Interview: Dr. Ted Baehr, Chairman of the Christian Film and Television Commission
Dr. Ted Baehr, Chairman of the Christian Film and Television Commission and Editor-in-Chief of Movieguide.com, wants to "influence more and more filmmakers and television artists to consider the Christian and family audience."
Dr. Baehr is an American media critic with a Christian perspective. He has been featured on several notable TV shows and in magazines. He has also given lectures at many colleges and universities. His gala event, which is referred to as the "Christian Oscars," is meant to inspire filmmakers and television producers to create more uplifting and inspirational content for the masses.
Former "Superman" actor Dean Cain will be the host of next year's Movieguide Faith & Values Awards Gala and Report to the Entertainment Industry. Baehr recently spoke to Charisma News about Dean Cain and the importance of this awards show.
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"Dean Cain has one of the most faith-filled and blessed careers in the entertainment industry, so we are delighted that he will host," he said.
"Other awards shows just honor the most critically acclaimed movies and television programs. The Annual Faith & Values Awards Gala also honors those movies and television program that increase man's love and understanding of God and that promote the Good, the True and the Beautiful," Baehr went on to say.
The Movieguide Faith & Values Awards Gala and Report to the Entertainment Industry will take place next year on Friday, Feb. 10, at the Universal Studios Hilton Hotel in Hollywood. This year's theme will be "From Hollywood to Eternity."
Dr. Baehr spoke with The Christian Post about next year's gala host, award nominees and the importance of positive media content.
CP: How do you feel about Dean Cain hosting the awards next year?
Baehr: We are delighted! He has one of the most family-friendly, faith oriented and blessed careers in Hollywood. He believes in our goal to create and support as much family-friendly, faith-based entertainment as possible.
CP: Will the awards show be shown on The Hallmark Movie Channel like last year?
Baehr: This year it will be the main Hallmark Channel.
CP: What are some of the most notable nominees for next year's Epiphany Prizes & Kairos Prizes?
Baehr: We’re still analyzing all the hundreds of scripts that have been submitted for the Kairos Prize for Spiritually Uplifting Screenplays.
Some of the notable contenders for Epiphany Prize movie nominees for 2012 include "Courageous", "Soul Surfer," "The Way," "Hugo," "The Muppets," and "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides," among others. Some of the TV programs under consideration are an episode of "NCIS" and an episode of "CSI: NY," among others.
CP: Who was last year's recipient of the Epiphany Prize & Kairos Prizes?
Baehr: Two $100,000 Epiphany Prizes (supported by a grant from the John Templeton Foundation):
VOYAGE OF THE DAWN TREADER, Most Inspiring Movie
AMISH GRACE, Most Inspiring TV Program
Kairos Prize winners (supported by a grant from the John Templeton Foundation):
1. "BLUE WATER METAL," by Justin Eade, Nelson, New Zealand, $25,000
2. "A GENTLE WHISPER," by Katherine T. Koonce, Coral Springs, Fla., $15,000
3. "UNDER THE APPLE TREE," by Matthew Hill & Landon Johnson, Upland, Calif., $10,000
CP: What are your hopes for the future of this Christian film awards show? For example, more nationwide acclaim, a bigger channel to premier the show on etc.
Baehr: Yes, we hope to increase awareness for the Awards and the TV show. We also want to influence more and more filmmakers and television artists to consider the Christian and family audience, including children and impressionable teenagers, when they produce their movies and television programs.
People want to see good triumph over evil and justice to prevail. And, they want their children and grandchildren inspired and protected from evil, not just entertained, and their Christian faith strengthened and commended, not attacked, ignored, or ridiculed.
