Dallas Jenkins is an American filmmaker and producer, best known for creating and producing the critically acclaimed TV series The Chosen. Born on July 25, 1975, Jenkins is the son of Jerry Jenkins, the well-known author of the Left Behind series. Jenkins grew up in Zion, Illinois, in a family deeply rooted in storytelling and faith, which sparked his desire to bring Christianity to the film industry.
After graduating from the University of Northwestern–St. Paul in 1997, Jenkins began filmmaking, initially directing and producing small, independent films. His early career included several notable projects, such as Pure Flix’s What If . . . and Warner Bros.’s Hometown Legend. He has also produced for many other prominent companies, including Universal Studios, Lionsgate Studios, Hallmark Channel, and Amazon MGM Studios.
However, Jenkins experienced a dramatic turning point after the release of his film The Resurrection of Gavin Stone in 2017. What he expected to be the Christian film success he had dreamed of making instead came in with devastatingly low numbers during opening weekend. As he searched for answers, Jenkins says that he “truly surrendered”1 and felt God pulling him in a new direction. Instead of focusing on success and big productions, he would make films representing his best work and do his best to honor God and be a good husband and father.
The Chosen was born soon after. What started out as a novel idea to make the first-ever multi-season show about the life of Jesus Christ became the largest-ever crowd-funded media project, raising $11 million in its first round from more than 16,000 investors. Jenkins hoped to tell the story of Jesus from the perspective of those who knew Him and make Jesus and His disciples feel more real and relatable to modern audiences. Since then, The Chosen has garnered over 110 million viewers across 175 countries, transcending religious boundaries with authentic storytelling.
Producing The Chosen has given Jenkins the opportunity to come to know Jesus Christ better. His envelopment in the scriptures has shown him that the Savior is both loving and personal. He and his wife, Amanda, have four children and strive to let God work in every aspect of their lives.
Notes:
- “How ‘The Chosen’ Creator Turned the Bible Into Binge TV: ‘This Is Such a Dangerous Show,’” The Hollywood Reporter. May 29, 2024. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-features/the-chosen-dallas-jenkins-interview-season-4-1235909988/.
