Editorial
Conversations shaping faith-based film, storytelling, media, and transformation.
Inside NRB’s evolving landscape of faith-based distribution, streaming, and global storytelling.
Highlights of NRB
Recently, I had the privilege of attending the NRB (National Religious Broadcasters) convention in Nashville, Tennessee. This four-day event connects, equips, and edifies thousands of communicators from across the world.
Whether your goal is to meet top producers and filmmakers, preview upcoming films, pitch your project, listen to leaders in radio broadcasting and book publishing, discover the latest in marketing trends, or connect with Christian media and ministry professionals; NRB is the place to be.
Over the next several weeks, I’ll be taking you inside some of the most important conversations shaping faith and film today. Through in-depth interviews with top distribution companies, actors, screenwriters, directors, and producers, you’ll gain behind-the-scenes insight into how projects are getting made, marketed, and seen. We’ll celebrate the 53rd Annual Crown Awards, spotlight the Men Making an Impact and Power Women who are helping shape Hollywood’s future, and explore what’s new on the horizon in faith-based storytelling. My hope is that these conversations will inform, inspire, and equip you—whether you’re creating content yourself or simply passionate about the power of media to change lives.
New on the Horizon
The Faith Channel—John Stewart, Founder & CEO
Faith Channel is quickly emerging as a rising force among streaming platforms dedicated to uplifting, family-friendly entertainment. At the 53rd Annual ICVM Crown Awards the platform celebrated multiple client nominations and wins—another sign that the young company is gaining serious momentum.
For founder John Stewart, the journey began while creating streaming tools and services to serve the church. Stewart used that experience to launch his streaming platform in 2024. Stewart added Faith Channel Productions to his company in April of 2025. While searching for distribution for his own film, Christmas at the Cabin, Stewart recognized the need for a better distribution company to service the Faith Based Market. As a businessman, he was cautious about signing traditional deals. “I didn’t want to lock our film up for seven years without any guarantee it would make money,” Stewart explains.
That mindset led Stewart to partner with distribution veteran Chip Rossetti. By June 2025, the two had launched Faith Channel Distribution and began to immediately sign on titles for world-wide distribution. “Our promise is simple,” Stewart says. “Be filmmakers first and get the revenue from distribution back into the hands of the creators as quickly as possible.”
From there, the company expanded quickly—adding a theatrical distribution wing, growing its streaming platform, and building a full ecosystem that now includes production, marketing, distribution, and streaming.
At its core, Faith Channel is a creator-driven streaming platform. “It’s a combination of Tubi and YouTube for the Faith Based Market” Stewart explains. “Christian creators who currently only have a home on YouTube will now have a place here.”
One of the platform’s most ambitious goals is launching a free livestream service for churches and ministries—allowing them to stream directly to The Faith Channel while simultaneously broadcasting to platforms like YouTube and Facebook. This service is slated to launch in early 2026.
Stewart believes the real win for faith-based filmmaking is bigger than a genre label. “We win when we stop being a ‘Christian film’ genre,” he says, “and simply make great films where people encounter the good news of God within the story.”
A fun NRB Fact: Stewart met several collaborators at the convention who later became partners on The Faith Channel’s feature film, Christmas at the Cabin and the 30 minute television series, The Flock.
To find out more about The Faith Channel: https://www.faithchannel.com/
Hope Studios—Kevin Christenson, Head of Hope Studios
Hope Studios, the cinematic arm of Hope Channel International, is rethinking how faith-driven stories reach the world. With a footprint spanning more than 100 languages across 200 countries, the studio isn’t simply producing content—it’s building a global storytelling movement.
Studio head Kevin Christenson saw that audiences were moving away from traditional broadcast toward digital-first, story-driven media. Their mission—to share the gospel—remains the same. Their method has evolved. “We realized there was a lack of faith-driven storytelling distributed overseas,” Christenson explains. “Especially stories told from a truly global perspective.”
While many studios build content in America and export it internationally, Hope Studios connects stories already emerging from its worldwide network. With more than 90 media entities across the globe, the studio is linking international silos and sharing those stories with a global audience.
