ORLANDO, Fla. – It all started as a volunteer project. David Nixon, a small production company owner, set out to help the members of Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, GA . produce a low budget, inspirational Christian based film.

Little did he know, the film that this project produced, “Facing The Giants”, which grossed $35 million, would lead to a series of successful, blockbuster movies.

Last Thursday, At Valencia Community College’s West Campus, Nixon spoke to journalism students about the movie making industry, and his own endeavors in that field.

Nixon spoke about his experiences and future plans producing the movies, and how his faith in god was a huge contributing factor to the success of the movies.

Nixon spoke about the upcoming release of “Letters To God”, which is a story based on a young boy with cancer. Nixon thinks this movie will be very relate-able to the general public, even non-Christians. Nixon believes “cancer touches everybody”, and the movie will be able to move everyone.

“Letters To God” which was filmed in Orlando, is set to be released April 9, 2010.

“Letters To God” is not meant to be a money-maker. 30% of the proceeds will benefit cancer research and Christian ministries.

Nixon says he has no plans to produce any movies other than movies based on Judeo-Christian values, and he says “God uses my talents to preach the gospel.”

ORLANDO, Fla. – Even with over a week before Thanksgiving, Christmas music chimed through the overhead speakers in the Barnes & Noble on E. Colonial Drive in Downtown Orlando.

At 7 P.M. Monday night, an hour before former governor and Republican Presidential candidate Mike Huckabee was set to begin autographing his new book “A Simple Christmas”, lines of eager patrons wove through the aisles.

The waiting public gave cheers and applause every time Huckabee’s name was mentioned on the P.A system, and a warm, family like atmosphere gravitated throughout the store.

“He really knows what the true spirit of Christmas is, and how to bring it to others.” Said customer Margaret Johansen, clutching the book to her chest.

Huckabee arrived with an entourage of assistants and production staff, all wearing matching “Huckabee” racing jackets.

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Huckabee explained that writing this book was a “different” experience for him. He says it’s meant to bring back fond memories of the reader’s own Christmas experiences.

“It’s my seventh book, and it’s really my favorite, because it’s totally non-political; even liberals will love this book.” Huckabee joked.

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Of course, the question on everyone’s mind that evening was whether or not a Presidential run in 2012 was in Huckabee’s future.

“It’s way too far away, right now, my focus is getting the right people elected in 2010.” Said Huckabee, when asked by Fox 35’s Sonni Abatta.

Much to the customer’s delight, Huckabee was even able to get a few book personalization’s written before hastily setting off for an appearance on “On the Record” with Greta Van Susteren.

“…One thing is for sure, there’s at least a bookstore full of people who will be spreading the true meaning of Christmas this year” said Julie Clarkson, as she departed the warmth of the book store.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Breast Cancer Survivors and their supporters filled the seats in the auditorium of the Harwood Dance Studio Saturday night.

“PURE”, or Public Urban Ritual Experiment, put on a fantastic show, filled with many different cultural dances, songs, and rituals. Solo performers also made a splash with the audience. “I loved it, such an infusion of culture in a society that’s lacking it so much,” said audience member Eric O’Donnell.

PURE is an international community of artists that originated in New York City, and promotes change, beauty, and awareness through the power of dance and music.  Their performances are influenced by many exotic cultures, including Middle Eastern and Chinese dances.

Programmed and produced by Rita Van Trump, the show lasted two hours, and kept a jubilant, upbeat tone throughout.  “Works of PURE Love is my brain child…I came up with the idea of producing a quarterly benefit show to help raise awareness, and hopefully funds, for various local charities in the area”, said Van Trump.

The benefit show’s earnings went to the charity Compassionate Hands and Hearts, which is dedicated to helping women who are going through Chemo Therapy. Compassionate Hands and Hearts was founded by WFTV/WRDQ anchor Vanessa Echols, who battled breast cancer in 2004. “In 2004, I was one of three women at WFTV/WRDQ being treated for Breast Cancer…I have been working with [Vanessa] ever since”, said Van Trump.

I’m Ben, I live on the outskirts of Orlando, FL. I work at a local TV station as an Assistant Director & Master Control Operator. I’m very interested in Broadcasting and Journalism (obviously). I like to fly as a hobby, I currently hold a Student Pilot Certificate with 70-something hours in a Cessna Skyhawk w/ G1000. I created this blog because I had to for News Reporting class….. but I plan on keeping it updated even after that.