Category: Blog

We’re about halfway through our second semester at The Peter Pitchess Detention Center. We started with 32 inmate/students but are now down to 26. Some were “early releases” a few got “rolled up” (in trouble and kicked out of the program).

It’s funny how each group of student/inmates are so different. During the first semester I taught an overview of the script writing process and I watch as most of the men yawned. I almost dropped the class this semester.

I’m so glad I didn’t. This semester, same class, but we have about half the inmate/student are so interested in the script process that they’ve asked for a writing class. It looks like we’ll be able to accommodate this request by teaching writing through “Pens in Prison”.

I have always liked this verse because when days at work really get tough and I ponder slacking off, I think of this verse. It is Christ whom I work for. I must give Him my all!

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
Colossians 3:23-24

HOLLYWOOD IMPACT STUDIOS falls within the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Departments, MERIT PROGRAM, a faith-based, rehabilitation and education program. Part of MERIT is The Alumni Program, which is designed to help inmates once they are released. The MERIT program meets at Grace Baptist Church every Tuesday Night.

Along with the inmates, their families also attend to learn ways to help them as they reintegrate back into society.

One of HOLLYWOOD IMPACT STUDIOS requirements is that our graduates attend the Alumni Program. We think this is one of the best ways to insure their success. As Cyndi and I have been attending we’ve seen the numbers grow each week. God is moving mightily through this program.

Today’s questions comes from a young lady interested in becoming a costumer for television and movies. She wants to know where to start.

There are numerous schools where you can learn about becoming a costumer, but one great way is to get an entry level job at a wardrobe company. There you will really learn your craft and meet those costume designers on television shows and movies who could be your next employer.

If you have a question, please e-mail us at: Gary@hollywoodimpactstudios.com

I heard this poem during a radio sermon by Dr. David Jeremiah. I thought it really applied to what we’re all called to do as we work in our own mission fields whatever those may be.

“WHICH ARE YOU?”
Anonymous

I watched them tear a building down;
A gang of men in a busy town.
With a mighty heave and a lusty yell,
They swung a boom and a side wall fell.

I said to the foreman, “Are these men skilled
As the men you’d hire if you had to build?”
He gave me a laugh and said, “No indeed!
Just a common laborer is all I need.
And I can wreck in a day or two
What it took the builder a year to do.”

And I thought to myself as I went my way,
“Just which of these roles have I tried to play?
Am I a builder who works with care
Measuring life by the rule and square,
Or am I a wrecker as I walk the town
Content with the labor of tearing down?”

May we all strive to be builders!

We’re off and running again! Semester #2 began last Wednesday, October 7th with 33 inmate/students. About a third of the class are Veterans. This class is a little quieter than the last one, but I think that may be just first day jitters. We’re all looking foward to what God will reveal through this bunch a men in prison blues.

Our first semester is over… We had a terrific graduation! Several of our graduates received generous scholarships from Moviola, Vocal Image and Mole Richardson Lighting.

Lives where changed, bringing some inmates to tears as they described what they’ve learned in this last 12 weeks.

The band was excellent as well. Although it was over 100 degrees, no one seemed to care. It was a great day! We can’t wait to start the next semester!

This is one of my favor quotes and a great challenge. It’s from William Carey, the founder of The Baptist Missionary Society in 1792.

“Expect great things from God…
Attempt great things for God…”

William Carey – May 1792

Two Saturdays ago, classroom 42 was transformed into a television studio as our inmate/students became crew for the production of the first episode of ABOVE THE LINE.

Frank Cardea, Executive Producer of NCIS was our guest and Julia Denton our hosted.

I don’t know why I was so surprised, but it was like a real half-hour, interview style television program… Shot in Hi-Definition.

Cyndi and I felt like proud parents.

Today’s question comes from my wife, Cyndi. She was watching the History Channel last week and they were talking about how candy manufactures do a great deal of test marketing before they even launch a product. She asked why doesn’t television do the same?

I think that’s a great question. My thought is we probably should. Instead we make TV shows, air them and try and figure if America likes that show. Maybe we should ask the question, “America what do you want to watch on televion?” and then create shows based on those answers. That’s just my thought on it… Give me yours.