Distribution looks different, too. In some regions where media has limited reach, films travel quietly—shared through house churches, small gatherings, even WhatsApp threads. The goal isn’t spectacle. It’s conversation. Christenson calls it cinema evangelism.
Before joining Hope Studios, Christenson worked with major industry players including Netflix, ABC, and NBCUniversal. That experience shaped his approach to faith-based filmmaking.
“In the faith world, stories often start as sermons trying to fit into a script. But film is a storytelling medium, not a communication medium. People want raw and real,” Christenson says. “When faith films clean everything up, you remove the need for a Savior. The Bible is full of flawed people—and that’s where the miracle happens.”
Hope Studios has a growing slate that includes the true crime style docu-drama series Just One Decision, the feature film Slick starring Brett Varvel, and a Vodcast adaption of the podcast Imagine Faith Talk in development.
Christenson’s advice for navigating both ministry and the film industry is simple—and powerful. “Learn the business of the industry and be grounded in the values of ministry.”
For more, visit Hope Studios at http://www.hopestudios.com
Great American Country—Kaitlyn Haubrich—Chief Brand Officer and Chief of Staff
Since launching Great American Media in 2021, Kaitlyn Haubrich and the team at GAC have moved quickly—producing five original series and 25–30 original movies a year. But speed has never meant compromising their mission.
“We won’t waver on our values,” Haubrich says. “Faith, family, and country are the pillars of what we do. We lead with respect and honor, and we celebrate those things. That will never change.”
In an industry often driven by trends, Haubrich says GAC is intentional about protecting the audience’s trust. Every project goes through careful scrutiny—from scripts and character arcs to wardrobe and relationship dynamics—to ensure it aligns with the brand. “We want viewers to know this is a trusted place where they can come, find comfort, and feel good about what they’re watching.”
That doesn’t mean avoiding difficult topics. Series like County Rescue explore heavier issues, but with a thoughtful approach. “We don’t have to show every shocking moment,” she explains. “We focus on how those moments affect people—how they support one another and lean on God.”
When evaluating projects, Haubrich says execution matters most. “We’ve heard hundreds of great concepts. What matters is how it’s executed and the people behind it.”
Haubrich’s advice to filmmakers: know the brand. “Authenticity and faith in everyday life—that’s what makes something unmistakably GAC.”
And five years in, Haubrich believes they’re just getting started. “We’ve barely scratched the surface—and that’s exciting.” https://www.greatamericanfamily.com/
Men Making an Impact
One of the most anticipated events at the NRB Convention each year is the ICVM Crown Awards. Now in its 53th year, the awards recognize and celebrate excellence in Christian film and television—honoring the storytellers who are shaping faith-driven media with creativity, conviction, and purpose. Below are a few I had the privilege of meeting.
ICVM Crown Awards — Men Making an Impact Include:
Daniel Roebuck—Actor, Writer, and Director (The Fugitive, Matlock, Lost)
With nearly four decades in Hollywood, Daniel Roebuck has appeared in hundreds of film and television projects spanning blockbuster features, network television, and faith-based films. Beyond the long list of credits, Roebuck brings a whirlwind of wisdom, humor, and hard-earned perspective to the conversation. Our interview began like this…
“We call them faith-based movies, but back in the 1970s they were just called movies.” Roebuck pauses. “Make sure you get this on the record—I don’t want to preach to the choir. I want to preach to people driving past the church. The choir is already there, and they have a narrow demand of what they want. We’ve fed into that and said, ‘That’s great,’ but we need more.”
Roebuck encourages writers to keep their feature scripts under 100 pages and to remember, “If the audience knows what your character is going to say, then you haven’t done your job. And make the last five minutes of your movie stick. That’s what keeps people coming back.”
With a career that has thrived across decades, Roebuck offers this powerful encouragement to filmmakers: “Have your vision, but surround yourself with visionaries. Never be afraid. If God gives you a story—find a way to get it made.”
Roebuck’s latest film, The Hail Mary, written, directed by, and starring Roebuck, is a heartfelt comedy-drama rooted in second chances and the quiet power of faith. Set within a Catholic school environment, the film follows a disillusioned man whose life is unexpectedly transformed when he is recruited to coach a struggling Catholic school football team. What begins as reluctant service becomes a journey of healing, mentorship, and rediscovered belief.
