BIOLA MEDIA CONFERENCE COMES “OUT OF THE CLOSET” FOR 2006 EVENT

La Mirada, CA (February 4, 2006) – The premier event for people active in the entertainment field and their Christian faith, the 11th Annual Biola Media Conference will be held Saturday, April 29th at Biola University in La Mirada, CA. The theme for the 2006 event will be “Out of the Closet: Can Christians $ave Hollywood?” Topics cover every aspect of media related careers, technologies, and ministries, from the creative to the financial and production processes for media.

“While Hollywood is presenting ‘do-overs’ like The Dukes of Hazzard and Bewitched, beloved stories from the Christian community that have been around for half a century or more are emerging,” explains Craig Detweiler, screenwriter of Extreme Days and The Duke, author of “The Matrix of Meanings: Finding God in Pop Culture” and Chair of the Biola Mass Communication Department. “The Lord of the Rings, The Chronicles of Narnia and The End of the Spear are sweeping the box office and bringing life back to the slumping ticket sales. The year’s Media Conference contemplates the impact of Christians ‘saving’ Hollywood.”

Hosted by Detweiler, the Media Conference allows attendees to learn from and interact with a stellar group of luminaries from Film, TV, Radio, PR and Journalism. Speakers for this year’s event include Dean Batali, Executive Producer of FOX’s “That 70’s Show”; Ralph Winter, Producer of Academy Award nominated films such as Star Trek IV and VI, Planet of the Apes, X-Men films, and Fantastic Four and Co-chairman of the Biola Studio Task Force; Arthur Anderson, Co-producer of Mission Impossible 3, Windtalkers, Paycheck and BMW Films The Hostage; and Phil Cooke, President and Creative Director of Cooke Pictures, Co-chairman of the Biola Studio Task Force and Adjunct Professor. Announcements of additional speakers will be forthcoming, and surprise guests also frequently appear to speak and attend the event.

“At The Biola Media Conference, the focus is on the real-life, practical issues of producing films and creating television and other media,” explains Cooke. “Theoretical discussions are nice, but if you want to get your hands dirty and make a real difference, then this is the place to be.”
Speakers and panel participants from the 2005 Biola Media Conference included Terry Botwick, Producer/ CEO of Thunderpoint Studios and former Snr. VP at CBS Entertainment; Mark Zoradi, President of Buena Vista International (Disney); Steve Taylor, Musician and Producer for Sixpence and Newsboys; Lori McCreary, Co-founder/Producer/CEO of Revelation Entertainment with Morgan Freeman, Craig Gross and Mike Foster from XXXchurch.com; Steve Borden a.k.a. STING, Pro Wrestler; Rick Dempsey, Senior VP / Producer of Disney Character Voices; and Mark Joseph Chronicles of Narnia / Walden Media, author Faith, God & Rock 'n' Roll and Producer of “The Passion Of The Christ: Songs” CD.
Industry professionals give five stars to the event:

“Not only have I had the thrill of sitting under some of the most influential and knowledgeable people in the business, but I've also had the privilege of teaching at past conferences since the Biola Media Task Force began. I've seen this conference change lives, birth dreams and create careers!” ~ Holly McClure, Producer for Namesake Entertainment and TBN movie critic


When I was first asked to participate in Biola's Media Conference, I hoped that I could contribute to what I believed could potentially be a revival in the arts. Now I realize that I received so much more than anything I had to offer. Biola's Media Conference is Rome to the New Renaissance. ~ Rand Chesshir, Abbey Cinema, Abbey Academy of Arts

“The spiritual and practical importance of this conference should not be underestimated. It gives attendees the opportunity to hear wisdom from accomplished professionals who actually care about them — something they are not as likely to get out in the media world which they are trying to break into.” ~ Brian Godawa, Screenwriter of Frank Peretti’s The Visitation and To End All Wars (Kiefer Sutherland)

“The Biola Media Conference is crucial resource for effectively bringing Christian thought into America's influential media culture. The quality of the conferences is exemplary.” ~ David McFadzean, Wind Dancer Productions (Tim Allen/Home Improvement)

In its 11th year, the Biola Media Conference exists to educate, inspire and network people of the faith involved in media, providing creative inspiration into the spiritual nature of any career in the media industry. The premier event for Christians in the entertainment field, the Conference attracts attendees who will benefit from direct interaction with acclaimed industry pro’s who are at the top of their craft. From CEOs to students, attendees secure the information, fellowship, and contacts that prove invaluable to their faith and their future.

Biola University is home to one of the most effective and successful Mass Communication Degree programs in the country. Located only 30 miles from the entertainment capital of the world, Biola graduates have unprecedented access to industry professionals and opportunities allowing them to compete with and win careers in the very competitive entertainment world. Their classrooms feature guest appearances by the finest producers, reporters, and publicists in the business. Biola graduates complete the program equipped to fulfill their goals and dreams in the media world or in Christian ministries, bringing an integrated standard of professionalism and Christian faith that is helping to change our world.

For more information about the 2006 Biola Media Conference or to register for the event, please visit www.biolamedia.com.

If you would like to partner with the University, to be a sponsor of the event, or for information on promotional opportunities available at the Conference, please contact FrontGate Media on the web at www.frontgatemedia.com or by calling 949.206.9806.

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