SECOND CHANCES: Screenwriter BRIAN BIRD on Upcoming Film CAPTIVE

Photo Credit: Copyright 2014 Paramount Pictures

“All of us have loved ones or friends who have hurts, habits, or hang ups they need help with.” ~Brian Bird

CAPTIVE (2015 Paramount Pictures) is the compelling true story (in 2005) of a single mom taken hostage by a man on the run for murder, and the events that turned a deadly situation into lives forever changed. Captive stars Kate Mara (Fantastic Four), David Oyelowo (Selma, The Butler), and Michael Kenneth Williams. Directed by Jerry Jameson, screenplay by Brian Bird. This film releases September 18, 2015.

 “CAPTIVE, based on a miraculous true story that drew the attention of the entire nation, is a thrilling drama about the spiritual collision of two broken lives. When Brian Nichols - on the run as the subject of a city wide manhunt and desperate to make contact with his newborn son - takes recovering meth addict Ashley Smith hostage in her own apartment, she turns for guidance to Rick Warren’s best-selling inspirational book, The Purpose Driven Life. While reading aloud, Ashley and her would-be killer each face crossroads where despair and death intersect hope.” (from the official movie website)

Photo Credit: Copyright 2014 Paramount Pictures

The film's screenplay was written by producer/writer Brian Bird, 30 year Hollywood film and TV veteran. Bird is co-founder and partner with Michael Landon, Jr. of Believe Pictures, specializing in life-and-faith-affirming films and television.

I became acquainted with Brian Bird through the television series “When Calls The Heart” (Hallmark Channel), which he and Landon co-created and produced. Fans numbering in the tens of thousands (and growing) appreciate the work that these men are doing and the vision they have for bringing faith-affirming, family values back to TV and film.

When I saw this trailer for Captive, I was both hooked and disappointed that I’d have to wait until September 18 (!!!) to see the film. In the meantime, I asked Brian if he would talk about this remarkable true story and share what he hopes its telling will accomplish.

CE: Brian, what first drew you to this story?

BB: I’ve been a member of Saddleback Church for the last 20 years, so I was very familiar with Rick Warren’s book The Purpose Driven Life and I even had an opportunity with 20th Century Fox to try to get some version of a movie made using the principals in Pastor Rick’s book. But it was only after the Ashley Smith story happened that Rick emailed me and suggested that we try to make Ashley’s story into a movie instead of trying to cook something up that was purely fictional. He was totally right. After that, it took about seven more years to finally get this movie made, but God’s timing could not have been more perfect and I am so grateful. I really believe this is a movie that could have a transformative effect on the culture, and perhaps even save some lives.

CE: I appreciate that the real, positive impact on lives, more than entertainment, fame, and fortune, is at the heart of your work, your goal. One of the taglines from the film is “When you have God, you have nothing to fear.” At what point in the creation process did it become apparent that this was a key truth in this story?

BB: That principle could not be any more true, not only in Ashley’s Smith story, but also in my own. When I started working on the screenplay for “Captive” I was at a particularly vulnerable point in my life. I was questioning my career, my future in the Hollywood industry, and my calling as a writer. Rick Warren called me one day and challenged my doubts. He told me that there is no such thing as being “uncalled.” There is no such thing as “un-ringing” that bell. I guess you could say it was a bit of a “come to Jesus” phone call, and a great encouragement to me to keep pushing forward. The fact that we have nothing to fear when we’re walking with God is absolutely an essential truth for all of us. And I am praying that “Captive” will help a lot of people around the world conquer their fears.

CE: It’s a powerful story, and yet, even though it’s based on true events, I believe a good storyteller draws on some kind of personal, core connection to make any story—real or fiction—come “alive” for others. Was there something in particular about the story that resonated with you personally?

