509. Retelling the Greatest Story Ever Told | Dallas Jenkins
Dec 23, 2024
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Dallas Jenkins, creator and showrunner of 'The Chosen,' shares his inspiring journey from failure to success in faith-based storytelling. He discusses the creative resilience that shaped the series, emphasizing the importance of intention and authenticity. The conversation explores the human side of Jesus, the transformative power of narrative, and how storytelling can bridge the gap between humanity and divinity. Jenkins also reflects on balancing fidelity to scripture with modern storytelling, highlighting the cultural impact of his work.
Dallas Jenkins' journey from failure to success with The Chosen illustrates how transformative experiences can lead to impactful storytelling.
The innovative crowdfunding model for The Chosen created an emotional bond between the audience and the series, encouraging deeper viewer engagement.
Jenkins aims to humanize biblical figures by incorporating relatable elements and humor, enhancing audience connection to their stories.
The anticipation for Season Five highlights the commitment to exploring complex emotions in well-known characters, enriching their narratives.
Deep dives
The Emergence of The Chosen
The creation of The Chosen arose from the aftermath of significant professional failure, specifically the 2017 film The Resurrection of Gavin Stone. This film, which was backed by major Hollywood studios, failed miserably at the box office, leaving its creator, Dallas Jenkins, in a state of despair and questioning his calling. In this moment of crisis, Jenkins and his wife sought inspiration in the biblical story of the feeding of the 5,000, which illustrated that moments of desperation can come before divine intervention. The couple realized that their journey, marked by failure, could lead to the birth of something greater, thereby laying the groundwork for the conception of The Chosen.
Crowdfunding and Concept Development
The initial funding for The Chosen was achieved through a successful crowdfunding campaign, which allowed Jenkins to gather financial resources from ordinary supporters rather than traditional studio backing. This approach not only engaged the audience but also created an emotional investment in the series. The filmmakers aimed to produce a multi-season show that would delve deeper into the lives of biblical characters, something that previous adaptations had not achieved. By telling the stories from unique perspectives, Jenkins sought to connect with viewers on a more personal level, transforming familiar narratives into relatable experiences.
Caiaphas' House as a Setting
Filming at Caiaphas' House in Texas provided a unique backdrop for the discussions around The Chosen, despite the historical inaccuracies of the location. This set was designed to authentically portray scenes from the New Testament, particularly those related to Jesus' trial. The creation of extensive sound stages allowed for the filming of other significant locations from the biblical narrative, which consolidated the production efforts into one accessible area. This thoughtful setup was indicative of Jenkins’ commitment to blending quality storytelling with a faithful representation of scripture.
Transforming Biblical Stories into Relatable Narratives
Jenkins emphasized the need to present Jesus and Biblical figures in a more relatable, human light, moving them away from their often-stereotypical representations in religious art and film. By incorporating humor and humanity into the portrayal of Jesus, such as the whimsically mundane moments, the aim was to make the stories more accessible and engaging for the audience. This approach not only humanizes these figures but also invites viewers to connect with them on a personal level, enhancing their understanding of the gospels. This deliberate choice effectively encourages viewers to reflect on their own lives and relationships with faith.
Response from Viewers and Impact on Faith
The Chosen has resonated deeply with its audience, resulting in many personal stories of transformation and emotional responses from viewers. These testimonials often highlight how the series has helped individuals reconnect with their faith or encounter the stories of Jesus in a new, impactful way. The inclusion of various viewpoints—some from non-believers—demonstrates the show's wide appeal, suggesting that great storytelling can bridge gaps between differing beliefs. This reach and impact encourage audiences to explore faith without the heavy-handedness that often accompanies religious productions.
Season Five: Building on Established Themes
As production continues on Season Five, anticipation builds around the portrayal of Holy Week and pivotal moments leading up to Jesus' crucifixion. This season promises to delve into the complex emotions of characters such as Judas and Peter, enhancing viewers' understanding of their motivations and struggles. Jenkins and his team aim to maintain the emotional depth characteristic of earlier seasons while exploring new facets of these well-known narratives. With high expectations from both fans and critics, there remains a collective hope that the upcoming episodes will further enrich the already profound storytelling established in previous seasons.
A New Direction: Future Projects
Looking ahead, Jenkins expressed enthusiasm for pursuing new narratives, including the story of Moses, which could explore themes of liberation and faith in a historical context. He recognizes the importance of connecting different biblical stories to reveal the continuity of faith narratives throughout scripture. By creating a series around Moses, Jenkins aims to highlight significant themes that parallel those found in The Chosen, thus enriching the overall understanding of biblical history. This ambition reflects a commitment to producing content that elevates and engages audiences while remaining faithful to the essence of the scriptural text.
Dr. Jordan B. Peterson sits down with “The Chosen” creator and showrunner Dallas Jenkins. Set in the house of Caiaphas, they discuss Dallas’ early failures and the transformative experiences that led him to bring forth the most important story ever told. They discuss proper sacrifice, intention, and offering, the role of the Herald in the modern day, and how to honor Jesus as both God and man.
This episode was filmed on December 10th, 2024.
| Links |
For Dallas Jenkins:
Watch “The Chosen” https://www.thechosen.tv/en-us
Dallas on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DallasJenkinsOfficial/
Dallas on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dallas.jenkins/?hl=en
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