Living the Dream – Faith-Based Documentary Filmmaking with Ryan Grow | Lifeway Films
Release Date: 05/06/2025
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info_outlineAre you passionate about Christian storytelling and dreaming of a career in faith-based filmmaking? Join media executive Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com and Ryan Grow, Executive Producer and Head of Lifeway Films, for a powerful and practical conversation that dives deep into the world of Christian movies and documentary filmmaking.
From pitching your first project to navigating story structure and the unique challenges of faith-driven media, Ryan shares industry insights, personal stories, and what it truly takes to create films that impact both hearts and culture. Learn how filmmakers can bridge the gap between church and cinema—and what surrendering your dreams to God looks like in a creative career.
🎬 Want to Work in Faith-Based Film? This Conversation Is for You!
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Phil Cooke – Media Producer/Writer/Speaker/Coach
Helping Creative Leaders Influence the World
Do you have a message or story the world needs to hear? I offer advice on creative leadership, digital media, branding, marketing, film and television production – and the faith to take you from where you are in your ministry or career to where you want to be.
As a filmmaker, media consultant and co-founder of Cooke Media Group in Los Angeles, my client list includes Hollywood studios, major nonprofit organizations, and many of the most respected churches and ministries in the world. I’ve produced media programming in nearly 70 countries and created many of the most influential inspirational TV programs in history.
My philosophy? Get your ideas out there and change the world in the process.
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*More About This Episode* Living the Dream – Faith-Based Documentary Filmmaking with Ryan Grow | Lifeway Films
Read more at Phil’s Blog: “The Explosion of Documentary Films” https://www.philcooke.com/the-explosion-of-documentary-films/
More about Ryan Grow, Executive Producer / Head of Lifeway Films
With a deep passion for conveying the gospel through storytelling and a people-first approach, Ryan has successfully led film/video projects across the globe. Starting off filming weddings and real estate videos he eventually started Grow Productions which led to docu-series, narrative features, reality shows, ministry & branded content. Ryan works for Lifeway Christian Resources and leads their cinema division, Lifeway Films.
Connect with Ryan:
Ryan Grow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryangrow/
Ryan Grow Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryangrow85/
Website: www.growproductions.tv
Find out more about Lifeway Films: https://lifewayfilms.com
Lifeway Films Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LifewayFilms/
Lifeway Films Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifewayfilms/#
Lifeway Film X: https://x.com/lifewayfilms
00:00 Media Executive Phil Cooke introduces Ryan Grow, Executive Producer and Head of Lifeway Films to discuss faith based filmmaking
01:31 Ryan’s journey from public speaking to storytelling and filmmaking
02:25 Finding God’s calling for his life in the film industry
05:06 Letting the dream die and how God resurrected it
06:39 Lifeway Publishing history and expansion into faith-based films
12:00 Lifeway Films and documentary filmmaking
20:29 What filmmakers are not doing well
23:18 Tips on producing faith based content and how to take notes to make your movie better
26:09 Pitching a film and understanding story structure
28:18 Short film and documentary filmmaking
30:07 Outro by Phil Cooke
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