Movie News

Productions With Purpose

The International Herald Tribune has an extended article profiling two young production companies that are making films with a message. Both Participant Productions and Walden Media are purpose-guided companies bank-rolled by media savvy billionaires. Participant is focused on films that will motivate viewers to get involved the issues their picture explores. Walden on the other hand focuses on quietly encouraging education.

Both companies acknowledge that by going after their message, they risk alienating segments of their mainstream audiences. Participant's "Syriana" is sure to draw ire from those that disparage conservation efforts. On the other hand, Walden's religious allegory "Chronicles of Narnia" is drawing criticism as local groups promote or show the film in conjunction with public education.

However, these companies are making a bold choice, and one for which I applaud. They are risking losing audience for message, instead of definitely losing audience by catering to lowest common denominator. Hopefully more companies will follow their lead. --Terrence Ryan

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Posted by on December 13, 2005 9:22 PM
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