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Q&A
with Chip Duncan on the making of
THE
MAGIC NEVER ENDS - THE LIFE & WORK OF CS LEWIS
1)
Why did you produce a t.v. biography on C.S. Lewis?
At the time of our production, no one had yet produced a television
biography on Lewis. There were several books about his life
and work - many of them quite well done - but there was no
t.v. biography. When we began production, we had no idea that
The Chronicles of Narnia would hit theaters while our show
was still under contract with public television. It turned
out to be good timing, but it wasn't like we planned it. Fortunately,
the book has become an interesting companion to the films
and a good backgrounder for people who are fans of Lewis'
writing.
2) Were you a fan of Lewis' before undertaking the project?
No, not really. I'd read a couple of his books in college,
but a fan? No. And I don't think being a fan is important
to the making of a good film. In fact, it may be the opposite.
I did become a fan of Lewis' process and his intellect. His
work in the Socratic Club at Oxford was a fascinating testament
to his conviction and his confidence. I did enjoy A Grief
Observed and The Screwtape Letters and admired his sci-fi
work, such as Out of the Silent Planet.
3) What were some memorable moments from the production?
The interview subjects were most memorable. Considering when
Lewis lived, it was a gift to be able to speak to several
people who knew him. In particular, I loved the comment from
Walter Hooper about how Lewis' work changed for the better
once he became a Christian. To be specific, Walter said that
while Lewis had exhibited the craft of a great writer before
he became a Christian, but he didn't have much to say. Once
he had his epiphany and became a follower of Christ, his work
took on a much greater significance because "he had something
to say."
4) You mentioned interview subjects - who stands out?
Unlike some films we've made, they all stand out for one reason
or another. Having Lewis' stepson Douglas Gresham on camera
added a level of authenticity to the discussion of Lewis'
life. And Christopher Mitchell from the Wade Center at Wheaton
College was an amazing interview subject - articulate and
insightful. Few people in the world, if any, are more knowledgeable
about Lewis' work than Chris Mitchell.
5) What were some of the challenges?
What film doesn't have challenges, right? The big one in making
The Magic Never Ends was the lack of archival material to
choose from. Though Lewis lived most of his life during the
age of motion pictures, there was no motion footage of Lewis
to be found. We were limited to still photos, illustrations
and contemporary b-roll of the places that informed his work.
6) Were there any unexpected moments or ideas that inspired
the production?
Yes, actually - the music. I've had the privilege of working
with David Barrett on several occasions and he does very thoughtful,
tasteful and dynamic work. His score for The Magic Never Ends
really improved the film.
7) What did you find most inspiring about the Lewis story?
Without question, it's the 1931 discussion that took place
in Lewis' rooms at Magdalen College. Imagine Lewis, J.R.R.
Tolkien and Hugo Dyson sitting in a dorm room and debating
mythology, the existence of God, and the historicity of the
life of Christ. Both Lewis and Tolkien wrote about that night.
For those who don't know the story, suffice it to say that
it changed Lewis' life and his spiritual beliefs forever.
We're now working on a sequel to The Magic Never Ends that
delves into that night and the discussion the three Oxford
scholars had about myth, imagination and faith. With any luck,
we'll be able to finish it and add to the dialogue about what
happened on that rainy night in Oxford.
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