Film Star, Producer and Studio Mogul David A.R. White Is a Trailblazer in His Field
David A.R. White is one of the most recognizable actors in faith films, including the popular God’s Not Dead films. The first film he ever saw was Grease, and he started his career co-starring on Evening Shade, with Burt Reynolds.
David’s father was a Mennonite pastor. His parents were skeptical when he dropped out of Moody College for Hollywood. They always told him to make sure God was always first in his life, and though his parent’s passed on, he has adhered to the guidance they gave him.
Photo Credit: Krisztian Lonyai
After many years as a struggling actor while doing odd jobs, such as being a costume character for children’s birthday parties, David and his two friends became the founders of Pure Flix, the number one indie faith studio in the world. In 2020, Sony acquired the Pure Flix streaming service (www.PureFlix.com).
David is a founding partner of Pinnacle Peak Pictures, which is releasing several faith films.
How did you get your start in the industry?
I moved to Los Angeles from a little town outside of Dodge City, Kansas, when I was 19. I jumped into the business on the acting side and landed a recurring acting role on the hit show Evening Shade with Burt Reynolds, for three and a half years. All through my twenties, I acted. In my late 20’s, I had a desire to produce and become a trailblazer in the faith-based movie industry. In 2005, two others and I started what would become the largest faith-based production and distribution company in the world, Pure Flix.
What sets you apart from others in your field?
Before the pandemic, the stat was that 100 million people go to church once a month. When we created Pure Flix, we wanted to serve that community. Our breakthrough that changed the way Hollywood and the world looked at the genre happened first with Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ and then again with our 2014 theatrical release God’s Not Dead. As an independent theatrical, it broke many records, including going on to become the sixth most profitable movie based on its ROI in cinema history.
What are some of the projects that you are currently working on?
I was excited to recently release Nothing Is Impossible, and looking forward to the 2023 release of my apocalyptic thriller TV show, Revelation Road.
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What’s your dream, your ultimate goal? Do you feel like you’re on the path to this goal, or do you feel as if you already achieved that dream?
I am grateful that most of the studios around Hollywood have started their own faith-based. I look forward to seeing where this genre will continue to grow.
What is one thing you’re glad you tried but would never do again?
We started Pureflix.com as an SVOD platform in 2015. Sony purchased us in 2020. So glad we took the risk, with a lot of independent investors, but it was certainly a big gamble!
What have you created that you are most proud of?
I’m proud of the movies I’ve been able to produce and star in throughout the last 20 years.
What is your message for our Heart Of Hollywood Magazine readers?
I followed a dream when I was young, even though I didn’t know anyone who could help me. You never know where your life will go if you don’t take a risk! I encourage everyone to follow their dreams. You’ll be amazed to see where they will take you!
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