There is an art to the use of theme, song and character in story to convey Biblical values. Mike Nawrocki, Co-Creator of VeggieTales and the voice of Larry the Cucumber, will discuss what makes a lesson go down easy using examples of a few of the hit show’s most popular episodes.

Bring your burning questions for Mimi Sagadin (Return to the Hiding Place, Princess Cut, Redemption Way), Bruce Marchiano (The Gospel of Matthew, Alison's Choice, Grace & Gravity), Micah Lynn Hanson (Nashville, Christmas on the Coast, Like Arrows), and casting director Beverly Holloway (The Ultimate Gift, Moms' Night Out, I Can Only Imagine); they'll cover as much as we can squeeze in!

Adapted material makes up the large majority of jobs a screenwriter will get when hired to write for producers. For example, from true stories, novel adaptations, nonfiction books, articles, news stories, biblical stories. Cheryl McKay has been hired to write approx. 20 adaptations for television, DVD and film. Come hear why you should consider breaking into this realm of writing. Cheryl will share what it’s like to write an adaptation for hire and what you can expect throughout the stages of the writing process.

Come hear from experienced stunt performer and coordinator Rick Shaw on how to use affordable stunts to increase production value, how to find and select your stunt crew, how to keep safety on set a priority, and what distribution companies may be looking for in Christian action films. Be ready for some explosive Q&A!

Your camera is one of the most important tools for creating your film. Let's learn which one is right for you and how you can start filming immediately.

We’ve all had that moment when our footage looks terrible. Someone forgot to white balance, or there are multiple cameras that don’t match. Or maybe you just want the footage to look different for story purposes. The art of color grading helps fix problems, and when used strategically, it complements the story and creates a consistent look for the audience. This session will cover the overall process of color grading and the tools to use.

As a Sound Designer, you work with the Director to take what was shot and edited to take the story to the next level. We’ll walk through the process from video edit through final delivery masters. There are principles and processes that need to be followed in order to end up with a great product. We’ll walk through how to approach any project methodically and how to work in layers — using the time most effectively.

When do I need to hire a composer? Can I get by with licensing existing music? How do I pick the right composer for my project? How do I communicate and collaborate with a composer efficiently and effectively? How do I stretch my dollars and strengthen my story at the same time? Benjamin Botkin attempts to provide practical answers to common music questions that plague projects both large and small.

Bill Reeves, from the WTA Group, will lead a session on film finance.  Come get insight into topics that include:

- How to raise money for independent film?
- What does an investor look for in a presentation?
- How to have your legal paperwork buttoned-up
- Studio vs Indy financing?
- How does the basic finance of a feature film work?
- Where does the money come from and where does it go?

Also, Bill will leave part of the session for Q&A where you can get your questions answered about film finance.

You can make it yourself. Or you can get others to do it for you. In this workshop, we’ll explore all the selling options that screenwriters must know in order to reach the professional ranks. Feature filmmaking is a business married to artistry. It’s a balancing act you must accept and fulfill. We’ll teach you how to approach producers, directors, actors, and investors to pitch and develop your projects.

Really? (Yes, you’ll learn dialogue in this workshop. It’s not easy, but teachable.) Don’t I just need to write how people actually talk, you know, like this, conversational? (No, that’s not it. Movie dialogue sounds like real talk. But it needs context. Subtext. A voice. A beat. Rhythm. Got it?) Okay, I’m sold. I’ll bring my friends too. (Great! You’re going to love it!)

This workshop will teach proper scene construction. We’ll explore the elements required to make a scene work for your story. We’ll do this in real-time. Audience input and critiques will be applied as we progress writing a scene or two. By the end of this workshop, you’ll know exactly the DO’s and DON’Ts that will elevate your own writing to a much higher level.

Without a script, there would be nothing for actors to act, directors to direct, or producers and crew to film. You can change the world through story. But how do you write in a way that your stories impact others? How do you structure, develop characters? How do you handle theme? Believing there is power in the pen, screenwriter and novelist Cheryl McKay will share from her experience of writing predominantly for the faith-based market. (Screenwriter - The Ultimate Gift, co-writer Extraordinary and Indivisible)

A film lives or dies with its performances so getting the best out of your actors is key. In this workshop Bruce shares what it means to be "an actor's director," and how to build the kind of relationship that fosters great performances.

