If you're like I am, you take your responsibilities as a parent very seriously. That includes monitoring your children's television habits closely. It can be frustrating for both children and parents because there's just not a lot of Christ-based entertainment to choose from. What is available is dull, corny, and outdated - The rest is passed off as Christian media but contain content that, at times, is barely distinguishable from mainstream entertainment.
Recently my daughters discovered a Christian adaptation of the childhood fairytale Beauty and the Beast, starring Matthew Reese as the beast (watch trailer). I noticed they were on about the sixth or seventh viewing of this movie when I decided to sit down and watch it with them. I was surprised at how easily I was drawn into the movie. It was a genuine (and entertaining) family film which contained no profanity or adult situations. This, combined with the enthusiasm of my girls, led me to explore more of Matthew Reese's projects, which ultimately led to him answering a few questions for me.
For parents and kids looking for more suitable and attention-grabbing entertainment, check out Producer/actor Matthew Reese; and single ladies, just in case you're wondering, Yes he's single (lol).
Yolanda Ro: Hello Matthew...I'd like to ask you a few questions....
Matthew Reese: I'd be happy to answer some of your questions.
Yolanda Ro: I've read that you're are Christian. Which, if any, denomination are you affiliated with?
Matthew Reese: I am a Christian and belong to "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints", and make Christ and his teachings the center of my life.
Yolanda Ro: What was it that drew you into an industry that, often times, is not a very positive one?
Matthew Reese: I entered the industry as an Executive Producer with a film I have not yet released called "Tears of a King"...Good stories can be created and told in a way that is uplifting and deliver good messages. There are other sides to this industry, yet there are "other sides" to every industry. As a producer, I am able to choose the films I make.
Yolanda Ro: Do you feel being in this industry has compromised your Christianity in anyway?
Matthew Reese: I do not feel it's "compromised my Christianity", because again, the stories and rolls I choose, are up to me.
Yolanda Ro: I've also read that you are the father of two children. How difficult is it simultaneously being in the public eye and keeping them spiritually grounded?
Matthew Reese: Public Eye or not, we wake, we get ready for school, we go about our day as all people do. We allow good or bad things into our lives as people... I believe that regardless of what one chooses as a profession, one can choose good habits that contribute to the overall goodness of life, or bad habits that are destructive and hindering to the spirit of God within us all. My kids and I enjoy a lot of fun family time, and participate in good things that strengthen character, and our family relationship. Making movies isn't who I am... It's only what I do. Who I am, goes far beyond the film world.
Yolanda Ro: Are there any further Christan projects in the works?
Matthew Reese: Further Christian projects...? I have a few things in the works. There's been talk of a sequel to "Beauty and The Beast" Other films are in script format right now, that are being considered; Nothing to officially announce though.
Yolanda Ro: I've noticed you have a film, " The Guardians", in pre-production status. Can you tell us about it, and the release date?
Matthew Reese: "The Guardians" will be filmed and shot towards the end of 2010. There will be at least a year's worth of post production work on it, due to the technical nature of the film. After that, we will see when the best time slot will be for its release... Hoping for early 2012.
The film industry is fun, yet it's just like anything else... You have to create a product that people will buy, and refer to others. One must consider the end-line buyer, as they start at the beginning. So many films are made, and not seen because a lot of film makers are creating as the artist, but they don't remember the consumer in the creative process. If it's to be profitable, then they must create a film that an audience wants to buy. Not always easy...but very doable.
Yolanda Ro: Thank you for making television and movie viewing a little more family-friendly!
Matthew Reese: Thank you for the interest... My Best to you and yours!
Check out some of Matthew's film trailers.
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