January 15, 2026

Understanding Christian Media Challenges

At The Briner Institute, we have been conducting workshops on the topic of engaging culture, specifically in the entertainment industry, for nearly 20 years.  If you are interested and would like to see some of our work, check out this LINK

In my last update, I told you about our Film Maker’s Roundtable we did last September, and we decided to repeat the process November 14th, 2025. In the November workshop, the ground rules were very simple: Introduce yourself and point out one of the biggest challenges you face in the industry today.

Several categories of challenges were identified and there was an open discussion about how to deal with them. The common thread throughout these comments was a hunger for community, excellence, authenticity, and impact—all while maintaining integrity. These filmmakers want to be both better at their craft and better connected to each other, serving a mission larger than individual success.

September 2026 Workshop: [From L-R as Pictured: David Abbott, Barry Landis, Bob Elder, Dave Mechem, Blake Babson, Dan Merchant, Aaron Scotti, Rodney Eldridge, Simon Lythgoe, Chris Dowling; Not Pictured: Will Bakke, Jake Allyn]

Based on our discussions, eight major themes emerged that reflect the shared challenges facing Christian filmmakers today:

1: ISOLATION & FRAGMENTATION

Common Issues:

• "We are on islands"

• Lack of connectivity and networking opportunities

• Difficulty collaborating and learning from peers

• Challenge of bringing others alongside their work

2: INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY & TRUST

Common Issues:

• Fear of ideas being stolen when sharing

• Difficulty balancing openness with protection

• Past experiences of being "burned" when sharing concepts

• Identifying genuine givers vs. takers

3: FUNDING & GENERATIONAL DISCONNECT

Common Issues:

• Older generation controls funding but younger generation consumes content

• Difficulty presenting contemporary issues in ways that appeal to traditional funders

• Financial pressures that compromise message integrity

4: CRAFT DEVELOPMENT & EXCELLENCE

Common Issues:

• "It's hard to be good at our craft"

• Desire to reach "next level" filmmaking while maintaining faith/family themes

• Balancing artistic growth with message integrity

5: PRODUCER-DIRECTOR RELATIONSHIPS

Common Issues:

• Producers and directors being divided on set

• Lack of unified support for talent

• Need for producers to "have the back" of directors

6: COMMUNITY CULTURE & MINDSET

Common Issues:

• Jealousy over individual successes

• Need for mutual support rather than competition

• Tension between givers, takers, and quid pro quo relationships

7: AUTHENTICITY & RESPONSIBILITY

Common Issues:

• Desire for authenticity in storytelling

• Awareness of responsibility in stories told and how they're told

• Concern about money compromising message

• Recognition that "integrity and authenticity will be the currency of the future"

8: SUSTAINABLE CAREER DEVELOPMENT

Common Issues:

• Constant need to find new work

• Difficulty maintaining consistency while growing

• Balancing commercial viability with mission

OVERARCHING MISSION CLARITY

Several comments touched on the ultimate purpose: "People need God. How can we show God to the widest number of people?" and "What we do is an amazing gift to give to the world." The common thread throughout these comments is a hunger for community, excellence, authenticity, and impact—all while maintaining integrity. These filmmakers want to be both better at their craft and better connected to each other, serving a mission larger than individual success.

Our friend Peter Durand of AlphaChimp.com made us a wonderful graphic to picture the conversation and give us an instructional reminder:

These filmmakers would deeply appreciate your prayers as they navigate these challenges. I'd also welcome your feedback and insights on these issues. If you have comments you'd like to pass along or would like to suggest a workshop that we could do in the entertainment space, I'd love to hear from you by sending me an email at:

barry@brinerinstitute.org

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