ABOUT THIS EPISODE
**Special Simulcast: The Neil Haley Show and Storehouse Media Group Podcast**In this episode, Neil Haley and Sherrie Price Clark welcome Seth Christian, screenwriter, director, and founder of Cinema Country, for a conversation about independent filmmaking, his personal journey, and a new approach to producing feature films.Seth shares how a life-threatening blood clot and stroke two years ago led to six months of rehabilitation and gave him a new perspective on his life and 17-year career in the film industry. He explains how the experience contributed to his decision to rethink the traditional filmmaking model and create Cinema Country.The conversation explores Seth’s innovative “soft equity” production model, which allows filmmakers to reduce the amount of upfront cash needed to produce a feature film. Seth explains how he used approximately $250,000 in cash equity to produce a film with a $1 million-plus production value by creating revenue-sharing partnerships with crew members, vendors, location hosts, equipment rental companies, food providers, and other local partners.Seth also discusses his transition from working as a Director of Photography and producer to becoming the founder of his own media banner. He reflects on his previous work, including Echo Boomers with Michael Shannon and Patrick Schwarzenegger, and explains why he believes independent filmmakers can benefit from building strong community partnerships outside traditional Hollywood production hubs.Neil and Seth also examine the current state of independent cinema, including Hollywood’s focus on intellectual property, studio bottlenecks, and opportunities for filmmakers who want to create original content. Seth discusses why he believes the current market presents opportunities for nimble independent productions and recognizable SAG talent seeking compelling roles between major studio projects.The discussion also focuses on faith-based and cause-driven filmmaking, including Cinema Country’s upcoming feature Made Clean, a faith-based family drama centered on overcoming addiction. Seth explains why he chose Made Clean as part of Cinema Country’s launch and discusses the growing demand for faith and family-oriented content.Seth also shares details about Cinema Country’s upcoming slate, including Hungerland, which addresses the food crisis, as well as the genre-focused imprint Cinema Off-Road. Throughout the conversation, he explains his vision for creating films through alternative production structures while connecting filmmakers with communities and audiences.**Learn more about Seth Christian and Cinema Country at cinemacountry.com.****For more information about media, podcasting, publishing, and other services, visit storehousemediagroup.com.**
