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Hey everyone, I have a question for you.
So, we have been told that the religious elements of this trailer turn people off. What do you think? Should we cut out the element of Rob talking about why he became an Athiest? Do you think it confuses people as to what this film is really about? Or do you feel it gives the trailer depth and faith is something people actually want to hear about blatantly in a film?
We at first thought about steering away from Rob and I's different believes about God, but we realized it just seeped through so much. When Rob sent me his voiceover for the trailer, my faith and his lack of faith came up so much. At one point he even said, "I am really scared of getting diseases in Africa. I think as a Christian it is really easy to take make risky decisions like this, especially when you feel like you are going to heaven. I am an Athiest and I don't have that luxury." We didn't include this in the trailer, but should we have?
Talkst amongst yourselves, this is a question where your thoughts can actually make a difference in how we order and market our project.
thanks,
dan
Comments
Amazing trailer. This is such a ground-breaking project. Dan and Rob, you guys have courage.
I've checked out your articles and videos a number of times and have been totally confused about what giveadamn.com is about. Personally the name confused me, Rob's holding what appears to be a beer bottle confused me, the link to the a women's clothing website confused me... well I was confused. Fortunately for me, the short trailer sums it all up.
I wouldn't change a thing. I think the fact that Rob considers himself an atheist and you consider yourself Christian, makes the whole project very intriguing. I listened to a Ravi Zacharias trailer yesterday on YouTube. He was speaking at a Michigan university and he was asked if a person could live a morally conscionable life contributing to humanity (paraphrased) and he said yes, but...
Who is the video targeting? Christian's, non-Christian's, religious others, what are your demographics (all of the above)?
What an adventure you both have before you.
I sure would like to know what led Rob away from Christ. That leads me into another curious question. Since Rob considers himself an atheist now, and apparently doesn't think he will be joining you in heaven, how do you reconcile that as a Christian? It sounds like Rob has concerns about his health while in Africa and the potential for death while there or resulting from the visit, and his eternity after death. I certainly would, especially if I didn't know where I would spend eternity. Does the fact that Rob is now atheist mean that Rob was never really a born-again Christian, or does it mean that he willfully abandoned the free gift of salvation? Ageless question, that I often consider myself. Include Rob's statement concerning his fear as long as he is willing.
I don't think anything needs to change - the "religious elements" are the force of the story. It is your faith in God, your belief in his nudgings that drove you to do this. In fact, I think it is the aspect of faith that will actually turn more people on to this project - especially since the two of you don't agree on God or religion. Hopefully that will make the video a bridge, so to speak, so that regardless if your faith or lack thereof, there is something you can do. It is not just Christians that need to get involved, it is the whole world.
I think it's great and I'm really excited about what you guys are doing. Go and learn and share. Keep the faith aspect. It's authentic and honest and I say go for it! I'm eager to follow you guys on your journey.
I think you guys should keep it up. I think God looks at the heart, not someone's affiliation and the fact that your atheist friend is willing to brave his fears says a lot about his heart already. And the fact that you are his friend says a lot about your heart. So, I say keep it up! And, also, put that line in there because we are all human and we all have fears and weaknesses. Our fears and weaknesses may not be the same as an atheists (and, let's be honest, sometimes they are!), but it doesn't mean we don't have them. Good work! I look forward to viewing the project!
I don't think the religious elements are confusing at all. I think your difference in beliefs makes the project way more intriguing! I think its great and can't wait to see how it pans out. I love the questions you are asking.