Faith & Family Filmmakers

Episode 7 - Writing, Networking, and the Power of Serving, with Sean Gaffney In this episode of the Faith and Family Filmmakers Podcast, hosts Geoffrey Whitt and Jaclyn Whitt welcome special guest, Sean Gaffney, a prolific writer with a wide range of work spanning plays, features, videos, and animation projects. Gaffney talks about his work for Big Idea, his time as a Story Administrator at Warner Bros, and his experience as Managing Director of Taproot Theater in Seattle. They delve into his journey into Christian filmmaking through theater, and how he transitioned to writing for animation and feature film. The discussion includes:His VeggieTales ExperienceThe Power of Networking and ServiceOvercoming the Challenges of Self-PromotionThe Story Behind 'In-Lawfully Yours'Being Prepared for OpportunitiesThe Importance of PerseveranceAdvice for Aspiring WritersSean Gaffney has authored well over two hundred produced plays, features, videos, animation projects, YouTube series episodes and short films (including for Big Idea and SuperBook). He was the Story Administrator for Warner Bros. Features and the Managing Director of Taproot Theatre (Seattle). Gaffney currently is an Associate Professor in Media Communication and Screenwriting at Asbury University, as well as Associate Dean of the School of Communications. He received his BFA from Drake University, his MFA from Columbia University, and studied with Act One: Writing for Hollywood.https://www.vimeo.com/gaffneyinkwellInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/gaffneyinkwell/Linked In: https://linkedin.com/in/sean-gaffney12YouTube: https://youtube.com/@GaffneyInkwellVimeo: https://www.vimeo.com/gaffneyinkwellFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/gaffneyinkwellThe Faith & Family Filmmakers podcast helps filmmakers who share a Christian worldview stay in touch, informed, and inspired. Releasing new episodes every week, 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. If you would like to assist with the costs of producing this podcast, you can help by leaving a tip.Get Email Notifications Enter the Faith & Family Screenwriting Awards festival Jaclyn's Actor's Reel Script Writing Workshop: https://www.faffassociation.com/actors-reelCopyright 2024 Ivan Ann Productions

Episode 6 - Career Advice for Actors with Jean Wenger In this episode of the Faith and Family Filmmakers Podcast, hosts Geoffrey Whitt  and Jaclyn Whitt go deeper in their discussion with Jean Wenger of Treasure Coast Talent. Jean talks  about the ins and outs of getting into acting, and what is involved in working with an agent.They discuss:The Value of Background Acting and Gaining Experience on SetThe Importance of Set Etiquette and Building RelationshipsThe Role of Demo Reels in an Actor's CareerThe Actor-Agent Relationship: A PartnershipThe Agent’s Role in the Contract Negotiation ProcessThe Importance of Life / Work BalanceJean Selig Wenger is the Owner/Agent of Treasure Coast Talent, a SAG-AFTRA franchised Talent Agency based in Los Angeles, CA. Her previous experiences as an Elementary School teacher, Children's Ministry Director, mom of 4, and Talent Manager, helped to prepare her for the responsibility of managing others and multitasking. She is a matchmaker with heart, known for her personal approach, positive attitude, hard work, and integrity. She is often referred to as "Momma Jean" by her TCT team and is an Agent with a Manager’s heart. Her roster is made up of team players who are dedicated to the art of storytelling in high quality projects, in both the Mainstream & Faith/Family Film markets.www.treasurecoasttalent.comwww.imdb.me/treasurecoasttalentwww.facebook.com/TreasureCoastTalent/www.instagram.com/TreasureCoastTalent/The Faith & Family Filmmakers podcast helps filmmakers who share a Christian worldview stay in touch, informed, and inspired. Releasing new episodes every week, 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. If you would like to assist with the costs of producing this podcast, you can help by leaving a tip.Get Email Notifications Enter the Faith & Family Screenwriting Awards festival Jaclyn's Actor's Reel Script Writing Workshop: https://www.faffassociation.com/actors-reelCopyright 2024 Ivan Ann Productions

