By Dr. Ted Baehr
One of the several Latin definitions for “miracle” is “a sign.” So, a miracle is a “sign” that points us toward God.
After growing up the son of Hollywood and Broadway stars, I came to Christ in my late twenties. In 1985, my wife Lili and I were called by God to start MOVIEGUIDE®, a Christian advocacy group to the major Hollywood studio executives and a biblical, family guide to movies and entertainment. Since then, we’ve seen clear signs of God’s “Hand” working through the company’s ministry.
A friend once asked me how I connected with Entertainment Industry leaders. I answered that I do not plan or seek out anything. God makes a way.
When we initially started MOVIEGUIDE®, the major studios in Hollywood only released less than 1% of movies – often just one or two – with any positive Christian content or values at all! Incredibly, in 2024, 69.19% of the major movies released by the industry contained some degree of positive Christian, redemptive content.
When MOVIEGUIDE® started, less than 6% of the major movies were aimed at families. In the past 10 years, movies marketed to families have increased to more than 50% of the top movies released in theaters.
In the late 1970s, I met with a computer graphics development team that later morphed into Pixar. As head of the entertainment department center at the City University of New York (CUNY), I told the computer graphics development team that they needed to think about plot and telling stories. Ultimately, in 1995, Pixar released the animated movie TOY STORY, which became the most successful animated franchise in movie history, and Pixar became the most successful independent animated studio of all time.
Recently, one of the most important executives at one of the big four movie studios asked us to lunch, seeking advice on their movies. At the same time, we helped several members of another division at the same company understand the faith-based Christian audience. Additionally, one of the most important individuals in Hollywood, who represents many of the exhibitors around the country, reached out to form an alliance.
So, how do we engage the Hollywood entertainment industry so well? God influences people within the industry to reach out to us and use our inspired Annual Report to the Entertainment Industry, which proves that the most successful movies and TV programs are ones with elements of Christian faith and values. All of this is totally by God’s design.
As a result, many of the most successful movies in Hollywood today are those with overt mentions of Jesus, scenes of prayer, direct or implied biblical references, and allegorical Christian content that includes scenes of overt death and resurrection for the hero or the primary character. These aren’t merely the “little” Christian movies, but blockbusters that earn $400 million or more.
There is absolutely no question in my mind, that God sent us to start MOVIEGUIDE® and continually creates miracles that show us the way. We praise Him for being faithful.
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