The film features an ensemble cast including Timothy E. Goodwin, Bret Anthony, Duane Whitaker, Tyler Mane, and Joe Estevez. Distributed by Hawk Hill Pictures, The Hail Mary was released nationally on February 21, 2026 and won the Bronze Award for Best Theatrical release. http://www.danielroebuck.com/
Bill McAdams Jr.—Actor, Screenwriter, Director (God’s Here, Lost Highway, Gallows Road)
“I came to Hollywood in 1995 with the shallow dream of becoming a star,” McAdams says with a laugh. “I quickly learned I wasn’t great at auditioning. Some actors can turn it on and off instantly. I need time to process.” He also learned that in the indie world, you have to write your own ticket.
With an extensive career as an actor, writer, and director, McAdams believes filmmakers have a responsibility to say something meaningful. “It’s not about dropping a Bible into a script just to get a faith-based deal,” he says. “I want to make family films that include faith—films that aren’t afraid to talk about God without preaching. I want to pull non-believers in.”
Inspired by a true story, McAdam’s film God’s Here follows Jack Gilmore (McAdams), a decorated firefighter and devoted husband whose wife (played by pop artist Sarah Elizabeth Reeves) and son are killed in a texting-and-driving crash three weeks before Christmas. As Jack struggles through grief and a DUI charge that leads to community service, he meets a young girl tied to a painful past. Meanwhile, Detective Kent Powers (Kevin Sorbo) investigates the accident and uncovers a shocking personal connection to the case.
McAdams’s performance as Jack Gilmore earned him a Best Actor nomination at the 2026 Crown Awards. “To be nominated alongside Neal McDonough and Dean Cain is surreal,” he says. “I’m having my ‘suddenly’ moment—25 years later.”
The story is deeply personal. “I lost my younger brother in a fatal motorcycle accident,” McAdams shares. “My mom forgave the 19-year-old who hit him. She didn’t press charges. She invited her to the funeral.”
That experience shaped how he approached the role. “Faith didn’t drive the story—it revealed it. The humanity was in the grief, the confusion, the forgiveness. People don’t go to a movie to be preached at. When my mom forgave that driver, she didn’t give a sermon. It was raw, painful, human. As an actor and a writer—you have to be willing to go there.”
For aspiring filmmakers, McAdams’s advice is simple: start small. “Write a five-page short and film it. If you can tell a story with a beginning, middle, and end in five minutes, you can create a sequence. If you can create a sequence—you can make a movie.” God’s Here is available on all major streaming platforms.
Kevin Sorbo—Actor, Producer, Director, Writer (Hercules, God’s Not Dead)
Best known for his iconic role as Hercules, Kevin Sorbo remains a strong voice in faith-based entertainment, history, and culture. During our time at NRB, Sorbo discussed the opportunities—and challenges—of AI in filmmaking. His upcoming film The Flood: End of Mankind uses the technology in several scenes. “AI generated background actors, the animals… it’s weird,” he admits. “But technology isn’t going away. We have to find ways to adapt—and use it for good.”
With a career spanning decades, Sorbo credits a piece of advice he once received from Kevin Costner. “Don’t go back to your trailer between setups,” Sorbo recalls. “Sit behind the cameraman. Use the downtime to learn everything about filmmaking—why this lens instead of that one? Why this camera? Why this filter?”
His message to actors and storytellers is just as direct. “Don’t let anyone set your limitations—especially yourself. Never let fear dictate your story. Walk into an audition like you own it. It’s good to have nerves—just don’t let them control you. Let go and let God.”
The Flood: End of Mankind is scheduled for a nationwide theatrical release on October 2, 2026.
Interested in traveling with Kevin Sorbo? Join him and his wife in Greece as they walk in the footsteps of Paul:
https://www.ctscentral.net/travel-tours/in-the-footsteps-of-the-apostle-paul-with-sam-and-kevin-sorbo
Tyler Sansom—Pastor, Filmmaker, Director (I can, A Father’s Fight, Learning You )
Pastor and filmmaker Tyler Sansom has more stories, titles, and depth than I can capture in one article. As lead pastor of First Capital Christian Church and founder of First Capital Films, he has built a unique bridge between pastoral ministry and filmmaking.