Episode 5 - Unveiling the Path of a Talent Agent: Jean Wenger's Story In this episode of Faith and Family Filmmakers podcast with hosts Geoffrey Whitt and Jaclyn Whitt, Jean Selig Wenger, a licensed talent agent, shares her journey from helping her son in his acting career to establishing her own agency, Treasure Coast Talent. Jean delves into her unexpected entry into the film industry, and her transition from Florida to Los Angeles.They also talk about:Her Journey from Talent Manager to Talent AgentThe Growth of Treasure Coast TalentUnderstanding the Role of a Talent AgentThe Challenges and Rewards of Being a Talent AgentFaith and Representation in the Film IndustryThe Importance of Building a Career and Not Waiting for DiscoveryAdvice for Aspiring ActorsJean Selig Wenger is the Owner/Agent of Treasure Coast Talent, a SAG-AFTRA franchised Talent Agency based in Los Angeles, CA. Her previous experiences as an Elementary School teacher, Children's Ministry Director, mom of 4, and Talent Manager, helped to prepare her for the responsibility of managing others and multitasking. She is a matchmaker with heart, known for her personal approach, positive attitude, hard work, and integrity. She is often referred to as "Momma Jean" by her TCT team and is an Agent with a Manager’s heart. Her roster is made up of team players who are dedicated to the art of storytelling in high quality projects, in both the Mainstream & Faith/Family Film markets.www.treasurecoasttalent.comwww.facebook.com/TreasureCoastTalent/www.instagram.com/TreasureCoastTalent/www.imdb.me/treasurecoasttalentThe Faith & Family Filmmakers podcast helps filmmakers who share a Christian worldview stay in touch, informed, and inspired. Releasing new episodes every week, 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. If you would like to assist with the costs of producing this podcast, you can help by leaving a tip.Get Email Notifications Enter the Faith & Family Screenwriting Awards festival Jaclyn's Actor's Reel Script Writing Workshop: https://www.faffassociation.com/actors-reelCopyright 2024 Ivan Ann Productions

Episode 4 - Jared O'Flaherty: Philosophy, Production and Distribution Insights In this episode of the Faith and Family Filmmakers podcast, hosts Geoffrey Whitt and Jaclyn Whitt talk with Jared O'Flaherty of the hit, faith based  show Vindication about his storytelling philosophy and the reputation of his productions. O'Flaherty talks about his approach, focusing on delivering thought-provoking content while maintaining Christian values and avoiding explicit content. They also discuss:Balancing difficult topics in Christian filmmakingUnderstanding different perspectives in Christian shows Respecting the actors' boundaries, and the importance of planning ahead to avoid potential issues on setExploring the shift in distribution strategiesThe unique distribution journey Of his his series Vindication, how his show's licensing with PureFlix and international exposure via RedeemTV has helped sustain its productionThe role of audience support in continuing the series Advice for new filmmakers on finding audiences, distribution platforms, and self-distribution Reflections on his unexpected filmmaking journeyJarod O'Flaherty, director and producer of the award winning, faith-based crime drama series Vindication, lives in Texas with his wife of 20+ years and his five children. Previous works include the feature film, My Son, and the World War 2 documentary, We Were There.vindicationseries.comhttps://www.facebook.com/VindicationSerieshttps://www.instagram.com/vindicationseries/The Faith & Family Filmmakers podcast helps filmmakers who share a Christian worldview stay in touch, informed, and inspired. Releasing new episodes every week, 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. If you would like to assist with the costs of producing this podcast, you can help by leaving a tip.Get Email NotificationsEnter the Faith & Family Screenwriting Awards festival Jaclyn's Actor's Reel Script Writing Workshop: https://www.faffassociation.com/actors-reelCopyright 2024 Ivan Ann Productions

