Also On Board

The big news is that recent Catholic revert Joe Esterhuas will be the special guest star of the Act One Storytelling seminar. This is terrific news for Act One and for the seminar. I'm very happy about it. But I couldn't help thinking about TV writer terminology for boarding a plane only to find that some mega star is in first class. "I was such an Also On Board."  In the obituary, that is.

SPECIAL EVENT - STORYTELLING FOR THE 21st CENTURY

Act One and Magis Institute Present:

"Storytelling for the 21st Century"
Two Day Seminar
October 17 & 18 9am-5pm
Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel
Cost $125 (meals on your own)

Register Now

What does it mean to tell a story? How can a story help heal the world? What are we looking for when we reach for a story, and can a story ever be harmful?
       
Act One will help answer these questions and more this October 17th &18 with "Storytelling for the 21st Century," a conference on narrative art. Bringing together some of the best and sharpest Christian storytellers from Hollywood and beyond, we seek to have a high-level discussion about the nature of story and what it means to preach the Gospel through artistic narrative.
       
A conference of this nature is needed now more than ever, as very few Christian circles are currently discussing narrative storytelling at this level. Our hope is that this event will set the bar for excellence higher, giving all of us who care about art and culture in the Church a more specific target to shoot for in our efforts.

During the course of "Storytelling for the 21st Century," which will help kick-off our 10th Anniversary celebration, panelists will give 20-minute lectures about different aspects of storytelling followed by at-length discussions with the panel and audience. The goal is to let those who are interested in storytelling--be they writers, pastors or just those with interest--in on how Christians in Hollywood use narrative in getting a message across.

Individuals we will be inviting to be part of our storytelling panel include:

-       Ron Hansen (writer, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford)
-       Patricia Heaton (actress/producer, "Everybody Loves Raymond," "Back to You")
-       Dana Gioia, Chairman, National Endowment for the Arts
-       Todd Field (director/writer, In the Bedroom, Little Children)
-       Dallas Willard (writer, The Divine Conspiracy, The Great Omission)
-       Barbara Hall (writer/producer, "Joan of Arcadia," "Judging Amy")
-       Peter Kreeft (writer, Pocket Guide to the Meaning of Life, Socrates Meets Jesus)
-       Dean Batali (writer/producer, "That '70s Show," "Buffy the Vampire Slayer")
-       Mark Verheiden (co-executive producer "Battlestar Galactica 2003")
-       Scott Derrickson (writer, The Exorcism of Emily Rose, The Birds)
-       Karen Hall (writer/producer, "Judging Amy," "Roseanne")
-       David McFadzean (writer/producer, What Women Want, "Home Improvement")
-       Cardinal Francis George, Archbishop of Chicago

For more information, please contact Vicki@actoneprogram.com

BREAKING NEWS       

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ACT ONE STORYTELLING CONFERENCE DRAWS BIG NAMES
MEDIA CONTACT: vicki@actoneprogram.com | (323) 464-0815

HOLLYWOOD | AUGUST 13. Bringing together the sharpest minds in Hollywood to talk about the nature of story wasn‚t enough; Act One had to grab the sharpest mind in academia, too.

Boston College professor of philosophy Dr. Peter Kreeft, a prolific author and one of the foremost Catholic philosophers in the United States, has been confirmed as one of several keynote speakers at the Act One "Storytelling for the 21st Century" Conference this fall. Kreeft's many books range in topic from philosophy overviews to imagined dialogs between Socrates and Jesus, and Act One is excited for what he brings to the Conference table.

Also confirmed as speakers:

-       David McFadzean, Executive Producer of "Home Improvement", "Roseanne", and "What Women Want".
-       World renowned lecturer and University of Southern California film professor Bobette Buster.
-       Television writer and producer Karen Hall, who's credits include critically acclaimed shows "Judging Amy," "Northern Exposure" and the final episode of "M*A*S*H".
-       Dean Batali, writer and producer of such hit shows as "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "That '70s Show".
-       Screenwriter, Founder of Act One and Vice President of Creative Development at Origin Entertainment Barbara Nicolosi.
-       Plus more to come!

"Many of us will have to wait a bit longer to sit at the feet of Socrates or Jesus, so for this conference we got the next best thing," said Vicki Peterson, conference coordinator. "Our speakers are world-renowned for their expertise in stories, and their combined insight into art and contemporary culture is sure to engage."

Act One's Storytelling Conference will focus on high level discussions about the nature of story, its effects on the masses and just why people love stories in the first place. Each panelist will present a 20 minute lecture which will kick off a round table discussion among the distinguished panelists.  Peterson notes, "We're hoping the back and forth is fast and furious, and that we uncover whole new levels of understanding into the nature of story and what it means in society."

Whether you're a writer working on a script, a pastor working on a sermon, or an executive looking for the next great story, Act One's Storytelling Conference will help you hone your craft and deepen your ability to engage and impact culture.

When: Oct. 17 and 18, 9am-5pm
Where: Roosevelt Hotel, 7000 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood CA
Cost: $125
To register, email vicki@actoneprogram.com

For more info, go to www.ActOneProgram.com or check out our conference page on Facebook

Act One, Inc., is a nonprofit organization that has trained Christians of all denominations for careers in mainstream film and television for the past ten years. Stressing artistry, excellence, professionalism, and Christian spirituality, Act One prepares students to pursue careers marked by personal integrity and professional excellence, in writers rooms, on sets, and in studio and network offices. The end goal is not to produce explicitly religious entertainment, but movie and TV projects that respect and serve the global audience, combining mastery of craft with great depth and meaning. Over ten years, Act One has amassed a vast alumni network of writers, producers, directors and entertainment executives who are dedicated to producing excellent work for a global audience.

Comments

[Gina]

Um . . . how do I put this nicely?

While I'm very happy that Mr. Eszterhas is now a Christian, your resume looks a lot more impressive to me. A LOT.

[Melody]

I just wish that circumstances would allow me to attend this seminar. I am not a writer, but just getting to participate in something like this would be a great experience.

[Jan]

I was wondering if there were cds available afterwards and how can you get them. God bless you and yours, Karen!