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Act One Podcast - Episode 45 - Interview with Screenwriters Jacob Roman and Kenny Ryan of the new film, ELEVATION.

After meeting in college, KENNY RYAN and JACOB ROMAN teamed up to sell their first script, DAVID VS GOLIATH (a 300-style take on the Biblical epic) to Sony Pictures.  Since then they’ve sold multiple feature projects around town, most recently ELEVATION, which they wrote and co-produced with Brad Fuller and John Glenn.  Starring Anthony Mackie & Morena Baccarin and directed by George Nolfi, the film will be released theatrically by Vertical on November 8th.  

Their latest feature is SLEEPING BEAUTY, a high-concept action thriller they’re producing alongside Scott Free, with Madelaine Petsch attached in the lead role.  

On the TV side, they spent three seasons as writer/producers on the CBS network primetime hit SEAL TEAM starring David Boreanaz and Max Thieriot.  They’re currently Co-Executive Producers on the Lionsgate/MGM+ show ROBIN HOOD, premiering fall 2025.  

Kenny and Jacob have developed a reputation as hyper-collaborative and highly generative writers, with an ability to breathe emotional life into conceptually muscular stories that appeal to a broad audience.

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Act One Podcast - Episode 44 - Interview with Director and Screenwriter, Christine Swanson.

Christine Swanson is the writer/director of the new film, ALBANY ROAD, starring Renée Elise Goldsberry and Lynn Whitfield. The film is about a New York executive who is forced to share a rental car with her ex-fiancé's mother, only to discover that the mother is hiding a major secret. The film is being released in theaters on November 15th.

A visionary storyteller from Detroit, multiple award-winning director Christine Swanson earned her MFA in Film from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, one of the nation’s top-ranked graduate film programs. Recognized early as a talented filmmaker, Christine was selected by NYU faculty as the Willard T.C. Johnson Fellow, the most prestigious fellowship given to the student who has achieved high standards in his or her work. CNN identified Christine as one of the most promising filmmakers to emerge from NYU’s graduate film program since Martin Scorsese, Ang Lee, Oliver Stone and Spike Lee (Christine’s NYU directing teacher). Christine earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Notre Dame, double majoring in Film Theory and Japanese. She was chosen by the Notre Dame Alumni Association as The Rev. Arthur S. Harvey Award recipient, acknowledging her achievements in the arts. 

Christine has developed, written and/or directed entertainment projects for HBO Films, Lionsgate, Universal Television, Warner Bros. Television, CBS Television Studios, TV One, A&E Networks, BET Films, Starz and Faith Filmworks. Christine’s movie directing credits include the network and cable television records breaking The Clark Sisters: The First Ladies of Gospel, starring Academy Award nominee Aunjanue Ellis. The film won “Best TV Movie” from the African American Film Critics Association and the Satellite TV Award for “Best Television Movie.” The film was nominated for five NAACP Image Awards including “Outstanding Directing in a Television Motion Picture” for Christine and a Critics’ Choice Awards Nomination for “Best Television Movie.” Christine also directed Aunjanue Ellis in their powerful short film, Fannie, about the ground-breaking testimony of human, voting and civil rights icon, Fannie Lou Hamer, in front of the Democratic National Convention’s Credentials Committee in 1964. Fannie earned an NAACP Image Award nomination for “Outstanding Short Form Film" and won two awards at the Bronzelens Film Festival (best acting and best short). 

Christine has also directed All About You, All About Us, To Hell and Back, Love Under New Management: The Miki Howard Story (which broke network ratings as the most watched original movie in the network’s history) and For the Love of Ruth, for which Christine earned an NAACP Image Award nomination for “Outstanding Directing in a Television Motion Picture.” In addition to writing the above movies, Christine was a screenwriter for Woman Thou Art Loosed. Christine recently completed her award- winning feature film, Albany Road which stars Hamilton star Renee Elise Goldsberry and the legendary Lynn Whitfield. 

Some of Christine’s television directing credits include episodes of Chicago P.D., P- Valley, FBI, All American, All American: Homecoming, Found, MacGyver, Sweet Magnolias, Bel-Air, BMF and Roswell, New Mexico. Her memorable episode of Chicago P.D., entitled “Black and Blue,” was rated “Best Episode” of Season 6 by Fansided. 

