"The Making of Jacob's Dream," a 2007 film for Abilene Christian University about a stunning sculpture site created by ACU art and design professor Jack Maxwell, is a four-time winner in the 28th annual international Telly Awards.

The film won Tellys in categories recognizing cinematography, editing, education and religion/spirituality. More than 14,000 entries competed for awards in this year's competition.

Founded in 1979, the Telly Awards honor local, regional and cable TV commercials and programs; film and video productions; and Web commercials, videos and films. Winners represent the best work of advertising agencies, production companies, television stations, cable operators, and corporate video departments around the world. 

A 28-minute high-definition film, "The Making of Jacob's Dream," was first shown at the 2007 President's Circle Dinner, and was broadcast on Abilene's KTXS-TV in October 2007.

The film's producer was Ron Hadfield, ACU assistant vice president for university communication, and the director/photographer/editor was Martin Perry, production manager at Phillips Productions Inc. of Dallas. Previous ACU films by the pair in recent years have won four Telly Awards and an international silver medal from the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education.

"I want to thank ACU for allowing Phillips Productions to be a part of 'The Making of Jacob's Dream,' said Bob Phillips, president of Phillips Productions Inc. "The artistry of Jack Maxwell inspired our team to produce some of our finest work. And to be recognized with four Telly Awards makes the experience even more worthwhile, certainly unforgettable."

"We were thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Ron Hadfield and his team to tell this amazing story of faith," said Martin Perry. "I sincerely hope the recognition the film has received through the Telly Awards will generate increased interest in the sculpture and what it represents."

Two years in the making, the film about Jacob's Dream traces the teamwork of sculptors, stone masons and other artisans who worked around the clock to prepare the sculpture for installation and dedication Sept. 9, 2006, at ACU's Centennial Birthday Celebration. They overcame weather-, production- and engineering-related delays, completing work just hours before the dedication ceremony. Maxwell was assisted by his artist wife, Jill, and local high school and ACU students in the sculpting work.

An almost 40-foot-tall bronze sculpture featuring four angels ascending and descending a ladder reaching to heaven, it illustrates the biblical account of Jacob's dream from Genesis 28. Surrounding the sculpture on the east side of ACU's campus is an area that includes a baptismal pool and approximately 30 weathered stones for seating. It has become an Abilene landmark, with people visiting it at all hours for study, baptisms, weddings, devotionals and other contemplative occasions.

"The Making of Jacob's Dream" can be viewed on the university's iTunes U site at www.acu.edu/itunes, and you can learn more about the project at www.acu.edu/jacobsdream.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

If you are a member of the media who would like more information about this release, please contact ACU's Public Relations Office .

Recent news releases