Produced by Faith: Enjoy Real Success without Losing Your True Self

Produced by Faith is definitely one of the greatest and most influential books I have ever read. Anyone who has ever had a dream can benefit from this book. Even if I didn't have a dream, this book would encourage me in finding myself and discovering what my life purpose is. Produced by faith is extremely helpful for those pursuing a career in the entertainment industry and other careers as well. It illustrates your personal life's journey through the lens of film making. Anyone who has ever watched a film at some point in their life can relate to this illustration. One of my favorite analogies in the book is the "Scene" analogy. The author shares his wisdom from his experience as a Hollywood Executive, Preacher and most of all human experience that our life is a movie in itself and we go through different scenes everyday. Often we face different and difficult obstacles that may seem to hinder us from our goals in life. During those times we find it very difficult to move on and easy to give up. DeVon reminds us that in every movie there are obstacles that the main character (you) has to overcome in order to reach your goals/ destinations. He encourages the reader to look at "your movie" through a different lens by saying "IT IS JUST ONE SCENE IN THE MOVIE" , the best is yet to come. This book has strengthened and encouraged me to be more patient and tenacious in pursuing my dreams. Most importantly this book has validated the inner struggles that I have encountered during this challenging process of finding myself, a career and pursuing my dreams. At this moment and time around the world, many people are facing career and character changes that are greatly influenced by the changes in our economy. Many have lost their careers, dreams and even their faith. Many times I have heard others say "All I want is to be Happy". Although happiness is a good feeling, it is temporary and always triggered and controlled by one's circumstances (and leave plenty of room for depression, which can occur by compromising who you are and feel empty inside). Joy however is a great feeling simply b/c it's not controlled by circumstances, lasts longer and defeats depression. I believe joy is experienced when we stay true to our beliefs and avoid compromising who we are. Produced by Faith has encouraged and greatly influenced me to reach for greater heights in every aspect of my life. The author has validated my feelings in the process and has helped me shift my focus off of my circumstances and concentrate on remaining faithful to my beliefs and not compromising who I am to achieve success. Success can be reached w/o being true to self. However it will not bring peace and joy into your life. Produced by faith offers such great and supernatural wisdom that one cannot afford to refuse. DeVon's life experience and choices of words have truly opened up my minds eye and nursed the vision within me. When you discover or experience great things, you cant help but to share it with others. My Christian and Non-Christian family members and friends have purchased this book because of the fruit it produces all around the world. I had the opportunity to meet DeVon a couple times as he shared his life story and how He gives God the Glory for his Success. I have truly been blessed by this book. I HIGHLY recommend it to everyone. Just recently I was in NYC with a friend who was looking to purchase his copy and the book was sold out. I was not surprised. GO GET THE BOOK AND YOUR DREAM!!

A classic book that fulfills five practical and inspirational purposes: (1) It's an autographic study of Devon's rise within the Hollywood Studio system (always interesting, especially for a outspoken Christian); (2) It uses the difficulty of development and production of a movie as a metaphor for pursuing one's life goals and career; (3) It integrates time-tested advice for knowing God's (practical) will for an individual life; (4) It describes the path that a story idea must follow to get made and be successful at the motion picture box office; and (5) It admirably demonstrates with many examples how to be a witness for Christ in the midst of a world that seems anti-Christian. Not sure he set out to do all that, but that's what it does, admirably. To the skeptical reader, many of Devon's anecdotal examples where God miraculously guided his career decisions may sound far-fetched. But I'm here to tell you they're not. I've experienced many of the same miraculous anecdotes in my life. The key I believe to living such a a purposeful, mission guided life is found in these five Bible verses, some of which Devon uses: (1) "Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness...and all these things will be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33). (2) "Trust in the Lord with all of your might, and lean not (solely) unto your own understanding..." (Proverbs 3:5-6). (3) "Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it...they will be blessed in what they do." (Joshua 1:8). (4) "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says...they will be blessed in what they do. (James 1:22-25). (5) "Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither--whatever they do prospers." (Psalms 1:1-3). Devon's life gives strong evidence that such promises work. This is why I say that the Christian life can be tested scientifically. Apply the theory, and measure the results -- not in money, but in purpose and fulfilled joy.

"Produced by Faith" does not run away from the struggle, or challenges DeVon encounters it embraces them; the book is Life Changing. DeVon reveals details of his life as child, in addition to his journey to pursue a career in the moving-making business, in Hollywood, CA. The journey is one of twists and turns, heartbreak, and triumph. The book asks the hard questions of the reader, which causes the reader to reflect on their past or current situation in life. You will also receive standards that will give guidance in decision making; as DeVon parallel's the process of making a motion picture in Hollywood to achieving our individual purpose that God has designed for each of us. Through heartache and being unsure at many times, it is DeVon's faith that keeps him moving. The reader can relate to instances when he is unsure, and even questions God as to when He's going to show-up in a particular situation. You'll find yourself emotionally tied to the experiences because there is constant reflection as the reader learns the processes of Hollywood that are very similar to our development to find our purpose and walk in it. The reader can relate to finding themselves in situations that require a hard-decision; DeVon reminds us early in the book, we do have the power of choice in situations; we can opt for a positive or negative reaction. This book is for everyone; employed, un-employed, student, or in the midst of making changes to one's career. My second read of the book revealed new information to me. This is a life book! I continue to believe that our life story and the journey we take is not really for us, but for others as DeVon has witnessed in "Produced by Faith". I remember handing DeVon my copy of his book to sign; he noticed how I had notes, etc., all over, as he signed my copy I told him he was mentoring me through "Produced by Faith." DeVon's book offers real-life guidance, motivation, solutions to obstacles, determination, and where there maybe confusion in life, hope!

