Interview with Kyle Saylors:
Hollywood on Fire

Kyle Saylors: I was producing a feature that had securely proven that I had lost my focus and veered from my original mission in entertainment. In the process of doing that project, it turned into a bad experience on so many levels.

One morning, I awoke a 3 a.m., and was in sort of a cold sweat, when I turned and flipped open the Bible and read, "You are the light of the world, a city on a hill cannot be hid, so let your light shine before men." The name "Hollywood on Fire" popped into my mind. Right then, the idea and premise came to me and I knew I had to make the film, regardless of budget or the time it would take.

CM: What is it about organizations like Mastermedia International and the Hollywood Prayer Network that excites you?

KS: They are the behind-the-scenes companies that never get credit, but are the unseen force that is building the momentum that we can see on the outside. God is using them in ways we cannot imagine, to impact the inner workings and the people behind the scenes for the kingdom. In fact, Mastermedia attained 1,000 copies of Hollywood on Fire and had them sent to their hand-picked list of industry people who they thought it could make an impact on.

CM: This statistic from Dr. Ted Baehr surprised me: by 1914, 40-60% of movies were being distributed through churches. Do you think churches today should get more involved in distributing, or even making, movies? Why or why not?

KS: Yes. Not as a way to bypass the system, but as a way to be relevant to a media generation and provide films as an outreach tool, and as a way to open dialogue in congregations on certain topics or issues that might not otherwise be talked about.

CM: What do you think about the argument that Christians in film should build a "replacement industry" outside of Hollywood, to replace Hollywood?

KS: Did Joseph or Daniel replace the systems they worked in? No, they stayed true to God and He elevated them to places of influence that allowed them to change those systems from the inside out. There is also nothing wrong with using new technology and being ahead of the innovation curb. We should be leaders of the future, not relics of the past. But that doesn't mean do away with the system. Now, if California drops off into the ocean tomorrow, then think about the replacement option.

CM: What audience did you make this film for? It seems to be directed toward media-makers, but what do you think others will take from it?

KS: I grew up in a home where I could not go to movies, period. I think the reason that the industry has such an anti-Christian worldview is because Christians in the industry were told to leave because it was ungodly, and most of them did. We see the result any evening on a host of 500 channels.

If the church understood fully that each Christian has a role in the industry as a consumer of the content and, therefore, the deciders of what continues to be made, then Christians could radically change the market and type of projects being made in 5-10 years.

CM: How did you connect with the media professionals interviewed in Hollywood on Fire? Did your team shoot all of the interview footage?

KS: It was mainly one connection that led to the next. Some wanted to be involved and some did not, as if being a Christian had to remain a secret for the sake of their career. We shot probably 85%-90% of the footage. The other footage was licensed from a few good organizations.

CM: Erica Lane, your lovely wife, wrote, produced, and performed some beautiful music for Hollywood on Fire. What project is she working on now?

KS: She is now the star of a TV series, Inspired Ambition, that is airing on networks nationwide. By Fall 2009, it will be available in approximately 65-75 million homes. Cloud Ten Pictures is handling DVD distribution and further syndication. To find out more, go to InspiredAmbition.com or CloudTenPictures.com

CM: In sharp contrast to Erica’s music, the opening sequence of Hollywood on Fire features some screamo music. I found out recently that you’re the one screaming – whose idea was that!?

KS: Lol...Yeah, I found that it is a lot cheaper to make music than license it. Long story short, I used to be in a band years ago...and I figured I'd throw down a few lines for fun. If you know me, I certainly don't fit the mold of a rock star. ;)

CM: Cory Edwards, Hoodwinked writer, director, and actor, said in Hollywood on Fire that he is a filmmaker who is a Christian, not a Christian filmmaker. What about you? Do you consider yourself a filmmaker who is a Christian, or a Christian filmmaker? Is the differentiation important?

KS: The main difference is that one makes exclusively and overtly Christian content films, and the other makes "mainstream" products (that hopefully respect the Christian worldview). I do both and we need both.

You never hear people saying, "He works at a church; he's a 'Christian Janitor,'" or "He works at Walmart; he's a 'Secular Janitor,'" do you? I think people should tell whatever stories they feel God wants them to tell, to whatever audience they think needs to hear it. Every single character in the Bible had a different path and mission to take, to fulfill God's calling for that time and place.

CM: Bill Ewing, producer and former Columbia Studio executive, said in Hollywood on Fire, "Where God provides vision, he provides provision." What provisions has God provided you as you’ve followed the vision He has given you for your filmmaking?

KS: Without a doubt, I have made some bad choices and partnerships along the way that were my own fault, but God has still given me abundant favor with people. Whether we meet Christians or atheists, it seems like my brother Kenny and I, (the Saylors Brothers), have had favor with almost every person we meet, which must be God because we certainly aren't that suave.

CM: What is the process that filmmakers need to go through if they would like the Dove Foundation to review their film for approval?

KS: Just submit it to them when you have a plan for release.

CM: What’s next for you?

KS: Hopefully, someone reading this has $50 million burning a hole in their pockets and would like me to put it to good use for God in this biz...lol.

When you commit to a project, you trade a portion of your life for it to be made. I want to be more aware and prayerfully consider everything that I do from here on...My media projects are my legacy. They can possibly live on for decades after I am gone, so if my name is on it, I want it to reflect me. I have big dreams, bigger than I can share here...and I love movies, so more of those are lining up and I look forward to that. Hopefully, each project will grow in size and scope and reach more people with its message.

If any medium can tell a story and be used to influence an audience, use it. That is why I have made documentaries, works for television, music videos, features, and more...they all connect to people in different ways on different levels.