Frightening People Is Big Business
Steve pointed out that NBC has a new drama called Revelations. Here is the description:
This limited drama series revolves around a group that works to hold off the apocalypse. More specifically, it's the showdown between God and Satan as foretold in the Bible book of Revelations.
Seems that everyone wants in on the commercial action of the end times drama. I hear that a few authors have made millions off of the gig. Maybe that is what NBC has in mind - using the fear of God to sell more Acuras.
I was thinking of a proposing a series to one of the networks that was something like this:
Family of five living in suburbia. They have no idea how to live out the biblical model to "do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with God" but they remain committed to those principles and seek to shape lives around that and to live in community with others who do the same. Slowly people are attracted to the God these people follow.
But then I am not sure if you would move a lot of ad inventory with that series. Oh well, back to the drawing board.
Brother Will! You have me smiling. I agree with you. The Lahayes have been making money scaring people along with numerous other Christians for years. (Repent or Burn) Jonathan Edwards' most powerful speech was one of fear. People respond to fear, don't they? It worked for the GOP this past election, seriously. Don't want those terrorists to come and get us. We need a strong LEADER who can protect America so we elect a cowboy from Texas.
Fear and greed are two primary motivators. Look at the story of Adam and Eve.
Having worked in televison and media for several years, I can assure you that the networks only attempt to air programming that the "masses" will like. Ratings are king. However, I think it says more about people than it does the TV Networks. PBS has been there for years and the top rated program achieves less than 2% of the TV households compared the main netowrks. Honestly, the networks pretty much give the people what they want; we vote with our remotes. Frear and greed-- that is why we don't have wholesome shows like Little House on the Prarie.
Peace,
Rick
Posted by: rick luoni | March 12, 2005 at 12:13 PM
that kind of eschatology always breeds a lot of debt, so maybe the acura dealers are on to something - ring up all the credit cards baby cuz jesus is coming back soon...
i like your show much better!
Posted by: bobbie | March 12, 2005 at 02:20 PM
i like your idea and believe it would work well, if...
- it were a reality show
- people cared about how to love
- you would allow yourself to be played by Tom Cruise
or
- you could bank off the genius of other excellent programming such as "Home Improvement 2: Jesus style" or "ER: when your soul needs the DR" or "24... hours a day with Jesus"
just trying to help you market your family. peace.
Posted by: shenry | March 13, 2005 at 03:02 PM
Bobbie's observation about end-times eschatology breeding debt fascinates me...Back in the 70s, when all the Jesus freaks believed Jesus was coming back literally ANY SECOND, a bunch of us (my hubby and me included) skipped college. What on earth would we need an education for? :) On the other hand, I remember thinking (and I still feel this way) that it would be immoral to get raptured and leave behind debts. So it was cash on the line, baby...
But I bet NBC has their demographic all figured out, and there's a pretty good chance that times have changed...
Posted by: Katy Raymond | March 13, 2005 at 04:30 PM
My inaugural address at the Great White Throne Judgment of the Dead, after I have raptured out billions!
At: http://www.angelfire.com/crazy/spaceman/
Your jaw will drop!
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End of Days,Day of the Lord,Endtime,Judgment Day
Posted by: Secret Rapture | January 26, 2006 at 07:34 AM