From Childhood Dreams to Filmmaking Success

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 ICFF and Content, Zach networked, volunteered, and gradually moved up, learning both in front and behind the camera. Now at 21, Zach works as a DP and gaffer, notably on projects like 'Adventures in Iggy' with Kirk Cameron. They also delve into Zach's approach to filmmaking, the role of his supportive family, and his choice of real-life learning and networking over traditional college education.

Highlights include:

• Welcome and Introduction
• Zach's Early Interest in Filmmaking
• Breaking into the Christian Film Industry
• Family Support and Networking
• Transition to DP and Gaffer Roles
• Balancing Roles and Learning On Set
• Geeking Out on Gear
• Documentary Filmmaking
• Future of Narrative Films
• Looking Ahead

Bio:

​​Zach's passion for filmmaking began while helping his parents operate their portrait photography business. While his acting experience began in musical theatre, on film sets Zach is known for his ability to visualize creatively with detailed imagery and tell a story with highly artistic insight. Zach first started his cinematography training at the age of fifteen and has been working as an industry professional since 2021. In addition to being a Christ follower, Zach loves all things film related including acting, directing, camera operating, and learning the latest technology in cinema cameras and virtual production studios while working freelance jobs and ministry projects. Zach continues to build his portfolio through various projects both in front of as well as behind the camera. Zach began acting in 2010 with musical theater. In 2019, he transitioned to film acting in movies, TV, and documentaries. Zach is represented by two agencies: Treasure Coast Talent and Pastorini-Bosby.

Zach on IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10342065/?ref_=nmbio_ov_bk

Zach on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zach.tonkin/

Editing by Michael Roth

FAFF July Filmmakers Bootcamp: https://www.faffassociation.com/filmmakers-bootcamp

Screenwriting Foundations Class: https://www.faffassociation.com/screenwriting-foundations

FAFF Association Online Meetups: https://faffassociation.com/#faff-meetings

Screenwriters Retreat - Mexico: https://www.faffassociation.com/writers-retreat

Jaclyn's Book - In the Beginning, Middle and End: A Screenwriter’s Observations of LIfe, Character, and God: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D9R7XS9V

VIP Producers Mentorship Program https://www.faffassociation.com/vip-producers-mentorship 

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

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