THE INDEPENDENT CRITIC
Can you talk a little bit about your process of discernment in terms of choosing projects? How did
Courageous come to be? I know that you do go through this intentional period of prayerful discernment.
ALEX KENDRICK
Yeah, we do. The reason we don't do a movie every year is that they're so consuming. We like to take a break between movies and pray. There's really not a day goes by that someone doesn't send us a script or a book or call and say "I've got a great story." We get that so much and everybody thinks their ideas are amazing. We've really just learned that we wait for God and say to God "We want to make the movie you want us to make." Every time we pray about it, he makes it very clear whether we're focusing on marriage or fatherhood or faith. We've learned to seek Him first and he points us in the direction he wants us to go.
THE INDEPENDENT CRITIC
I promised myself I would ask this question. You had Kirk Cameron star in
Fireproof, but you've returned here in
Courageous. What made you decide to return? I have to admit that I really missed your presence in
Fireproof. I don't intend that as a slight toward Kirk but, again, you've grown as an actor and I do enjoy you in these films.
ALEX KENDRICK
One of the reasons we cast local people and people from our church is that we want people who really believe the messages in the film. It's not just a gig for them. I was willing to be the lead in
Fireproof, but Kirk called us and said "I really believe in what you guys are doing. Can I come and try out?" We stuck him in
Fireproof and I thought he did a great job. My personal opinion is that it's his best performance. We were grateful to have Kirk come, but there's not a lot of actors who operate from their convictions and their passions. Most actors just want another movie to be in. For us, we wanted the actors in our films to really believe in what the film is about to kind of be ambassadors for the message. We're not looking for perfect people, but we are looking for people who understand that these movies are more about ministry than entertainment.
THE INDEPENDENT CRITIC
There's an integrity to them that I really admire. I'm a fan of all four films for different reasons.
Facing the Giants was probably the film that blew me away the most, but
Courageous for me was the best made of the four films.
ALEX KENDRICK
They're all very different. I would say that
Facing the Giants is certainly the most inspirational.
Fireproof from a marital standpoint is very convicting.
Courageous just reminds you of the roles we have as dads and how that's not just something you delegate easily. You're not supposed to delegate that role as dad, as spiritual leader. I'm supposed to mentor and love my kids.
THE INDEPENDENT CRITIC
I love how you've also created supportive ministries around your films. For example, "The Love Dare."
ALEX KENDRICK
Yeah, for this film it's the "The Resolution for Men." If fathers are coming out of the theaters saying "That really affected me" and "What do I do next?," we would give them the "The Resolution for Men." We wrote a complimentary book with Priscilla Schirer called "The Resolution for Women" that she did such an amazing job on. We would recommend that for women. We try to think of the movie as a launching pad for a really important concept or idea about life. Then, we try to back that up with the resources that will help them make the next step.
THE INDEPENDENT CRITIC
This brings up another important point. All of the Sherwood films have seen their profits used to support community programs. For example, I'm aware that a sports complex was built in Albany.
ALEX KENDRICK
We've helped to start three churches. We've given to many missions and missionaries. We've started a crisis pregnancy center, a counseling center. We have a homeless ministry downtown that we support. The money is very well spent. I doubt anyone would have a problem with the things we've used the money for. If anyone says "Show us where the money goes," we'll say "Visit Albany, Georgia and we'll walk you around and show you where the money's gone."
THE INDEPENDENT CRITIC
What have you really learned over the course of these years since
Flywheel in 2003 as an actor but also as a minister?
ALEX KENDRICK
As an actor, I think I've learned to relax into the role. When an actor tries too hard to "act," it comes off as not authentic. I've learned to relax into a role once I learn what the role is and what issues that character's dealing with in life. People want to see genuine emotions. They don't want to see you portraying something where you obviously don't have a clue what they're going through. I tell all the actors I work with "You own that role. You own that character. Relax into it."
As far as being a minister, it's to trust the Lord. It's about praying for God's favor before we pray for anything else. Whenever we seek Him first, the projects just seem to work. Whenever we try to get ahead of Him, those are the times we struggle. We're learning to take our time and wait on the Lord.
THE INDEPENDENT CRITIC
Well, I promised your PR folks that I would be respectful of your time today and I certainly know this is a huge day for you. I wish you the best as your film begins this new life and I really thank you for your time.
ALEX KENDRICK
Thank you.
"Courageous" is available on DVD and also a DVD/Blu-Ray Combo Pack with a TON of extras. Check out my review of "Courageous" for all the details. You can also visit the "Courageous" website or simply click on the Amazon.com link on this page and order your copy of the film right now!
© 2011 Interview by Richard Propes
The Independent Critic