Faith & Family Filmmakers

Episode 209 - The Premiere of Mosaic Christian Film Festival - With Zach Miller

Geoffrey Whitt welcomes Zach Miller to the Faith & Family Filmmakers podcast to discuss the launch of the Mosaic Christian Film Festival in the Denver, Colorado area in January 2027, scheduled just ahead of the Sundance Film Festival.

Zach shares the purpose and vision behind this community-focused Christian film festival, designed to help filmmakers connect, learn, and grow in their craft. They discuss event details, including festival dates, venue setup, film screenings, workshops, and networking opportunities. The conversation also highlights industry guests, educational sessions, convenient travel and lodging options, and ticket pricing.

Plus, there's a special discount for our listeners! Use code FAFF10 to save an additional 10% on your registration—even on top of the already discounted early-bird pricing!

Highlights Include:

• Zach’s Filmmaking Journey
• Festival Basics, Dates and Venue
• Tying In With Sundance
• Submission Categories and Nominations
• Screenings, Workshops and Networking
• Speakers, Keynote, and Website Info
• Travel, Lodging, and VIP Dinner
• Festival Vision, Tickets and Coupon Code!

https://www.mosaicchristianfilmfestival.com/

To get 10% off your registration, use Coupon Code FAFF10

Edited by Geoffrey Whitt

The Faith & Family Filmmakers podcast helps filmmakers who share a Christian worldview stay in touch, informed, and inspired. We interview experts from varying fields of filmmaking; from screenwriters, actors, directors, and producers, to film scorers, talent agents, and distributors.

If you would like to support the production of this podcast, you can do so at https://www.faffpodcast.com/support

Get Email Notifications: https://faffpodcast.com/email

Enter the Faith & Family Filmmakers Awards festival: https://filmfreeway.com/FAFFawards

FAFF Association Weekly Zoom Meetups for Filmmakers: https://www.faffassociation.com/events

Jaclyn's Book - In the Beginning, Middle and End: A Screenwriter’s Observations of LIfe, Character, and God: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D9R7XS9V

Produced by Geoffrey Whitt for Faith and Family Filmmakers Association https://www.faffassociation.com/

Faith and Family Filmmakers Association is sponsored by Rediscover Television https://www.rediscoverfamily.tv/

This podcast is produced by Geoffrey Whitt for the FAITH AND FAMILY FILMMAKERS ASSOCIATION

Copyright 2024 Ivan Ann Productions

Episode 208 - Faithful Filmmaking: Grit Without Compromise - With David Alford and Joseph Stam

In this episode of the Faith and Family Filmmakers podcast, Geoffrey Whitt interviews David Alford and Joseph Stam of Cross Purposes Productions about their backgrounds in theater and filmmaking, their mentorship and collaboration, and lessons learned transitioning from stage to screen. They emphasize telling authentic, personal, “small” stories based on accessible locations and community resources, sharing how they secured a real hospital and even a high-security prison for shoots. David outlines their stepwise funding model starting with a $9,000 project, reinvesting profits, and growing organically to make much larger features without breaking the bank. They share about their latest film, Due North (formerly Searching for the Elephant), explaining the film’s rebranding due to distributor changes, and encourage filmmakers to serve audiences with honest, purposeful storytelling.

Highlights Include:

• Welcome and Introductions
• Mentorship and Acting Shift
• Writing Cross Purposes
• Due North Casting and Directing
• Finding the "Urgent" Story
• Hard Faith And Realistic Endings
• Grit Without Compromise
• Distribution And Rebranding Due North
• Funding Films Step By Step
• Deciding What’s Next
• Advice for Filmmakers

Bios:

David Alford started Cross Purposes Productions in 2019 and has been a driving force behind the production of all five of their films. Married for 34 years to his incredible wife, Stephanie, he is the father of three adult children and five grandchildren. After graduating from the University of Texas with a Bachelor of Science in Radio-Television and Film in the early nineties, David worked in Christian radio in both Austin and Dallas Texas in both the Christian music format (Program director/on-air talent) as well as the talk format (on-air talent). When kids came along, David became a public high school English teacher to be home more with his kids. While homeschooling his three children, he spent five years acting and directing in the San Antonio theatre scene and eventually became a professional actor at the Barter Theatre in Abingdon, Virginia where he worked in the resident acting company for six years. Shortly before Covid hit, he took a hiatus from the stage and wrote his first screenplay for a short film. He produced it locally with some friends and submitted it to film festivals where it received numerous awards in the U.S. and internationally as well as a Global distribution deal. Since then, he has produced three more award-winning, feature length films that have gone on to be distributed worldwide and seen by millions of people on some of the largest streaming and satellite platforms in the world. His work has been voice dubbed into Portuguese and subtitled into many languages including Hindi to reach a larger global audience.

Joseph Stam grew up, with a theatrical streak encouraged by his

mother, and as a film enthusiast encouraged by his older brother (who is now a film

editor.) He took the stage as Peter Pan when he was eight years old and never

stopped. All the while he made home movies with his siblings, roping them into

telling his stories. At sixteen years of age, Joseph was cast in his first short film,

Cross Purposes. Working on a film set was a dream come true. Curious about

everything involved in filmmaking, he started honing his writing and directing skills

and eventually joined Cross Purposes Production’s creative team behind the

camera for their next three full length films. Joseph has been recognized as an

outstanding youth actor as well as an award winning adult actor. Appearing in

major Christian film festivals across the U.S. and internationally, Joseph’s film work

can be seen globally on platforms such as Amazon Prime, Apple TV+, Tubi, Pureflix,

Up Faith and Family, Roku, Sling, Plex, Hoopla, AMC On demand, and FreeVee. Six

years later, he hasn’t stopped writing, directing and acting in film productions -

Sometimes, attempting all three on the same production.

Facebook:

Cross Purposes Productions

Found.

Royal Ashes

Due North

Instagram:

Crosspurposespro

Due_North_Movie

Royal_Ashes_Movie

Web site:

www.crosspurposes.productions

Video Edited by Jacob Henson

The Faith & Family Filmmakers podcast helps filmmakers who share a Christian worldview stay in touch, informed, and inspired. We interview experts from varying fields of filmmaking; from screenwriters, actors, directors, and producers, to film scorers, talent agents, and distributors.

If you would like to support the production of this podcast, you can do so at https://www.faffpodcast.com/support

Get Email Notifications: https://faffpodcast.com/email

Enter the Faith & Family Filmmakers Awards festival: https://filmfreeway.com/FAFFawards

FAFF Association Weekly Zoom Meetups for Filmmakers: https://www.faffassociation.com/events

Jaclyn's Book - In the Beginning, Middle and End: A Screenwriter’s Observations of LIfe, Character, and God: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D9R7XS9V

Produced by Geoffrey Whitt for Faith and Family Filmmakers Association https://www.faffassociation.com/

Faith and Family Filmmakers Association is sponsored by Rediscover Television https://www.rediscoverfamily.tv/

Copyright 2024 Ivan Ann Productions

Episode 207 - Capernaum Studios, Filmmaking, and Transformative Entertainment - With Tammy Lane

This interview is also published in video format. If you prefer to watch it, you can do so here: https://youtu.be/amC0ZMRjGD8

In this episode of the Faith and Family Filmmakers Podcast, Geoffrey Whitt welcomes Tammy Lane, producer/director of “Washington’s Armor” and founder of Capernaum Studios, a film location that has hosted over 200 productions including seasons 1–2 of “The Chosen.” Tammy shares how creating 7 biblical short films let to a vision to create a permanent biblical village on a 2,200-acre ranch. She discusses Capernaum’s expanding sets (biblical, early American/colonial, Main Street USA, disaster town, and the new “Judea”), soundstages, LED wall, props/wardrobe, lodging, and production support; her film “Washington’s Armor” (filmed 2018 and available on Prime) and sequel “Bulletproof” in funding; partnerships including Tim Shields and Content Christian Media Conference; and plans to open immersive theme-park-style faith-based attractions, already under construction.