“I’ve wanted to create films since I was five. I also went into ministry when I was nineteen. I started an online church way before it was cool,” Sansom laughs. “It didn’t take long before I saw the life-changing impact of combining ministry and film. Between us and partners who use our films, more than 1,200 people have been baptized in the last seven years from hearing the Gospel in new ways.”
His latest film, Learning You, recently earned Gold recognition at the ICVM Crown Awards. “The story follows a father and son trying to reconnect. The son is profoundly autistic and has been institutionalized. The dad essentially kidnaps him out—in a positive way—and takes him on a road trip to the beach, because he’s wanted to see it his whole life,” Sansom explains. “Learning You is a love letter to parents of children with autism.”
Inspired by real families raising children with special needs, Sansom was intentional about telling the story honestly. “I didn’t want to romanticize autism. I wanted to show a father and son learning from each other.”
That idea—learning you—has become a personal conviction. “Every relationship requires us to keep learning the other person. The minute we stop learning is when relationships begin to break down.”
Sansom challenges filmmakers not to serve two masters. “We can be in this industry and not give the enemy a foothold.”
A unique quality of First Capital Films: 100% of its profits support nonprofit ministries.
Learning You, distributed by The Faith Channel, was released in March and is available everywhere movies are streamed. https://www.firstcapfilms.com/
What stood out most in these conversations weren’t the awards or the impressive résumés—it was the shared conviction behind the work. Each of these men approaches storytelling with a sense of calling. Whether through acting, directing, writing, or pastoring, the message was remarkably consistent: if God gives you something to say, don’t sit on it. Create it. Film it. Tell the story. Because the stories that change lives are the ones someone had the courage—and faith—to make.
Closing Thoughts
Power Women--Changing the Game in Hollywood
NRB is filled with faith-filled, visionary women who are stepping boldly into leadership across film, television, and media. These women have taken risks, forged their own paths, and overcome opposition along the way. They aren’t just changing the game in Hollywood—their work is impacting audiences and transforming lives around the world.
Lauren Havel—Director, Editor, Cinematographer (The Ground Beneath My Feet, I Hate Kate)
At just 20 years old, director, editor, and cinematographer Lauren Havel has already completed three distributed feature films—an accomplishment many filmmakers spend decades chasing.
“I began making films after attending a film camp when I was 13,” says Havel. A lot of people told me the projects were too big for me. But I believed that with God, all things are possible.”
Her first short film, created during Covid, was uploaded to YouTube and unexpectedly went viral—now surpassing 7.5 million views. That momentum encouraged her to keep going.
Directing at such a young age does come with challenges. “Sometimes it’s just getting people to take you seriously,” Havel admits. “And because our budgets are small, all of our actors volunteer. That’s incredible, but it also means working around a lot of schedules.”
One lesson she’s learned along the way: complete reliance on God. “I hit burnout at one point and realized I was trying to do everything in my own strength. I had to learn to trust the Lord to open the doors.”
Her advice to aspiring filmmakers? “If all you have is a phone—go make something. Learn every part of the process.”
Havel’s newest film, The Ground Beneath Our Feet, is resonating with audiences because it speaks to something many leaders see every day: a generation that feels deeply disconnected and spiritually hungry, yet open to faith when it’s presented with humility and truth.
The Ground Beneath Our Feet distributed by BMG-Global is now streaming on Amazon, Apple TV, Google Play, and Youtube. The film reflects Havel’s belief that powerful media can change lives—and open the door to the Gospel for her generation. https://www.laurengracefilms.com/about
JD Dewitt—Screenwriter & Producer (Country Rescue, Home Sweet Home)
JD DeWitt is passionate about telling stories that feel real—messy, honest, and grounded in the grace of God. Her newest film, Between the Lines, written and produced by DeWitt and directed by Shari Rigby, follows a woman in a seemingly perfect marriage who is forced to confront her identity after committing the most egregious betrayal.
