BILLY Movie Website

The official website for BILLY: THE EARLY YEARS is now fully developed and is linked here. There are additional scenes from the movie posted, including a "Making Of" video by Cooper Alan when you click on "Trailers".
I went back over some of the interviews I did with the producers, cast, and crew back in April on location in Tennessee and was reminded in the very first interview that we did with Director Robbie Benson that we talked about the historical accuracy of telling the early life story of Dr. Graham. You can hear the entire list of interviews at www.wayneshepherd.net/billymovie.
The reason I asked Robbie the accuracy question was that I had just seen an old movie on the life of George Gershwin. Following the movie, the host pointed out that almost none of the story was true-- it had all been pretty much fabricated to make an interesting movie. Despite some recent comments about the BILLY movie, I'm pleased that the integrity of the producers of BILLY, as well as their respect and admiration for Dr. Graham, spared us such an outcome.

BILLY: THE EARLY YEARS

The movie BILLY: THE EARLY YEARS is coming out on October 10th. Having worked with the producers just a little early on during the filming back in April (see earlier posts), I'm more than a little surprised at the reaction of Franklin Graham to the movie as reported by The Charlotte Observer and Christianity Today. Apparently, at least one of Franklin's sisters disagrees with his assessment.
I was impressed with how closely the movie's script sticks to the facts of Dr. Graham's life story. I think we all knew that there would be some license taken, after all it's a movie, not a biographical book or documentary. For instance, I don't know if it will survive editing, but the scene portraying radio station WMBI in Chicago (where Billy first heard and came to meet Bev Shea) is a little one-room, red building pictured here. Anybody who knows WMBI's studios in downtown Chicago will laugh at this, but it does nothing to take away from the story.
Likewise, the objectionable examples raised by Franklin Graham, in my opinion, are minor and do not affect a very powerful story line. I appreciate the care and respect that was shown by the writers, producers, director, and cast of BILLY: THE EARLY YEARS.
My complete interview with writer/producer Bill McKay, which addresses this and many other issues, is posted here. It's cut #16 on the list and can be downloaded.

Behind the Scenes at Saddleback

Our live broadcast of the Saddleback Civil Forum on the Presidency took place Saturday night in Southern California. Dave Zanotti of THE PUBLIC SQUARE joined me as co-anchor and Joe Carlson produced the radio broadcast, assisted by Jim Sanders and Chad Bishop of Ambassador Advertising. Our Executive Producer was Joe Battaglia. We'd also like to thank Rick Warren and his tremendous staff at Saddleback Church-- they were great hosts! Also, thanks to Larry Ross and his expert staff for all their assistance, as well as our official photographer, Anna Zanotti.

Back home on Monday, Dave Z and I were to talk with Rick Warren on THE PUBLIC SQUARE. The good news is that Dave did, but I had to head back to the airport and missed the interview. You'll be able to hear in on THE PUBLIC SQUARE this next week.

Live Broadcast From Saddleback

It was made official today that we will be producing a two hour, live, radio broadcast of the Saddleback Civil Forum on August 16th. It will be a joint appearance by both presumed Presidential nominees, Barack Obama and John McCain. As I understand it, they will not be on the platform together, but each man will be separately interviewed for the better part of an hour by Rick Warren-- the only such appearance prior to their respective party conventions.

I will anchor the radio broadcast along with my friend, Dave Zanotti of THE PUBLIC SQUARE broadcast.

It will be made available to any radio station who wishes to carry it-- those details are being handled by Joe Battaglia of Renaissance Communications. If you'd like more information, please contact Joe (or me and I'll put you in touch with Joe).