Despite the use of spirituality in odd ways, I found myself wanting to watch more of the webisodes at the end of the season. Clearly something works. And apparently, not just for me. With popularity growing in non-mormon circles, this series must be doing something that other LDS media is not.
I think we as media-creators have a responsibility to be honest about our faith, without being pushy. We want to invite others in, not push them away. Jer3miah does a great job of using gospel principles and even mormon culture, without ostracizing those who may not be a part of the culture.
When you say that Jer3miah is doing something that other LDS media is not, I think that it was answered by Jeff Parkin on Tuesday. He said that the initial purpose of Jer3miah was to entertain. That was the very first thing they considered when writing and filming this story. I think that we need to do the same. Whether the Mormon thing is subtle or open, is what you are creating entertaining? If not, why not? That's what we need to do.
ReplyDeleteThe purpose isn't to inform people on Mormon issues. The purpose isn't to make new converts. It's just to entertain. I like that.
I agree. Unless you're working for the church to produce missionary materials, or a movie for the Legacy theater, your purpose is (first and foremost) to entertain. If we are trying to push an agenda, we are alienating our audience. Our personal beliefs and values will come across in our work without our blatantly stating them. I think this is part of what Jer3miah does so well.
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