Faith & Family Filmmakers Geoffrey and Jaclyn Whitt

Episode 34 - On the Set of Empty Nets with Leland Klassen
This week, host Geoffrey Whitt is on location, on the set of Empty Nets, and today's interview is with writer and lead Actor, Leland Klassen. This is the second in a series of short bonus episodes from the film set.
Having toured all across North America for nearly two decades, Leland Klassen's credits are many and diverse. Including, appearances on Just For Laughs on the Comedy Network, CBC television’s Halifax Comedy Festival, Thou Shalt Laugh on Netflix as well as hosting numerous specials and series. As an actor, Leeland played the lead in the dramatic movie “Extraordinary” as well as the comedy "Sleeper Agent".
https://www.lelandklassen.com
Empty Nets on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/people/Empty-Nets/61556236122025/
Sleeper Agent on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kCdBN0GYK0&t=4346s
The Faith & Family Filmmakers podcast helps filmmakers who share a Christian worldview stay in touch, informed, and inspired. Releasing new episodes every Monday, 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
Support Faith & Family Filmmakers Our mission is to help filmmakers who share a Christian Worldview stay in touch, informed, and inspired. Please help by becoming a supporting member or leaving One-Time Donation.
Get Email Notifications
Enter the Faith & Family Screenwriting Awards festival
Faith and Family Screenwriting Academy: https://www.faffassociation.com/
Script Notes and Coaching: https://www.faffassociation.com/script-services
Copyright 2024 Ivan Ann Productions

Episode 33 - On the Set of Empty Nets with Nathan Blair
This week, Host Geoffrey Whitt is on location on the set of Empty Nets, and today's interview is with the producer and director, Nathan Blair. This is the first in a series of short bonus episodes from the film set.
Nathan Blair is the owner of Kingdom Sight Studios, the Executive Director of Cross Wind Productions and an award winning producer, writer, director and on occasions actor. In 10 years he has produced 7 feature films and 2 mini-series with the hit comedy, "Sleeper Agent" and mini-series "Fragment: Oblivion" among them. His passion is to see the Gospel spread through films in every genre and to every audience. 
Empty Nets on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556236122025
Kingdom Sight Studios https://www.kingdomsightstudios.com/
The Faith & Family Filmmakers podcast helps filmmakers who share a Christian worldview stay in touch, informed, and inspired. Releasing new episodes every Monday, 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
Support Faith & Family Filmmakers Our mission is to help filmmakers who share a Christian Worldview stay in touch, informed, and inspired. Please help by becoming a supporting member or leaving One-Time Donation.
Get Email Notifications
Enter the Faith & Family Screenwriting Awards festival
Faith and Family Screenwriting Academy: https://www.faffassociation.com/
Script Notes and Coaching: https://www.faffassociation.com/script-services
Copyright 2024 Ivan Ann Productions

Episode 31 - The Art of Screenwriting: Insights from David Hyde
In this episode of the Faith and Family Filmmakers Podcast, hosts Geoffrey Whitt and Jaclyn Whitt talk with David Hyde, an award-winning screenwriter and script consultant, to discuss his journey into screenwriting, the process of working on different projects, and the special challenges that come with writing for someone else's vision. David shares insights from his career, including starting a screenplay at 19 and finishing it at 49, turning screenplays into stage plays, and consulting on various projects. He also talks about a unique project he's currently working on called 'No Address,' a drama that deals with homelessness, as well as his involvement in founding the Scripts4C screenwriting contest. The conversation extends into the dynamics of co-writing, the process of adapting scripts for different formats, and the importance of script consulting to refine and polish screenplays. David emphasizes the reciprocal nature of screenwriting—balancing personal creative visions with the expectations of clients or producers—and the importance of feedback in refining a writer's work. Highlights:
Welcome and IntroductionDavid Hyde's Journey into ScreenwritingThe Craft of Screenwriting: Challenges and ProcessesDavid's Current ProjectThe Scripts4C Screenwriting ContestDavid's Dream Project and Writing Process InsightsDealing with Writer's BlockKnowing Your EndingCollaborations and Expanding into TelevisionThe Role of a Script ConsultantClosing Remarks and Additional Resources
David Hyde is an award winning screenwriter and owner of scripts4c.com screenwriting and script consulting service. David recently won the Movie Guide Kairos Award for the script Hope from the Ashes that he co wrote with Alice Bowden.
David's Story and Script Consulting Services: www.scripts4c.com
The Faith & Family Filmmakers podcast helps filmmakers who share a Christian worldview stay in touch, informed, and inspired. Releasing new episodes every Monday, 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
Support Faith & Family Filmmakers Our mission is to help filmmakers who share a Christian Worldview stay in touch, informed, and inspired. Please help by becoming a supporting member or leaving One-Time Donation.
Get Email Notifications
Enter the Faith & Family Screenwriting Awards festival
Faith and Family Screenwriting Academy: https://www.faffassociation.com/
Script Notes and Coaching: https://www.faffassociation.com/script-services
Copyright 2024 Ivan Ann Productions

