Show Notes: Old School with Michele Vrabel - Featuring Joseph and David
Summary
In this dynamic episode of Old School with Michele Vrabel, Michele hosts Joseph Stam and David Alford, faith-based filmmakers from Cross Purposes Productions, to discuss how their Christian faith shapes their filmmaking journey. Both raised in Christian homes, they share how their personal faith has evolved, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in storytelling. Joseph highlights how working in the communal arts, from theater to film, has allowed him to engage with diverse perspectives, providing opportunities to live out his faith authentically on set. David reflects on the leap of faith required in filmmaking, where personal stories naturally reflect their beliefs without being overtly preachy, fostering genuine connections with audiences through relatable narratives.
The conversation dives into their film Searching for the Elephant, which tackles heavy themes like addiction, PTSD, and generational trauma with a subtle nod to faith, focusing on hope and redemption rather than a simplistic resolution. They discuss their approach to creating honest, impactful stories that avoid clichés, leaving space for audiences to find personal meaning. Joseph and David also share insights into the evolving faith-based film industry, expressing hope for a renaissance where Christian filmmakers can explore diverse genres while staying true to their values. They reveal their next project, a romance film inspired by Ecclesiastes, and offer life nuggets about embracing individuality and the transient nature of life’s highs and lows.
Keywords
Faith-Based Filmmaking
Christian Faith
Authenticity
Storytelling
Redemption
Addiction
PTSD
Generational Trauma
Hope
Ecclesiastes
Chapters
00:00 - 06:31 Introduction and Faith Journey
Michele introduces Joseph and David, who share their faith journeys, growing up in Christian homes and integrating faith into their work in theater and film, emphasizing authenticity and engaging with diverse perspectives.
06:31 - 15:38 Discussing Searching for the Elephant
The guests explain the approach to their film, focusing on real-life issues like addiction and PTSD, prioritizing authenticity over clichéd resolutions, and allowing space for audience interpretation.
15:38 - 21:31 Title Origins and Creative Challenges
Joseph and David discuss the ranching-inspired title Searching for the Elephant and the challenges of creating original, truthful stories in an industry driven by sensationalism and formulaic content.
21:31 - 34:22 Faith-Based Film Industry and Artistic Freedom
The conversation explores the evolving faith-based film industry, the desire for creative control, and the need for diverse, truthful storytelling that reflects life’s complexities without being overtly evangelical.
34:22 - 43:14 Life Nuggets and Impact of Searching for the Elephant
Joseph and David share their life nuggets: embracing individuality and recognizing that “this too shall pass.” They discuss the film’s impact, including its use in recovery programs, and the importance of connecting with audiences authentically.
43:14 - 45:55 Future Projects and Closing
The guests reveal their upcoming Ecclesiastes-inspired romance film, discuss the filmmaking timeline, and wrap up with gratitude and plans to reconnect for future projects.
Connect with Joseph and David
Website: Cross Purbposes Productions
Films: Explore their catalog, including Searching for the Elephant, on various streaming platforms via their website.
Connect with Old School with Michele Vrabel
Podcast: Old School with Michele Vrabel
Instagram: @sweetartbyshelly
Facebook: Michele Vrabel
