Faith and Family
Filmmakers Bootcamp
Actors ● Screenwriters ● Producers
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Are you hungry to learn and grow in your craft?
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Ever feel that your one trip a year to a film conference just isn't enough?
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Want to connect with others in the film industry that you wouldn't normally get to meet?
July 12, 2026
Take a giant leap as a filmmaker in one day!
1
Elevate Your
Craft
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Three workshop sessions with Nine workshops to choose from
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Learn from Professionals in the industry (Includes Q & A time)
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Practical training you can apply to your craft and advance your career
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Access to all nine workshops videos after the event
Meet New
Collaborators
2
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Organized networking sessions make it easy for everyone
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Connect with old friends and build new relationships
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Meet people from all across the industry and across the country
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This industry is all about relationships
Connect in
Community
3
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Devotional time, prayer, and a day with like-minded professionals
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Prayer room virtual lounge for networking open all day
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Celebrate your peers at the FAFF Screenwriting Awards presentation
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Online group for attendees after event for videos, questions & interaction
Workshops and Instructors
Session 1
12:00 pm (Central time)
Alexandra Boylan
Pitching is an art form which requires key materials to succeed. Join Alexandra Boylan for this exciting workshop to prepare and equip you for your next pitch meeting.
Learn the importance of a solid logline and a three sentence elevator pitch that clearly paints a picture of what your film, book, or script is about. Discover the difference between a one sheet (pitch) and a full pitch deck, along with the different kinds of pitch decks you need, depending on what phase your project is in and who you are pitching to; studio or a private investor. Get to know your target audience, project comparables, and so much more!
Don’t miss this in depth class that will give you the tools and knowledge to land your pitch session and get your project made!
(90 minute workshop)
The Art of Pitching
Aexandra Boylan is a dynamic award-winning filmmaker, writer, producer, and actress who has
been trailblazing through Hollywood for 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 Entertainment, a successful film studio that
focuses on uplifting, positive, 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. Her latest
venture, Identity Crisis, also serves as the basis for a YA novel. 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 Women in Film Los Angeles. She received the 2025 California Women of Faith Award
presented by State Senator 12th District, Shannon Grove.
Shelly Paino
12:00 pm (Central time)
Writing For a Budget
Writing for a low (or at least not unnecessarily high) budget is more important than many writers realize. In this workshop, you’ll discover 16 surprising tactics you can start using today to make your current or next script more attractive to producers and investors—and the one specific type of script you should add to your repertoire that producers ask for constantly!
Industry professionals read with budget in mind. Quieting the cash register "cha-ching" in their heads takes the focus back to the story and puts them in a green-lighting kind of mood. (Better yet, as a writer who can write with a budget in mind, you may just become their new best friend!) Whether you plan to sell or produce your own work, this workshop will help you think strategically, spend wisely, and position your script to move from “great read” to “optioned and produced.”
(90 minute workshop)
Shelly Paino is a produced and award-winning screenwriter who has completed more than 60 projects including 29 feature scripts, many produced or in various stages of development. She regularly writes on assignment for producers and directors starring talent such as Eric Roberts, Cameron Arnett and Todd Terry. Most notable awards include Best Screenplay at Canadian International Faith and Family Film Festival in 2020 and Content Media Conference and Film Festival in both 2020 and 2021. She has served as a film festival judge and worked on both major studio and independent film sets.
Susan Willis
12:00 pm (Central time)
Beyond the Background
Starting your acting career as a background actor is a great way to get experience on set. But how do you move beyond the background into speaking roles? Susan Willis shares the step by step strategy of how to progress your acting career. If you’re new to acting, looking to build your actors toolbox, or simply ready to get more serious about acting, this workshop is for you!