Highlights Include:

• Origins of the Capernaum Vision
• Learning Film From Scratch
• Building the Biblical Village
• Live Immersive Productions
• Audience Reach and Attendance
• From Shorts to Washington's Armor
• New Sets at Capernaum Studios
• Filming on an LED Wall
• Film Funding and Distribution Realities
• What Can Capernaum Offer Filmmakers
• Partnership with Content Christian Media Conference
• Accommodations and Surrounding Area
• New Capernaum Studios Theme Park Venture

Bio:

Tammy Lane is the producer and director of Washington's Armor and the founder and president of Capernaum Studios, a unique film location near Weatherford, Texas. Capernaum has hosted numerous productions, including seasons one and two of the hit series "The Chosen." Tammy developed Washington's Armor, inspired by David Barton's book, "The Bulletproof George Washington," and is currently in pre-production on its sequel, Bulletproof. She has also written and directed six large-scale evangelistic outdoor productions at Capernaum since 2008. Driven by her calling, Tammy is dedicated to creating transformative entertainment through redemptive films, immersive live experiences, and inspiring studio backlot tours, all to proclaim the truth of the Bible and history.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapernaumStudios

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CapernaumStudios/#

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@capernaumstudios

Building HIStory: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEYLpCVP8OACNyESYSN_ZdwJa-O2YTFPb

Video Edited by Jacob Henson

The Faith & Family Filmmakers podcast helps filmmakers who share a Christian worldview stay in touch, informed, and inspired. We interview experts from varying fields of filmmaking; from screenwriters, actors, directors, and producers, to film scorers, talent agents, and distributors.

If you would like to support the production of this podcast, you can do so at https://www.faffpodcast.com/support

Get Email Notifications: https://faffpodcast.com/email

Enter the Faith & Family Filmmakers Awards festival: https://filmfreeway.com/FAFFawards

FAFF Association Weekly Zoom Meetups for Filmmakers: https://www.faffassociation.com/events

Jaclyn's Book - In the Beginning, Middle and End: A Screenwriter’s Observations of LIfe, Character, and God: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D9R7XS9V

Produced by Geoffrey Whitt for Faith and Family Filmmakers Association https://www.faffassociation.com/

Faith and Family Filmmakers Association is sponsored by Rediscover Television https://www.rediscoverfamily.tv/

Copyright 2024 Ivan Ann Productions

Episode 206 - Prairie Winds: Acting Coach, Casting, Art, Props and Cameras

This episode is part of a short series from the set of Prairie Winds. In this episode your host Geoffrey Whitt, who also filled the role of Production Sound Mixer, conducts several short interviews with crew members about their roles and responsibilities. Trey Fernald explains serving first as acting coach, then acting director and occasional second-unit director. Ariel Fernald describes her role as Casting Director with hundreds of submissions, and then working on set as Production Manager and Cast Liaison. Marlaina Seay shares about her role as Art Department Head, tackling heavy physical builds despite it being her first film, and Props Lead Lucy Sullivan recounts assembling props for an 1870s setting. Jeremiah Morrison outlines his role as Director of Photography and his path into filmmaking, while 2nd AC Josiah Tedesco details camera care, slating, and extra crew duties.