“We need more relatability. Shame and sin keep us in bondage, but when exposed, they free us,” DeWitt explains. Between the Lines leans into the reality of life. “It doesn’t end with a perfect bow. The film shows the struggle—but also that God’s grace is always there.”
DeWitt hopes the film becomes a conversation starter, particularly in church small groups. To help facilitate that, the team created companion resources—including a devotional with contributions from the cast.
When choosing projects, DeWitt looks for stories that balance entertainment with purpose. “I want them to be thought-provoking and elevate real-life situations that reveal the restorative mercy of God,” she says. “I’d love to make ten more Between the Lines stories.”
One of her favorite parts of producing is creating opportunities for others. “I love being able to say, ‘This project is fully financed—would you like to be a part of it?’”
Her advice to writers: “Don’t let fear of missing out control you. Anxiety runs rampant in this business. But when we walk with the Lord, we walk in His favor.”https://fearnotproductions.com/
Ashley Elaine—CEO of AE Productions, Actress & Producer (Mayberry Man, Where the Wind Blows)
After spending more than 15 years working in production—and stepping in front of the camera as an actress six years ago—Elaine realized something important. “I was on set acting and thought… this is the same world I’ve been working in for years.”
“I had two passions—production and acting—and the kind of projects I wanted to be part of weren’t always being made. So I decided to create them,” Elaine continues. That decision led to the launch of AE Productions, a film and television company focused on faith and family driven storytelling. As both an actress and producer, Elaine believes the dual perspective strengthens her work. “There’s an emotional connection between the producer and the actor that’s sometimes missing,” she explains. “Understanding both sides helps everything run better.”
Elaine frequently collaborates with director and director John Schimke on multiple projects, and together they focus on stories that resonate with audiences seeking meaningful entertainment.
Their latest film, Where the Wind Blows, a romantic western based on Caroline Fyffe’s acclaimed novel from the Prairie Hearts series, tells a story of faith, hope, resilience, and courage. The film recently earned major recognition at the ICVM Crown Awards—winning Bronze for Best Non-Theatrical Film, Silver for Best Actress, and Gold for Best Soundtrack.
Now streaming, the film continues Elaine’s mission: creating stories that inspire—and remind audiences of the power of hope. https://www.aeproductionsinc.com/
Cheryl McKay—Screenwriter, Author (These Stones, The Ultimate Gift, Potter Knows Best)
Writer Cheryl McKay has built a career around stories of hope, purpose, and spiritual resonance—whether for the screen or the page. With her latest projects ranging from the television series These Stones to her children’s book series Potter Knows Best, McKay’s work is united by one clear calling: creating meaningful stories that point people toward truth. “Storytelling has never been only about entertainment. It is about impact.”
“I’ve always wanted my work to matter,” McKay continues. “I love stories that move people emotionally, but I also want them to leave with something lasting—hope, healing, truth, or a deeper sense of God at work in their lives.”
That heart is especially evident in These Stones, a television project built around a spiritually imaginative premise: what if the saints referenced in Matthew 27 never truly left, and their presence still echoes into the modern world? The concept allows McKay to explore timeless human struggles through a deeply faith-rooted lens, blending biblical imagination with contemporary relevance.
At the same time, McKay has also developed a very different—but equally intentional—creative lane through Potter Knows Best, her newest children’s picture book series. Built around the metaphor of the Potter and the clay, the series helps young readers understand identity, purpose, and God’s loving design through whimsical storytelling.
“I care deeply about creating stories for children that are beautiful, memorable, and spiritually grounded,” McKay explains. “Kids deserve books that are imaginative and fun, but that also affirm who they are in God’s eyes.”
What makes McKay’s work distinctive is the breadth of her storytelling. She moves between film, television, animation, and books. Rather than waiting for one traditional path to open, she has continued building across platforms, finding ways to reach audiences with meaningful stories. McKay received the Silver Crown Award for best screenplay at the ICVM Crown Awards.