Episode 29 - Navigating an Acting Career, With Sharonne Lanier
In this episode of the Faith and Family Filmmakers podcast, host Jaclyn Whitt talks with actress Sharonne Lanier about her two decades of experience in the entertainment industry, and how her faith influences her career choices. Sharonne shares her journey, from discovering her passion for acting at a young age through a school contest inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s speech, to pursuing professional acting in college and beyond. They also discuss:
Her transition from stage to screenThe challenges of balancing family life with the demands of the industryThe differences between performing for a live audience and acting on camera. Similarities in voice acting The power of mediaThe personal conviction that guides Sharonne's career decisionsThe importance of being selective with roles to ensure they honor God and do not contribute to harmful messages. Faith-Based Decision Making in Acting
Sharonne Lanier has been involved in the entertainment industry for roughly 2 decades participating in countless productions. She states, "It's been a great ride, but if God wasn't in it with me, this would all be for nothing." Whether directly or indirectly, she is in this business to lift up the name of Jesus!
Sharonne on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sharonne.Lanier
Sharonne on IMDb: imdb.me/SharonneLanier
The Faith & Family Filmmakers podcast helps filmmakers who share a Christian worldview stay in touch, informed, and inspired. Releasing new episodes every Monday, 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
Support Faith & Family Filmmakers Our mission is to help filmmakers who share a Christian Worldview stay in touch, informed, and inspired. Please help by becoming a supporting member or leaving One-Time Donation.
Get Email Notifications
Enter the Faith & Family Screenwriting Awards festival
Faith and Family Screenwriting Academy: https://www.faffassociation.com/
Script Notes and Coaching: https://www.faffassociation.com/script-services
Copyright 2024 Ivan Ann Productions