Highlights Include:

• Trey and Ariel Fernald
• Trey: Acting Coach and Acting Director
• Working with Two Units
• Ariel : Casting Director
• Kids and Their Families
• On Set Production Manager and Cast Liaison
• Prayer Covering the Shoot
• Health Scare on Set
• Footage Preview and Looking Forward
• Marlaina Seay and Lucy Sullivan
• Marlaina: Art Department Head
• Lucy: Props Lead
• Set Design vs. Natural Formation
• From Interior Design to Film
• Building an 1870s World
• Props Team Shoutouts
• Looking Ahead
• Jeremiah Morrison and Josiah Tedesco
• Jeremiah: Director of Photography
• Josiah: Second Assistant Camera
• Jeremiah’s Film Journey
• Connecting with 3 Days Studios
• DP Credits and Collaboration
• Josiah’s Theater Roots
• Music on Set
• Acting vs. Camera Department

Trey and Ariel easternskytheatre.org https://www.facebook.com/easternskytheatreco https://www.instagram.com/easternskytheatreco/

Marlaina Seay https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559886663764

Edited by Geoffrey Whitt

If you would like to support the production of this podcast, you can do so at https://www.faffpodcast.com/support

The Faith & Family Filmmakers podcast helps filmmakers who share a Christian worldview stay in touch, informed, and inspired. We interview experts from varying fields of filmmaking; from screenwriters, actors, directors, and producers, to film scorers, talent agents, and distributors.

Get Email Notifications: https://faffpodcast.com/email

Enter the Faith & Family Filmmakers Awards festival: https://filmfreeway.com/FAFFawards

FAFF Association Weekly Zoom Meetups for Filmmakers: https://www.faffassociation.com/events

Jaclyn's Book - In the Beginning, Middle and End: A Screenwriter’s Observations of LIfe, Character, and God: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D9R7XS9V

Produced by Geoffrey Whitt for Faith and Family Filmmakers Association https://www.faffassociation.com/

Faith and Family Filmmakers Association is sponsored by Rediscover Television https://www.rediscoverfamily.tv/

Copyright 2024 Ivan Ann Productions

Episode 205 - Prairie Winds: On Set Interviews with Executive Producer and Crew

In this episode of the Faith and Family Filmmakers Podcast, your host Geoffrey Whitt, who also filled the role of Production Sound Mixer on the film, conducts several short interviews as the filming of Prairie Winds comes to a close. Executive Producer Hank Erwin describes how he got involved and urged the team to put “heart and soul” into their filmmaking. Erwin recounts advising sons Andy and John Erwin to avoid “cheap and cheesy” Christian films, noting their later awards and projects like I Can Only Imagine II and House of David. The episode also features Colby Robison on serving as B-cam operator, plus his mother Claudia and sister Shalina - working on set as a family in multiple departments. Lead costumer Lottie Brown and hair/makeup head Julia Swarms describe the fun and challenges of working on a 1870s period film, while interviewing in Johnny Cash’s 1830s log house.

• Executive Director: Hank Erwin
• Mr. Irwin’s Connection with Prairie Winds
• Heart And Soul
• Erwin Family Film Legacy
• Colby, Claudia, and Shalina Robison
• B-Cam Operator
• Meet the Family: Claudia
• Shalina's Acting Journey
• Lottie Brown and Julia Swarms
• Costuming for Prairie Winds
• Period Hair and Makeup Challenges
• Costume Challenges for Historic Set
• Filming in Johnny Cash's House

Colby Robison Linktree

https://3daysstudios.com/

https://www.facebook.com/PrairieWinds.TV

Edited by Geoffrey Whitt

If you would like to support the production of this podcast, you can do so at https://www.faffpodcast.com/support

The Faith & Family Filmmakers podcast helps filmmakers who share a Christian worldview stay in touch, informed, and inspired. We interview experts from varying fields of filmmaking; from screenwriters, actors, directors, and producers, to film scorers, talent agents, and distributors.

