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 play
• Navigating an 11-year journey from script to screen
• Collaborating with director George Johnson
• Overcoming musical and financial challenges
• Assembling a talented production team on a tight budget
• Adapting a classic story for a modern, faith-based audience
• The importance of family support and faith in filmmaking
• Lessons learned in distribution and marketing
• The value of networking in the film industry

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.com

https://www.facebook.com/carol.musical.movie

https://www.instagram.com/carolmovie2024/

https://www.tiktok.com/@carol.movie.2024

https://www.youtube.com/@CAROL-movie-2024

Edited by Geoffrey Whitt

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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

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