Sheryn Chavers (left) stands in line to address the panel.

During the panel discussion an attendee addressed the current lack in good actors for Christian films. The answers didn’t all come from the panel — but they were all encouraging.

First, the panel shared their belief that acting won’t be a problem in five years. The lack of solid Christian actors is largely due to the lack of solid Christian filmmakers. The Filmmakers Academy and Film Festival are designed to solve this problem by growing the market of Christian films.

Then, Stephen Kendrick, producer of “Facing the Giants” (who was not a member of the panel) shared some the five strategies they used for that film, which can help us in the meantime:

1.) We prayed hard. We prayed really hard that God would help our actors to act.

2.) We did a casting call. We had many people audition for each role. We would tell people upfront, “You’re not going to get this role.” And we would encourage them to “die to themselves” and accept that.

3.) We cast people into natural roles. We tried to cast everyone into roles that were similar to their natural personality. Then we encourage them to just be themselves.

4.) We shot a lot of takes. Most films shoot four takes of each scene and choose the best. We shot ten takes and then took the only one that worked!

5.) We edited to the best actor. If the bad actor was talking, we showed the better actor most of the time so that the audience is watching a good actor even if they’re hearing a bad actor.

Finally, in what we felt was the most exciting development of all, Sheryn Chavers, daughter of Dr. Nicky Chavers, President and Director of The Academy Of Arts Ministry, shared her father’s vision to equip young people to develop their acting abilities while embracing a solid, biblical orientation and philosophy.

With over 50,000 people each year participating in their program, The Academy Of Arts is a treasure trove for filmmakers who are looking for actors and for actors who are looking for training in an environment where their beliefs won’t be compromised.

The Academy Of Arts Website