Christian filmmaker Dallas Jenkins participated in a Q&A session after the forum on Oct. 29, inspiring students to seek careers in the entertainment world while maintaining their faith.
Jenkins is the creator, producer, director and writer of the international hit series "The Chosen." He has directed and produced over a dozen feature and short films for companies such as Universal, Pure Flix, Hallmark Channel and Amazon. Most recently, he directed “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” which is scheduled to release in November of 2024.
Sheri Dew, the executive vice president of Deseret Management Corporation and chief executive officer of the Deseret Book Company, hosted the event sharing how her partnership helped Jenkins gain access to film on the Jerusalem set owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Dew shared the experience and said Jenkins was the first creator outside of the Church who has used the Jerusalem set in Goshen, Utah, but after much discussion with Elder Ballard and Elder Holland, it was approved.
“Heaven wanted this set used in this way,” Jenkins said.
After the brief story on how the Church came to work with "The Chosen," Jenkins and Dew opened it up to the crowd to ask any questions they might have about being a believer of Christ in the entertainment industry.
As students asked, Jenkins would respond with advice, tips and personal experiences that he felt connected. Logan Gardner, an advertising major at BYU focusing on photography, asked Jenkins how he continued in the industry even through uncertainty and instability.
“I believe there is a difference between a dream or a goal versus a calling,” Jenkins said. “In a dream you don’t know if it’s real or not whereas in reality you just know, and it’s the same with a calling.”
He said he knew "The Chosen" was what he was called to create, and that a calling looks different for every individual.
Another student, Bryan Barba who is also employed with BYU radio, asked Jenkins how he thinks about the audience and deals with their opinions and misconceptions. To which Jenkins responded, “I never consider the audience. I don't think about it, I just point to Jesus. You won’t ever be measured by the outcomes in the end, but by your connection with Christ.”
Jenkins wrapped up the meeting describing how "The Chosen" has changed him and brought him closer to Jesus.
“In the last five years, I have learned that Jesus is an intimate God. He knows us,” he said.