Creating faith-based films and shows is no easy feat for Christian couple Mark Burnett and Roma Downey. The two have admitted that they relied heavily on prayer and research in order to get the job done correctly.
The two are busy working on the film "Ben-Hur" and the new TLC series called "Answered Prayers." While it seems like the two are on a roll to create inspiring films, Burnett and Downey said they actually devote a lot of time and attention to make sure they get things right.
Burnett said they did their homework before embarking on the shows "The Bible" and "A.D. The Bible Continues." He said he told himself before embarking on his last project: "It better be authentic and you better not cross any lines."
"When you're dealing with Jesus in a screenplay, it's not really the time for improvising," added Downey.
Every decision involved in making a show or film was backed up by prayer, she said, since "the kind of projects that we would be looking for happen to be things that inspire or uplift or elevate."
The two have been in the industry for the past 15 years. "Ben Hur" has admittedly been one of their most challenging projects to date. Burnett said making the movie was "like building a skyscraper."
Paramount vice chairman Rob Moore sought the help of Burnett and Downey in making a remake of the film, whose first version was done way back in 1959, to "really help to make sure the telling of Christ's story in the movie worked well together as a great story."
The movie is based on the original book written by Lew Wallace, which tells the story of a Palestinian Jew who was wrongfully framed by his Roman friend Messala. "Our hope is that it is a new and different journey that people will enjoy," Moore said.