The David Movie with Writer-Director Brent Dawes

Brent Dawes is here to share his story of chasing creativity while staying true to faith, and navigating the messy but meaningful intersection of art and belief. From his journey as an actor turned animator to the 11-year creation of the David film, Brent shows how vulnerability and authenticity can transform storytelling into something that resonates far beyond cultural boundaries.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3MjXxBg 

Takeaways

• Brent's childhood passion for creativity led him to pursue acting.
• A sudden shift in desire led Brent away from acting to ministry.
• Brent's journey involved a significant move to the USA for church involvement.
• His experience in advertising was successful but felt unfulfilling.
• Brent found his true calling in stop-motion animation.
• The transition from animator to director was a gradual realization.
• Brent's faith journey included a crisis that challenged his beliefs.
• Writing the screenplay for 'David' came from a place of vulnerability.
• Brent emphasizes the importance of authenticity in storytelling.
• The hope for the film is to inspire and resonate with audiences.
• Communicating with the creator of heaven and earth is essential.
• The David film has been a long journey of 11 years.
• Funding for the film was a significant challenge.
• The project felt like it was meant to be.
• Leadership themes in the film contrast fear and love.
• David's character is multi-layered, reflecting both strengths and weaknesses.
• The film aims to present true leadership.
• Music plays a crucial role in conveying the story.
• The film is designed to resonate with a global audience.
• God's character is portrayed as patient and understanding.

Sound Bites

• "The desire to act had gone."
• "I knew that I wasn't home."
• "I started to question a lot about faith."
• "I didn't know what I believed."
• "I believe, but I also really don't."
• "What do we know?"
• "It felt like it was meant to be."
• "We didn't look at other movies."
• "The Lord is my light."

Chapters

00:00 From Dreams to Reality: Brent's Journey
10:52 Navigating the Wilderness: Faith and Doubt
21:00 Writing from Emptiness: The Creative Process
25:13 The Beginning of Understanding
26:01 The Journey of the David Film
29:01 The Challenge of Funding
32:18 Leadership Themes in David's Story
34:46 Exploring David's Character
38:31 The Musical Layers of the Film
43:10 Reflections on God's Character

Keywords
Brent, journey, faith, creativity, wilderness, storytelling, animation, Hollywood, church, authenticity, David film, leadership, faith, animation, storytelling, God's character, music, themes, creativity, patience