True Tales Press Release
(source: Tatooine TV, 07-06-04)
Jeff Roney, creator of Tatooine TV, has officially announced a lot of new information about his upcoming Bible-based audio drama series, True Tales: Bible Stories with an Edge. Here's the lowdown:
JRDonline.com announces a new drama production, True Tales: Bible Stories with an Edge.
What is it?
True Tales are stories based on the Bible. We will not alter the intent of the stories, but we want to bring action, grit and drama that normally isn't included in other tellings. These re-tellings will include side characters and deeper glimpses into the mind and heart of characters and peoples in the stories. We want you to know the characters, instead of just knowing their names. These are not Bible stories alone, or Bible studies alone, but they are productions that present these stories where the characters walk off the page an into your speakers and headphones. Each story will begin as a single-parent family gather for a nightly Bible story reading. The family has difficulty and struggles as everyone else does. As the story is read, themes are discussed by the family and deeper questions about the story are asked and discussed. Sometimes issues are resolved, but many times issues stay unresolved.
Why Internet Audio?
In early discussions of this project, the medium of video came up, but was quickly dismissed for many reasons. We wish to use this audio production format and cause internet users to revisit the days of listening to the radio dramas as a form of entertainment. This audio format will also give us the opportunity to present the gritty, violent audio realism of many of the stories that video may not afford.
Who is your audience?
These are not tales for children. Our audience is varied, and we are focused on teens through adults. We wish to be open to many different faiths, beliefs and non-beliefs.
Will you be covering the entire Bible?
In early discussions, this came up as well. There are so many "untold" stories in the Old Testament, we feel that we will focus on those stories first. We will be in the Old Testament for quite a while.
What are your goals for this production?
Many goals. First, we wish to present these stories the best way we can. Second, we wish to satisfy a need for deep, exciting action and drama from Christian or religious entertainment. Third, we wish to initiate discussions with friends, families, clergy, etc about the truths of the Bible. These productions are not to be heard passively.
Will they be "preachy?"
No. We will not have a pastor or priest conducting a benediction at the end of the production. We will have characters that will discuss elements in which God has performed great things in their lives, and we will also have situations in which people question where God has gone. We strive to present a reality in the realm of belief in God with it questions, struggles and triumphs. We want everyone to feel comfortable listening, and not feel pressured or pushed in any direction. We do hope the listeners think about and discuss what is presented.