The Act One Podcast provides insight and inspiration on the business and craft of Hollywood from a Christian perspective.

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Act One Podcast - Episode 43 - Interview with Screenwriter Andrea Nasfell and Producer Brady Nasfell of the new film, MR. MANHATTAN.

Brady Nasfell has produced feature films and television for Netflix, Sony, Lionsgate, Fox Sports, NBC, VH1, Discovery Networks and independent distributors.  Recent films include MR. MANHATTAN (starring Alexa and Carlos PenaVega), FOURTH OF JULY (starring Joe List) and STRONG FATHERS, STRONG DAUGHTERS (starring Bart Johnson and Robyn Lively).  Brady produced the Grammy Award-winning comedy special SINCERELY LOUIS C.K., as well as KEVIN JAMES:  IRREGARDLESS (Spring 2024).  Other specials include JOE ROGAN:  STRANGE TIMES, TOM SEGURA:  BALL HOG, and CHRIS D’ELIA:  NO PAIN.  His documentary work includes THE LAST DISPATCH, OVERCOMER WITH JUSTIN WREN, UFC ROAD TO THE OCTAGON, UFC ULTIMATE INSIDER, and the UFC EMBEDDED web series, which won the Best MMA Programming award in 2016.

Andrea Nasfell is a feature writer with over a dozen produced credits, including the television Christmas movies EVERY OTHER HOLIDAY (Lifetime) and HOLIDAY FOR HEROES (Hallmark Movies & Mysteries). She’s also the writer of theatrical comedies THE RESURRECTION OF GAVIN STONE (Blumhouse) and MOMS' NIGHT OUT (Sony Affirm), which won a Dove award for Inspirational Film of the Year.  Andrea is a member of the WGA and teaches screenwriting at USC and Asbury University. She earned an MFA in Creative Writing from Spalding University. 

The Act One Podcast provides insight and inspiration on the business and craft of Hollywood from a Christian perspective.

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Act One Podcast - Episode 42 - Interview with Director and Screenwriter, Andrew Hyatt.

Andrew Hyatt is the director and co-writer of the new film, SIGHT, starring Greg Kinnear and Terry Chen, which follows the true story of Dr. Ming Wang, a Chinese American who defies all odds to become a world-renowned eye surgeon. Drawing upon the grit and determination he gained from a turbulent uprising in his youth, Dr. Wang sets out to restore the sight of a blind orphan. The film is being released in theaters by Angels Studios on May 24th.

Andrew is the award-winning writer/director of the historical drama, Paul, Apostle of Christ, which was released by Sony Pictures and Affirm Films in 2018, starring Jim Caviezel and James Faulkner. Made for a modest budget of $5MM, the film has grossed over $26.5MM in worldwide BO. Hyatt recently co-wrote/directed The Blind, the true story of the Robertson family long before their Duck Dynasty fame, which was released in 2023 by Fathom Events, marking its strongest theatrical release and grossed 17.3MM in worldwide BO. Hyatt has been credited with paving the way towards a new genre of films termed “sacred art house.” Hyatt was awarded a 'Lifetime Achievement Award' from the National Catholic Museum of Art in Washington, DC and the film was nominated for 'Most Inspirational Film' at the 2018 GMA Dove Awards and 'Most Inspiring Film' at the 2019 MovieGuide Awards. Hyatt also received a prestigious Christopher Award in the Feature Film category at the 70th Annual Christopher Awards in 2019. Hyatt's passion is in the creation of content that is deeply personal, seeking to tell stories that delve deeper into the drama of the human condition. Exploring good and evil, truth and beauty. Hyatt's film Full of Grace is the first film in history to focus on the final days of Mary of Nazareth. Released by Cinedigm in January of 2016, the film has been screened all around the world and praised for its unique insight into the humanity of often generically portrayed historical figures. It was the winner of 'Best Screenplay' at the 2015 John Paul II International Film Festival, and the winner of 'Best Film' at the 2016 Gabriel Awards. Hyatt is an alum of Loyola Marymount University. He is represented by Heroes and Villains Entertainment.