Get Email Notifications: https://faffpodcast.com/email

Enter the Faith & Family Filmmakers Awards festival: https://filmfreeway.com/FAFFawards

FAFF Association Weekly Zoom Meetups for Filmmakers: https://www.faffassociation.com/events

Jaclyn's Book - In the Beginning, Middle and End: A Screenwriter’s Observations of LIfe, Character, and God: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D9R7XS9V

Produced by Geoffrey Whitt for Faith and Family Filmmakers Association https://www.faffassociation.com/

Faith and Family Filmmakers Association is sponsored by Rediscover Television https://www.rediscoverfamily.tv/

Copyright 2024 Ivan Ann Productions

Episode 204 - Prairie Winds: Faith, Family, and the Western Frontier - With Dr. Joel Bunkowske

In this episode of the Faith and Family Filmmakers Podcast, Your host Geoffrey Whitt interviews Dr. Joel Bunkowske while on location at the Johnny Cash Hideaway Farm. The interview takes place with principal photography for Prairie Winds nearly complete after about a month on set. Prairie Winds is a strong, Christian, Little House on the Prairie – inspired project, which was in development even before the Netflix reboot was announced. He and co-creator / writer / director George Escobar developed original characters, painstakingly refined the script, and assembled a mission-minded cast and crew from across North America. Prairie Winds is planned as a series of 20 feature films designed for theatrical release and family-friendly viewing, with a freemium, gospel-first distribution model.

Highlights Include:

• Welcoming a Return Guest
• Location: Johnny Cash Farm
• Prairie Winds Origin Story
• Creating New IP
• Polishing the Script
• Living on Set
• Mission First Filmmaking
• The Vision: Twenty Films
• How to Support and Follow
• Firing on All Cylinders
• Closing and Farewell

Bio:

Dr. Joel W. Bunkowske, Esq. is one of the world's most educated, experienced, and successful corporate and entertainment lawyers. He is an award-winning attorney with over 30 years of experience in the music, television, and film industries. He is the recipient of Grammy, Dove, and Gold Record Awards for his legal work in the music and film industries. He has worked with Academy Award-nominated actors, Grammy and Dove award-winning recording artists, and legendary producers. His areas of practice include corporate law; film, television, and music Chief of Legal and Business Affairs; film production, finance, and distribution; contracts, dispute resolution, and University teaching.

Dr. Joel has worked extensively in the film, music, and television industries doing corporate law, finance, distribution, consulting, producing, executive producing, directing, and contracts for hundreds of projects worldwide with Warner Bros., Universal, Disney, Sony, Paramount Pictures, ABC, NBC, FOX, Capitol Records, EMI, Curb Records, Word Records and many more. Dr. Bunkowske has done extensive venture capital deal structuring for film companies, record companies, and a $180 million foundation. He is Co-founder and the Chief Executive Officer of 3 Days Studios, and Producer of the Prairie Winds

https://3daysstudios.com/

https://www.facebook.com/PrairieWinds.TV

Edited by Geoffrey Whitt

If you would like to support the production of this podcast, you can do so at https://www.faffpodcast.com/support

The Faith & Family Filmmakers podcast helps filmmakers who share a Christian worldview stay in touch, informed, and inspired. We interview experts from varying fields of filmmaking; from screenwriters, actors, directors, and producers, to film scorers, talent agents, and distributors.

Get Email Notifications: https://faffpodcast.com/email

Enter the Faith & Family Filmmakers Awards festival: https://filmfreeway.com/FAFFawards

FAFF Association Weekly Zoom Meetups for Filmmakers: https://www.faffassociation.com/events

Jaclyn's Book - In the Beginning, Middle and End: A Screenwriter’s Observations of LIfe, Character, and God: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D9R7XS9V

Produced by Geoffrey Whitt for Faith and Family Filmmakers Association https://www.faffassociation.com/

Faith and Family Filmmakers Association is sponsored by Rediscover Television https://www.rediscoverfamily.tv/

Copyright 2024 Ivan Ann Productions

Episode 203 - Hard Faith Fest LA 2026 - with Spencer Folmar

In this special bonus episode of the Faith and Family Filmmakers Podcast, your host Geoffrey Whitt welcomes Spencer Folmar who shares the details about the upcoming Hard Faith Film Festival in Los Angeles. Spencer shares the origins of Hard Faith Films and defines “Hard Faith” as faith-centered storytelling that addresses difficult, realistic topics often avoided in traditional faith films. Hard Faith Fest 2026 runs June 25–28 at Lake Avenue Church in Pasadena with the theme “Do Not Fear,” featuring four days of screenings (50+ projects), workshops, panels, musical performances, a ticketed Pitch Fest, after parties, an awards show (40+ awards), and Sunday worship and prayer. Get all the details about the festival and updates at hardfaithfest.com. We have a special listener discount code: HFF26LA50 will give you 50% off a four-day pass.

