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Hollywood filmmakers share advice and preview ‘The Young Messiah’

Cyrus Nowrasteh and Paul Lauer speak to Liberty University students.

On Tuesday, students from Liberty University’s School of Communication & Creative Arts got a sneak peek at the upcoming film, “The Young Messiah,” as well as a chance to hear from the film’s director, Cyrus Nowrasteh, and Paul Lauer, CEO of Motive Entertainment, the company marketing the film. Motive’s campaigns have included “The Chronicles of Narnia,” “The Passion of the Christ,” and “Son of God.”

In an informal Q-and-A, Nowrasteh and Lauer talked to students about the film industry, focusing on the current state of Christian films in mainstream media.

“There is a renaissance in Hollywood right now,” Lauer said. “There are four Christian movies coming out this year trying to reach a mainstream audience.”

Faith-based films are in demand by modern audiences, and Nowrasteh and Lauer hope to answer that call. They encouraged students, especially those studying in the Cinematic Arts, Zaki Gordon Center, that now is a great opportunity for them to become involved in the industry.Students had the opportunity to see an extended trailer of “The Young Messiah,” which opens in theaters nationwide on March 11. Nowrasteh explained some of the struggles of working in Hollywood. While his film ultimately got made, he had to make it on a budget significantly lower than expected.“

I want the students to know about the business and the realities of faith-based movies in Hollywood,” Nowrasteh said.

President Jerry Falwell, Cyrus Nowrasteh, and Paul Lauer.

Additionally, Lauer and Nowrasteh answered questions from students, giving advice about the process of filmmaking, marketing, and the creative side of Hollywood. At the end of the event, students had the opportunity to personally interact with Lauer and Nowrasteh.

Nowrasteh, who had never been on Liberty’s campus before, said he enjoyed visiting classrooms throughout the day and spending time in the cinematic arts department.

“I think the campus is incredibly impressive. We screened ‘The Young Messiah’ in the THX room and it looked great,” Nowrasteh said.

Lauer has visited Liberty before as a guest at past film festivals hosted by the Cinematic Arts, Zaki Gordon Center.Nowrasteh and Lauer also had the opportunity to meet President Jerry Falwell during their visit.

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