cancer. So when this story came to him, he felt that this movie could offer hope to his audience. When questioned why he sticks to making Christian based films, Nixon says, that “Culture used to be changed by the church, now culture is changed by the movies.” He wants his movies to make a difference.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Writers’ Workshop Featuring John Michael Cummings
By: Emirhan Kardes
Author John Michael Cummings gave a workshop for aspiring young authors at the Florida Mall Barnes and Noble on Saturday morning. Mr. Cummings has just published the 2009 Patterson Prize winning The Night I freed John Brown, his first novel which has a target audience of 5th to 10th graders. He is best known for his short stories which have appeared in many publications. The novel has received good reviews from the Boston Globe, USA Today, and Kirkus Review, to name just a few. Cummings was promoting his new book as well as giving writing tips to an audience of young adults interested in becoming better writers.
The Night I Freed John Brown is a coming of age story about a young boy growing up in Harper’s Ferry Virginia who is troubled by a mystery involving his difficult father, the old house on the river where he grew up, ghosts, and the looming statue of John Brown. According to USA Today, it’s a blend of history and suspense. While it is written for teens, it appeals to adults also because it will take them back to their childhood.
Cummings told the audience that this book took almost a decade to finish- 2 years to write and 7 years to publish. He encouraged people to write about what they know. Everyone has a unique perspective and should just free-write to get it on paper. Then, revise and revise until it sounds perfect. Plot and language are very important, as is a good editor. He said that writing was like building highways with comma’s being traffic lights and red lights being the periods. But writing should be enjoyable and fun, not a chore that must be done.
Writing did not always come naturally to Cummings. He was never a good student, earned bad grades, and never did a teacher predict that he would one day write a book. He failed his first year of college and went on to study art while working at a variety of jobs. At 26, he returned to college and earned his degree. It was at that time that the music of Bruce Springstein inspired him to write. He then studied grammar because he did not know how to express himself formally. He enjoyed having control over his creations.
After the workshop, the 15 members of the audience participated in a writing exercise after being given a story starter. One member, Boone High School 11th grader, Kaley Jean Mead said,” I thought that it was very helpful making it a personal experience. I was actually at the store, so it was my first workshop”. Natalie Rinson, a 3rd grader from Millenia Elementary said, “It was interesting. I learned that I shouldn’t be so worried about writing.
During an interview with Mr. Cummings, I asked why he chose to write for teenagers and he responded that he had not intended it for teens. He originally was going to write a memoir, but after doing some research, found that they don’t sell. So he changed his genre. I asked him what the most difficult part about being an author was and he said, “Isolation and spending a lot of time on my own”. I asked how he created his stories and he responded that he drew from characters and situations from his past.
By: Emirhan Kardes
Author John Michael Cummings gave a workshop for aspiring young authors at the Florida Mall Barnes and Noble on Saturday morning. Mr. Cummings has just published the 2009 Patterson Prize winning The Night I freed John Brown, his first novel which has a target audience of 5th to 10th graders. He is best known for his short stories which have appeared in many publications. The novel has received good reviews from the Boston Globe, USA Today, and Kirkus Review, to name just a few. Cummings was promoting his new book as well as giving writing tips to an audience of young adults interested in becoming better writers.
The Night I Freed John Brown is a coming of age story about a young boy growing up in Harper’s Ferry Virginia who is troubled by a mystery involving his difficult father, the old house on the river where he grew up, ghosts, and the looming statue of John Brown. According to USA Today, it’s a blend of history and suspense. While it is written for teens, it appeals to adults also because it will take them back to their childhood.
Cummings told the audience that this book took almost a decade to finish- 2 years to write and 7 years to publish. He encouraged people to write about what they know. Everyone has a unique perspective and should just free-write to get it on paper. Then, revise and revise until it sounds perfect. Plot and language are very important, as is a good editor. He said that writing was like building highways with comma’s being traffic lights and red lights being the periods. But writing should be enjoyable and fun, not a chore that must be done.
Writing did not always come naturally to Cummings. He was never a good student, earned bad grades, and never did a teacher predict that he would one day write a book. He failed his first year of college and went on to study art while working at a variety of jobs. At 26, he returned to college and earned his degree. It was at that time that the music of Bruce Springstein inspired him to write. He then studied grammar because he did not know how to express himself formally. He enjoyed having control over his creations.
After the workshop, the 15 members of the audience participated in a writing exercise after being given a story starter. One member, Boone High School 11th grader, Kaley Jean Mead said,” I thought that it was very helpful making it a personal experience. I was actually at the store, so it was my first workshop”. Natalie Rinson, a 3rd grader from Millenia Elementary said, “It was interesting. I learned that I shouldn’t be so worried about writing.
During an interview with Mr. Cummings, I asked why he chose to write for teenagers and he responded that he had not intended it for teens. He originally was going to write a memoir, but after doing some research, found that they don’t sell. So he changed his genre. I asked him what the most difficult part about being an author was and he said, “Isolation and spending a lot of time on my own”. I asked how he created his stories and he responded that he drew from characters and situations from his past.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Surviving Breast Cancer
By Emirhan Kardes
Orlando, Fla. - Breast cancer survivor Carol Millenson, who was the guest speaker at the ‘Pink Day Fundraiser’ Thursday, does not like to be labeled as a survivor “I am fighter… I conquered cancer.” she said. Early detection is critical in fighting any kind of cancer said Millenson, who found out she had breast cancer during a routine check-up.
