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ABOUT US

OUR STORY

In the past students would come from all over the world to stay with us for one week of intense film study, we called that our Independent Filmmakers Retreat or Spark Week.  The first three days of the week were all-day 10 hr days of study. Students would then write, produce and shoot a short film project in two days. 

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Most of the student videos you see here were those types of projects. Novice who have never worked on a film set before coming together learning and shooting all in one week. The experience was so rewarding that students came back multiple times. Which lead to the development of the one-year Fast Track Professional Apprentice Program (FTP).

 

We still host the Independent Filmmakers week called Spark Week, for students, who because of no previous experience may not be accepted into our FTP program. These applicants can use this week to grow their experience and then be accepted into the FTP program.

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Students who complete the FTP program and receive their Certificate of Completion are eligible for internships with our Partner film Company, Screen Harvest Entertainment.  We will also help you secure an internship with other faith-based film companies. Prayerfully these internships will lead to full-time job opportunities or contract employment.

OUR STUDENTS

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TFI students range from professional actors who have appeared in block buster secular films like Django Unchained and The Free State of Jones to Christian film and TV shows like Washington’s Armor and The Chosen.

TFI students are also film executives who work for the streaming platform Pure Flix and Disney, Film festival executives and Senior Pastors who want to develop their storytelling ability

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We teach the art of filmmaking like a four-year institution and practical application like a trade school. We believe learning is best achieved by doing and documenting what you have done. TFI apprentice leaves us with documented proof of their abilities to work in the Faith-Based Film Industry. Personalized learning opportunities for each apprentice are the TFI way. By only accepting 20 new students per semester, our instructors can personalize the learning experience for each apprentice. We prefer our apprentices leave the Fast Track Professional Program with more than head knowledge but rather a portfolio to show they are industry professionals.

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OUR STAFF

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Richard Polite

Managing Director

Richard made his broadcasting mark by winning five television...

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Bruce Marchiano

Marchiano was born in Orange County, California. His first role was in a 1985 episode of Murder, She Wrote, which was followed by appearances in LA Law, Columbo, Days of Our Lives, General Hospital to name a few. 

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Chey Sanders

Chey Sanders has been teaching, directing, coaching, writing and producing for...

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Tad Newberry

Mr. Newberry is a 25-year veteran in film production, communications, and...

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LeAnn Barna

Leann Barna holds an M.A. in Cinema and Television/Script and Screenwriting...

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Mark Keuthan

Doctor of Philosophy, Communication Studies, areas of concentration...

Our Staff
GUEST LECTURES

GUEST LECTURERS

We strive to bring you the most talented and noteworthy guest speakers.

Industry professionals who bring their vast professional experience to our hands-on workshops. 

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ALEX KENDRICK

Actor, Screenwriter, and Director

Director of Overcomer & War Room, Kenrick is an ordained minister and New York Times best-selling co-author of "The Love Dare", and "The Resolution for Men."

 

He is also an accomplished actor, screenwriter, and film director, whose credits include War Room, Facing the Giants, Fireproof and Courageous.   

 

Alex Kendrick is one of the most celebrated and successful Christian filmmakers in America.

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Gerald R. Molen

Filmmaker

In his epic 40+ year career, this Oscar-winning filmmaker has produced 5 Spielberg-directed movies, Hook, Schindler's List, Jurassic Park, The Lost World, and Minority Report and a dozen other great projects, including the recent mega-blockbuster, The Meg.

Faith, Film and Fatherhood

Frisco resident Richard Polite has not only found a way to make a career out of doing what he loves, but he also inspires others to do the same.

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Mr. Polite, a husband and father, is a professional filmmaker specializing in Christian films, also known as redemptive films. He has produced and directed two feature films, “Standing in the Gap,” in 1991, and “Heart of Stone,” in 1994, as well as 12 professional music videos. The 30-year veteran of the studio credits “Heart of Stone” for launching his career, after it found success among urban Christian groups.

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Mr. Polite is also the founder and managing director of the Transformation Film Institute, a Frisco-based, nonprofit film school that teaches students how to create redemptive films.

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