The workshop covers:
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The mindset change from background to speaking roles
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Building your actors “toolbox”
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Types of training to invest in
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How to navigate casting platforms
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How to know if you’re ready for an agent
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Q & A
(90 minute workshop)
Susan Willis has worn many hats throughout her life. A veteran of the U.S. Air Force, she has also owned a coffee shop, worked as a Department of Defense civilian, and raised a family while putting down roots on the South Carolina side of the CSRA. In 2014, Susan began working professionally in the film industry. As an actor, she has expanded her experience to include casting, producing, and directing, giving her a well-rounded understanding of the business. With this depth of knowledge, Susan embraced the title “Mama Bear,” reflecting her passion for mentoring and equipping emerging actors with the tools, confidence, and guidance they need to succeed.
Keynote Speaker
2:45pm (Central time)
Tyler Sansom
Against the Current
Making Films that Actually Matter
The faith film space doesn’t need more content. It needs courageous storytellers who refuse to follow the current of culture... or even the current of safe Christian filmmaking.
(20 Minute Keynote Message)
Tyler Sansom is a dynamic pastor, filmmaker, and speaker passionate about connecting faith and culture in meaningful ways. He serves as the lead pastor of First Capital Christian Church in Corydon, Indiana, where he combines his creative talents and spiritual insights to inspire others. Tyler has directed and produced impactful faith-based films including I Can, A Father's Fight, and most recently, Learning You, and is about to become a published author. His innovative approach to ministry bridges the gap between traditional church settings and modern storytelling, helping people experience the transformative power of faith.
Session 2
3:05 pm (Central time)
Caleb Smedra
Score as Story
Using Music to Elevate Your Narrative
The right score can make or break a film. This workshop is designed for filmmakers who want to understand and integrate the narrative power of scoring. We’ll focus on practical application: why good music works, the difference between good music and good scoring, and how best to score your project. We’ll finish with a focused look at collaboration—how to speak a composer’s language, give effective feedback, and navigate post-production. Whether you have no budget, or are embarking on a studio production, you’ll leave with a deeper understanding of film scoring, and how it can elevate your narrative.
(90 minute workshop)
Caleb Smedra is a media composer and producer. Originally trained as a concert pianist, he transitioned from performance to composition during the global pandemic, and in 2023, he composed the original score for The Logos Theatre’s The Pilgrim’s Progress. Caleb is passionate about collaboration, discovering new ways to serve a director’s vision and bring the narrative to life. He continues to write for stage, audio drama, film, and music libraries.
Catherine Gaffney
3:05 pm (Central time)
Aligning Your Business
With Your Mission
Your mission isn’t just a statement—it’s a filter for every opportunity you face. In a fast-moving industry where it’s tempting to say “yes” to everything, clarity is essential. In this workshop, you’ll begin shaping a five-year vision aligned with your mission and gain practical tools to turn long-term dreams into actionable next steps, grounded in your values and calling. You’ll leave with a mission statement you can use to guide your choices, strengthen your creative identity, and pursue work that reflects your purpose and your faith.
(90 minute workshop)
Catherine Gaffney is a versatile actress, teacher, and voice over talent who narrates audiobooks from her home studio in Central Kentucky. Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, she has been performing professionally on stage, at the mic and on camera for over 35 years. Catherine holds a B.A. in Theatre Arts and an M.F.A. in Acting & Directing, combining her artistic expertise with a passion for storytelling and education. Along with her talented writer/professor husband, Sean, they harness the power of the spoken and written word to spark authentic connections.
Sean Gaffney
3:05 pm (Central time)
Redemptive Storytelling
We desire screenplays that reflect the gospel – whether writing for the Christian or secular markets. What is it that makes a story redemptive? Does a story need to have a blatant message, or a happy ending, or perfect characters? This seminar explores those questions using Biblical test cases and current film examples. We then look at the kinds of movies Christians are called to make, and finish with a deep dive into genre as an example of how to tell a redemptive tale.
(90 minute workshop)
Sean Gaffney authored well over two hundred produced plays, features, videos, animation projects, YouTube series episodes, short films and books (including for Big Idea and SuperBook). He was Story Administrator for Warner Bros. Features. Gaffney currently is a Professor in Media and Screenwriting at Asbury University. He received his BFA from Drake University, his MFA from Columbia University, and studied with Act One: Writing for Hollywood. He has a new book on the intersection of scriptwriting and theology: Meta Story: What Marvel & the Messiah Can Teach Us about Great Storytelling.
