The Story Behind Deidox
Brent Gudgel and Dave Mahanes (click for full res)
As documentary filmmakers we have always been interested in the authenticity and rawness that come from telling real life stories as they unfold. Working in over 20 countries for many different causes, we discovered some pretty compelling stories of how individuals are making a positive difference in the world. For most of these people, a strong faith in God lies at the heart of their daily work. We saw God engaging people to bring love, compassion and joy to the world. These stories affected our worldview in such a positive way that we felt compelled to bring them to a broader audience.
At the same time, our feature film “Dear Francis” aired on Showtime television and became a wonderful success. We wondered,”Should we do another feature film?”
We thought, prayed, and discussed and realized we were more excited about the new media distribution possibilities through the internet of a format audiences were coming to enjoy – short videos – than doing another feature film.
We spent about a year researching and developing a plan to produce Deidox, and raising money. Explaining the concept was a difficult process because really there is nothing else out there like this. But ultimately we were blessed to have an investor take a risk and provide funding for the Beta Version of Deidox. Our dream is to produce dozens more of these stories.
Ultimately, the idea for Deidox came from a desire to explore God’s interaction with the world today. As a follower of Christ in America, we often lose sight of how God is working and develop a complacent faith and a limited understanding of God as a result.
With Deidox we are capturing true stories of God engaging people and using them to do His work in this world.
Bios
Brent Gudgel – Director
Brent is a film director in Los Angeles who has worked in over 20 countries for clients including Ford, Saddleback Church, English Language Institute/China, Azusa Pacific University, and Fuller Seminary. A partner in the production company Chronicle Project (www.chronicleproject.org), Brent co-directed an award-winning documentary “Dear Francis” which has been used by universities and churches around the world in addition to airing on Showtime television (www.dearfrancis.org). The film is about the most HIV-infected nation in the world, Swaziland. Brent also directed the documentary “Hood Ranch” and an ongoing documentary series for Union Rescue Mission on Skid Row in Los Angeles.
Brent obtained his B.A. in film from Azusa Pacific University in 2002. Prior to producing films, Brent worked with youth at Lake Avenue Church and Young Life. Like his producing partner, Brent is a PK (Pastor’s Kid) who grew up in the church, which developed his strong passion for ministry and desire to spur people to action. Recently Brent also became a published author, co-writing the book Before You Get Engaged with his lovely wife Danielle.
Dave Mahanes – Producer
David has overseen the production of documentaries, promotional videos, and short films over the last six years, including the feature documentary “Dear Francis.” He has produced and filmed projects in countries such as Swaziland, Rwanda, Kenya, Mexico, Turkey, Thailand, and Morocco. Previously David worked with I-40 Films where he oversaw the production of commercials that included award-winning spots for Ford and the Carolina Hurricanes.
For three years, David provided leadership to a community outreach program for at-risk high school students in Northwest Pasadena. He worked at Lake Avenue Church as a high school small group director for four years. He continues to enjoy working with and mentoring college age students.
Prior to moving to California, David spent four years as the personal assistant to Governor George Voinovich of Ohio. He obtained his B.A. in history and political science from Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama .
Quotes:
“Many Christians are living out their faith by doing good works all over the world. With Deidox we are bringing these stories to a mass audience in an effort to challenge, encourage and inspire.” – Dave
“This project has strengthened my faith in God and given me a clearer picture of how He uses average people to bring love and compassion to the world.” – Dave
“I think we all want to be a part of something bigger than ourselves. And I know that in my faith it’s sometimes easy to forget what it really means to serve God. Or that God is even active in the world today, and that he uses His people to do His work. I personally need to hear these types of stories so that I can be reminded that God is here, and that there’s a part I can play in His story. These stories help us focus on something bigger than ourselves.” – Brent
“The stories we hear help shape the reality we live in. If we’re consistently hearing how the world is a disaster then it becomes hard to have a positive outlook. But as I was traveling over the last few years, I was blessed to hear some incredible stories about how God is using normal people to do extraordinary things. Stories about how our lives can matter by serving the one who created us, and what that looks like. I think as believers these are the most exciting stories to hear, but nobody is really consistently telling them. That’s where Deidox came from, a need in us as believers to hear powerful and positive stories that are bigger than us.” – Brent
View the films
All the Deidox films can be viewed at www.deidox.com.
Comments & Reviews
Lindsay’s Comments and Reviews
Roberts’s Comments and Reviews
Stills
Contact
Obtain an interview with Dave Mahanes, Producer or Brent Gudgel, Director by contacting Jen Fodor at Deidox – jen@deidox.com OR mmus1cc on AIM (instant messenger)
