AMTC Blog

A recent USA Today article set its focus on the crop of current television shows, noting the proliferation of content not merely suggestive, but downright explicit (and it would seem, unavoidable). Of note were the Caligula-like new series Spartacus on Starz, and the offerings of sexually themed shows on MTV, HBO, FX and even ABC.

In one sense, this is nothing new—that material on TV continues to push the line, or that occasionally the mainstream media will look up to take notice. In another sense, it’s good for those looking to become a part of this industry to understand the forces that drive a phenomenon that is both shocking and unsurprising.

Several times the article’s author Gary Strauss quotes industry professionals who claim the current dinner-plate of salacious and violent content is merely symptomatic of a culture that craves it. One media observer notes TV merely “mirrors life”, while a noted producer says “you have to cut through—you have to get attention.” Another NBC exec managed to tread both sides by offering “we don’t want to be out of touch with the way society is going. At the same time you have to be careful what you put on air.” But perhaps the most telling quote was from an MTV Networks exec who claimed, “you can’t put the genie back in the bottle.”

Far from being fools, these folks are experts on the response of fallen humanity. For while they do not understand the human condition, or do not care to, they do understand the magic formula of appealing to our lowest and basest instincts: it sells. Better yet, the economics of such a trade are routinely couched as being a kind of “evolution” of culture. The choicest irony is the one that claims society is evolving, when in fact so-called “emerging morals” are as old as time itself. The cravings of sinful man and the lust of his eyes will always pay big earthly dividends. We’re just at a place in time where this happens with lightning fast precision.

What’s heartening however, is that while God allows us to have this inherent craving for the world’s desires (via free will), He also gave us a redemptive response, a hard-wired DNA to long after better things, brighter, more beautiful and transcendent things, which ultimatley becomes God Himself. As a writing mentor of mine once said “if you can inspire people to be better than they are, then why don’t you?”

Maybe because it won’t sell, or be as popular?

Therein lies the challenge as entertainers and artists of the Faith. We may inevitably face the charge of deciding on what’s right and good, versus what’s popular. The two, it would seem, are often mortal enemies.

The problem is not that crude, explicit or even dark material waits at our fingertips, it’s the mob of all too willing customers. Therefore, no amount of protest or outrage will change the climate. That “genie” is out. Or to put it another way, taking a bloody steak away from a salivating lion does not stop the lion’s appetite. You must make it want something else. It is the cravings of the heart that are in question. Our challenge is to start by living a life that desires differently. As talent in the faith, I believe it is our call to live a self-examined life that asks: “What am I desiring? What am I craving?”

Thousands of years ago, the prophet Jeremiah wrote: “Friend deceives friend, and no one speaks the truth. They have taught their tongues to lie; they weary themselves with sinning.” (Jer. 9:5) Sound like a world you know?

But if we, as children of the Light, truly begin to desire, even crave, works of immense quality, beauty and truth that honestly challenge us, we may find a world, weary with its own sin, peering over our shoulders with burning curiosity.

Seek to find the truth, tell the truth and live the truth in all you create, consume, and perform. It might just change the world.

You can read the full USA Today article here.

I am a big fan of the Christian rock band, Third Day.

Some talented kids from famous families attend AMTC. Recently, a young girl named Scout Powell, daughter of Third Day lead singer Mac Powell, competed as a young actress. Scout did well and received agent callbacks. Generational blessings.

The Powell family is a shining example of God’s goodness, and Mac is a humble leader. He came to the convention for the first day only, as he was leaving to go on tour – but he was kind and gracious to everyone who recognized him. Mac’s wife, Aimee, told me the band had just been nominated for three Grammys.

But they weren’t going to attend the biggest music awards show in the world.

Why not? Third Day had a prior commitment.

When the band learned of its nomination, Mac contacted another hit Christian band to replace Third Day in their previously scheduled engagement. The other band agreed, but the event organizer refused. They wanted Third Day and no one else.

Third Day could easily have made excuses and broken the contract. Goodness knows they had an excellent reason! Instead, they chose to honor their original commitment. How many performers would do the same?

In the parable of the Great Supper (Luke 14:15-24), we see God’s reaction to those who make excuses to Him: anger. It’s easier not to make excuses to God if we choose not to make excuses to anyone else, either. James tells us ‘your yes is to be yes, and your no, no, so that you may not fall under judgment’ (v. 5:12).