“Whenever I teach students about writing, I often hold up my purple pen and remind them there is power in the pen…and to use it for good.” www.purplepenworks.com
Community at NRB
One thing these powerful women have in common? They didn’t get to where they are alone. As an entrepreneur myself, I know how hard it can be to step away from work. There is always one more email to send, one more call to make, one more thing we could be doing. But that pace can easily lead to isolation—and even getting stuck. God never intended for us to pursue our calling alone.
I was incredibly blessed to meet Karen Covell, founder of the Hollywood Prayer Network, during my very first year in Los Angeles. Through HPN, I’ve met wonderful friends and made invaluable professional connections. I’ve received powerful prayer and had the privilege of becoming a prayer warrior for others. The love, encouragement, and spiritual covering organizations like HPN provide are not just helpful—they’re essential for both success and sanity in Hollywood.
Through HPN—and through connections I’ve continued to build at NRB—I was also introduced to Influence Women. If you’re looking for faith-filled Christian creatives who are serious about encouraging one another and influencing culture through media, this is where you’ll find them.
Influence Women is a global organization that empowers women in media to build meaningful connections, collaborate creatively, and influence culture for Christ’s Kingdom. Founded by media leader Kathleen Cooke, a partner in Cooke Media Group, the organization was born from a simple but powerful belief: if we want to change the culture of media, we must first change the conversation. What began as a gathering of women in Hollywood who wanted to support one another in the film industry has since expanded into a broader movement serving women across many areas of media.
Cooke launched the first chapter in Hollywood before stepping into a global leadership role and passing the local leadership to DeAnna Kane, who became the Hollywood Chapter Director in the spring of 2024. “When I first stepped into this position, I knew I had some very big shoes to fill,” Kane shares. “Kathleen is a force to be reckoned with and works tirelessly to encourage and support women in media. Her dedication is inspiring, and I’m honored to work alongside her to help women become powerful voices in the industry.”
Today, Influence Women hosts ten chapter groups across the United States along with an online community that connects women across cities and states. Kane is passionate about building community through her women’s lifestyle publications and encourages members to connect intentionally. “If you attend an event and don’t leave with at least three or four new contacts, you’ve missed the point,” she says. “Influence Women is about building relationships that allow us to collaborate, encourage one another, and grow together.” To learn more or sign up for free membership, visit influencewomen.org.
DISTRIBUTION
Distribution is the bridge between a completed film and the audience it’s meant to reach. While filmmakers spend years developing scripts, raising funds, and bringing stories to life on screen, distributors focus on where and how those films will be seen—whether through streaming platforms, theatrical releases, digital marketplaces, or international sales. Each distribution company approaches the process differently, with its own strategy, audience focus, and marketing philosophy. At NRB, I had the opportunity to speak with several distribution professionals who shared practical advice filmmakers rarely hear until it’s too late—insight into budgets, timelines, deliverables, and the realities of getting a film to market.
In Conversation With:
Jen Katzfey, President of Distribution & Marketing, and Stephanie Denton, Senior Vice President of Sales & Acquisitions, Hawk Hill Pictures
“Make sure post-production is an important component of your budget,” says Katzfey. “We’ve seen a lot of first-time filmmakers run out of money and not have an editor.”
Denton emphasized the value of distributors seeing a film before it is locked. “When it’s still in the rough-cut stage, if there is something that could be offensive to a particular market, we can address it. If the film is locked, it becomes much more costly.”
Denton also highlighted the importance of having your chain of title intact. “Make sure you have permission to use everything in your film. Talk to distribution companies and find out what their checklist looks like ahead of time.”
“There’s a lot of noise—so many places to consume content,” adds Katzfey. “We look at each title individually and identify where the film should live.”
Denton nods. “One of the first things Jen told me was, ‘Hawk Hill is a distribution company. But first and foremost, we are a marketing company.’”
Hawk Hill Pictures is a Pittsburgh-based independent film distributor with a global reach. But what stands out most is how personally they invest in every project they take on.
“When you give us the film,” says Katzfey, “it’s just the beginning.”
Ready to submit your film? https://www.hawkhillpictures.com/
Candra Knobloch, Director of Acquisitions at Twin Engines Global (BMG Global), and Allex Rozeboom, Sr. Director of Marketing & Communications
“One thing I love about NRB is that we get to meet filmmakers in the development stage,” says Candra Knobloch. “Those early conversations matter. I’ve met writers here who ended up working with us years later.”