I got this book thinking that I would be reading a memoir. The book is actually a self-help book, which is fine. I would recommend this for young people graduating from high school or college who are embarking on their careers. It also could be useful for people considering second careers. The author makes good use of Scripture to back up his testimony of how he trusted in God to succeed in the movie business. He made me want to pull out my Bible and do more intense study. He is truly devote in his faith, refusing to work on the Sabbath. I would prefer to give the book 4.5. My only disappointment is that the author did not use enough examples of how his Christian faith was tested regarding moral issues that arise in hollywood. Are there certain types of movies he is not willing to produce based on his Christian values? Still it was worth reading. Produced by Faith as the topic at my church's book discussion. We had a great conversation.

DeVon has penned a pivotal book for any Christ follower who wants to set goals and achieve success while never compromising one's faith walk. This God loving young man has touched on a key set of points about being a professional in any field of endeavor without becoming "luke-warm" in following the teachings and direction found in God's Word, the Bible, and is recommended reading for anyone, even college students, contemplating how you can still be true to Christ, being in the world, but not of the world. It's not always easy when dealing with a workplace or co-workers who often will berate anyone living a moral and religious lifestyle as being a "goody-two-shoes" when you decline offers to go out for drinks after work or to venues where our contemporary forms of social life and entertainment conflict with what scripture teaches about comporting ourselves, not in the manner that others would approve, but in the way that our faith in God directs us, without putting them on blast for their "alternate" lifestyles, use of profanity in common language and manners of attire that would prove embarrassing if we were to show up for church services dressed in similar fashion. Our responsibility to minister the Gospel, often by our example to others, is what makes each of us ministers or representatives of both God and Jesus Christ, the Son of God, everywhere we go. Supermarket to bank, film theater to soccer match, and what sets us apart from most individuals who might be on-the-fence, agnostic or atheist, saint or serial sinner, as most of us are, even on our best days. His analogies, drawn from his years in the entertainment and film-making environment present us with real life examples of what it can be like, being successful and productive despite what surrounds us. Silent testimony, as I often like to describe it. And if they ask you, "Are you a Christian?" it usually comes as a result of the example you've already set in your life, and in how you carry yourself and your faith, as a daily walk that cannot be compromised, not for any price. One's soul and it's eternal destiny lie in the choices we all make, and so happy to find this book which tells the story of the Gospel in a way many living in today's busy, hurried, "got-to-get-it-done-now" world can relate to individually. Food always for thought as we read the headline news and ask the hard questions in our prayer life. A recommended "must-read" as well, for anyone involved in the entertainment industry or even if you work at Pizza Hut. He's also a dynamic speaker at church events and ministries. Franklin Entertainment is his latest venture in cooperation with Sony Pictures Entertainment. So young and vibrant, he still has years to go in his ministry to the world.

Very rarely does a book come along that can truly help give you direction for your life. The last book I read that seemed to do this was The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale. Today I can add another book to the list of such greats. Produced By Faith: Enjoying Real Success Without Losing Your True Self by DeVon Franklin is a guide for living your life fully without compartmentalizing or compromising any aspect of yourself. Produced By Faith parallels the steps of producing a film with the reader's life. It is divided into two sections, development and production. At first glance the table of contents seems impersonal: What's the Big Idea, Selling It, Writing the Script, Getting Notes, Development Hell, God's Budget and Production Schedule, It's All About Casting, and God's Green Light. However, these chapters do more than just tell you what goes into producing a movie. They guide you through the most important production you will ever be involved in, your life. Produced By Faith is a very personal book that encourages the reader to review how they have been doing life. It gives practical steps to help you through the process. At the end of each chapter there is a list of questions that everyone should ask themselves at some point in their career; Making this more than just another stagnant book that goes on the shelf after its read. It has somewhat of a workbook or reference book quality, with a very conversational style. There is also a transparent quality to this book, because of the personal accounts of Mr. Franklin's experience that have been weaved throughout. He gives insight into his journey from intern to Vice President at Sony Pictures. This book comes from a faith based perspective, but it is also a practical guide for those who may not be believers; going as far as to say it is a good beginner's manual for someone interested in producing alone. This is a book that should be handed out at airports, train stations, and bus stations to every bright eyed and bushy tailed artist coming to make it in Hollywood. At the same time it is a great read everyone, in any line of work, can enjoy and implement. When you finish reading this book you will have a renewed faith; faith in God, faith in yourself, and faith in the unlimited possibilities for your life.

Gives me encouragement, clarifies stages of life. No matter what, trust God . God bless DeVon. Thank you for this book

AWESOME!!! You can see the value DeVon has in being in the movie industry when you read this book. It reads so smoothly, just like a movie. He does an awesome job with mixing three key elements: He talks about the movie industry (I've never learned so much about the industry till I read this book), he talks about his life lessons and experiences, and finally he gives you practical spiritual guidance. He does it in such a way that makes this a very inspiring book. He isn't overly "preachy" or even overly spiritual. He tells you what he thinks from his own personal spiritual lessons. I also like how this is more than just a good book. It is a workbook. At the end of each chapter he lists several questions that allow for you to take what you just read and apply it to your own personal life. So it's more than just good information but it lets you evaluate where you are and make your own sound decisions. I love the analogy he uses with the whole "movie theme". IT's amazing how our lives are truly a full movie production by God and he really builds that scenerio in this book. I have recommended this book to everyone I know. It was well worth the investment. I normally don't re-read books but I am going to read this book again. So much meat!