EP12 - Avril Speaks and We Listen

Known for her versatility as a director, producer, showrunner, and distribution advocate, Avril Speaks joins us this week to walk and doc. From her theological start to her producing days on the SXSW award-winning feature JINN, Avril delves into the importance of storytelling, her transition into nonfiction during the pandemic, and her advocacy for better distribution practices. And, she's our first guest to act out a scene from the movie, ANNIE!    00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene 00:28 Meet Avril Speaks 02:27 Avril's Seminary Journey and Its Impact 04:48 The Intersection of Film and Theology 10:21 From Seminary to Filmmaking: The Journey Back 11:51 Producing 'Jinn': A Relatable Faith Journey 18:08 Transitioning to Nonfiction During the Pandemic 19:12 Exploring Diverse Topics: From Family Histories to UFOs 20:04 Directing and Producing: Balancing Roles 21:03 Distribution Advocates: Origins and Mission 21:17 Challenges in Film Distribution 22:27 Creating a Filmmaker's Cheat Sheet 23:30 Funding and Support for Filmmakers 24:12 Collaborations and Outreach 25:48 Marketing Innovation Fund 28:08 Navigating the Film Industry 29:37 The Role of Producers 37:33 Advice for Young Filmmakers 40:00 Conclusion and Final Though