Episode 27 - 500 Short Films in 20 Years, with Brian Cates
In this episode of the Faith and Family Filmmakers Podcast, host Jaclyn Whitt interviews Emmy award-winning filmmaker Brian Cates. Brian shares his journey from being passionate about movies and competitive drama during his youth to becoming the director and co-writer of the Dove Award-nominated film Family Camp. Alongside the Skit Guys, Brian has produced over 500 short films and helped build one of the largest faith based short film distribution networks in the world. The discussion delves into Brian's initial interests in acting and filmmaking, his spiritual calling to ministry, and his work with the Skit Guys and eventual transition to feature filmmaking. Brian provides insights into the creative and spiritual aspirations behind his work with the Skit Guys, emphasizing “Humor, Heart, and Him” as core elements. He also discusses the genesis and development of Family Camp, highlighting the collaborative effort and divine providence involved in making the project a reality. Listen for:
Welcome and IntroductionGetting to Know Brian CatesThe World of Competitive Drama and Audiobook NarrationBrian's Journey into FilmmakingA Weekly Time Slot: Youth Group VideosA Call to Ministry, and the Birth of The Skit GuysThe Evolution of Skit Guys and Church Content DistributionTransitioning from Skits to Feature FilmsThe Impact of The Skit GuysConclusion and Where to Watch Family Camp
Brian Cates is an Emmy® Award-winning filmmaker, and is best known as the director and co-writer of the Dove Award nominated feature film, FAMILY CAMP. Over the past 15 years he has directed over 500 short films with The Skit Guys, and with them has built one of the largest faith-based short-film distribution networks in the world. Brian lives in Oklahoma City with his wife and best friend, Jina, and their three daughters.
The Skit Guys online: skitguys.com
Brian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notbriancates/
The Faith & Family Filmmakers podcast helps filmmakers who share a Christian worldview stay in touch, informed, and inspired. Releasing new episodes every Monday, 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
Support Faith & Family Filmmakers Our mission is to help filmmakers who share a Christian Worldview stay in touch, informed, and inspired. Please help by becoming a supporting member or leaving One-Time Donation.
Get Email Notifications
Enter the Faith & Family Screenwriting Awards festival
Faith and Family Screenwriting Academy: https://www.faffassociation.com/
Script Notes and Coaching: https://www.faffassociation.com/script-services
Jaclyn's Actor's Reel Script Writing Workshop: https://www.faffassociation.com/actors-reel
Copyright 2024 Ivan Ann Productions

Episode 25 - Crafting Stories with Faith and Impact, with Cheryl McKay
In this episode of the Faith and Family Filmmakers Podcast, hosts Geoffrey Whitt and Jaclyn Whitt interview Cheryl McKay, an accomplished screenwriter and producer known for her inspirational films and TV series. Cheryl shares her journey from aspiring actress to a successful writer, touching on the pivotal moments that led her to embrace her talent for writing and her path through education and practical experience, to her eventual move to Los Angeles. Facing a turning point after being released from an acting program, she redirected her path towards writing, fueled by a deep-rooted desire to impact the world positively through her work.  She recounts her professional progression, including writing children’s audio dramas for Frank Peretti and screenplays for films like 'The Ultimate Gift.' McKay also discusses her venture into producing with Stone Impact Media, revealing the development of 'These Stones,' a TV series merging biblical characters with modern-day challenges. The episode delves into McKay’s philosophy on writing with a purpose, her desire to leave a positive legacy, and the importance of creating content that impacts the audience meaningfully.
Welcome & Introduction to Cheryl McKayCheryl’s Journey from Acting to ScreenwritingBreaking into Professional Writing and Moving to LAThe Importance of Connections in the Film IndustryThe Acting Background's Impact on WritingCreating 'These Stones': A Dream ProjectNavigating Creative ControlPortraying God in FilmsWhere to Buy Cheryl's Book: Never the BrideFinal Thoughts and Advice for Aspiring Writers
Since 1997, Cheryl McKay’s screenplays for television, cable, TV, new media, and inspirational feature films have attracted multiple awards, nominations, as well as top star talent like James Garner, Brian Dennehy, and Abigail Breslin. Her first film produced was The Ulitmate Gift. She co-wrote the feature films, Indivisible and Extraordinary, and most recently served as the producer/showrunner for a 6 episode TV series she wrote called These Stones, starring Madeline Carroll, Karen Abercrombie, Charlene Amoia, and Cameron Arnett. Her heart from the beginning has been to make an impact through words and change the world through writing. That’s the heart behind serving at the helm of the creative development for Stone Impact Media.  
www.stoneimpactmedia.com
https://www.facebook.com/thesestones
The Faith & Family Filmmakers podcast helps filmmakers who share a Christian worldview stay in touch, informed, and inspired. Releasing new episodes every Monday, 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
Support Faith & Family Filmmakers Our mission is to help filmmakers who share a Christian Worldview stay in touch, informed, and inspired. Please help by becoming a supporting member or leaving One-Time Donation.
Get Email Notifications
Enter the Faith & Family Screenwriting Awards festival
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