STEM is a movement that empowers, uplifts and encourages people around the world through true life stories of faith, deliverance and victory. The organization produces
documentary films, live forums and workshops aimed at helping women to heal and overcome obstacles. STEM the film tells the story of three women's courageous journey from tragedy to triumph. It blends the past with the present featuring true-life stories of faith, deliverance and victory designed to empower and uplift the masses.
Come meet the ladies when the film screens Saturday, October 14th at 2:30pm at the Churches Making Movies Christian Film Festival in Secaucus, New Jersey. For tickets, visit www.churchesmakingmovies.com
What is your film background?
Stem the Movement was co-written and produced by Erin Sands, TV Blake and Maura Gale. We are all seasoned actresses who have worked in the entertainment industry for over twenty years. The majority of our collective work has been in front of the camera but we have each individually worked as writers and producers on other SAG films and productions. STEM the Movement is our first opportunity to bring our own personal stories to life on film.
As a Christian, how do you see yourself impacting the film industry?
Our original production of STEM was done as a play that we were fortunate enough to tour nationally for three years. The tour gave us an awesome opportunity to see up close and personal the tremendous impact that our true stories of overcoming life's obstacles had on peoples lives. After the play people would come up to us teary eyed and grateful that we gave their pain a voice. They were also encouraged by our ability to persevere and thrive in Christ. We chose to expand the audience of STEM and share our new stories on film because of what we learned during our time touring STEM the play. When we our transparent about our mistakes, our trials and our victories in Christ, it serves as a reminder to His people that in Him we can not only endure but overcome all things.
What was the biggest challenge you overcame to make your film?
Our biggest challenge to bringing our film STEM the movement to life was finances. We had a vision, a compelling story and a proven record for touring a stage play for three and a half years but we didn't have the finances to produce a film. We decided on crowd funding via indiegogo and after we got our friends and family to give we realized it was going to be much more challenging that we thought. Fortunately where God guides he also provides...people started sharing our campaign and we watched an increase in giving. We didn't reach our original goal however with a few gifts in kind and a determination to finish what we begain...all things worked together for the good! We were able to hire a crew, secure our location, travel to shoot and complete filming in one day! All to the glory of God.
Who are your biggest influences in film and why?
As actresses we love well written scripts and stories that examine the human struggle in an inspirational way. As film makers we are very excited by the great innovative work that is being done in the faith based film market by the Kendrick Brothers and the Erwin Brothers. Both teams are expanding the audience of faith based films and producing great work with a diverse cast and compelling stories. We absolutely loved the Kendrick Brothers production of WAR ROOM as well as the Erwin Brothers exceptional film WOODLAWN.
What is the funniest or weirdest thing that has ever happened to you on set?
Due to the fact that we resided in three different states we experienced quite a few obstacles on the road to bringing STEM the Movement to life. When we were finally able to come together for our one day shoot we were besieged with several mini trials, that we can now all laugh about in hind sight. TV Blake's flight was initially delayed and then ended up being so choppy that upon arrival she was very sick. Erin Sands burned her forehead the day before shooting leaving the make-up artist with quite a camouflage challenge. Maura Gale's foot broke out in a rash making her day of shooting less than comfortable. Fortunately for us we had a wonderful crew who although initially knew nothing about our project, were each directly impacted in a personal way by the testimonies we shared. It confirmed that although the day was filled with a comedy of errors, God was at work even as we were shooting with an all male crew.
What is your favorite bible verse? And how does it influence your film making?
"And they overcame him by the blood of the lamb and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death". -Revelation 12:11
This scripture is our call to action for STEM the Movement. It is what motivated us to reveal our deepest fears and our deepest pain to the world. We know that we are saved by the blood of Christ and that when we share our testimonies with others it serves as an extension of His love and His faithfulness.