LOS ANGELES, CALIF.  --- Biola Media Conference is honored to announce a rare public appearance by acclaimed writer Joe Eszterhas as the keynote speaker of the 2009 Biola Media Conference.   This year’s event will take place April 25, 2009 at the CBS Studio Center Lot in Studio City, CA.

Joe Eszterhas has been called “The Che Guevara of screenwriters” (Daily Variety), “a living Hollywood Legend” (ABC’s 20/20) and Time Magazine raves “If Shakespeare were alive today, would his name be Joe Eszterhas?”   He has written 16 films that have earned over a billion dollars at the box office, including Basic Instinct, Jagged Edge, Flashdance and Showgirls.  Former Senior Editor at Rolling Stone, Eszterhas has also written five books, including the New York Times bestsellers American Rhapsody and Hollywood Animal.

Biola Media Conference’s 2009 theme “Closing the Deal” is a natural for Eszterhas.  With his rich history and proven success with getting his scripts produced, Joe Eszterhas is an invaluable addition to the Biola Media Conference line up.

“I don’t make many appearances like this, and the only reason I chose to be a part of this conference is because I know Biola’s reputation and wanted to be associated with them,” said Eszterhas regarding his appearance at this year’s conference.  

Eszterhas’s life history is as tumultuous as his movies.  From growing up in a refugee camp in Hungary after the Second World War, his life has included everything from abject poverty to unthinkable riches.  Once called by Time Magazine “American’s king of sex and violence”, Eszterhas lived the true Hollywood bad boy life. By 2001, the alcohol and smoking had nearly killed him and doctors had removed 80% of a cancerous larynx. Unable to change his ways, he cried out for God to help him.  With his new book “Crossbearer: A Memoir of Faith,” Eszterhas explains the mystery and wonder of how God found him.

“Joe Eszterhas has spent his life telling stories through Hollywood. We are excited for him to share his own life story with our Biola Media Conference audience. His professional experience and personal insights are inarguably unique,” according to Phil Cooke, author of The Last TV Evangelist: Why the Next Generation Couldn’t Care Less About Religious Media, and Why it Matters, Founding Partner of TWC Films, and Co-Chairman of the Biola Studio Task Force.
The Biola Media conference is known for its intimate and practical conversations with leading Hollywood professionals, professional training and instruction from some of the most influential individuals in Film, TV, PR, Media Marketing, Management and Digital Media. Conference topics cover every aspect of media related careers, technologies, and ministries from the creative, to the financial, to the production process.

Eszterhas joins an alumni of Biola Media Conference speakers that includes: Mark Zoradi, President of Disney Motion Picture Group; Simon Swart, Executive VP for Fox Home Entertainment; Todd Komarnicki, Producer of Elf and Meet Dave; Scott Derrickson, Writer/Director of The Exorcism of Emily Rose; Ralph Winter, Executive Producer, Wolverine, X-Men, Fantastic Four; Steve McEveety, Producer of Passion of the Christ, Braveheart, We Were Soldiers; Arthur Anderson, Producer/Director of Face Off, Mission Impossible II, Ml:3; Darren Grant, Director of Diary of a Mad Black Woman; Lori McCreary, Producer/CEO of Revelation Entertainment with Morgan Freeman; Stephanie Frederic, Producer/Director for Black Entertainment Television; Chuck Slocum Exec. VP - Writer's Guild Of America.

About Biola Media Conference

In its 14th year, the Biola Media Conference exists to educate, inspire, and network people of faith working in the media while providing creative inspiration into the spiritual nature of any career in the media industry.  Recognized as the premier event for Christians in the entertainment field, BMC attracts participants who will benefit from direct interaction with acclaimed industry pros who are at the top of their craft.  From CEOs to students, attendees secure valuable information, insight, and contacts that strengthen their character and their careers.

The Biola Media Conference is sponsored by Biola University’s acclaimed Cinema and Media Arts Department. For the most up to date information on this event, for sponsorship information, or to register online, visit www.biolamedia.com, call 1-866-334-2266, or e-mail bmc@biola.edu.