Episode 3 - From Hobby to Career: The Journey of Jared O'Flaherty In this episode of the Faith and Family Filmmakers Podcast, hosts Geoffrey Whitt and Jaclyn Whitt interview Jared O'Flaherty, director and producer of the award-winning, faith-based crime drama series, Vindication. Jared shares his journey from a career in IT,  describing how filming church youth events evolved into becoming a full-time filmmaker. He emphasizes the importance of starting small and pursuing your passion relentlessly. Jared gives insights on working with the cast and crew of his series, and how deep involvement and teamwork enabled them to maintain high-quality output despite a limited budget and schedule. He also discusses:His Transition from Hobby to CareerBalancing Life and Career in FilmmakingThe Challenges of Pursuing a Career in FilmmakingThe Value of Volunteering and Gaining ExperienceThe Evolution of Vindication SeriesThe Art of Writing a SeriesThe Unique Approach to Crime Drama in VindicationWhere to Watch VindicationJarod O'Flaherty, director and producer of the award winning, faith-based crime drama series Vindication, lives in Texas with his wife of 20+ years and his five children. Previous works include the feature film, My Son, and the World War 2 documentary, We Were There.vindicationseries.comhttps://www.facebook.com/VindicationSerieshttps://www.instagram.com/vindicationseries/The Faith & Family Filmmakers podcast helps filmmakers who share a Christian worldview stay in touch, informed, and inspired. Releasing new episodes every week, 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. If you would like to assist with the costs of producing this podcast, you can help by leaving a tip.Get Email Notifications Enter the Faith & Family Screenwriting Awards festival Jaclyn's Actor's Reel Script Writing Workshop: https://www.faffassociation.com/actors-reelCopyright 2024 Ivan Ann Productions

Episode 2 - Hooked in 10 Minutes: The Key to Engaging Your Audience, with Alexandra Boylan In this exclusive, member’s only episode of the Faith and Family Filmmakers podcast with hosts Geoffrey Whitt and Jaclyn Whitt, Guest Alexandra shares her extensive experience as an independent filmmaker, revealing her knowledge and tactics on film distribution. The discussion revolves around the critical role of a movie poster, the importance of knowing and targeting your specific audience, and the strategic necessity of an engaging first 10 minutes of the film. Alexandra provides advice on marketing strategies, such as seeking professional help for poster designs, scriptwriting with poster visuals in mind, and treating your film's first 10 minutes as a make-or-break hook for both audience and distribution companies. Alexandra shares anecdotally about the important lessons she learned on the importance of taking advice from established experts in their field to ensure successful movie sales.Here are the highlights:IntroductionEmphasizing The Importance of a Good PosterUnderstanding Your AudienceCreating the Poster in Pre-ProductionThe Significance of the First 10 MinutesListening to the ExpertsConclusionAlexandra Boylan is a dynamic award-winning filmmaker, writer, producer, and actress who has been trailblazing through Hollywood for nearly two decades. Born and raised in Massachusetts, Boylan is known for her fearless pursuit of meaningful content. In addition to her numerous acting credits, Alexandra co-created The Boylan Sisters Production Company, a successful film studio that focuses on faith-based, family-friendly content. Their first feature-length film, Catching Faith, streamed on Netflix for two years and has spawned a sequel, as well as paved the way for other critically acclaimed movies such as The Greatest Inheritance and Switched. Their latest venture, Identity Crisis, also serves as the basis for a YA novel, which she co-authored with her sister and business partner Andrea. Alexandra has previously published the widely regarded how-to guide entitled “Create Your Own Career in Hollywood: Advice from a Struggling Actress Who Became a Successful Producer”. Alexandra's Website Alexandra's Facebook page @alexandraboylan on Instagram The Faith & Family Filmmakers podcast helps filmmakers who share a Christian worldview stay in touch, informed, and inspired. Releasing new episodes every week, 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. If you would like to assist with the costs of producing this podcast, you can help by leaving a tip. We will keep you up to date on newly released and upcoming episodes and what is happening in the Faith and Family Filmmakers Association.In this episode, we mentioned the Faith and Family Screenwriting Bootcamp https://www.faffassociation.com/bootcampEnter the Faith & Family Screenwriting Awards festival Jaclyn's Actor's Reel Script Writing Workshop: https://www.faffassociation.com/actors-reelCopyright 2024 Ivan Ann Productions

