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Written by Dr. Layne McDonald, Ph.D., DBA
Website: www.laynemcdonald.com Email: [email protected] Phone: 901-216-3531 Facebook Group: Search: Christian Film Creators Network 1. Start with 'Why'"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." – John 1:1 Words create. Words heal. Words shape destinies. As Christian writers, we inherit the divine call to use our stories as vessels of light. Before writing, ask yourself: Why this story? What truth am I revealing? Who needs to hear this now? Think About Purpose:
Find the Heart of Your Story:
Make It Personal:
Choose Big Ideas:
Build on Important Values:
2. The Psychology of Communication: Using the Brain for God’s GloryGod created the brain to feel through stories. Christian storytelling should stir the right chemicals to uplift, not to manipulate. The "Angel's Mix": Feel-Good Brain Chemistry
Examples: The "Devil's Brew": Weaponized Emotion
Be careful not to manipulate viewers using fear, rage, or anxiety. Jesus taught hard truths—but always pointed toward hope. Christian Application:
3. Tell Powerful StoriesJesus used parables to connect eternal truths to everyday life. We do the same by creating characters that feel real, face stakes that matter, and walk emotional journeys. Story-First Principle:
Classic Archetypes Reimagined:
All stories retell one of these blueprints. Reimagine them with faith at the center. 4. Create Lasting CharactersJesus didn’t choose perfect people. He chose complex humans who grew, doubted, loved, and transformed. Make Them Real:
Show the World's Diversity:
Build Authentic Connections:
5. Shape and Time Your StoryEven God tells stories in arcs—Creation, Fall, Redemption, Restoration. Yours should too. Clear Story Structure:
6. Write Meaningful DialogueJesus’ conversations changed lives. Your dialogue can too. Keep It Real:
7. Share Spiritual ThemesFaith stories don’t need to be preachy. Let themes of grace, forgiveness, and transformation emerge naturally. Be Subtle:
8. Improve with Feedback"As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." – Proverbs 27:17 Practice Humility:
9. Visualize the StoryUse your imagination like the prophets used visions. Visual Storytelling:
Free Tools: 10. Pray and ReflectBefore the pen touches paper, let your knees touch the floor. Daily Practices:
Get Coaching & Feedback from Dr. Layne McDonaldI'm here to walk with you on this creative journey. Whether you're starting a script or polishing a final draft, reach out:
Send your video links, short films, or script samples. I’ll review them and offer coaching, encouragement, and practical next steps.
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Presented by Dr. Layne McDonald, Ph.D., DBA
Website: www.laynemcdonald.com IMDB Page: Dr. Layne McDonald IMDb Contact: 901-216-3531 | Email: [email protected] We're thrilled you're here! Today, you embark on a journey to merge your faith with the art of filmmaking. This workshop will equip you with the skills to create impactful short-form films that resonate deeply with audiences. Why Focus on Short-Form Content?Short-form Christian content (2–5 minutes) is:
Benefits of Short-Form Video:
Resource: Why We Write: Discovering Purpose in Christian FilmmakingChristian stories are modern-day parables. They teach. They heal. They reflect the Gospel in a way that resonates with today’s viewers. Motivation Checklist:
Form your answers:
Identifying Your Story and AudienceTypes of Christian Stories:
Genres:
Niches:
Audience Targets:
Spiritual Needs:
Resource: Emotional Chemistry in Scriptwriting: Angels' Cocktail vs. Devil's BrewThe "Angels' Cocktail":
Example Videos:
The "Devil's Brew":
Examples:
Character Development Using Christian VirtuesKey Workshop Steps:
Example Character: Sarah Thompson
Essential Scriptwriting Structures3-Act Structure
7-Point Plot Model
Resource: Scriptwriting Software: Sample Script: "Simple Grace"FADE IN: INT. KITCHEN – MORNING SARAH prepares breakfast in a humble home. A bird chirps outside the window. NARRATOR (V.O.) In the ordinary, we find the extraordinary. God is present in the mundane, waiting to be noticed. Key Formatting Elements:
Final Reflection Exercise
YouTube Learning Playlist:
Get Involved
Advanced Character Development for Faith-Filled Writers
