Interview With John Ware
168 Film Project

John has written feature-length screenplays and is the writer/director of a short film spoof of Hollywood stereotypes entitled The Chronicles of Hernia: the Lion, the Ditch and the Studio.

John Ware: The 168 Film Project (168) is engaged in a battle to win the hearts of a generation through a hyper-influential group of people, storytellers.

In its 8th year, 168 is an annual, worldwide filmmaking competition and exhibition. The challenge to filmmakers is to draw a random scripture and shoot and edit a short film in just one week (168 hours). We focus emerging filmmakers on excellence and the Word of God. It is like a "farm team" for artists, who are given tracks to run on as they study the Word and improve their skills. Films are produced from ANY location and turned in for the deadline.

Christian-Movie.com: Who are some of the individuals who have participated in or partnered with 168 in the past?

John Ware: We have great support from sponsors like Sony, Arri, Eiki, AJA, Kino Flo, Resurrection Pictures, Media City Church and many others. We also partner with the Hollywood ministries in putting on events, prayer and promotion.

Past and present Hollywood participants include:

• 168 board member, Ralph Winter, Producer of X-MEN Origins: Wolverine
• Sam Haskell, former Executive VP and Head of Television at William Morris
• David McFadzean, Executive Producer & Co-Creator of Home Improvement
• Actor Stephen Baldwin, The Usual Suspects
• Actor Nathan Kress-Freddie, iCarly
• Zachary Levi, Star of Chuck
• Bill Ewing, Producer of End of the Spear
• Mark Clayman, Executive Producer of The Pursuit of Happyness
• Gary Hall, Sr. VP of Post Production at Fox TV

There are many others.

Christian-Movie.com: What makes the 168 stand out from other filmmaking contests and festivals?

John Ware: Everything we do is based on bible verses. 168 gets Christians and non-Christians to focus on the Word of God to see if it has any relevance for today. Then we ask them to make a film in 168 hours. Between the pressure, the Word and their dreams of being a great filmmaker, amazing life-change happens. People open dialogues, are rededicated, and some even meet the Saviour.

Christian-Movie.com: What is the most meaningful comment anyone has made to you about the 168 Film Project?

John Ware: One of our award-winning producers said on international television, "I finally realized that God doesn’t need to be on my team. He wants me to be on His team." (Imagine what the media might look like if these were the words of the next Spielberg or Lucas!)

Christian-Movie.com: What is the biggest hurdle you have faced during your time with 168 and how did you overcome it?

John Ware: We have grown from a volunteer organization and finances have been a problem at times. This year is especially difficult due to the economy. People ask me if I am shocked at how much 168 has grown, and in a way I am, but truly my dreams (and His) for 168 are much greater than what we have achieved.

I think our growth has been measured and directed as He has willed. We will get to the promised land as the Lord leads. He has been faithful to give us exactly what we have needed all these years. As we trust God more, he takes us higher and higher.

Christian-Movie.com: What is the most important thing that God has taught you, from a personal standpoint, through 168?

John Ware: He has taught me to have faith. Even when things look bleak, He always provides strength and a way out.

Christian-Movie.com: What might our readers find interesting about the Write of Passage screenwriting contest?

John Ware: Our writers say it best:

"The most powerful and positive strength of this competition is that I believe it to be God inspired. The concept of the 168 Film Project and now, the Write of Passage, is divinely brilliant. For participants, it not only builds reliance and trust in the Lord, but offers a unique opportunity for a writer to harness the wondrously creative power and inspiration of the Holy Spirit and pour it into a work that honors our Heavenly Father."

"(I liked the) one-on-one time with the Holy Spirit. It was a tremendous comfort to know people were praying for the writers. I am certain those prayers played a huge part in the breakthroughs I experienced during the writing process."

Christian-Movie.com: Last November, you announced the advent of the 168 Prison Ministry. What is that ministry all about and how has it developed?

John Ware: It’s an outgrowth of the Write of Passage screenwriting contest. We call it the Write of Passage – Prison Edition. We taught a group of men to believe in themselves and to strive for their dreams, that they could write. Then we showed them how and then we challenged them to write a screenplay in 168 hours.

It is very gratifying to see the way they have responded. One of the inmates wrote a thank you note saying, "Thank you so much for putting aside time to come out and giving me an exciting motivation for this craft. I want to be a part of 168! I love you guys."

Christian-Movie.com: How can our readers get more information about 168?

John Ware: Go to our website, 168Project.com, to learn more and to sign up for our newsletter. Those wishing to partner with us can contact us at info@168project.com.

Christian-Movie.com: Any closing thoughts?

John Ware: Thanks Christian-Movie.com for helping us get the word out. Jesus is the way things will be changed.

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