Faith-based films are not only a current trend and modern marvel, but they are some of my personal favorite films available in today’s entertainment universe. I still remember watching the first God’s Not Dead film and being overwhelmed and brought to tears as the story unfolded before my eyes. That film introduced most of the Christian film-going crowd to the talented Shane Harper. Since he is making a return in the third installment of this film series (God’s Not Dead: A Light in the Darkness), I had the honor of asking Shane a few questions about his career as well as his involvement in this compelling film that releases on March 30, 2018.
RH: Why did you decide to become an actor and what kind of training have you received to prepare you for this career?
SH: I started training in dance and musical theatre when I was nine years old. I got scouted by a talent agent at a dance competition which eventually led to my career as an actor and singer.
I understand one of your earliest roles was as a principal dancer in High School Musical 2. What do you remember the most from being a part of that movie?
Working on HSM2 was an amazing experience. That was my first time on a film set and I learned so much. I was such a fan of the first movie and the cast and crew were so generous and kind during the whole process.
You’ve also recurred/guest-starred on other hit Disney shows. As an actor who has worked with Disney more than once, what is it like working with that company as a performer/actor?
I loved working for Disney. It’s always a very positive environment on set. I’m grateful for all the exposure and the amazing fans that came from working for Disney.
Christian audiences got to see you in the first God’s Not Dead movie. How did that film affect you both personally and professionally?
It means a lot to play a part in a movie in which the main narrative drive focuses on something that’s so deeply personal to me. It’s a humbling process.
You will soon be seen in the third God’s Not Dead film. What can you tell us about your role and how it relates to the story of the film?
Josh is back in a new way in this third installment. He takes on more of a leadership role as he’s returning to campus to be involved in formal ministry. I’m excited for people to see him in a bit of a new light.
Why do you think that faith-based films have become so popular in the past few years?
Honestly, explicitly faith narrative driven content is simply getting better. There has been a hunger from the faith community all over the world for more of it for a long time and now it’s more available than ever.
Any other upcoming/current works you can mention??
Yes. I’m releasing new music in the coming months as well as working on developing projects as a writer and producer. I also have some other fun film and tv projects releasing later this year!
As far as I’m concerned, the entertainment world needs more gifted and grounded young people like Shane. I remember his character immeasurably well from the first God’s Not Dead film, and I am anticipating this third installment in which we will have the opportunity to witness a timely, uplifting, spiritual message that I am certain will touch our hearts and cause us to consider the calling God has placed on all Christians in this fallen world into which we have been placed. I concur with Shane’s statement regarding the fact that Christian films have raised the bar in recent times, and each one I have had the honor to see has resonated with me (as well as my family) on so many levels. I am grateful to Shane for his zeal to proclaim the truth of the Word of God in an environment that is not always conducive nor accepting of Christianity. I ask that all Christians in the U.S. and throughout the world flock to the theaters Friday, March 30th and following in order to make our voices heard concerning faith-based films. We beheld a miracle with the film I Can Only Imagine, and I believe that if we are prepared to get out and make our voices heard (and spend our money on films like this one), Hollywood will respond with exceptional films that will reverberate with our spirits and our lives on a profoundly authentic level. Please consider following Shane and the movie God’s Not Dead: A Light in the Darkness at all the links below, and let’s go out there and make a difference for eternity!
FOLLOW SHANE
FOLLOW GOD’S NOT DEAD: A LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS
4 Comments
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Thanks for this interview, Ruth. Gods not dead is a movie with a huge impact, getting to hear(read) directly from one of the major cast means a lot.
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Thanks for the interview! I can’t wait to see this film. The first two were great.
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It’s nice to have quality movies of Faith with actors not afraid to profess their faith.
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