A Nonprofit Jesuit Film Company Finds Fund Raising in Hollywood Tricky

A nonprofit film-production organization owned and operated by Jesuit priests and monks finds both challenges and appreciation in Hollywood, writes The New York Times.

Loyola Productions, in Culver City, Calif., is owned by members of the Society of Jesus, a Roman Catholic order of priests and brothers, known as Jesuits.

Doing business in Hollywood is usually a challenge, says the Rev. Eddie Siebert, the company’s founder and president. The organization is not supported financially by the church and, like any other nonprofit group, must raise money to stay afloat.

“When I have meetings around town, you can see that people are thinking, ‘Oh my God, they’re trying to convert us,’” said the Father Siebert. “It’s very frustrating. I try not to say who I am till they get to know me. I don’t even introduce myself as a Jesuit priest. It tends to really frighten people.”

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