Q&a

Jim & Dawn O'Keafe

What’s the greatest piece of advice you have been given in your career?
Jim - Throughout my professional career there have been mentors whose advice and counsel have encouraged and motivated my work.

Although I’ve primarily been a cinematographer for over twenty years I consider myself a filmmaker and have skills in all areas of production. Some years back, while editing and evaluating a demo reel for a well-known cinematographer and friend, he told me I think like a director. This insight awakened me to the possibility and gave me the confidence to start pursuing opportunities to direct.

Dawn - Don’t focus on who’s at fault when something goes wrong, just put your energy toward solving the problem and keep the train moving forward.

Have you ever been financially broke and if so, how did you deal that time?
Jim - Years ago, before becoming a filmmaker, I spent a cold and penniless winter relying on friends and part-time work to persevere. I well remember being hungry and worrying about what I was doing, resolving never to be in that position again. In this freelance business we are constantly relying on the Lord to carry us through dry periods of work. It’s challenging raising a family without the safety nets that one finds in more permanent employment, but then nothing is permanent and we have been blessed in so many ways. My wife is
remarkable in stretching and balancing our finances and we keep a trusting heart in the Lord. We see how He blesses us and we rely on His provision financially, as well as spiritually and emotionally. We have a peace and a hope that He will see us through our challenges.

Dawn - Cash flow poor, but not financially broke. I have always been a saver and a very pragmatic, conservative financial manager, so when the rainy days come we might get drenched but we don’t get washed out to sea.

What is your vision for your industry?
Jim - We see Hollywood as a mission field, a place to be used by God to share His love and compassion to people in the business and a place to influence the content of material that is produced here. Our vision is that a message of hope, truth, compassion and love would reveal itself through projects that turn people’s hearts to pursue a relationship with Jesus. We want to be living testimonies to His presence in our lives.

Dawn - My vision for the industry is that Christians would have a passion for bringing “Kingdom Values” to their work, both in the office and on the screen. That we would be known for excellence in our craft and a genuine love and compassion for those we meet along the way.

How do you react to criticism?
Jim - In all honesty, I can be hurt and defensive toward criticism. Many times after my initial reaction I reevaluate and appreciate the insight the criticism has revealed. I try to learn from it and grow.

Dawn - I often react to criticism with insecurity. I’m a perfectionist at heart and I always want to be on top of my game. It’s humbling to realize that it’s not always possible to dot all your I’s and cross all your T’s, and that some things just fall through the cracks. I have to learn to let things go, learn from my mistakes and move forward quickly, not dwelling on what’s already passed.

Last thing you read that inspired you?
Jim - I’ve been reading “On This Day” by Robert J. Morgan as a daily devotional. This collection of inspirational stories never ceases to convict me of the power that the Lord has to affect people and history. I highly recommend “Imagine” by Steve Turner, a wonderful book discussing Christians in the Arts from different perspectives. My copy is underlined and highlighted throughout, i.e. “Behind the image of the wood, nails, thorns and blood lays the mechanism of justice and mercy and that, for the artist who is a Christian, presents the ultimate challenge.”

Dawn - “Be Quick But Don’t Hurry” a book co-authored by John Wooden and Andy Hill. It is about Coach Wooden’s “Pyramid of Success” and how those principals translate to success not only on the basketball court, but also in the business arena and life in general.

Most challenging film and most entertaining?
Jim - My favorite film “It’s a Wonderful Life” continues to inspire me as to the possibilities that a film has in creating an enduring, powerful and transforming message on the human soul.

Dawn - Most challenging and beautiful film is “Elephant Man”, a reminder of the value of every single human being ever created and to not judge a book by its cover. Most entertaining is “Parent Trap”. There’s something infectious about this film (both the original and the remake). Chalk it up to the fact that I am a mom of four kids…but we have watched that film over and over again as a family and it’s always fun!

A song/album that is a must for your ipod and why?
Jim - I love all forms of music so this is a hard question. Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” would have to be in there because of its power to transform me to another place and time. It makes me feel larger than life, able to live out any dream I might have. It empowers me to believe in the impossible, the unattainable. I conduct the air when I hear it, sometimes creating embarrassing moments, but I don’t care - bring it on!

Dawn - I don’t own an ipod, but if I did I would probably have James Taylor’s Greatest Hits or Allison Krauss’ Greatest Hits. I just like that “down to earth” folksy kind of music that touches the heart.

Worst thing about your industry?
Jim - The worst thing about our industry is the egregious abuse of power that accompanies the influence of greed and vanity in people’s lives. The industry values and reacts to this because it serves a master of this world - the almighty dollar. So, while it chases the trends and seeks the lowest common denominator or return of dollars, it creates roadblocks to influences not of this world.

Dawn - The worst thing about this industry is the insincerity and misplaced adoration of others. There is also a willingness to “put your conscience on hold” and work on projects that impact and influence the culture in very negative ways. There is a serious lack of consistency of a value system that carries through to one’s professional choices and behavior.

What is your biggest encouragement?
Jim - My wife and family are a constant reminder of how blessed I truly am. The love and need they have for me keeps me humble and excited about life and about them.

Dawn - Being married to a very encouraging and supportive husband who believes in my abilities and loves me unconditionally. Spiritual input source when away from home?

Jim - I travel a fairly significant amount and take devotionals with me. Oswald Chambers “My Utmost for His Highest” has been a constant companion for years. I mentioned “On This Day” by Robert Morgan. This year “Coach Wooden One on One” by Jay Carty has been with me as well. I’m an old basketball player and consider John Wooden an international treasure. This devotional considers one’s purpose and passion for serving the Lord in conversational, down to earth language and it’s great. I belong to a fantastic church and Sunday school class. Their prayers, support and wise counsel are ever present. I meet with a men’s accountability group twice a month and that’s critical as well. We share and pray for each other, taking one another’s burdens and exhorting one another to be Godly men in service to His will for our life.

Dawn – I’m someone who prays daily and often. This connection and open communication with the Lord goes with me wherever I go. I also carry my Bible with me whenever I am away from home and have a very special “adopted neighborhood Grandmother” whom I rely on for constant prayer support and Godly wisdom.