Highlights include:

• Origins of Hard Faith
• Defining Hard Faith
• Overview of Spencers Films
• Festival Theme Do Not Fear
• Festival Growth and Venue
• Travel and Hotel Tips
• Four Day Schedule Breakdown
• Speaker Lineup
• Partnership and Invitation
• Dates, Website, Socials, and Discount Code

Hard Faith Fest is dedicated to showcasing films that tell stories of liberation, resilience, and the human experience. Our mission is to provide a platform for independent filmmakers, screenwriters, and artists to share their unique perspectives and connect with a diverse audience. Through the power of storytelling, we aim to inspire, educate, and provoke meaningful conversations.

https://www.hardfaithfest.com

Use Discount Code HFF26LA50 to get 50% off a four-day pass.

The Faith & Family Filmmakers podcast helps filmmakers who share a Christian worldview stay in touch, informed, and inspired. Releasing new episodes every week, we interview experts from varying fields of filmmaking; from screenwriters, actors, directors, and producers, to film scorers, talent agents, and distributors.

If you would like to support the production of this podcast, you can do so at https://www.faffpodcast.com/support

Get Email Notifications: https://faffpodcast.com/email

Enter the Faith & Family Filmmakers Awards festival: https://filmfreeway.com/FAFFawards

FAFF Association Weekly Zoom Meetups for Filmmakers: https://www.faffassociation.com/events

Jaclyn's Book - In the Beginning, Middle and End: A Screenwriter’s Observations of LIfe, Character, and God: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D9R7XS9V

Produced by Geoffrey Whitt for Faith and Family Filmmakers Association https://www.faffassociation.com/

Faith and Family Filmmakers Association is sponsored by Rediscover Television https://www.rediscoverfamily.tv/

Episode 202 - Shooting Truth: International Documentary Filmmaking - with Craig D. Forrest

This interview is also published in video format. You can watch it here: https://youtu.be/tCH65oYvzTE

In this episode of the Faith and Family Filmmakers Podcast, Matt Chastain welcomes award-winning documentary filmmaker Dr. Craig D. Forrest to discuss his career spanning 250+ overseas assignments across 161 countries and six continents for major TV /news outlets and faith-based groups. Forrest contrasts common Christian media topics with the darker realities he has filmed, including voodoo, demonic oppression, sex trafficking, war, famine, and terrorism. Craig worked at PTL and INSP, lived in Belgium as a missionary, sharpened live TV skills at Trinity Broadcasting Network, and gained “film school” experience traveling worldwide for World Vision.The conversation covers documentary vs. narrative storytelling, today’s accessibility via smartphones, his book “Night Train to Cairo,” and practical ways to live out faith in secular productions through prayer, Scripture, and Christian community. This engaging conversation provides insightful reflections on how filmmakers can navigate the crossroads of faith and media, while maintaining an uncompromised creative vision.

Highlights Include:

● Why Tell the Hard Stories

● Craig’s Early Beginnings and Career

● World Vision and Going Global

● Old School Cameras and Editing

● Voodoo, Haiti, and Spiritual Warfare

● Living With Cultural Divide

● Documentary Versus Narrative

● Shoot With Your Phone

● Spielberg - Shoot What You Want to Watch

● Marvel Studio's Stan Lee

● Faith on Secular Sets

Bio:

Award-winning documentary filmmaker, Craig D. Forrest, has traveled on-location to 161 countries and 6 continents producing, directing & shooting projects for leading TV networks & cable channels, plus numerous humanitarian and faith-based groups.With over 250+ overseas assignments he has covered subjects as diverse as voodoo, Santeria, tribal warfare, sex trafficking, Islamic terrorism, famine, poverty, war zones, politics, sports, new age cults, demonic possession & the supernatural.