As a filmmaker myself, I asked the question many creators want answered: What’s something that can kill a deal?
“Sending us the film before it’s ready,” answers Allex Rozeboom. “Filmmakers also need to understand the time it takes from signing the contract to delivering the film.”
Knobloch agrees. “We generally need the film ready about 90 days before release, along with assets like the trailer, artwork, and synopsis.”
BMG Global has been a leading figure in faith-based distribution for more than 50 years. Supporting those releases is 1Pulse Marketing, which specializes in digital campaigns and audience growth for faith-based films and nonprofits, including helping organizations activate Google’s $10,000-per-month Ad Grant program.
“The industry has changed in a multitude of ways,” Knobloch explains. “We’ve learned to shift. To pivot. We’ve adapted while maintaining our values and making a profit.”
Filmmakers and nonprofits looking to expand their impact are encouraged to connect. BMG-Global — https://www.gobmg.com/ 1Pulse — https://1pulsemarketing.com/
Christine Howard, Acquisitions & Sales Manager, Vision Video
“Our mission is to communicate the gospel message in engaging ways to contemporary audiences,” says Howard. “Vision Video has been a leader in producing and distributing Christian content since the early 1970s. We are very relationship-focused. We have partnerships that have grown over decades.”
Howard says the company is deeply invested in the success of the films they represent. “We do everything we can to see your project succeed,” she explains. “That said, filmmakers need to understand their project is not for everyone, and it can’t be everywhere. You need to have realistic expectations for your project.”
RedeemTV, Vision Video’s streaming platform, co-produces projects such as The Torchlighters: Heroes of Faith and the Vindication series—content designed to bring faith-centered stories to audiences around the world.
For more information about Vision Video and RedeemTV: https://watch.redeemtv.com/home
Ashley Chambless, VP of Content & Distribution at Collide Media Group|
Collide Media Group’s mission is to elevate media that inspires a deeper relationship with Christ. Collide Distribution specializes in downstream home-entertainment distribution through a variety of options: PVOD, TVOD, EST, SVOD, AVOD, and more. Creators of faith-based films and series partner with Collide Distribution to help elevate their stories to reach untapped audiences. Some of the title’s Collide distributes include: Universe Designed, Tyson’s Run, Church People, and My Brother’s Keeper.
One of the most important reminders that Chambless shares with filmmakers is, “Be crystal clear about who your film is for before you ever begin making it. When someone says their film is “for everyone,” it’s usually a red flag—it often signals that the target audience hasn’t been clearly defined.”
Clarity of audience isn’t limiting; it’s strategic. It shapes everything from storytelling to marketing to distribution.
Chambless also cautions filmmakers about trying to simultaneously target both the faith audience and the general market. “While it’s not impossible, it’s incredibly difficult to execute well. More often than not, in attempting to appeal to both, the film ends up resonating deeply with neither. A focused audience leads to a stronger, more effective film—and ultimately, a better chance of success in distribution.”
To find out more about Collide Media Group: https://collidemediagroup.com/
Closing Thoughts
For filmmakers, understanding distribution early can change everything. It’s not simply the final step after a film is completed—it’s a strategic partnership that shapes how, where, and to whom a story is delivered. From marketing strategy and platform timelines to realistic expectations about audience reach, the professionals at Hawk Hill Pictures, BMG Global, Vision Video, and Collide Media all echo the same underlying truth: the earlier filmmakers understand the distribution landscape, the better positioned their films will be to succeed. Because in today’s crowded marketplace, making the film is only half the journey—getting it seen is the other half.
Beyond the Panels--Practical Wisdom from NRB
The NRB Convention isn’t just a place for big announcements and red-carpet moments. It’s where real conversations happen—where creators sharpen their craft, build community, and leave with practical tools to take their calling to the next level. From learning how to pitch a script with confidence, to understanding the spiritual care needed on a film set, these voices captured the heart behind the work being done in faith-based storytelling today.
