What’s it like working as a Christian in the film industry?

Aaron Craig, co-founder of the NYC-based professional film company We Are Films, recently wrote about his experience as a Christian filmmaker for the organization I Am Second. What he has to say illustrates a practical, nuanced integration of faith and work.

He writes:

God has given me the ability to do what I do, so my work flows freely from that. It’s a joyful process of doing what I believe my purpose is. It’s not about doing my work or being a Christian. They’re one and the same.

It’s challenging for Christians in any industry to achieve success without sacrificing their beliefs or values. The pressure and temptation is constant. The film industry is no different. Craig explains:

The film industry has a reputation for being cutthroat, backstabbing, and grueling. It’s true – especially in NYC. But it doesn’t have to be that way. And we don’t have to be that way.

By integrating his faith with his work, Craig is helping to change how films get made. So how is he doing it?

We create videos while treating others with kindness. We work as a team. Yes, we celebrate God as our motivator and our inspiration, but that doesn’t mean we are passing out Bibles on set or demanding people talk or act a certain way around us.

Craig continues:

Instead, we work very, very hard, treat others with respect, and we focus on creating an excellent product. That all flows naturally from God’s gift and, in the end, impacts people in our industry more than anything I’ve seen.

What’s impacting the clients (including Microsoft and Sufjan Stevens) and industry colleagues We Are Films works with is that it’s a company that’s different. And it’s faith that’s driving Craig to make a difference.

Different. That, I think, is what being a Christian filmmaker is all about. We’re always striving for excellence, but in a way that’s different. No shortcuts. No excuses. And no taking advantage of people.

Read the full article here.