The Act One Podcast provides insight and inspiration on the business and craft of Hollywood from a Christian perspective.

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Act One Podcast - Episode 41 - Interview with Director, Screenwriter and Musician, Adam Anders.

Adam is the director and co-writer of the new film, JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM, a musical adventure about the birth of Christ which is being released exclusively in theaters by Sony Pictures on November 10th.

Adam is a four-time Grammy® nominee and two-time People's Choice Award winner. For many years, he served as the executive music producer of GLEE and recently re-teamed with GLEE co-creator Ryan Murphy to produce Netflix's feature film, THE PROM. His company, Anders Media Inc., produces film and television content for global audiences. He has sold more than 100 million records and worked with artists ranging from the Jonas Brothers and Miley Cyrus to Andy Grammar and Ceelo Green. His music has been heard in such film productions as HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL, THE WEDDING PLANNER, CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS, and ROCK OF AGES. His many other credits include executive producing the television shows PERFECT HARMONY for NBC and the international hit teen musical KALLY’S MASHUP, which he created based on his own life. His credits also include executive producing the faith-based FOX live television event THE PASSION, starring Tyler Perry, which generated the #1 soundtrack on Billboard.

The Act One Podcast provides insight and inspiration on the business and craft of Hollywood from a Christian perspective.

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Act One Podcast - Episode 40 - Interview with Producer, Nick Moceri.

Nick Moceri is the founder of All Night Diner, a production company that works in film, television, podcasts, and digital media, and the co-founder of Nightlight Media, a joint venture with writer/director/producer Adam Anders. Nick is one of the producers of the recently released film, SITTING IN BARS WITH CAKE, for Amazon Studios, which is now streaming on Amazon Prime so check it out.

Nick's film producing credits include A GIRL WALKS HOME ALONE AT NIGHT (Sundance 2014), DEIDRA & LANEY ROB A TRAIN (Sundance 2017), THE KINDERGARTEN TEACHER (Sundance 2018), MADELINE'S MADELINE (Sundance 2018), STRANGE NEGOTIATIONS (SXSW 2019), and FRAMING JOHN DELOREAN (Tribeca 2019).

He was also a producer of the Bill Gates & Rashida Jones Ask Big Questions podcast. 

The Act One Podcast provides insight and inspiration on the business and craft of Hollywood from a Christian perspective.

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Act One Podcast - Episode 39 - Interview with Screenwriter, Karen Hall.

In her career as a screenwriter, producer and creative consultant, Karen Hall has worked on numerous television series, including M*A*S*H, Hill Street Blues, Moonlighting, Roseanne, Grace Under Fire, Northern Exposure, Judging Amy and The Good Wife. She has received seven Emmy Award nominations, as well as the Humanitas Prize, the Women in Film Luminas Award, and the Writers Guild of America Award. Her novel, Dark Debts, was a Book of the Month Club main selection when first published in 1996 and has been translated into French, German, and Japanese. She rewrote some of the book and re-released it in 2016.

The Act One Podcast provides insight and inspiration on the business and craft of Hollywood from a Christian perspective.

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Act One Podcast - Episode 38 - Interview with Producers, Aaron Benward and Cliff Young.

Aaron Benward comes to Watershed Motion Pictures by way of the music business where he started his career as one half of the award-winning father/son duo Aaron Jeoffrey. He followed that up as the founding member of the 3 time CMA and ACM nominated duo Blue County. Aaron’s creative skills continue into his acting career where he can be seen recently in the Netflix Original series “The Ranch”, Sony’s “The Song” and City on a Hill’s “Acts of God.” He joined the Watershed team by packaging and negotiating a worldwide distribution deal for The Watershed Short Films Collection.

Cliff Young began his career as a founding member of Caedmon's Call. The band made 16 albums, sold over two million records and toured 48 states over 15 years. Cliff also served on the board of the Dalit Freedom Network, which helps the “untouchables” of India. Cliff began working full time for Second Baptist Church in 2006 as the Media Director. Cliff oversees the worldwide broadcast The Winning Walk and also has produced commercials, documentaries, and short films for the past 11 years.