Session 3 Workshops
6:00 pm (Central time)
Wally De La Fuente
How to Turn Your Film
Into Your Next Film
This workshop is designed to help filmmakers understand why so many projects never lead to sustainable careers—and what it actually looks like to build momentum from one film to the next.While most filmmaking education focuses on production, this session focuses on what happens before, around, and after the film:
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audience
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momentum
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positioning
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sustainability
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and long-term growth
Through live coaching, practical exercises, and real-world examples, filmmakers will experience how the REDISCOVER framework and ReDiscover Backlot work together to create a repeatable filmmaking pathway. This is not just about making a film. It’s about building a system where:
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each project builds audience
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each release creates momentum
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and each film increases the possibility of the next one
(90 minute workshop)
Wally De La Fuente is the CEO and Founder of ReDiscover Television and creator of the ReDiscover Backlot, a filmmaker ecosystem focused on helping independent filmmakers build audience, momentum, and sustainable careers. With a background in filmmaking, streaming, and distribution strategy, Wally helps creators move beyond simply making films by guiding them through pathways that connect projects to audience growth, revenue, and long-term sustainability through the ReDiscover Backlot and Backlot Accelerator.
Catherine Gaffney
6:00 pm (Central time)
Dusting Off Your Website:
(With a deep dive into crafting your "About" page)
Your website is often the first place potential clients go to learn who you are and what you offer. But writing the About page can feel intimidating, especially if you dread the BIO section. In this fun, practical workshop, we’ll use a mad-libs-style framework along with writing prompts and examples to help you create a professional, personable introduction that reflects your voice and strengthens your brand. Join us as we re-examine and refresh one of your best marketing tools!
(90 minute workshop)
Catherine Gaffney is a versatile actress, teacher, and voice over talent who narrates audiobooks from her home studio in Central Kentucky. Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, she has been performing professionally on stage, at the mic and on camera for over 35 years. Catherine holds a B.A. in Theatre Arts and an M.F.A. in Acting & Directing, combining her artistic expertise with a passion for storytelling and education. Along with her talented writer/professor husband, Sean, they harness the power of the spoken and written word to spark authentic connections.
Micah Gerber
6:00 pm (Central time)
The Grant Game
Funding is always on a filmmaker's mind. Where, how, and when will it happen? In this workshop, Micah Gerber will take you on a deep dive into a unique and specific area of donor funding: grants. He will share the purpose behind donor funding, how to find a grant, and what grant committees are looking for in a proposal. He'll lead a discussion of specific scenarios to help you on your journey with grants and the grand world of donor funding.
(90 minute workshop)
Micah Gerber has an entrepreneurial mind for creating effective solutions and leading teams. Recognized nationally and internationally for having a “can do” mindset, expansive knowledge of industry tools, and a distinct ability to lead. He seeks to use teaching and leadership to help individuals and businesses succeed in effectively achieving their goals for Gospel Impact.
Schedule
Summer Bootcamp
July 12, 2026
(Central time)
11:00 - 7:30
Prayer Room and Virtual Lounge for Networking Open (All Day)
11:30 - 12:00
Welcome | Organized Networking
Networking
Workshop Session One
12:00 - 1:30
Workshop 1
Workshop 2
Workshop 3
1:30 - 2:30
BREAK (Prayer Room and Virtual Lounge for Networking Open)
2:30 - 2:45
Organized Networking
Networking
2:45 - 3:05
Keynote Speaker - Tyler Sansom
Keynote
3:05 - 4:30
Workshop Session Two
4:30 - 5:30
BREAK (Prayer Room and Virtual Lounge for Networking Open)
Workshop Session Three
6:00 - 7:30
5:30 - 6:00
Awards Presentation
Awards Presentation
Organized Networking
Workshop 7
Workshop 8
Workshop 9
Closing Announcements and Prayer (All Other Rooms Closed)
(Central time)