email: [email protected]

web: CraigForrest.com

Instagram = @craigdforrest

twitter: @craigdforrest

threads: @craigdforrest

books: https://www.craigforrest.com/books

Edited by Wally De La Fuente

The Faith & Family Filmmakers podcast helps filmmakers who share a Christian worldview stay in touch, informed, and inspired. Releasing new episodes every week, we interview experts from varying fields of filmmaking; from screenwriters, actors, directors, and producers, to film scorers, talent agents, and distributors.

If you would like to support the production of this podcast, you can do so at https://www.faffpodcast.com/support

Get Email Notifications: https://faffpodcast.com/email

Enter the Faith & Family Filmmakers Awards festival: https://filmfreeway.com/FAFFawards

FAFF Association Weekly Zoom Meetups for Filmmakers: https://www.faffassociation.com/events

Jaclyn's Book - In the Beginning, Middle and End: A Screenwriter’s Observations of LIfe, Character, and God: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D9R7XS9V

Produced by Geoffrey Whitt for Faith and Family Filmmakers Association https://www.faffassociation.com/

Faith and Family Filmmakers Association is sponsored by Rediscover Television https://www.rediscoverfamily.tv/

Copyright 2026 Ivan Ann Production

Episode 201 - An Actor’s Path Through Film and Faith - with Stelio Savante

This interview is also published in video format. You can watch it here: https://youtu.be/HLsbyCMOcpI?si=Be48471mJH3QXJ-E

In this episode of the Faith and Family Filmmakers podcast, Matt Chastain interviews actor/producer Stelio Savante about his career (including The Chosen as Moses), moving from South Africa and changing his accent, and how faith shapes his work. Stelio discusses why higher-quality Christian films are reaching wider audiences, what he looks for in directors, and his path to working with Dallas Jenkins. He highlights Hazel’s Heart (now on Angel), explaining what drew him to the true survival story of Hazel Miner. Stelio also discusses indie distribution realities, the film’s partnership with Samuel Goldwyn and Angel, and shares practical advice on filmmaking, budgeting, distribution, and spiritual discernment.

Highlights Include:

• From South Africa to Hollywood: Losing (and Finding) Accents
• Honoring Real-Life Stories on Screen
• Working Actor vs. Celebrity
• From Broken Home to Salvation
• Ministry Through Film
• Faith films are Finally Getting Good
• Why "Faith-Based" is Limiting
• What Makes a Great Director
• Working with Dallas Jenkins
• Hazel's Heart
• Fatherhood, Redemption & Real American Stories
• God-Ordained Projects: When the Story Finds You
• Learning the Directors's Vision
• How They Shot the Blizzard
• Filming Horses Indoors
• Distribution & Theatrical Reality
• Advice for Filmmakers
• Faith, Discernment and Spiritual Integrity

Bio:

South African actor Stelio Savante is a multilingual SAG award nominee & US citizen with over 140 international credits over the last four decades. A steady product of leading, large supporting, & recurring roles in television, & international theatrically released features that have accumulated almost $400 million in world-wide box office, & leading roles in billion dollar grossing video game franchises. He is known for his roles as a South African/Israeli journalist and undercover Mossad agent opposite Jim Caviezel and Claudia Karvan in the political thriller Infidel, a Portuguese mayor opposite Matt Dillon in the Hawaiian drama Running for Grace, a small town deputy directly opposite Anne Heche, in her final film performance in the noir What Remains, and a rogue policeman in the South African epic drama Colors of Heaven. In 2007 he became the first male South African-born Screen Actors Guild award nominee (Best Ensemble in a Comedy) for his recurring role on Ugly Betty followed by roles in the studio films My Super Ex-Girlfriend and Starship Troopers 3: Marauder. He is also known for the roles of Moses in the biblical series The Chosen, and the voice of Ajax in the popular video games Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 and Call of Duty: Mobile.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/steliosavante

X: https://x.com/StelioSavante

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steliosavante/

IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0767445/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_0_nm_1_in_0_q_Stelio%2520Savante

Hazel’s Heart on Angel: https://www.angel.com/movies/hazels-heart.

