January 30, 2006 - The Future is Apostolic Films?

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The Future is Apostolic Films?

By Denelle Burns
January 30, 2006

(Editor’s note: - We believe in stand alone sequels. However, to grasp what God is doing, read part one here.)

Tales from the Hollywood Hills (Or Thereabouts . . .)
The rapid growth of the Virtual Hell (VH) ministry began to reveal the many talents (outside of acting) in the drama ministry at International Pentecostal Church (IPC) in Bellflower, California. By 2002, with seven Virtual Hells and several other stage productions under their belt, a core group began to see the possibilities for the next step in drama ministry. The Christian community was becoming ever more vocal in its call for Christian entertainment (as The Passion of the Christ would soon prove). If people were actually willing to watch dramas and movies with a Christian theme, why couldn’t a group of Apostolics oblige them?

Thus Apostolic Entertainment Ministry (AEM) was born.

To Boldly Go Where No Apostolic Has Gone Before
After investing in a video camcorder, the team in Bellflower began an attempt to integrate “movie footage” into their VH dramas. While the eventual goal was to be able to make independent films, incorporating film into an already successful format seemed like an excellent place to start.

“The Abomination” was the first VH to include video footage. This footage took the audience outside of the limited stage set and thereby allowed the script to take on more depth than it had previously. The results were astounding. While there were some people who were skeptical, cynical, and yes, even critical (every crowd needs a few), the majority of the audience loved the addition of the video clips and several even suggested turning VH into a full-length film. (Just for the record, VH is a stage drama and garners part of its power from that interaction, so it’s staying that way.)

The success and the thrill of taking godly material and putting it on film catapulted AEM into a new realm. Soon AEM completed Reprise, its first film production, which tells the story of a young man struggling with anger issues and a life of disappointment. The dichotomy of what happens if he gives his life to God versus if he continues on his self-destructive path drives the film. The script was written by a young man in the Bellflower youth group and was directed, filmed, and edited by AEM.

Since then, AEM has continued to work on independent projects as well as continuing to use cinematography to enhance stage dramas. AEM is basically synonymous with Virtual Hell and the Bellflower Drama Ministry.

Dude . . . Why Movies???
To those involved in AEM it seems almost impossible to think of a world without film. And yet outsiders seem compelled to ask, “Why this industry?”

AEM was started because of the growing need for godly entertainment with an Apostolic message. As Christian entertainment began to take shape, there was a sense that the quality of anything considered Christian was considerably lower than that of non-Christian entertainment (as anyone who has ever seen any of the Left Behind movies can attest). Having a Holy Ghost-filled, Hollywood industry insider, gave AEM the vision of greater things. Co-founder Eric Roemheld has worked in “The Industry” for over 15 years; he has been a set decorator on Spiderman, Godzilla, Hidalgo, Stewart Little, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, and most recently C.S.I. New York. Even though he enjoys his career and has been a witness to many in Hollywood, his ultimate burden is to make movies for Jesus Christ.

The same is true of all those involved in AEM. They desire to use their talents and the power of film to impact our world. Ministry and reaching people that might otherwise never hear the gospel is their utmost priority.

AEM’s mission statement reads as follows:

Apostolic Entertainment Ministry (A.E.M.) exists to glorify God by providing dramatic and cinematic entertainment that ministers Christ’s love and truth to viewers. Because we are founded in the Apostolic faith (in belief, in lifestyle and in doctrine), the ideals of that faith will be conveyed, portrayed and/or upheld in our productions. Our mission is to provide a professional stage or cinematic experience above and beyond most Christian plays and movies available today. We believe that the anointing of God can be captured on stage or film, and it can be portrayed in such a way as to draw non-believers to Christ. That is our ultimate goal.

Yes, AEM has had its share of conflict. There are people who criticize and condemn what AEM does. Yes, the film industry holds many temptations and pitfalls. However, as Apostolics AEM believes that God is greater than any temptation. Paul explained it best when he wrote, “I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some” (I Corinthians 9:22). Likewise, AEM is committed to ensuring that the Apostolic message reaches everyone, not just Apostolics, so that they might save some. (Besides, Job had his wife, and Jesus had the Pharisees, so what would life be without a little criticism?)

Fame and fortune may never come as a result of this ministry (don’t worry, if Oscar calls we’ll give him AEM’s number), but even if one soul is saved it will be worth every minute spent in planning, every dollar spent in production, and every day spent in prayer.

To Infinity and Beyond
AEM is currently in the pre-production stages of its first feature film—The Mantle, which takes place in the not-too-distant future, in an American society that has become anti-Christian. With the church in decline and terrorism against Christians on the rise, a man comes on the scene to try to and balance the scales of justice. No anti-Christ, no government conspiracies, no end-time global consequences—just one man against a world that has turned its back on Christianity.

You Like Me, You Really Like Me!
If you would like to catch a glimpse of some the work that AEM has done so far, visit these links.

Mini Films
Spiritual Warfare

Trailers

Virtual Hell 8: The Abomination

Virtual Hell 9: Reign of Fear

Virtual Hell 10: The Invitation

All of AEM’s productions (including entire VH videos) are available for purchase on DVD as ministry tools for churches and individuals around the world. If you’re interested, email editor@ninetyandnine.com and they’ll forward your request to the appropriate people.

ninetyandnine.com

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Despite being transplanted to New York, Denelle Burns still finds ways to be involved in AEM. She’s been a screenwriter/editor, a purchaser, costume/make-up guru, and now publicist for the group. Next up on the list—legal counsel. Not even 3,000 miles can dim how much they need her.