How To Write And Direct Your Faith-Based Feature Film

Learn how you can write and direct a successful faith-based feature film from a faith-based writer/director who has worked with Universal, Sony, Lionsgate and more!

PLUS! You'll receive exclusive handouts to guide you through your faith-based filmmaking process!

Faith-based films have become major draws over the last ten years, thanks to such films as I CAN ONLY IMAGINE, JESUS REVOLUTION, and HEAVEN IS FOR REAL.

So what makes some faith-based films work and others less effective? What are the elements that can help your story fit into the genre and reach your audience with the desired effect? There are critical storytelling questions and tools that filmmakers wanting to tell faith-based films need to ask.

For example: are you telling a faith-based, faith-adjacent, or faith-blended film? What are your personal beliefs and themes and how can they apply to your storytelling? What are the expectations from a faith-based audience? What is the history of faith in film, and what elements in your story might connect to the traditions of faith on film? What is a catharsis and how can you incorporate cathartic elements into your storytelling? When and how should a theme or message emerge in the writing process? How can you connect with investors and producers who might be interested in your project?

Here to teach you everything you need to know about the craft and business of faith-based filmmaking is Award-winning filmmaker Nathan Scoggins. Nathan has made a number of faith-based films and television projects, and is coming to Stage 32 to share his experience and knowledge in order to help you get your faith-based project moving forward.

Nathan has directed the feature films WHAT REMAINS, which was released theatrically in 2022 and starred Cress Williams (Black Lightning, Hart of Dixie), Kellan Lutz (Twilight, The Expendables) and the late Anne Heche (Volcano, Six Days Seven Nights), and THE LEAST OF THESE, starring Isaiah Washington (Grey’s Anatomy), Robert Loggia (Big, the Sopranos) and Bob Gunton (Shawshank Redemption). He has recently directed two episodes of an upcoming TV show for Sony/Pureflix. He has also produced several independent feature films, and written a number of features for producers including Scott Bernstein (STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON), Andrew Panay (WEDDING CRASHERS), and Dallas Jenkins (THE CHOSEN).

Oftentimes faith-based filmmakers focus on their enthusiasm for the subject matter or theme, but can get lost in the writing and making of the project, and wind up failing to adequately prepare to tell their story. Or they choose the wrong story. Or they overlook fundamental filmmaking elements in the process. As a result, they often wind up with films that are preachy and didactic, rather than authentic and thought-provoking – if they wind up with one at all!

PLUS! Nathan will provide you with exclusive handouts to help you make your faith-based film. Downloads include:

• Faith-based story guide
• Sample financing pitch deck 
• Pitch document from a major studio

You will walk away from this exclusive Stage 32 on-demand webinar with a strong understanding of what constitutes a faith-based film, the types of categories faith-based films tend to fall into, how to incorporate crucial storytelling elements into your faith-based film, as well as an understanding of who the players are in the faith-based marketplace, what they’re looking for, and how you can position yourself for them. You will also gain insight into how to position your film for investors and potential distributors.

Praise For Nathan's Stage 32 Education:

“Nathan’s sessions were entertaining and fun as he imparted such a great wealth of knowledge. They were also extremely practical. Nathan’s feedback was great as he enhanced our learning and understanding. He took us deeper into the whole process.” – Kevin H

"Thanks for a fabulous class again. You are so present for each student, and your feedback is not only encouraging but also insightful in terms of strengthening our stories.” – Martha C.

"On my journey, I've received a lot of instruction in film. This was by far the BEST webinar I've ever attended! I LOVED it! Thank you so much!" -Ricker C.