Christian documentaries
should turn heads.

Christian documentaries creator Stephanie Carrillo matches this challenge to turn heads, and does so without qualms. The result is The Measure of a Man, a just-released Christian documentary that meets a tough topic head-on, challenging stereotypes and contemporary definitions of what the "ideal" man is supposed to look like.

Director Stephanie Carrillo with Nick Vujicic

Join Stephanie and her crew as they document the ministry of Christian public speaker Nick Vujicic in The Measure of a Man and receive insight into his past and his confrontation with personal tragedy.

Though Nick was born without limbs, he insists that there is more to a man than what meets the eye. His life is living proof.

----------------------------------------------------------------

Christian-Movie.com: How did you come up with the idea of making The Measure of a Man?

Stephanie Carrillo: I was at a hard and desperate place in my life and was encouraged at that time to watch some YouTube videos on Nick Vujicic. I was inspired and broken before the Lord in tears because I saw what had recently grown dim. I wanted to be so in love with Christ and to have a passion for the Lord, a fire burning inside me, my heart ablaze. Three days later, my brother, Alan, randomly came in my room and exclaimed, "Stephanie, have you thought about doing a documentary on Nick? You really should and present it to the Dallas Christian Filmmakers!" I felt the call and went with it.

CM: What is "the measure of a man"? Why is this question important to you?

SC: The measure of a man is not your status, popularity, wealth, appearance or who you think you are. It's truly a heart after the Lord Jesus Christ. It is a hunger to see His face and to be in His presence. When we take time out of our day to be with Him, our life truly will change and reflect Him. That is what Christ is longing for: hearts yearning for Him above any other. This topic is so important to me because most definitely in my generation, we are consumed with the outward condition overriding the inward condition of our heart and soul before Almighty God.

CM: What skills and background did you bring to this Christian documentary project coming in, and what did you have to learn as you went along?

SC: I had no filmmaking background whatsoever. At the time, I had been involved with the Dallas Christian Filmmakers for approximately seven months. I acted in a short film, but, other than that, no experience. Through the journey of this project, I have learned what it means to direct and to communicate clearly what I want as a director. I've learned that in anything done with the Lord's guidance, there is blessing and favor.

CM: What are the top three things you wish you had known before you started?

SC: I wish I knew how much stress this was going to bring my way, how many tears I would shed, and how many times a director may think all is over in the midst of standstill. But I'm glad I didn't know! My faith in the Lord while completing this project – that He alone had started – got me through for sure. Overall, I wish I would have had more experience in directing before taking on this challenge, but I do know that God does not send those who are equipped, but equips those He sends to do His will.

CM: What was your biggest challenge in making this documentary?

SC: My biggest challenge was the norm of filmmaking: high levels of stress during times when nothing seemed to be working.

CM: Did you know Nick beforehand? How did you get him to agree to this?

SC: I met Nick through God-ordained circumstances when I had the opportunity to speak to him backstage in a San Antonio church in October of 2007. Right when I sat down, Nick looked at me and said, "Stephanie, tell me what's on your heart." Right then, I shared all. Nick, knowing I had no money, no experience, and no idea of what I was doing, said, "Yes, I believe this is God! Let's do it!"

CM: What surprised you about him and his life?

SC: That despite his circumstance of having no arms and legs, he has risen above a situation that is completely out of his control. Nick is using his life 100% to advance the Lord's Kingdom, and he is hungry to see hearts surrendered to Christ alone. He chooses daily to not live for others and not himself. I've seen him off the stage, whether in the office, at a restaurant, or on an airplane traveling to a speaking engagement. Nick is real and desires to be a vessel to proclaim the Lord's love and forgiveness to all who are open to hear.

CM: What is Nick working on right now? How can readers learn more about his ministry and his speaking engagements?

SC: Right now, Nick is finishing up his world tour and is heading home to write his book and finalize his 2009 world tour schedule. Find out more about Nick and his ministry here.

CM: How long did it take you to complete this project, from the time it entered your mind until the time you finished editing?

SC: One year.

CM: Who has been your most influential mentor in the Christian film industry?

SC: The top two Christian filmmakers that I look up to are Alex and Stephan Kendrick. Their devotion to the Lord radiates through every film they direct/produce. With every project they take on, they put all their energy, thought, and passion into it.

CM: What is your advice to the novice Christian filmmaker?

SC: Don't give up when the rubber meets the road. Hit your knees, cry out to the One who gave you the vision and dream of being a Christian filmmaker, and He will direct your steps.

CM: In all the various phases of your Christian documentary's production, including distribution, did you aim to work with other Christians and Christian companies? Is this important?

SC: I truly believe that, through the whole Nick Project, the Lord orchestrated situations in which I worked alongside Christians and non-Christians. The Lord used many opportunities for me to share the Lord's mighty hand of faithfulness to all who crossed my path. Whether it was the distribution company that I used, who saw through the website what I was doing, or someone I met through somebody else, who helped tie some loose strings and wasn't a Christian, I felt led to use any chance that came my way to proclaim hope found only in Jesus Christ. God calls us to be in the world but not of the world. God uses our gifts for a greater purpose.

CM: What should Christians do to enhance the quality of their work? Have we really earned the stigma of low-quality that is often given us?

SC: Yes, we truly have earned the stigma of low-quality that is given us. But, I believe with all my heart that God is definitely raising up a remnant to take back what the enemy has been using for evil. There are those who feel the call and the burden to take back the media for Christ's glory. What Christians can do to enhance the quality of their work is to ALWAYS, always strive for excellence. They can also get other Christians onboard with supporting them financially. That way, all necessary equipment, crew, and cast are selected with care.

Stephanie, Nick, and the rest of The Measure of a Man's documentary crew!

CM: What's next? Do you plan to stay close to film?

SC: My heart is set on doing another film, but I know for sure that it would have to be God-ordained.

CM: Have you planned any more screenings of your documentary? If an individual or a church wants to sponsor a screening, what do they do?

SC: Several churches are interested in hosting a screening in my area, as well as a coffee shop. If a church is interested in hosting a screening, they can contact me at stephanieraec@gmail.com for more details.

CM: When will The Measure of a Man be available and how can it be purchased?

SC: It will be available for purchase in January of 2009. DVDs can be purchased by emailing the filmmaker.

The Measure of a Man will be sold for $10.00, plus shipping and handling.

Return from Christian Documentaries to Christian Film Ministry