Catherine Clinch—Helping Writers Find Their Voice
For many aspiring filmmakers at the NRB Convention, one of the most practical sessions of the week was the Pitch Your Script Workshop, led by industry professional Catherine Clinch.
Clinch brought a refreshing mix of encouragement and straight talk, helping writers understand what truly makes a pitch stand out. Her message was clear: great ideas matter—but clarity and confidence matter just as much. “People often think pitching is about selling,” Clinch explained during the session. “It’s really about communicating the heart of your story.”
Throughout the workshop, she walked attendees through the fundamentals—how to articulate the core concept of a script, identify the emotional hook, and present a story in a way that immediately captures attention. For many writers, the biggest challenge isn’t writing the script—it’s distilling it. “You should be able to explain your story in a way that makes someone lean in,” she said. “If you can’t clearly say what your story is about, the audience can’t connect to it.”
Clinch also emphasized that pitching is a skill that improves with practice. Even seasoned writers refine how they present their projects. “Your pitch is the doorway to your script,” she told attendees. “If the doorway is inviting, people want to step inside.”
By the end of the workshop, participants weren’t just leaving with notes—they were leaving with tools. And perhaps even more importantly, they were leaving with the confidence to share the stories they feel called to tell. Because sometimes the first step to getting a story on screen is simply learning how to tell it well.
Would you like to know more about Catherine? linkedin.com/in/catherineclinch
Ed Grifenhagen—Pastor, Author, and “Set Shepherd”
Ed Grifenhagen wears many hats—pastor, author, speaker, and Director of the Christian Film Foundation—but one of his most unique roles in the film industry is serving as a “Set Shepherd.”
Working alongside Kingdom-minded filmmakers, including the Kendrick Brothers, Grifenhagen provides spiritual care and pastoral support to cast and crew on set. It’s a role that developed naturally. “On a film set, everything is urgent,” Grifenhagen explains. “People are away from home, carrying their personal burdens into a high-intensity environment. Shepherding in that space is different—but it’s still shepherding.”
Prayer plays a central role, especially on Kendrick Brothers productions. Local churches are often invited to participate, with prayer teams covering the production throughout the entire shoot. “One director who had never worked on a Kendrick set told me he couldn’t believe the difference,” Grifenhagen recalls. “There was a tangible sense of peace. Over a 21-day shoot, everyone genuinely got along.”
Grifenhagen’s journey to ministry is just as compelling. Raised in a passionate Jewish home in Georgia, he came to faith in Jesus at 35 and began serving as a pastor in 2018. His latest book, 365 Hebrew Words Every Christian Should Know, explores how the Hebrew language reveals deeper beauty within the Gospel.
For Grifenhagen, whether on a church stage or a film set, the mission remains the same: care for people while pointing them toward Christ.
Christian Film Foundation—Equipping the Next Generation of Kingdom Storytellers
That same heart for people extends into Grifenhagen’s work leading the Christian Film Foundation. Founded by filmmakers Alex and Stephen Kendrick, the non-profit foundation exists to equip and encourage the next generation of faith-driven storytellers.
Through mentorship, scholarships, and hands-on training, the organization helps emerging filmmakers navigate both the creative and practical realities of the industry. One of its newest initiatives is a curriculum titled The Heart of the Filmmaker, with the first course aptly named: Aim the Heart, Then the Camera.
The foundation also continues to support the “Set Shepherd” model—placing pastors and spiritual leaders on productions to provide prayer, encouragement, and pastoral care for cast and crew.
As faith-based storytelling continues to expand, the Christian Film Foundation is helping ensure the next generation of filmmakers is equipped not only with skill—but with purpose. Because sometimes the most important work in filmmaking happens long before the cameras start rolling.
To learn more about the Christian Film Foundation: http://www.Christianfilmfoundation.org
Closing Thoughts
As we wrap up our five-part Highlights of NRB series, our hope is that these conversations have sparked new ideas, offered practical tools, and encouraged you in the work God has placed on your heart. NRB continues to be a place where creativity, calling, and community intersect—reminding us that storytelling can shape culture while pointing people toward truth.
To learn more about the NRB Convention, visit: https://nrbconvention.org/register-nrb/