Michelle’s interview with Karen Abercrombie who played Ms. Clara in the hit film “War Room”
The first thing you notice about local Asheville author Michelle Cox is her smile. Partnered with a sweet southern accent and quick wit, you can’t help but feel like family in her presence. She can cook a homemade meal that rivals anything in Southern Living while sharing humorous and heartfelt stories of family (6 grandchildren!) and faith. In fact, it’s fair to say that Cox’s inspiration as a speaker and writer stem from the 3 Fs: Faith, Family, and Film.
When she’s not buried in the laptop crafting weekly Guideposts blogs or text for her latest novel, (9 books published or soon to be released), Cox can be found jetting off to national film locations and premieres to interview actors, producers, directors, and other red carpet elites. These interviews and set experiences provide rich content for film reviews. Completed reviews end up published on http://ChristianCinema.com.
When asked about her most memorable interview, she quickly names Jim Caviezel (Passion of the Christ, Person of Interest and When the Game Stands Tall), as his genuine kindness and deep faith made quite the impression. But she adds that interviewing Harrison Ford following the screening of a movie wasn’t too shabby either!
Cox’s interest in the film industry includes her own film aspirations, as she is the proud co-author of the Just 18 Summers screenplay, a project recognized as a semifinalist for the $50,000 Kairos Prize Competition (spiritual movies award). This screenplay is based on her 2014 fiction novel by the same title.
Part of the drive for Cox’s deep connection with the faith-based film industry is her genuine love for people. She writes: “I love getting into the hearts of the people who make the films. It’s a joy for me to sit and talk with them and to discover WHY they chose to produce or act in the movie of the moment.”
So you might be wondering why Cox isn’t based in Los Angeles, New York, or a similar metropolis. Quite simply, relocation isn’t needed. Asheville, NC is currently home to or a popular vacation spot for many film professionals, including location scouts and screen writers. In 2014 MovieMaker magazine recognized Asheville as the nation’s #1 small town movie moving area. As Cox explains, the mountains foster a creative spirit critical to production success.
With the rapidly expanding faith based film industry (think Georgia based Kendrick brother films and the current movie Risen), it’s safe to assume that Cox is well positioned to keep introducing the public to the film professionals who commit their lives to box office success. She will continue her writings and edits from her western North Carolina wooded retreat with hot tea in hand, Blue Ridge mountain sunsets, and grandbaby giggles in the background.
For more information about author Michelle Cox or the burgeoning faith-based film industry, see links below:
• https://www.guideposts.org/
• http://just18summers.com/
• http://www.newsmax.com/Hirsen/
***Blog Post by Lori Brown
