For years, attempts were made to depict God, faith, and spirituality in film and television without sweeping success. Other than dated films, Mel Gibson’s Passion of the Christ, and Dan Brown’s Davinci Code, faith based productions were received best on stage.

While it is a common challenge for “Tinseltown” to express God in a way that most people believe he exists, Hollywood recently got inspired by, The Bible Experience.

“This isn’t just a project,” says Grammy-winning music producer, Louis “Buster” Brown. “This has taken on all the characteristics of a movement,” Brown said.

The Bible Experience is a dramatized audio recording of the Bible set to song, sound effects, and music. Unlike prior audio or visual productions of Bible stories, The Bible Experience is likened to “a drama played out in [the] mind.” The project’s media producer and technology expert, Ron Belk, says this is because “it paints a picture of what you hear and see”.

Developed and produced by Inspired By Media Group–a company comprised of highly regarded award-winning television, film, and music veterans–the purpose of The Bible Experience is aligned with the company’s vision to “[produce] creative and culturally relevant products for the faith based and family markets.”

The first of its kind, The Bible Experience is published and distributed by Zondervan. Last fall, the New Testament, was released on CD. Upon completion of the Old Testament later this year, production will begin on a Spanish Bible Experience. In order to retain its effect, the Spanish version will have the same “DNA,” in terms of format, casting, music, and production. Product hybrids will also be made for the elderly and the hearing impaired.

A movement indeed, the project has already transformed the future of faith-based entertainment. Among a number of branding initiatives, The Bible Experience will expand to include ring tones, animation as well as formats for MP3s and iPods.

Many Were Called

In addition to being enlightening and engaging, The Bible Experience is proof that God, faith, and spirituality is an experience. Breathing life into even the dullest Bible stories was an exceptionally talented cast. “Everyone who’s become involved in this project is God’s tool. And, we have taken these tools–whether they are dull [or] sharp and we’re using the tools to accomplish God’s will,” Belk said.

Casting director, Robi Reed, had no problem filling voiceover roles for the 70-hour project. In fact, 98 of the first 100 prospects either signed on to assist when asked or volunteered. Since then, the cast list has grown to more than 300.

Comprised of stage and screen actors, athletes, pastors, personalities, and recording artists, The Bible Experience was recorded by an all black cast. Blair Underwood who plays Jesus, Angela Bassett (Esther), Cuba Gooding Jr. (Judas), and Denzel Washington, who reads the Songs of Solomon with wife, Pauletta added to the “star wattage”. The main character, God, took a while to place. A lot of recording hours meant that God had to be the right fit. Eventually, Samuel L. Jackson was selected to fill that role.

Why an all black cast? According to Belk, there are few opportunities for blacks to have a voice. “The Bible Experience is an offering of our God experience,” Belk said. Remarkably, and unlike similar efforts, the final product has little to no sign of color because the voices are “accent-free.” As such, The Bible Experience can appeal to anyone of faith particularly those in the 18 to 34 demographic. In fact, Belk adds, “With the recent resurgence of faith based entertainment and its appeal to both urban and mainstream audiences, this project serves as a cultural bridge connecting people of all races and ethnicities.”

More than a captivating audio performance, The Bible Experience amounts to a “timeless memorial of God’s word.” “Whether you believe the doctrine or not, you cannot deny the impact that the life of this man, Jesus, had on everyday life,” Underwood advised.

Former The View talk show host, Star Jones Reynolds describes the experience best: “When you participate in a project that is inspired simply by God; to have the privilege and the honor to sit before His Majesty and do His will–that’s when you know why you’re here.”

For more on The Bible Experience, visit: www.inspiredby.com or www.inspiredby.com/outline.htm.