Q: What is Media Challenge?
Media Challenge is a unique program of workshops and competitions that are presented by Good News Productions, International. In short, the challenge is to get Christian youth to speak out about their faith by training and equipping them to use various media tools to formulate powerful, life-changing messages for their peers.
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Q: What workshops are being offered?
A: In 2010, there is only one workshop program being offered in the USA to teach the video production process to high school aged youth. Future workshop topics are being planned that will teach Christian scriptwriting, Web site and DVD design, and music production and recording.
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Q: Where are the workshops being held?
The week-long video production workshop for 2010 is being held in Boise, Idaho, on July 25 through 31, on the campus of Boise Bible College. There is also one international workshop being held in 2010 Jordan. The number and regions where the USA and international workshops will be held is scheduled to expand incrementally over the next five years.
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Q: What content is being covered in the video production workshops?
A: Students attending the video workshops will be introduced to the video production process and given technical instruction and hands-on training in how to create a video program. This includes training on video cameras, audio recording, lighting for video and graphic design, and editing. Building on that knowledge, the students will then be given the challenge to design, write, shoot, and edit a short video program. Working in small production teams of four to six people, each group will be given a general theme on which the programs should be based and then encouraged to let their creative, youthful perspective guide the final content of their productions.
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Q: Who will be leading the workshop sessions?
A: Good News Productions, International will be inviting Christian media professionals to help in teaching specific courses, according to their skills and experience. They will also be available to be mentors for the young people, providing career ideas and information to help guide the participants’ future educational decisions.
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Q: Are there any spiritual components in the workshop program?
A: Yes, the entire week is not just about technical training. Daily worship and Bible study will also be a part of the schedule as the challenge is issued for these youth to let God speak through them. By fostering spiritual development in the lives of these youth, it is hoped that they will make a connection between the skills they’re learning and a desire to use them as a tool for future ministry.
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Q: How will the workshops prepare participants for the future?
A: Students who excel in the beginning workshop program will be eligible to return for advanced training in future years. Advanced training will involve more self-guided study and a chance to concentrate on specific skill sets suited to each participant’s abilities. For those who show exceptional talent and dedication to ministry, there will be opportunities to apply to participate as a team leader/mentor for future workshops both in the United States and for the international workshops. Ultimately, the staff of Media Challenge will be willing to provide suitable recommendations to those seeking to enter college or university degree programs in media, or for those seeking professional internship opportunities.
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Q: How will the completed projects be used after the workshops?
A: The end products of the media workshops will become copyrighted property of Good News Productions, International’s global outreach efforts. Participants will receive production credit for their work as long as the project is being distributed. Ultimately, these projects will be compiled and distributed by Internet and DVD, as well as being translated and adapted for use in multiple locations around the world.
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Q: How do youth sign up for the workshops?
A: The application form and instructions can be found online to be downloaded, completed, and returned to the mailing address provided. Applicants are encouraged to submit samples of their creative work, although it is not a requirement for applying. The application deadline for early enrollment is June 1st. After that date, applications will be accepted on a first come, first served basis until all workshop spaces are filled. Overall, the final screening process will consider the date applications are received, as well as an evaluation of the overall desire and ability of the applicants to excel in the program.
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Q: Who is hosting the Media Challenge workshops and competitions?
A: Good News Productions, International is coordinating and sponsoring the Media Challenge programs. For more than thirty years, GNPI has been partnering with missionaries, churches, and Christians around the world to produce media materials for sharing the Gospel through movies, TV programs, teaching series, and music videos. (Visit www.gnpi.org for more information.) GNPI is committed to using culturally specific strategies in reaching “ . . . every tongue, tribe, and nation” with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
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Q: Who do I contact for more information?
A: You can write to: Media Challenge, PO Box 34345, Indianapolis, IN 46234-0345 or e-mail: info@mediachallenge.org.
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