I don't often blog about myself. I'd much prefer to interview others and help share their stories with my readers. But so much has been happening lately, that I can't not share. So here goes. First, in case you've not heard, I'm working on a book, actually a series of books. They're geared specifically for…
I try to pay attention to the Christian film festival circuit, noting which films are included and especially which films are winning. Invisible: The Story and Hope of Mexico's Street Kids made the rounds, winning at both Great Lakes Christian Film Festival and International Christian Film Festival. It's a powerful documentary made even more so…
I recently joined AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association) and was immediately welcomed by a number of sweet women including Lee Ann Mancini, an award winning children's book author whose books have just been released as an animated series. I'm excited to share about her journey as an author. What inspired you to write children’s…
I first met Jean Selig Wenger, Owner/Agent of Treasure Coast Talent when we were casting Summer of '67. I was surprised to find an agent who represented actors came from all over the country and worked to get them into faith-based films. She tirelessly works for her talent, and it's been so exciting to see…
I love attending industry events like National Religious Broadcasters Convention and International Christian Retail Show because of the great connections we make. Michelle Layer Rahal is one of those connections. Michelle is a former radio news reporter and published educator. She and her husband make beautiful music together as long-time members of a Christian band…
When Robert Thomason gave his speech as the Graduation Speaker in Summer of '67, he had the undivided attention of every individual on set. The chaos and commotion from moments before were forgotten as he launched into his speech. By the time he finished, many of the actors were in tears, even though the camera…
The faith-based world can be a pretty small community, especially for filmmakers who film in neighboring states. The same actors work on films in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Indiana. I first learned of Candy Beard from actors who were working on one of our films and had worked on hers in the past. Then I met…
Thanks to National Association of Film Critics for the great interview. We got to talk about my filmmaking background, my directing style, our experience with AMC Independent, and more.
National Association of Film Critics
What inspired you to get into filmmaking?
I never intended to be a filmmaker. I was a bookworm and never even really watched movies. But my husband had a broadcast communications degree and ten years into our marriage decided he was going to make a documentary about the history of the small town we’d moved to. Somehow that documentary morphed into a narrative feature with me writing the script, directing it, and starring in it. I had no clue what I was doing and hated it. But ten years later, he convinced me to do another movie. We ended up doing seven movies, and at some point, I decided if this was what God had us doing, the least I could do was to learn how to become a better screenwriter and filmmaker.
What filmmakers would you say were your greatest sources of inspiration and who had the greatest influence…
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I first discovered Marnie Swedberg when I watched one of her teleconferences. From there, I learned about Christian Women Speakers and was excited to sign on as speaker. The longer I know Marnie, the more I'm amazed at all that she does. She's the author of thirteen books. She travels around the globe speaking on…
I met Meghan Weyerbacher in a writing-related group and was instantly impressed with her energy and enthusiasm for others. She interviewed me on her blog and wrote an endorsement for the movie. Then when she found out we were doing movie screenings, she invites us to come to her church. Getting to meet her in…