The Faith & Family Filmmakers podcast helps filmmakers who share a Christian worldview stay in touch, informed, and inspired. Releasing new episodes every week, we interview experts from varying fields of filmmaking; from screenwriters, actors, directors, and producers, to film scorers, talent agents, and distributors.

If you would like to support the production of this podcast, you can do so at https://www.faffpodcast.com/support

Get Email Notifications: https://faffpodcast.com/email

Enter the Faith & Family Filmmakers Awards festival: https://filmfreeway.com/FAFFawards

FAFF Association Weekly Zoom Meetups for Filmmakers: https://www.faffassociation.com/events

Jaclyn's Book - In the Beginning, Middle and End: A Screenwriter’s Observations of LIfe, Character, and God: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D9R7XS9V

Produced by Geoffrey Whitt for Faith and Family Filmmakers Association https://www.faffassociation.com/ Edited by Jaclyn Whitt and Wally De La Fuente

Copyright 2026 Ivan Ann Productions

Episode 200 - From TV Script to Video Podcast - with Caleb Fisher

This interview is also published in video format. You can watch it here: https://youtu.be/dJO3cMfIKHk?si=SYfNYcdaxvCAdbTV

In this episode of the Faith and Family Filmmakers podcast, Jaclyn introduces Caleb Fisher, a longtime member of the Faith and Family Filmmakers Association. Caleb discusses his exciting project: a video podcast drama titled 'Tally Light Broadcast.' Inspired by classic sitcoms and radio dramas, Caleb shares the journey of creating this proof of concept, which blends live video and audio drama techniques. He delves into the scriptwriting process, the importance of sound effects, and the collaborative efforts with editors, actors, and sound engineers. Caleb also outlines his vision for the project’s future, including a Kickstarter campaign to fund additional episodes, and offers insights for other creators looking to bring their ideas to life in innovative ways.

Highlights Include:

• Pirate Hog Apparel and FAFF Merch
• Discussing the Script and Inspirations
• The Story Behind Tally Light Broadcast
• TV Scripts to "Video Podcast"
• Crafting Audio Drama: Sound and Visual Elements
• Writing for Audio Drama vs. TV
• Directing and Acting Challenges
• Live Recording Dynamics
• The Importance of "Reacting" in Acting
• Casting and Technical Issues
• Differences Between Audio Drama and Podcast Drama
• Voice Acting Versatility
• Kickstarter Campaign and Future Goals
• Distribution Plans
• Stepping Stones

Bio:

Caleb enjoyed his school years being homeschooled and feels the experience allowed him to learn at his own pace and use alternative methods of learning, while following his many interests. He is the creator, producer and co-host of YouTube channel Good Morning Fellow Foodies with his brother Seth. He's a voice actor, playing parts in multiple episodes of Project Audion, and is also an assistant with his brothers farm business Mini Acre Farm. An avid reader, Caleb enjoys words and investigating alternate ways to make communication more effective and distinct. He is currently working on several novels and articles for future publication.

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TallyLightBroadcast

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The Faith & Family Filmmakers podcast helps filmmakers who share a Christian worldview stay in touch, informed, and inspired. Releasing new episodes every week, we interview experts from varying fields of filmmaking; from screenwriters, actors, directors, and producers, to film scorers,  talent agents, and distributors. 

It is produced and hosted by Geoffrey Whitt and Jaclyn Whitt , and is brought to you by the Faith & Family Filmmakers Association

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Produced by Geoffrey Whitt for Faith and Family Filmmakers Association https://www.faffassociation.com/

Edited by Jaclyn Whitt and Wally De La Fuente

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