Adapting Dickens: The Story Behind "Carol"

Episode 173 - Adapting Dickens: The Story Behind "Carol" In this episode of the Faith and Family Filmmakers podcast, Matt Chastain welcomes James Tew, an award-winning journalist and executive producer of the new Christmas feature film "Carol." James shares his unique journey from public relations to filmmaking, detailing how a church Christmas play evolved into a full-length musical movie over an 11-year period. He discusses the challenges of independent film production, from financing through creative problem-solving, and the importance of faith, family, and perseverance. They also discuss lessons learned in distribution and marketing, and the role of community and networking in the faith-based film industry.Highlights Include:The origins of "Carol" as a church playNavigating an 11-year journey from script to screenCollaborating with director George JohnsonOvercoming musical and financial challengesAssembling a talented production team on a tight budgetAdapting a classic story for a modern, faith-based audienceThe importance of family support and faith in filmmakingLessons learned in distribution and marketingThe value of networking in the film industryBio:An award-winning journalist and public relations professional for more than 30 years, James Tew followed God’s leading into film with the blessing and support of his wife Shannon. CAROL began as a church Christmas play, designed to deliver a Gospel message through an original story that follows the framework of A Christmas Carol. Through God-ordained connections, the project went on an 11-year journey to become a Christian, feature-length Christmas musical released in 2024.carolmovie.comhttps://www.facebook.com/carol.musical.moviehttps://www.instagram.com/carolmovie2024/https://www.tiktok.com/@carol.movie.2024https://www.youtube.com/@CAROL-movie-2024Edited by Geoffrey WhittFAFF Association Online Meetups: https://faffassociation.com/#faff-meetingsScreenwriters Retreat - Mexico: https://www.faffassociation.com/writers-retreatJaclyn's Book - In the Beginning, Middle and End: A Screenwriter’s Observations of LIfe, Character, and God: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D9R7XS9VVIP Producers Mentorship Program https://www.faffassociation.com/vip-producers-mentorship The Faith & Family Filmmakers podcast helps filmmakers who share a Christian worldview stay in touch, informed, and inspired. Releasing new episodes every week, we interview experts from varying fields of filmmaking; from screenwriters, actors, directors, and producers, to film scorers,  talent agents, and distributors. It is produced and hosted by Geoffrey Whitt and Jaclyn Whitt , and is brought to you by the Faith & Family Filmmakers Association Support Faith & Family Filmmakers Our mission is to help filmmakers who share a Christian Worldview stay in touch, informed, and inspired. If you would like to assist with the costs of producing this podcast, you can help by leaving a tip.Get Email Notifications Enter the Faith & Family Screenwriting Awards festival Faith and Family Screenwriting Academy: https://www.faffassociation.com/Script Notes and Coaching: https://www.faffassociation.com/script-servicesCopyright 2024 Ivan Ann Productions