Episode 1 - Create Your Own Career in Hollywood (or anywhere), with Alexandra Boylan In this episode of the Faith and Family Filmmakers Podcast, hosts Geoffrey Whitt and Jaclyn Whitt interview award-winning filmmaker, Alexandra Boylan. Boylan shares her personal journey of pursuing her dreams in Hollywood, from a struggling actress living in her car to a successful producer. She discusses the challenges and rewards of being an independent filmmaker, emphasizing the need for perseverance, a strong work ethic, and having a deep connection with one's projects. The discussion includes:Alexandra’s Journey to HollywoodThe Struggles and BreakthroughsTransition to Independent FilmmakingSuccess with Home Sweet HomeHer Shift to Faith-Based Family FilmsThe Making of Catching FaithThe Business Side of FilmmakingExploring Self-DistributionThe Importance of Relationships in the IndustryThe Role of Marketing and Distribution in FilmmakingAlexandra Boylan is a dynamic award-winning filmmaker, writer, producer, and actress who has been trailblazing through Hollywood for nearly two decades. Born and raised in Massachusetts, Boylan is known for her fearless pursuit of meaningful content. In addition to her numerous acting credits, Alexandra co-created The Boylan Sisters Production Company, a successful film studio that focuses on faith-based, family-friendly content. Their first feature-length film, Catching Faith, streamed on Netflix for two years and has spawned a sequel, as well as paved the way for other critically acclaimed movies such as The Greatest Inheritance and Switched. Their latest venture, Identity Crisis, also serves as the basis for a YA novel, which she co-authored with her sister and business partner Andrea. Alexandra has previously published the widely regarded how-to guide entitled “Create Your Own Career in Hollywood: Advice from a Struggling Actress Who Became a Successful Producer” and is an active member of Influence Woman and Women in Film Los Angeles. www.theboylansisters.comhttps://www.facebook.com/alexandra.boylan1https://www.instagram.com/alexandraboylanhttps://switchedmovie.comhttps://greatestinheritance.comOrder the Book "Create Your Career in Hollywood"The Faith & Family Filmmakers podcast helps filmmakers who share a Christian worldview stay in touch, informed, and inspired. Releasing new episodes every week, 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. If you would like to assist with the costs of producing this podcast, you can help by leaving a tip.Get Email Notifications Copyright 2024 Ivan Ann Productions Enter the Faith & Family Screenwriting Awards festival Jaclyn's Actor's Reel Script Writing Workshop: https://www.faffassociation.com/actors-reel

Introduction to the Faith and Family Filmmakers PodcastThe Faith and Family Filmmakers Podcast, hosted by Geoffrey Whitt and Jaclyn Whitt, aims to help Christian filmmakers stay in touch, informed, and inspired by interviewing experts from varying fields of film making. From writers, directors, actors, producers, to film scorers and distributors, the show covers a wide range of subjects. The show is launching on Monday, February 19 and encourages listeners to download and listen on launch day as it helps secure good visibility for the podcast. Available on major platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify, new episodes will be released every Monday.Where you can Listen: https://faffpodcast.com/listen We will keep you up to date on newly released and upcoming episodes and what is happening in the Faith and Family Filmmakers Association.Support Faith & Family Filmmakers Our mission is to help filmmakers who share a Christian Worldview stay in touch, informed, and inspired. If you would like to assist with the costs of producing this podcast, you can help by leaving a tip.