Photo Credit: Copyright 2014 Paramount Pictures

BB: You’re right, when we are telling or adapting true stories into books or films, we are not making documentaries. We are making entertainments. That means we can’t let the truth get in the way of good storytelling. But in the case of the Ashley Smith and Brian Nichols story, I did not have to fill in too many gaps. We just chose to be as authentic with the story as possible. One of the big lessons in the true story, which became magnified in our film, is that we all need second chances in life. We’re not all murderers or meth addicts, but we have all made mistakes that we need to be forgiven for, and for which a second chance in life means everything. Some of the biggest sinners in history are recorded in the Bible. Moses was a murderer. David was an adulterer and a murderer. Yet God remembers them as powerful forces for good in the world. Imagine what the world would be like if there were no second chances.

CE: We would have no hope! I thank God every day for second chances. What were some of the challenges involved in bringing Captive to the screen? What kept you going?

BB: “Captive” is a “widow’s mite” kind of film. When my colleagues and I first embarked on putting this film together, we had very few resources to work with. There was no big bank account full of investment money to fund creation of the script or the plan for this film. We had to step out in faith with a sense of destiny that we could make this plan come together. But I think it’s more satisfying that way, because that’s what faith is always about. Faith is about stepping into the darkness, not knowing what the future holds, but doing it anyway. Our job is to be obedient. God does the amazing part. Just like when the children of Israel were trying to cross the Jordan River into the promised land. They had to wade out into the river at flood stage. The water didn’t start receding until they were in the middle of the river. That’s the way God works in our lives sometimes. We do obedience, and he does amazing.

CE: Amen! I found the storytelling and the acting/writing quality in just the trailer alone to be very impressive for a faith-based film. Do you anticipate a growing trend in high quality, faith-affirming TV and film? What can viewers do to help grow this trend?

BB: Any of us working in storytelling, whether it be writing novels or making movies, should be absolutely committed to excellence in our craft. We do the world, God, and ourselves no favors by playing small. When it comes to our creativity, there should be no such thing as the “good enough principle.” We were all made the image of the Author of the Universe. We all have a tiny strand of that author’s DNA in us. That means that every aspect of creativity that comes out of us should strive for excellence. Our goal should be to become the Michelangelo of our own gifts and talents, not for our own glory, but to point to the glory of the One who made us. That’s not to say we will be perfect in our creative endeavors, but I believe it’s a sin not to attempt to be the most excellent image-bearers we can be. I will let others judge whether we accomplish that aspiration with “Captive,” but I sure pray it’s so. And if they do see the film and believe it worthy of their recommendation, I pray they will tell everybody and their brother about it very quickly. The first week’s box office numbers are crucial to determining how many people will be able to see this film (and Lord-willing, have their lives changed). If people wait, thinking they will see it in weeks 2 or 3, there may not be a week 2 or 3. But if week 1 is big, we may be around for weeks 7 and 8!

CE: Thank you for making that clear. What do you hope viewers will gain from seeing this film?

BB: My hope and prayer for “Captive” is that millions of people will be exposed to this important story of Second Chances. All of us have loved ones or friends who have hurts, habits, or hang ups they need help with. I would like nothing more then to see thousands of our loved ones get into get into recovery or rehabilitation with ministries like Celebrate Recovery, the Salvation Army, and Alcoholics Anonymous. It took a killer to save Ashley Smith’s life because she was a meth addict who was on the brink of losing everything in life, including her life. The night Brian Nichols took her hostage a decade ago was the night she got a clean and sober, and she has been clean and sober ever since. Imagine if God was able to use this movie to do that same miracle in the lives of tens of thousands of people. That would be the biggest and most important accomplishment of my life.

CE: Thank you, Brian, for giving us a glimpse into the story behind the film, and for sharing your heart in bringing it to screen. I hope everyone will:

1. GO see this film OPENING DAY

2. SHARE the word with others

3. PRAY for lives to be touched by God in a powerful way

Sign up to get updates about the film here: http://www.captivethemovie.com/register.html or visit Captive on Facebook.

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Photo Credit: Copyright 2014 Paramount Pictures

Visit AMAZON for Ashley Smith's story: Unlikely Angel

QUESTION: Do you believe God gives second chances? Do you have a second chance story? Would you like to share it?