The composer’s space and composing rig are tools that will be used every day to create music that will enhance a director’s vision for their film. What might a minimal starting rig be? First we’ll cover the composer’s space: room, room acoustics and acoustic treatments. Then we’ll cover the composer’s rig: digital audio workstations, orchestral templates, orchestral and other software libraries, mixing plugins, etc.

As a working composer, you must consider both your process and your team. We'll go over what movie and audio files to ask for, setting up your first cue, being on the same page as your film editor with technical specs, sharing mockups via online collaboration, getting criticism and doing revisions. Then, a discussion of your potential team: orchestrators, engineers, studios, and players, and what you must deliver to them in order to have a successful score recording session.

Developing relationships with directors, producers, film editors etc. can lead to working on their films. Where should you go to network with these film makers? What makes a good reel that you can send to potential clients? We’ll also talk about other work you can be doing related to the music business while you’re waiting for film work. Finally, we’ll discuss what our ultimate purpose is as Christian film composers, and as Christ followers.

This is more than a workshop - it's a crash course in filmmaking. Join the team and make a real promotional film during the guild for the guild itself! Learn how to plan, execute, and edit a promotional film using the professional tools of the trade.

Over 60% of people rely on the trailer when deciding whether or not to see a film. So you don’t just need a good trailer, you need a great one! This session will cover practical ways to make a trailer that is visually interesting, isn’t confusing, and leaves people counting down the days to your film!

Get an inside look at the making of Run the Race, an exciting new feature slated for theatrical release in Fall 2018. Producer Ken Carpenter will walk through all major aspects of the film's development and production. Run the Race is also produced by Darren Moorman (Same Kind of Different as Me), directed by Chris Dowling (Where Hope Grows), filmed by Kris Kimlin (I Can Only Imagine), scored by Paul Mills (War Room), stars Mykelti Williamson (Fences), and is executive produced by Bill Reeves and Robby Tebow. This overview of the film will provide a rare look at the process of making a high profile faith-based feature film.

The Production Sound Mixer is responsible for capturing half of the film on set but has one of the smallest departments (if anyone at all) dedicated to the task. A Sound Mixer’s approach is very different from other positions on set. How can you get what you need with cameras all over the place? We’ll cover equipment and general principles as well as a variety of solutions to difficult situations.

Are you interested in filmmaking but not sure where to start? Maybe you are a few years in but are having trouble making money? We will look at key steps to getting your career off the ground and headed in the right direction! We believe filmmaking can be more than just a hobby.

How much does a story change from the time you lock a script? From The Grace Card, Hoovey, The Identical, and Soul Surfer, to The Secret Handshake (also directed by Klausner!) and upcoming release God's Not Dead 3: A Light In Darkness, come hear veteran writer Howie Klausner share from his experiences of crafting strong stories from script to screen.

Lighting can be one of the most powerful and overlooked tools for a filmmaker. In this talk, we will learn all about how light can be used to change the emotion of an audience and how you can start using it effectively in your films.

In this workshop you will get a chance to do a short scene exploring the use of inner monologues and subtle movement. Experience what the camera really sees!

Go behind-the-scenes of INDIVISIBLE, the true story of an army chaplain coming to theaters later this year from Provident Films. Join David Evans, director (The Grace Card), and Bob Scott, director of photography (War Room, Courageous), as they share insights into creating a team approach toward filmmaking. They will discuss the key steps required for one of the most challenging scenes in their new film — a Humvee ambush sequence set in Iraq.

Bruce explores the fundamentals of great film acting, character development, and preparation for both the set and the casting office.

Music moves people in profound ways. Music combined with visual storytelling can result in even greater emotional impact... if the music is well-placed. Discover how music can direct the viewer's emotions to either make or break your story as Benjamin Botkin unpacks the most critical stage of the film scoring process: The Spotting Session.

Learn about the world of theatrical marketing from Ash Greyson (founder and CEO of Ribbow Media Group), Laurie Chimento (VP of Marketing, Provident Films), Tommy McBride (of McBrideDigital), Brian Lange (VP at Collide Media Group), and Bill Reeves (founder and president of The WTA Group).