Faith & Family Filmmakers

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 Fami...

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 IC...

Episode 151 - Father and Son Film Collaboration In this episode of the Faith and Family Filmmakers podcast, host Jaclyn Whitt  interviews novelist Dan Walsh in part two of their conversation. They discuss Dan's experiences with his books being adapted into movies, specifically focusing on a film project with his son Isaac. Dan shares the challenges and excitement of converting his novel 'The...

Episode 150 - From Novels to Films: An Author’s Journey In this episode of the Faith and Family Filmmakers podcast, your host Jaclyn Whitt interviews Dan Walsh, a bestselling Christian fiction author. Dan shares his unique journey from being a pastor for 25 years to becoming a full-time novelist in 2010, with 29 novels on Amazon and over 1.8 million copies in circulation. He discusses how his firs...

Episode 149 - Tools and Techniques for Actors In part 2 of their interview on the Faith and Family Filmmakers podcast, host Matt Chastain continues his conversation with accomplished actor Todd Terry. Known for his roles in popular shows like 'Vindication,' '1923,' and 'The Chosen,' as well as many well known films, Todd discusses his career journey, the challenges of playing various roles, and hi...

Episode 148 - Becoming Detective Travis In this episode of the Faith and Family Filmmakers Podcast, your host, Matt Chastain interviews actor Todd Terry, renowned for his role as Detective Travis in the series 'Vindication'. Todd discusses his journey into acting, which began in high school. He shares his experiences in theater, film, and working with various directors, discussing the differences...

Episode 147 - Healthy Entertainment - Feeding the Soul In this episode of the Faith and Family Filmmakers podcast, your host Geoffrey Whitt continues his interview with Isaac Hernandez. They discuss Isaac's personal journey with his health, and a revelation about healthy entertainment and its impact on the soul. Isaac shares about his roles in directing and producing Christian Television, providin...

Episode 146 - The Story Behind ‘Faith on Film’ In this episode of the Faith and Family Filmmakers Podcast, your host Geoffrey Whitt welcomes Isaac Hernandez, a veteran with over 40 years in Christian media. Isaac discusses his extensive career at Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN), the launch of the faith-based streaming platform Parables TV, and his current show 'Faith on Film' which has expanded...

Episode 145 - Teaching the True Art of Acting In this episode of the Faith and Family Filmmakers podcast, Jaclyn continues her conversation with Tina Gallo. They delve deeper into her journey of returning to the acting industry after taking time off to raise her son. Tina reflects on how faith-based films inspired her, recounts a pivotal vision that motivated her comeback, and discusses her transi...

Episode 144 - To Hollywood and Back Again In this episode of the Faith and Family Filmmakers podcast, Jaclyn interviews award-winning actress Tina Gallo. Tina shares her captivating journey in the entertainment industry, starting from her early fascination with acting to traveling with Frank Sinatra's entourage. She discusses her big break on the soap opera General Hospital, her battles with the H...

Episode 143 - Bonus: Purpose Film and Media Festival In this bonus episode of the Faith and Family Filmmakers podcast, your host Geoffrey Whitt welcomes Tyler Sansom to discuss the Purpose Film and Media Festival. Tyler shares the unique mission of his church, their efforts in digital ministry, and their transition to making feature films. He highlights the impressive lineup of speakers at the fes...

Episode 142 - Mastering Emotional Scenes on Set In part 2 of their interview on the Faith and Family Filmmakers podcast, host Matt Chastain continues his conversation with actress Anita Cordell. They dive into the emotional depth required for acting and the importance of aligning with the director's vision.  Anita recounts a challenging early career experience and contrasts it with a more nur...

Episode 141 - From Pastor's Kid to Screen Success In this episode of the Faith and Family Filmmakers podcast, host Matt Chastain interviews Anita Cordell, an actress, speaker, podcaster, and bestselling author. Anita shares her experiences growing up as a pastor's kid in a strict household,  becoming a single mother and eventually a successful film actress. Despite her introverted nature, Ani...

Episode 140 - Confidence AND Humility In part 2 of their interview on the Faith and Family Filmmakers podcast, Jaclyn goes deeper in her conversation with Aaron Fullan about his journey in both acting and film scoring. They discuss the importance of making choices that honor God, maintaining grace in professional relationships, and pursuing excellence in one's work. Aaron shares how "Carol", the m...