GOD. FAMILY. FOOTBALL. features the rich, diverse personal stories of Evangel’s players, coaching staff, and the broader Shreveport community, set against the dramatic backdrop of the 2022 Louisiana high school football season. With the perennial high school football powerhouse—14 state championships in the last 20 years—coming off their worst season in school history, redemption is everyone’s goal. Pastor Denny Duron has returned to the head coaching position to lead this talented group of kids, with dreams of playing in college and the NFL, into prominence on the field, while molding them into future leaders off of it.  As the team faces struggle and triumph on and off the field, they are united by coach Duron’s formula for success: “God first, family second, and football third.”

GOD. FAMILY. FOOTBALL. hails from Propagate and is executive produced by Ben Silverman, Howard T. Owens, and Drew Buckley. The series was created and executive produced by Aaron Benward of Watershed. Jared Goetz of Ascending Media Group, NFL quarterback Russell Wilson in association with Why Not You Productions and Rob Gehring serve as executive producers. Cliff Young, Cody Bess, Scott Brignac, Chelsea Friedland and Matt Woolsey serve as co-executive producers.

GOD. FAMILY. FOOTBALL. is available to stream beginning September 1st on Amazon’s Freevee channel.

Trailer: https://youtu.be/dqUkf2DikBA?si=uOHPX4bGr-2NlWZc

The Act One Podcast provides insight and inspiration on the business and craft of Hollywood from a Christian perspective.

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Act One Podcast - Episode 37 - Interview with Director and Screenwriter, Brandon Dickerson.

Brandon Dickerson is an award-winning writer/director/producer honored for his work in film, documentaries, commercials, and music videos—including the coveted Cannes Gold Lion. After building a career directing hundreds of high-profile commercials and music videos, Dickerson shifted his focus to writing, directing, and producing feature films. His music-based debut feature SIRONIA won the audience award at the Austin Film Festival before he dove into the inspiring biopic VICTOR, followed by the documentary A SINGLE FRAME, and the quirky romantic comedy AMANDA & JACK GO GLAMPING.

With comprehensive experience as a DGA filmmaker, Dickerson also enjoys serving as an educator, writer, speaker, and improv teacher. Brandon is currently directing/producing his commissioned screenplay KATHARINE — the true story of 1880s social justice pioneer Dr. Katharine Bushnell. Earning his MFA in Film degree at Vermont College of Fine Arts, Brandon continues his dedication to teaching by investing in the next generation of storytellers at the VCU Richard T. Robertson School of Media and Culture as well as mentoring students globally as a Superprof Ambassador.

For more on the retreats Brandon mentioned, visit: https://orefugioretreat.carrd.co and https://azoresislandretreats.carrd.co

The Act One Podcast provides insight and inspiration on the business and craft of Hollywood from a Christian perspective.

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Act One Podcast - Episode 36 - Interview with Author, Andrew Peterson and Producer, J. Chris Wall.

Andrew Peterson is a recording artist, songwriter, producer, filmmaker, and the award-winning author of THE WINGFEATHER SAGA book series. His music has garnered three separate Dove Award nominations. In 2008, driven by a desire to cultivate a strong Christian arts community, Andrew founded a non-profit arts organization called The Rabbit Room which hosts concerts and conferences and has published over 30 books to date.

J. Chris Wall is the Executive Producer and Showrunner of THE WINGFEATHER SAGA Animated Series. Before creating Shining Isle Productions in 2016 to develop and produce family content with an entertainment first strategy, Chris spent over a decade collaborating with industry leaders at Dreamworks Animation and Big Idea producing the direct-to-video VEGGIETALES animated movies. He is also the creator of the acclaimed SLUGS AND BUGS SHOW with Brentwood Studios and RightNow Media.

THE WINGFEATHER SAGA animated series chronicles the adventures of the Igiby family as they discover secrets, flee the evil Fangs of Dang, seek their place in the world, and make a stand against the mysterious ruler, Gnag the Nameless. They will need their special gifts and all the love of their noble mother and ex-pirate grandfather to survive the venomous Fangs, sea dragons, flabbits, and toothy cows!

To watch the entire first season, go to https://www.angel.com/watch/wingfeather-sagaangel.com or download the Angel Studios app.

The Act One Podcast provides insight and inspiration on the business and craft of Hollywood from a Christian perspective.

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