Look and Listen

Biography

Max Elliot Anderson literally grew up in the film production business. His father, Ken Anderson, was the founder of Gospel Films in Muskegon, Michigan, and later, Ken Anderson Films. At the age of eight Max was “killed” by a hit-and-run driver, while riding his bike in one of his father’s motion pictures. But, since the film was being shot in black & white, the blood came out of a chocolate syrup bottle. With a degree in psychology, Mr. Anderson has always been fascinated with the power that audiovisual presentations have to instruct, motivate, and influence the thinking of others. Mr. Anderson won Best Cinematographer for his work on the feature film, Pilgrim’s Progress. This was also the first feature film for actor Liam Neeson, known for his work in Schindler’s List, Star Wars, and other films. Mr. Anderson has also won national Telly awards for his productions of Youth Haven, a Safe Place for Kids, and Tracy’s Choices. Tracy's Choices was also awarded Best Christian Documentary. Other programs he has produced have won numerous local, regional, state, and national awards. Mr. Anderson was a producer on the nationally televised PBS special, Gospel at the Symphony that was nominated for an Emmy, and won a Grammy for the double album soundtrack. He has produced, directed, or shot over 500 national television commercials for True Value Hardware Stores. Mr. Anderson owns The Market Place, a client based video production-company for medical and industrial clients. In addition he is the owner of M V P Productions & Distribution. This company was established for the production and distribution of Christian films such as Tracy's Choices. Mr. Anderson is listed in WHO’S WHO in Finance and Industry, Entertainment, Advertising, The Midwest, Emerging Leaders in America, The World, and WHO’S WHO In America (1999 - present) He and his wife Claudia have raised two children, Jim and Sarah. In addition to his film and production work, Max Elliot Anderson has written thirty-five manuscripts for a chapter adventure series for boys ages eight and up. Seven of these books, Newspaper Caper, Terror at Wolf Lake, North Woods Poachers, Mountain Cabin Mystery, Big Rig Rustlers, Secret of Abbott’s Cave, and Legend of the White Wolf have been published.

Inspiration

In late 2001 I decided to look into why I had grown up hating to read. I surveyed nearly 200 books and found some interesting patterns that helped explain why this had happened. Then I set out to write the kinds of books I would have enjoyed as a child. Now I’m writing for other boys who may be growing up the same way I did. My books are already making a huge difference in the lives of boys. The good news is, girls and adults love the books too. Each book has completely different characters, setting, and plot. I use a lot of humor, and don’t spend too much time on details. I’ve been able to test my theories in the real world as I speak in several schools each year and interact with my target audience.