Blog 7

I really enjoyed the variety of the readings this week. I really like that there were articles from multiple points of view. I especially found the effect that the show had on non-Mormons particularly intriguing. This web-series that Jeff Parkin and Jared Cardon have developed is revolutionary for the world of transmedia and the church. The show that these two have developed has sparked the interest of members and non-members alike. The fact that the show can be so openly about Mormonism and yet refrain from being preachy is quite the accomplishment in my opinion. I believe that the way the show is set up allows everyone to enjoy it without feeling like it is a way to convince people to join the Mormon church. This show is not a missionary tool according to Jeff Parkin. It is a fun class experiment that allows students to explore the gospel in a multi-media fashion. There is symbolism and suspense rolled into a character who is easily relateable to. Jeff and Jared's project is really an awesome example of how there are ways to incorporate the gospel into our projects without shoving the gospel down the audience's throats. Also, this web-series proves that just because we are Mormon filmmakers does not mean that we are limited to Mormon, Sunday school films.

I also really enjoyed the talk given by Elder Ballard about the purpose of artists in God's plan. The talk really opened my heart and my mind to the divine purpose of artists. I had never really connected being an artist with being spiritual, and yet, that is exactly what it is. I loved the quote that says, "All great art is an expression of man's delight in God's work, not his own."Artists truly are inspired by the spirit of God. I am an artist and my medium is film and I have access to the spirit of God to influence the projects that I produce. My work should reflect the love that I have for God and should also reflect my gratitude for all that He has given me. I had never viewed my films in a spiritual way, but with this new perspective outlined for me by Elder Ballard, it has made me want to exalt and praise God in my work. "Free agency allows abuse of creative capacity". I always felt like I would be limited as a filmmaker because of the expectations that are put upon me as a Mormon and more specifically as a Mormon filmmaker, but I now understand that the gospel does not hold me back as an artist. It pushes me forward.