HOLLYWOOD vs. FAITH 

The Struggle to Live as a Christian in the Age of Media Values
Personal Stories, With Humor by TV Actor Frank Runyeon

What does Runyeon say?

Runyeon admits he has always felt torn between the world of the media and the world of faith. He thinks much of America is. We go from our TV to church, and then back to our TV (or I-Pod or computer). We want to live in both worlds. But is that really possible? Over the past 30 years, as the way of life embodied by the mass media has moved further and further from the Christian way of life, Runyeon confides he has struggled to make the right choices.

He speaks with humor about that struggle, and shares the fruits of lessons he has learned—from his studies at Princeton to working opposite Meg Ryan on the soaps, from hosting comedy talk shows on L.A. radio to studying at Yale Divinity, from 10 years touring America (and over 1,000 churches) to 20 years as a parent.

Runyeon shares the thoughts he’s found helpful over the years, funny experiences on set, and the surprising discoveries that come from “looking behind the curtain” at the wizard of Hollywood. He urges us all to think (and laugh) about the media, not just take a bath in them. He discusses the impact of commercial sponsorship, and the real reasons for all the sex and violence. Finally, Runyeon identifies what he calls the “Three Big Lies” of Hollywood, sharing personal experiences that show how much Americans have come to believe in them and let them shape our way of life. He suggests a surprisingly simple answer to how we can live faithfully as Christians —while still enjoying the best of the media.

THE MEDIA vs. THE TRUTH

What does Runyeon say?

Runyeon speaks wit humor about his own experiences in the media, inviting the students to “look behind the curtain” at the media wizards.

Drawing on examples from his 25 years in television, film, and radio, Runyeon describes with humorous anecdotes exactly how the media work. He teaches the students how to watch TV “inside-out.” He discusses the subtle impact of commercial sponsorship, as well as the reasons for the sex and violence in the media—offering a different perspective, as an actor and “child of the Sixties.” Finally he identifies the “Three Big Lies” the media inadvertently teach, and shares personal experiences that illustrate how deeply we all believe in them. He urges the students to think clearly as they make their own life choices and learn to enjoy the mass media’s wizardry without believing too deeply in the world of Hollywood. His speech is followed by a lively question-and-answer session.

Teaching Classes

Upon request, Frank is happy to teach classes in Drama, English, or Ethics.

DRAMA

Frank will answer career questions, discuss various acting techniques, coach students in their own work, or teach a whole class of students to improvise a live television show.

MOVIES & STORY STRUCTURE

Frank often teaches English classes about “the Hollywood formula,” cinematic story structure, and analyzes recent films. He also will lead a lively discussion in Ethics.

TREASURE

A 25-minute speech reflecting on "Life After Prep School (What They Don't Tell You)." Frank tells the story of his experiences in college and beyond, humorously sharing the hard-won wisdom which he wishes someone had shared with him before graduation. Excellent for shorter assemblies, or as a speaker in the spring.