Episode 139 - Embracing a Dual Career Path In this episode of the Faith and Family Filmmakers podcast, Jaclyn interviews Aaron Fullan, an actor and composer from Clinton, Iowa. Despite his distance from the major film hubs, Aaron has pursued his artistic dreams while staying true to his faith. He shares his journey of nurturing his passion for music and acting since childhood, majoring in music mi...

Episode 138 - Set Dynamics: Roles and Responsibilities In this episode of the Faith and Family Filmmakers podcast, host Geoffrey Whitt welcomes back Joth Riggs to discuss set logistics and the various roles of assistant directors (ADs) on a film set. They delve into the responsibilities of first ADs, second ADs, and production assistants, highlighting their importance in maintaining order and effi...

Episode 137 - The Journey of a Seasoned Filmmaker In this episode of the Faith and Family Filmmakers podcast, your host Geoffrey Whitt interviews award-winning filmmaker Joth Riggs. With a career that spans over 30 years and includes work on well over a hundred movies and TV shows, Joth shares his journey from working on 'Pet Sematary II' to his time at Steven Spielberg's Amblin Entertainment, and...

Episode 136 - Faith-Based Films and Acting Insights The podcast episode is part 2 of  a discussion between host Matt Chastain, and Debby Gerber, an actor from Switzerland who studied at the Stella Adler Academy of Acting in California. Debby talks about  how being a Christian affects her acting and Hollywood's evolving acceptance of faith-based content, and discusses her upcoming film re...

Episode 135 - From Switzerland to Hollywood In this episode of The Faith and Family Filmmakers podcast, host Matt Chastain interviews Debby Gerber, a Swiss-born actress who embarked on an unexpected journey to Hollywood. After moving to Los Angeles in 2009, Debby shares how studying at the prestigious Stella Adler Academy led her to a flourishing acting career in TV series and feature films. Sher...

Episode 134 - Tackling R-Rated Subject Matter In part 2 of their interview on the Faith and Family Filmmakers podcast, Jaclyn engages in a deep discussion with Spencer Folmar of Hard Faith Film Festival. They delve into the challenges and strategies of creating faith-based films that tackle gritty and difficult subject matter while honoring God. Spencer shares his approach to balancing raw storyte...

Episode 133 - Hard Faith: Embracing Real Life in Storytelling In this episode of the Faith and Family Filmmakers podcast, Jaclyn interviews Spencer Folmar, filmmaker and founder of Hard Faith Films. Spencer shares his inspiring journey from a film enthusiast growing up in rural Pennsylvania to a transformational conversion in New Zealand. He discusses the creation and mission of Hard Faith Films,...

Episode 132 - Finding Your Bold and Confident Voice In this episode of the Faith and Family Filmmakers podcast, Jaclyn welcomes back Julia Langley for part two of their interview. Julia introduces her community, Bold and Confident Voices, which aims to elevate people's confidence and vocal abilities through group training sessions and self-paced courses. Julia also shares her personal journey of o...

Episode 131 - Cirque du Soleil: World Tour and Beyond In this episode of the Faith and Family Filmmakers podcast, Jaclyn introduces Julia Langley, a seasoned performer with over 15 years of experience with Cirque de Soleil. Julia shares her inspiring journey from childhood performances in church to touring 20 countries and all 50 US states. In 2019, a life-changing accident left her with injuries...

Episode 130 - Casting Insights and Actor Tips In this episode of the Faith and Family Filmmakers podcast, Jaclyn continues her interview with Susan Willis. They focus on the intricacies of the casting process including the distinction between 'Breakdowns' for agents and 'Actors Access' for public submissions, the submission process, and key tips for actors to improve their chances when auditioning...

Episode 129 - Mama Bear: Nurturing Talent On Set In this episode of the Faith and Family Filmmakers Podcast, Jaclyn interviews Susan Willis, a military veteran who transitioned from serving in the US Air Force to a career in the film industry. Susan shares her unique background, having grown up in a Navy family, and her experiences running a coffee shop before discovering her passion for filmmakin...