Faith & Family Filmmakers

Episode 170 - Meta Story: Story Structure and Divine Narrative

In this episode of the Faith and Family Filmmakers podcast, your host Geoffrey Whitt welcomes back Sean Gaffney, an accomplished writer and professor at Asbury University. They discuss Gaffney's new book 'Meta Story, What Marvel and the Messiah Can Teach Us About Great Storytelling,' which explores the theological underpinnings of storytelling. They delve into the impor...

Episode 169 - Mixing Marriage with Movie Making

In this episode of the Faith and Family Filmmakers Podcast, Jaclyn welcomes Cole Dempsey and Hannah Dempsey, an award-winning husband and wife filmmaking team based in Dallas, Texas. They co-lead Rabbit Trail Productions, focusing on faith-driven films and documentaries. The episode delves into their filmmaking origins, and the partnership that has shaped their careers. The couple sha...

Episode 168 - Keep Your Eye on Jesus

In this episode of the Faith and Family Filmmakers podcast, your host Matt Chastain continues his discussion with Kristen Collier, an english literature graduate, author, and animator, who  is described as a relentless go-getter. Kristen shares her experiences dealing with imposter syndrome, her interactions with Corbin Bernsen, and emphasizes the importance of authenticity and dedication. ...

Episode 167 - Make it Yourself: Success as an Indie Creator

In this episode of the Faith and Family Filmmakers podcast, Matt Chastain interviews Kristen Collier, an animator who transitioned from a career in literature to animation during the pandemic lockdown. Kristen shares her journey of self-learning animation to bring her husband's characters to life, discussing the challenges, successes, and the creation of their children's c...

Episode 166 - Writing Episodic TV: Strategies for Success

In Part 2 of their interview on the Faith and Family Filmmakers podcast, Jaclyn continues her conversation with Leilani Downer, exploring contemporary and historical approaches to writing episodic television. They discuss the evolution from the limited network-centric model of the 80s and 90s to today's diverse streaming platforms. Leilani shares insights on writing techniqu...

Episode 165 - Writing for Television in Sitcom’s Golden Era

In this episode of the Faith and Family Filmmakers podcast, Jaclyn interviews Leilani Downer, a seasoned television writer with over 30 years of experience in the industry. Leilani shares her personal journey starting from her early interest in entertainment, through her serendipitous break into television, and her subsequent successes with shows such as ‘Fresh Prince of B...

Episode 164 - The Multifaceted World of Nathan D. Myers

In this episode of the Faith and Family Filmmakers podcast, Matt interviews successful Production Designer Nathan D. Myers about his journey in the filmmaking industry. Nathan shares his experience as an actor in theatre and independent films, set design and art direction, and his work on numerous projects, including the design and construction of Capernaum Studios. He discuss...

Episode 163 - Engaging Children in a Digital Age

In this episode of the Faith and Family Filmmakers Podcast, Matt welcomes Nathan D. Myers and D'Lytha Myers, accomplished filmmakers committed to producing faith-based content for children. D'Lytha, an actress, producer, and homeschool mom, and Nathan, a filmmaker and production designer, discuss their award-winning musical feature 'Aria Appleton Shines.' The conversation highlights ...

Episode 162 - Bonus: Content 2025 with Tim Shields

In this special bonus episode of the Faith and Family Filmmakers podcast, your host, Geoffrey Whitt engages in a compelling conversation with Tim Shields, co-founder of Content Media Conferences and staff member at Capernaum Studios, about the upcoming Content 2025 event. Tim provides a brief history of the conference, underscored by a foundation in prayer and community building. H...

Episode 161 - A Filmmakers Campaign to Save Lives

This special episode of the Faith and Family Filmmakers Podcast is the fourth and final episode in a short series on Impact and Awareness films. Your host, Geoffrey Whitt interviews Aaron Schwartzbart, a rocket scientist, race car driver, and ordained minister, Aaron shares his transformation from a reckless street racer to a dedicated Christian using his passion for racing to promo...

Episode 160 - Filmmaking for Awareness: Service, Therapy, and Working Dogs

This special episode of the Faith and Family Filmmakers Podcast is episode three of four in a short series on Impact and Awareness films.Your host, Geoffrey Whitt welcomes Rahn Springer, a former real estate professional turned executive producer. Rahn shares his journey from real estate to filmmaking and discusses his latest projects, including ‘Dogs on Dut...

Episode 159 - Filmmaking for Impact: Autism Awareness

This special episode of the Faith and Family Filmmakers Podcast is part two in a short series on Impact and Awareness films. Matt interviews Tyler Sansom, a recurring guest, pastor, and filmmaker, about his latest project called ‘Learning you,’ focused on autism awareness. The film portrays the honest challenges of raising an autistic child and aims to give a voice to parents go...

Episode 158 - Forgiveness, Foster Care, and Purposeful Filmmaking

This is the first in a four-part series about impact films, with filmmakers creating projects to bring awareness to a cause or need. In this episode of the Faith and Family Filmmakers podcast, your host Geoffrey Whitt interviews Erin Dooley, a writer and director known for her work on themes of forgiveness, family, and faith. Erin discusses her journey into filmmakin...

Episode 157 - Perseverance and Strategy in an Ever Changing Industry

In part 2 of their interview on the Faith and Family Filmmakers podcast, Jaclyn continues her conversation with  actor and filmmaker Jesse Hutch. Jesse shares personal stories about his family's support in his film career, the challenges of balancing family life with his demanding profession, and how his faith plays a crucial role in navigating these aspects....

Episode 156 - From White Water to The Silver Screen

In this episode of the Faith and Family Filmmakers Podcast, Jaclyn interviews actor, writer, director, and stuntman Jesse Hutch. Highlighting his 24+ year career in network television, action-packed films, and heartfelt family stories, the discussion delves into Jesse's unexpected entry into the entertainment industry and his personal growth journey after surviving a near-death ex...

Episode 155 - Young Filmmakers and the Art of Storytelling

This is the fourth and final episode in our Young Filmmakers Series. In this episode of the Faith and Family Filmmakers Podcast, Geoffrey Whitt interviews Daniel Morrison, a composer, actor, and producer passionate about storytelling and his faith. Daniel shares his journey in the film industry with his brothers, from winning awards with their short film 'I Heard the Bells'...

Episode 154 - From the Ranch to the Red Carpet

 This is the third episode in our Young Filmmakers Series. In this episode of the Faith and Family Filmmakers Podcast, Geoffrey Whitt  interviews Haley Knudsen, a versatile performer involved in acting, modeling, singing, dancing, and public speaking. Haley shares her experiences growing up as a sixth generation cowgirl and how it has influenced her acting career She talks about c...

Episode 153 - Let’s Make More Action Films!

This is the second episode in our Young Filmmakers Series. In this episode, Geoffrey Whitt  interviews Actor and Director Ian Wilson. Ian shares his journey from acting in stage productions to starting a YouTube channel and eventually pursuing filmmaking as a career. He discusses his experiences with Tomorrow's Filmmakers academy, and Faith and Family Filmmakers Association’s ‘VIP Fi...

Episode 152 - From Childhood Dreams to Filmmaking Success

The first episode in our Young Filmmakers Series. In this episode of the Faith and Family Filmmakers podcast, host Matt Chastain chats with Zach Tonkins about his journey in the film industry. They discuss how Zach, with his family's support, pursued his passion for filmmaking from a young age. Starting with attending conferences such as ICFF and Content, Zach networked, vol...