“Aim The Heart and Then The Camera”

For Christian filmmakers, the goal isn't simply to make better films. It's to become the kind of filmmaker whose work flows from a heart surrendered to Christ.

This is at the heart of Episode 9, where Doug Weiss talks with pastor, author, and Christian Film Foundation director Ed Grifenhagen about his journey into Christian filmmaking, the mission of the Christian Film Foundation, the Kendrick Brothers' Flywheel: Ignition of the Soul and the new Heart of the Filmmaker Academy.

Ed Grifenhagen is a pastor, author, and director of the Christian Film Foundation. His work combines ministry, business experience, filmmaking, and a passion for equipping Christian filmmakers.

He is also the author of 365 Hebrew Words Every Christian Should Know, a 365-day devotional exploring Hebrew words, Scripture, and how the Old Testament points to Christ.

Show Notes

Christian Film Foundation: https://www.christianfilmfoundation.org/

Heart of the Filmmaker Academy: https://www.heartofthefilmmaker.com/

365 Hebrew Words Every Christian Should Know Book: https://www.amazon.com/Hebrew-Words-Every-Christian-Should/dp/1424570476/

Follow Faith Film Fests

Web: https://www.faithfilmfests.com/

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

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

Subscribe to the Faith Film Fests Podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the Faith Film Fests Podcast, leave a review and rating. Episodes feature conversations with filmmakers, producers, distributors, and industry leaders who are helping faith-based films reach audiences around the world.

Learn more at https://www.faithfilmfests.com/

Music on the podcast: Free Use license from Joseph McDade at https://www.josephmcdade.com/

What does it really take to build a successful independent film today? It starts long before the cameras roll.

In this episode of the Faith Film Fests Podcast, Doug Weiss sits down with filmmakers Garrett Batty and Daren Smith, co-hosts of the Truly Independent Podcast, for a conversation about audience-first filmmaking, theatrical distribution, financing, and the future of independent faith-based films.

Garrett and Daren share practical lessons from producing films, along with insights on fundraising, distribution strategies, and why today's filmmakers have more opportunities than ever before. If you're producing a faith-based film or planning your next project, this episode is filled with actionable advice you won't want to miss.

Show Notes:

Truly Independent Podcast: https://www.threecoinpro.com/podcast

Garrett Batty

Three Coin Productions: https://www.threecoinpro.com/

Help Them See Foundation: https://helpthemseefoundation.org

Darren Smith

Craftsman Films: https://craftsmanfilms.co

Producers Fund: https://www.craftsmanfilms.co/fund/

Brotherhood Movie: https://brotherhoodmovie.com/

Follow Faith Film Fests

Web: https://faithfilmfests.com/

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

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

Subscribe to the Faith Film Fests Podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the Faith Film Fests Podcast, leave a review and rating. Episodes feature conversations with filmmakers, producers, distributors, and industry leaders who are helping faith-based films reach audiences around the world.

Learn more at https://faithfilmfests.com.

Music on the podcast: Free Use license from Joseph McDade at

https://josephmcdade.com/#music

In this episode of the Faith Film Fests' Podcast, Doug Weiss sits down with filmmaker, author, and consultant Ron Newcomb to discuss what it takes to succeed as an independent filmmaker outside the traditional Hollywood system.

Drawing from more than 27 years of experience, Ron shares his journey from aspiring actor and police officer to filmmaker, educator, and founder of several resources designed to help filmmakers avoid costly mistakes.

The conversation explores the importance of treating filmmaking as a business, validating a film concept before production, raising investment capital, pitching effectively, and developing a clear distribution strategy from the very beginning.

Ron also introduces several new tools and initiatives, including his upcoming books Hollywood Outsider and We're All Pitching Something, along with the upcoming VIP Film & TV Summit.

Whether you're preparing your first feature or looking to improve your film business skills, this episode is packed with practical advice for building sustainable success in independent filmmaking.

Show Notes:

Ron Newcomb
https://www.ronnewcomb.com

Concept Compass
https://www.theconceptcompass.ai

VIP Film & TV Summit
https://www.vipfilmandtvsummit.com

Fellowship of Christian Filmmakers

https://www.facebook.com/groups/19370033080

Upcoming Books

Hollywood Outsider : https://www.ronnewcomb.com/#books

We're All Pitching Something : https://www.ronnewcomb.com/#books

Follow Faith Film Fests

Web: https://faithfilmfests.com/

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

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

Music on the podcast: Free Use license from Joseph McDade at https://josephmcdade.com/music