Web Drama Premiering This Fall Goes Behind The Curtain Addressing Church Drama & Those Who Bring It

By: Zion The Series
 
 
Part of the men of ZION The Web Series
Part of the men of ZION The Web Series
Sept. 12, 2014 - PRLog -- What is it about church drama that thrills and infuriates viewers, listeners, readers, and social media?  The answers vary from the blatant display of hypocrisy to seeing the human frailties of those who are supposedly more spiritually charged.  Whatever the reason, one thing is certain: scandal, failure, and sexual indiscretions from houses of worship generate buzz. A South Florida writer is jumping into the fray of conversation created by shows like Preachers of LA, Preachers’ Wives, First Ladies of LA, and others.  Emily Claudette Freeman, award-winning playwright and author of "Sheltered Deliverance," and "If I Write It, It Will Heal" is bringing her new project to the growing genre of web-based shows with the fall launch of ZION.

ZION, which is written and produced by Freeman, is an examination of the Christian lifestyle, biblical teaching, current affairs, and life in general through the lenses of residents of a fictional South Florida city called ZION.  The stories unfold primarily through the pastors and congregants of three churches in the city.  Freeman says, “ZION sits in the pews in each of those congregations and gets their stories: some members are struggling with pornography, abuse, being far too controlling, too trusting, and yes, even sleeping with the pastor. Their stories come to life in wonderfully eccentric, real, and raw characters."

Freeman, a former gospel radio professional, confesses that the idea for ZION, which launches October 6, 2014, is one that has been in her arsenal for a number of years.  The show was initially conceptualized for local cable TV production in the early 2000’s. Freeman recalls discussing the possibility of such a show with a friend. Invigorated by the creative ministry possibilities, that friend agreed to take on the task of writing sermons for the show.  Tragically, Glenda Barney, a former minister of New Birth Baptist Church in Miami, died suddenly. Her death rocked Freeman, and ZION was tucked away until late 2013.

Freeman believes ZION addresses a wide section of what today’s viewers are looking for. In incubating ZION, her company conducted a survey of those who frequently watch shows like Preachers of LA, Scandal, Being Mary Jane, Real Housewives of Atlanta, Love and Hip Hop, The Haves and The Have Nots and the gospel reality show Mary Mary. What they found is contemporary series viewers love shows with certain ingredients in the recipe: intense drama, scandal, illicit or troubled relationships and relatability. Yet the survey also uncovered that viewers of some of the most popular television, cable and web-based programs loaded with these components leave some elements to be desired, such as: variety, moral values, positive family images for African Americans, and elements of comedy that we've come to see in shows like The Cosby Show or A Different World. Additional elements highlighted are better-scripted episodic shows, quality viewing, especially when it comes to shows regarding black women, multimedia access, reduced limitations to device brand and streaming provider, and more spiritually based shows that inspire without being preachy.

Freeman has written ZION to infuse sermonic messages in different veins. Those messages may come through a sincere conversation between friends, an argument between couples, spoken word or in various themes throughout the show. “ZION is my pulpit of sorts,” Freeman explains. “I think this is one of the ways I am called to impact lives from a spiritual perspective. I’ve gained a tremendous understanding of God and Spirit through various lenses and my ultimate desire is to help others do the same thing.”

While most of the details about the inaugural season are under wraps, viewers can expect to meet each of the pastors highlighted in ZION, as well as a feisty and in-your-face radio host who is what Freeman calls, “delightfully and sadly challenged in her view of every kind of relationship.” You will also meet the warmly manipulative pastor’s wife, a young pastor searching for assurance in his calling, and an intelligent young woman facing the biggest challenge of her life. Themes weighed in on during the inaugural season include female sexuality and spirituality, control in relationships, hidden agendas in business, and questionable pastoral relationships.

ZION will air twice a week, as a web drama, premiering Monday, October 6, 2014. Regular show days will be Mondays and Thursdays, with new shows airing at 11:30am (ET), to grab the morning break viewer, and the early morning viewers in other time zones.  To be one of the first to get launch details, Freeman strongly suggests getting on their FAN LIST by visiting www.peekinsidezion.weebly.com.  The site also serves as an online introduction to ZION kit, with cast bios, story line background and more. Interviews with the writer/producer and cast are available by calling 786.763.1208, or emailing ziontheseries@gmail.com.

Media Contact
E. Claudette Freeman
ziontheseries@gmail.com
7867631208
End
Source:Zion The Series
Email:***@gmail.com
Tags:E Claudette Freeman, web-based TV, Church Scandal, Christian Living, Reality Tv
Industry:Entertainment, Religion
Location:Florida - United States
Subject:Projects
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Page Updated Last on: Sep 13, 2014
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