STUDIO CITY, CALIF., — Steve Taylor’s latest film, “Blue Like Jazz” — a decidedly non-Christian, faith-based film about a Texas Baptist’s romp through liberal college experiences — has brought the director to the forefront of conversations on faith-based films. Taylor is the newest addition to the Biola Media Conference speaker line-up. The 17th annual conference held at CBS Studios back lot on Saturday, May 5, gathers major Hollywood executives and feature film directors alongside student filmmakers for a one-day conference.

Taylor’s feature film “Blue Like Jazz” is an adaptation of the “New York Times” bestselling memoir by Donald Miller released by Roadside Attractions in April. Taylor made history as the only music artist to twice win Billboard Music Video Awards for self-directed music videos. His many credits as a director include the Francois Truffaut homage he shot in Paris for Sixpence None The Richer's "Kiss Me." Taylor also directed and starred in the award-winning long-form video "Squint: Movies From The Soundtrack," shot in ten countries around the globe including Vietnam, Nepal, United Arab Emirates and Turkey.  

The conference will address “Finding Your Creative Breakthroughs” with award-winning creative experts sharing experiences from Disney Imagineering, Sony Imageworks, and House M.D. Workshops will discuss topics such as the visual artist, brainstorming, and the real life in Hollywood.  

The Biola Media Conference attracts more than 600 attendees – making it the largest event in the nation for people of faith working in the entertainment industry.  It is known for its intimate and practical conversations with Hollywood leaders, and professional training and instruction from some of the most influential individuals in film, television, public relations, media marketing, management and digital media.

For more information or to register online, visit www.biolamedia.com. General Admission ($150) is open until April 26, 2012; Cost is $180 at the door.  Lunch and coffee bar provided.

About Biola Media Conference:
In its 17th year, the Biola Media Conference exists to educate, inspire, and network media professionals while providing creative inspiration into the spiritual nature of any career in the media industry. 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.

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Biola University, named one of 17 “up and coming” national universities by U.S. News & World Report in 2011, is a private Christian university located in Southern California. For more than 100 years, Biola has remained committed to its mission of biblically centered education, integrating biblical principles with every academic program. With a current record-high enrollment of 6,250 students, the university’s six schools offer 145 academic programs, ranging from the B.A. to the Ph.D. For more information, visit www.biola.edu.