Monday, December 7, 2009

Orlando Filmmaker David Nixon Hopes to Change People's Hearts

By: Kenneth J. Chang

ORLANDO, Fla. - The release of the 2004 movie The Passion of the Christ opened the doors necessary for Orlando-based Director/Producer David Nixon to begin the series of projects he always dreamed of making.

The film's popularity helped Nixon shed any fears he had of offending Hollywood by eventually producing successful faith-based films such as Facing the Giants and Fireproof.

Nixon stopped by the West Campus of Valencia Community College on Thursday, Dec. 3 to discuss his latest film Letters to God, which is set to open across 800 theaters nationwide on April 9, 2010.

The movie is based on a true story about a young boy fighting brain cancer whose powerful letters written to God inspire his community and bring hope to those around him.

Nixon hopes the movie will change people's hearts and help those families going through the disease. "Each and everyone of us has been touched by cancer at some point in our lives," said Nixon.

Nixon's 3.5 million dollar film was successful in completion due in large part to the cooperation of the staff and volunteers and through daily prayer meetings on set.

Filmed in Winter Garden, Florida and several other locations across the area, Letters to God will have 150 screenings around the country to help promote the film.

Nixon, founder of DNP studios, believes Central Florida has all the facilities to become a major film producer.

For Nixon, much of the credit for his success goes out to his parents, missionaries in his native Australia, for teaching him the core values in life. "For 30 years my calling was to use my talents specifically for God," said Nixon.

With the growing popularity of Christian-based films, Nixon sees an opportunity to produce "more and more movies like this" that will give hope to people and bring them closer to God.