Acts Video
From SPARK
One-sentence summary
Life of the early church portrayed on video.
Description
This three-hour film is divided into four parts and comes on two DVDs. It is a word-for-word account from the text of the book of Acts of the New International Version translation. This multi-million-dollar production appeals to all ages and it offers educational, spiritual, and entertainment value. Filmed on location in Tunisia, Morocco, and South Africa, Acts features a cast of thousands, historically accurate costuming, and award-winning directing. This film stars Dean Jones as Luke, James Brolin as Peter, and Jennifer O’Neill as Lydia.
Luke is often depicted as a storyteller talking with people in settings that cannot be found in the Bible. This technique is used to imply that he is telling people of his experiences. Flashback scenes are then used to portray those experiences.
Considerations
• The producers have done a fine job of integrating the NIV text with the visual portrayal of its contents.
• The actors are excellent, and this should be a wonderful tool for the advancement of the Kingdom.
Limitations
• The Acts Video quotes word-for-word from the book of Acts. As a result, in making the transition from printed media to visual media, phrases such as "and Peter said" or "and he stood up" may not be necessary since the viewer is seeing the action that is taking place. Those preparing the translated script for dubbing the film would need to watch for this.
• Flashbacks can be very helpful and enlightening, however, there is also the possibility of confusing an unsophisticated audience.
• Occasionally the picture does not match the wording. For example, the video shows Philip and the eunuch beside the water though the text says the eunuch went down into the water and then that they came up out of the water.
• In Acts 25:12-13 there is a scene of a belly-dancer. This may be unacceptable to some cultural groups. This scene is removed for those dubbing this video through Vernacular Media Services (VMS).
• Paul’s interaction with Lydia could be interpreted as flirtatious in some cultures. This scene is removed for those dubbing this video through Vernacular Media Services (VMS).
Guidelines for Use
VMS has permission to dub the Acts Video in minority languages. The end product is a "scene-sync" video in which the audio of the actor is heard during the entire scene, and the mouth on the picture may be moving or it may not be moving while the words are heard.
Where to Obtain
Link to Producer or Source Organization
For English: International Bible Society-Send The Light Global IBS-STL Global
For dubbing into a minority language, contact Vernacular Media Services (VMS)
Cost
English version: $12.99 plus shipping and handling (April 2008) from IBS-STL Global or $14.99 (April 2008) from Visual Bible International, Inc.
Dubbed versions: Contact Vernacular Media Services (VMS)
Producer/Owners
Author/Artist/Producer
Visual Bible International
Current copyright owner
International Bible Society-Send The Light Global
Other Information
Reviewed by
VMS Staff
Date
9 April 2008