Congratulations to Mac Powell and Third Day. No excuses.

But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, ‘I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.’

Luke 14:18 NIV

P.S. Maybe God will provide a way for them to attend the Grammy’s after all. Nonetheless, they will surely be rewarded!

I recently received a letter of complaint from a mom who said,

‘I am wondering why you promote yourselves as a Christian Company and have Megan Fox on your Top 100 success stories. I realize she was found by you but she is definitely NOT a Christian role model.’

Indeed, Megan Fox attended AMTC in 2000 at the age of 13. She came with legendary Florida agent Janet Kyle, who said to me, ‘Watch this girl. I think she will become a star.’ Prophetic words.

Megan was voted ‘Sexiest Woman in the World’ for two years running by FHM magazine in 2008-2009. She’s a well-known movie star who has been gracious and appreciative in her public remarks about AMTC.

AMTC did not become a Christian company until 2007. Our previous grads know us as a quality company, but we were not open regarding faith. In fact, I did not truly know God until I became a Christ follower at age 51 and brought AMTC with me. We are a reborn and recommitted company. Megan might think, ‘Uh oh. What’s up with AMTC?’ I hope she may come and see!

We judge no one and pray for everyone – even stars in Hollywood who aren’t ‘starring’ as we would like. I believe Megan and countless others have suffered bad experiences with those calling themselves Christians who are judgmental, arrogant or poor examples of God’s love. Combine disillusionment with the temptations of Hollywood, and perspectives can change.

I am hopeful for Megan.

My vision is for Actors, Models & Talent for Christ to be a beacon of light that attracts and welcomes everyone. I believe AMTC’s mission is from God. We will continue to seek and promote clean beauty and positive entertainment, yet our doors will remain open with lights in the windows for all who want to come in.

‘And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, “This Man receives sinners and eats with them.” ‘

Luke 15:2 NKJV

Today’s fashion industry is full of beautiful people all hoping to grace the covers of Vogue and walk the runways of Paris and Milan. But modeling isn’t just wearing beautiful clothes. Modeling is acting; it’s conveying an emotion without saying a word.

Take a look at the pictures surrounding this post. What about these photos stands out to you the most? Is it the designer clothes, beautiful surroundings, great shoes or crazy hats? Could it be the expressions on the models faces? The emotion in their eyes? The graceful way in which they move?

What do you think was happening on set? What inspired these models? Maybe a certain song was blasting out of the studio ipod: what do you think it was?

Yes these are beautiful people, but they are so much more. Do you agree that acting is the foundation of performing?

Today is my daughter, Glynis’, 28th birthday! Many AMTC Contestants have shot with Glynis, as have many supermodels. She is a daughter of the Most High God, a product of AMTC, and our Artistic Advisor. God creates stars such as Glynis and stars such as you. He is the true Star Maker and ultimate Creative Director. We all work under Him. Sad that so many stars forget where they “star“ted.

‘For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities— all things have been created through Him and for Him’ (Colossians 1:16). We have only to glimpse at the marvels of this world to know that God is The Most Amazing Artist. It is He Who gives us our talents. They are to be used for His glory and to help others.

When Glynis was a child, she was an artist in the making. Like many children, she and her sister, Lexy (also an artist), would bring me their pictures made with crayons and markers. Like many parents, I proudly displayed them on refrigerators and walls. In fact, many of their ‘early works’ still hang today. Though I was far from a perfect parent, I nurtured their gifts. Therein, they gained confidence and opportunity to grow them.

I salute all parents, spouses and family members who support the talents of their beloved dreamers. Now that my children are adults I see the fruit that grew from watering a young dream. And I say to Glynis and all such artists as she, well done! Well done in the pursuit of your calling. Well done in the courage you show. Well done in reflecting the light given to you by the Father so that others may open their eyes and see.

“Lift up your eyes on high and see Who has created these stars.”

Isaiah 40:26 NAS

*If you would like to subscribe to AMTC Daily Devotionals, please email info@amtcworld.com.

(Glynis is a fashion photographer living in Brooklyn.)

She is repped by Giant Artists