Inspired by . . . The Bible Experience

On Monday at ICRS as I walked in to the Zondervan hospitality suite, I saw Paul Caminiti, Vice President of Bibles. I told him how excited I was to see the video of the Inspired By the Bible Experience in the Zondervan booth upstairs on the convention floor. The video reveals a behind-the-scenes look of the project, including a number of the actors and actresses recording their parts. I’m telling you, they’re not just reading the Bible. They are acting.

The New Testament CDs release this October, packaged in a bright lime green box. A bonus DVD, which shows, among other things, the making of the recordings is included. The project is aptly labeled “Theater of the Mind and Spirit.” It is a fully acted performance complete with music and sound effects—captured in audio form. On the package’s cover—names of some of the celebrities involved: Angela Bassett, Bishop T.D. Jakes, Cuba Gooding Jr., Blair Underwood (Jesus), Samuel Jackson (God), Denzel Washington (Solomon). The Old Testament CDs release October 2007.

Paul Caminiti introduced me to Louis “Buster” Brown, from the Inspired by . . . Media Group in Beverly Hills. Buster, who wrote some of the music for the Prince of Egypt movie, also wrote music for this project. He secured the Prague Philharmonic, with a whopping 60 strings, to play. Music is a huge part of this audio Bible, both Buster and Paul told me. As with a movie, it sets the aura and provides background. Each book is introduced with music, and Buster’s original theme is at the beginning and end.

As for sound effects—sounds in the Garden of Gethsemane at night. The scream of the man whose ear is cut off as Jesus is arrested. Tears and groans. Sounds of nature, etc.

Media interest in the project has been huge. Paul had recently been interviewed for 40 minutes by the L.A. Times. He’d also interviewed with Essence magazine, and USA Today ran an article announcing the project a few months ago. Publicity will continue to grow as the time draws near for the New Testament’s release.

From the Inspired By . . . Web site (also click on this page to see the wonderful behind-the scenes video that was showing in the Zondervan booth):

“Inspired By… The Bible Experience is the most ambitious undertaking in recent recording history. The Bible is brought to life by a collection of distinguished artists and personalities, in a complete and fully dramatized audio recording of all 66 Books of Scripture. The 368 character portrayals are further accentuated by a compelling and inspirational musical soundtrack. This amazing and anointed audio production presents the world with the unique opportunity to be Inspired By… The Bible Experience.

“Inspired By Media Group has designed a sophisticated layering of sound and music to create a complete audio environment that provides listeners a tangible perspective on the biblical characters and circumstances. The cast is comprised of celebrated performers from the fields of film, television, music, and theater while the underscore reflects a broad spectrum of indigenous musical genres.

“Everyone involved in this production contributed time and talent as a labor of love. This historic gathering of exceptional talent was paired with the latest and best in recording technology, to create a new standard in the presentation of the oldest and most popular literature known to man. The result is offered as a manifestation of God’s never ceasing love and will to engage.

“Thus, be Inspired By… The Bible Experience.”