The Rise of Faith-based Entertainment

Summary

The Chosen, a groundbreaking faith-based series about the life of Jesus Christ, has garnered global attention with over 770 million views in 175 countries. Created by Dallas Jenkins, the show broke Hollywood norms by crowdfunding its production, becoming one of the largest crowdfunded media projects in history. Its success is attributed to creative freedom, authenticity, and its ability to resonate with viewers’ faith. Featuring actor Jonathan Roumie as Jesus, the show portrays Christian stories with emotional depth, inspiring millions to connect with their beliefs. Season 5, ‘The Last Supper,’ will be released in theaters in March 2024.

Takeaways

• 😀 The trend of faith-based programming is on the rise, with an increasing demand for Christian stories on screen.
• 😀 *The Chosen*, a drama about the life of Jesus Christ, is one of the most popular faith-based series worldwide, with millions of views in 175 countries.
• 😀 Creator Dallas Jenkins aims to have *The Chosen* watched by a billion people, offering the show for free to increase accessibility.
• 😀 The show's success stems from its grassroots crowdfunding effort, which raised $1 million from over 16,000 global supporters.
• 😀 The freedom afforded by crowdfunding allowed Jenkins to tell the story authentically, without the pressure of traditional Hollywood expectations.
• 😀 The production of *The Chosen* includes an intricately designed set that replicates ancient Judea, adding authenticity to the biblical narrative.
• 😀 Actor Jonathan Roumie, who plays Jesus, emphasizes the importance of his personal faith in portraying the character convincingly.
• 😀 *The Chosen* has sparked interest from major Hollywood studios, leading to the creation of faith-based production companies by Sony, MGM, and 21st Century Fox.
• 😀 Streaming platforms, including Netflix, are expanding their faith-based content offerings, with recent releases like *Mary* about the mother of Jesus.
• 😀 The show's impact is not just about entertainment; it aims to inspire faith, hope, and deeper connection among viewers around the world.

Q & A

What is the primary theme of the TV show 'The Chosen'?

The primary theme of 'The Chosen' is the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, portrayed in a historical drama format. The show aims to bring biblical stories to life for modern audiences, focusing on faith and spiritual connection.

How did 'The Chosen' get started despite initial skepticism from Hollywood executives?

'The Chosen' began as a crowdfunding project after Hollywood executives were not initially interested in producing a faithful biblical adaptation. Dallas Jenkins, the creator of the show, raised funds through crowdfunding, which became one of the largest media crowdfunding efforts in history.

What is Dallas Jenkins' ultimate goal for 'The Chosen' in terms of viewership?

Dallas Jenkins' ultimate goal is to have one billion people watch 'The Chosen' by making the show available for free. This approach allows greater access to viewers worldwide.

How has 'The Chosen' been received globally, and what is its viewership reach?

'The Chosen' has reached over 770 million episode views in 175 countries. This impressive global reach reflects the widespread appeal of the show, resonating with audiences around the world.

How does the show's crowdfunding success impact its creative process?

The crowdfunding success gave the creators freedom and flexibility in the creative process. With no major financial backers or expectations from Hollywood, the creators were able to tell the stories they wanted to without external pressures, which they believe contributed to the show's success.

What role does faith play in Jonathan Roumie’s portrayal of Jesus in 'The Chosen'?

Faith is central to Jonathan Roumie's portrayal of Jesus. He believes that without his own faith, he would not be able to authentically portray such a profound and complex character. His belief in God is the foundation of his performance, as he seeks to embody the divine and human aspects of Jesus.

What challenges did Jonathan Roumie face while playing Jesus in the series?

One of the main challenges Jonathan Roumie faced was relating to the fully divine aspect of Jesus, which he feels is beyond human comprehension. He focuses on portraying Jesus' fully human side, relying on prayer to channel the divine qualities in his performance.

How did the production design contribute to the authenticity of 'The Chosen'?

The production design of 'The Chosen' includes detailed and realistic sets, such as custom-built replicas of ancient Judean streets, made with real stone, stucco, and even real spider webs. This immersive design helps to transport viewers into the biblical era, enhancing the authenticity of the show.

How does the success of 'The Chosen' relate to the broader trend of faith-based entertainment?

The success of 'The Chosen' is part of a broader upward trend in faith-based entertainment, where there's a growing demand for content that reflects Christian values and biblical stories. As viewers look for ways to connect with their faith, productions like 'The Chosen' are providing meaningful, faith-driven content.

What are the future plans for 'The Chosen', especially with upcoming seasons?

The upcoming fifth season of 'The Chosen', titled 'The Last Supper', will be released in theaters in the U.S. and Canada on March 27th, with the entire season being released in three parts over four weeks. Dallas Jenkins has plans for more biblical storytelling, continuing to explore faith-driven narratives in future seasons.