Unlike other cancers, such as liver or lung cancer, breast cancer has no warning symptoms. “It kind of creeps up on you.” said Millenson. That is why she recommends regular check-ups.
Awareness is the first step towards educating people, emphasized Becca Shevlin the coordinator of this yearly event. “We try to get as many students as possible to come and participate” she said.
To attract students to this event free food, cancer awareness t-shirts, key chains, henna tattoos, and many other souvenirs were given away to the attendees.
Victor Collaco who is one of the big advocates of this cause and co-organizer, informed the listeners that women are not the only ones at risk, that men are at risk too. He also stressed on the importance of self examination, for early detection.
Many of the students who attended this fundraiser were very pleased with the information they learned about breast cancer awareness. “It was a wakeup call for me.” said Mark Figueroa, who had attended this kind of event for the first time.
There are many resources available that provide more information and support for anyone who is seeking it, such as the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org), Network of Strength (www.networkofstrength.org) and Susan G Komen (www.komen.org), informed Millenson.
All the funds raised from this event will be donated directly to the American Cancer Society to help with cancer research.
By Emirhan Kardes
Orlando, Fla. - Breast cancer survivor Carol Millenson, who was the guest speaker at the ‘Pink Day Fundraiser’ Thursday, does not like to be labeled as a survivor “I am fighter… I conquered cancer.” she said. Early detection is critical in fighting any kind of cancer said Millenson, who found out she had breast cancer during a routine check-up.
Unlike other cancers, such as liver or lung cancer, breast cancer has no warning symptoms. “It kind of creeps up on you.” said Millenson. That is why she recommends regular check-ups.
Awareness is the first step towards educating people, emphasized Becca Shevlin the coordinator of this yearly event. “We try to get as many students as possible to come and participate” she said.
To attract students to this event free food, cancer awareness t-shirts, key chains, henna tattoos, and many other souvenirs were given away to the attendees.
Victor Collaco who is one of the big advocates of this cause and co-organizer, informed the listeners that women are not the only ones at risk, that men are at risk too. He also stressed on the importance of self examination, for early detection.
Many of the students who attended this fundraiser were very pleased with the information they learned about breast cancer awareness. “It was a wakeup call for me.” said Mark Figueroa, who had attended this kind of event for the first time.
There are many resources available that provide more information and support for anyone who is seeking it, such as the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org), Network of Strength (www.networkofstrength.org) and Susan G Komen (www.komen.org), informed Millenson.
All the funds raised from this event will be donated directly to the American Cancer Society to help with cancer research.
Surviving Breast Cancer
By Emirhan Kardes
Orlando, Fla. - Breast cancer survivor Carol Millenson, who was the guest speaker at the ‘Pink Day Fundraiser’ Thursday, does not like to be labeled as a survivor “I am fighter… I conquered cancer.” she said. Early detection is critical in fighting any kind of cancer said Millenson, who found out she had breast cancer during a routine check-up.
Unlike other cancers, such as liver or lung cancer, breast cancer has no warning symptoms. “It kind of creeps up on you.” said Millenson. That is why she recommends regular check-ups.
Awareness is the first step towards educating people, emphasized Becca Shevlin the coordinator of this yearly event. “We try to get as many students as possible to come and participate” she said.
To attract students to this event free food, cancer awareness t-shirts, key chains, henna tattoos, and many other souvenirs were given away to the attendees.
Victor Collaco who is one of the big advocates of this cause and co-organizer, informed the listeners that women are not the only ones at risk, that men are at risk too. He also stressed on the importance of self examination, for early detection.
Many of the students who attended this fundraiser were very pleased with the information they learned about breast cancer awareness. “It was a wakeup call for me.” said Mark Figueroa, who had attended this kind of event for the first time.
There are many resources available that provide more information and support for anyone who is seeking it, such as the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org), Network of Strength (www.networkofstrength.org) and Susan G Komen (www.komen.org), informed Millenson.
All the funds raised from this event will be donated directly to the American Cancer Society to help with cancer research.
By Emirhan Kardes
Orlando, Fla. - Breast cancer survivor Carol Millenson, who was the guest speaker at the ‘Pink Day Fundraiser’ Thursday, does not like to be labeled as a survivor “I am fighter… I conquered cancer.” she said. Early detection is critical in fighting any kind of cancer said Millenson, who found out she had breast cancer during a routine check-up.
Unlike other cancers, such as liver or lung cancer, breast cancer has no warning symptoms. “It kind of creeps up on you.” said Millenson. That is why she recommends regular check-ups.
Awareness is the first step towards educating people, emphasized Becca Shevlin the coordinator of this yearly event. “We try to get as many students as possible to come and participate” she said.
To attract students to this event free food, cancer awareness t-shirts, key chains, henna tattoos, and many other souvenirs were given away to the attendees.
Victor Collaco who is one of the big advocates of this cause and co-organizer, informed the listeners that women are not the only ones at risk, that men are at risk too. He also stressed on the importance of self examination, for early detection.
Many of the students who attended this fundraiser were very pleased with the information they learned about breast cancer awareness. “It was a wakeup call for me.” said Mark Figueroa, who had attended this kind of event for the first time.
There are many resources available that provide more information and support for anyone who is seeking it, such as the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org), Network of Strength (www.networkofstrength.org) and Susan G Komen (www.komen.org), informed Millenson.
All the funds raised from this event will be donated directly to the American Cancer Society to help with cancer research.
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