Have you ever met a character in a book, film, or series that felt so real you wanted to pray for them? The kind that sticks in your spirit long after the credits roll? That’s the kind of character we’re here to create--faith-driven, flawed, and unforgettable. As Christian storytellers, we’re not just called to entertain. We’re called to reflect the truth of the Gospel in a way that connects, convicts, and comforts. And the most powerful way we do that is through the characters we create. In this workshop-style guide, I’ll walk you through the essentials of crafting Christian characters who live, breathe, and wrestle—not perfect saints, but authentic people filled with both pain and purpose. Each section pairs biblical wisdom with practical storytelling techniques to help you build faith-filled figures that resonate with modern audiences. Let’s begin. Every Character Needs Depth—Especially YoursFlat characters won’t move people. Real ones will. Start by giving your characters internal tension. What are they hiding? What are they afraid of? What lie do they believe about themselves that God wants to redeem? Maybe John is a faithful dad who quietly questions whether God hears his prayers. Put him in moments where doubt and duty collide. That’s the soil where growth takes root. Moral dilemmas? Add them. They stretch your character—and your viewer. Motivation: Why They Move and Why We CareWhen a character’s motivation is crystal clear, everything else falls into place. Let’s say Mary was once addicted but now helps others break free. We don’t just love her for what she does—we love her for why she does it. Her story of redemption becomes the heartbeat of every word she speaks and every risk she takes to help someone else heal. Let your character’s mission be deeply personal. That’s how they connect with the audience’s soul. Quirks, Traits, and What Makes Them StickYou know those characters you could pick out of a lineup just by how they talk, walk, or fidget? That’s what we’re aiming for. Peter is a Christian inventor who prays over his blueprints and blesses his tools. He’s quirky, but he’s intentional. Give your character specific, repeated actions—habits that reflect faith and personality. These details make your story richer and your characters unforgettable. Let Them Be FlawedChristian characters are not perfect—they’re redeemed. Let them bleed. Let them question. Let them make mistakes they regret. Rachel is a pastor who doesn’t always feel qualified. Maybe she preaches boldness on Sunday but wrestles with insecurity all week. Show her humanity. Let grace meet her where she fails. Your audience doesn’t need perfect examples—they need authentic guides. Backstory is Where the Healing BeginsA compelling character lives in the tension between their past and present. Michael, the soldier-turned-missionary, carries the weight of trauma and guilt. We don’t learn this all at once. We get flashbacks. Glimpses. Clues. And it makes every sacrifice he makes now more meaningful. Let your characters have wounds—and let the story be a path toward wholeness. Let Their Faith Be SeenEsther’s bright scarves, bold smile, and servant hands say more than any sermon. Her outward behavior mirrors her inward hope. Think about how your characters walk, dress, speak, and serve. Give them a visual and behavioral identity that reflects their spiritual journey. Faith isn’t just professed—it’s embodied. Create Tension Through Moral AmbiguityNot everything is black and white. David is torn between justice and compassion. What if both options in a scene seem “right,” but one is more costly? Let your characters be pressed between two truths. That’s where the Holy Spirit works. Let the tension lead to transformation. Growth Happens in RelationshipsFaith isn’t lived in isolation. People shape us. Paul and Timothy show us that mentorship is mutual. Write characters whose relationships are iron sharpening iron—conflict, grace, encouragement, and everything in between. Let their transformation happen together. Dialogue That Preaches Without PreachingAnna doesn’t need a pulpit. Her words are laced with wisdom because she’s lived them. She speaks from the soul, not a script. Your character’s voice should reflect their backstory, beliefs, and spiritual walk. Avoid clichés. Use rhythm, silence, and tone to make every line feel like it belongs to them alone. Consistency with Growth: The Gold StandardYour character shouldn’t be someone else by the end of the story—but they should be more of who God made them to be. Sarah may still hold to her core beliefs, but she grows in empathy. She starts judgmental, ends gracious. Her anchor is Christ—but her sail is catching more wind. That balance of consistency and change is what makes character arcs feel real. Final EncouragementGod is the ultimate storyteller, and you are made in His creative image. The characters you birth through story aren’t just tools—they’re testimonies. So let them reflect the power of forgiveness, the ache of growth, and the unstoppable grace of God. Let them fall. Let them rise. Let them speak truth. And let them leave a mark that echoes eternity. Want Help Building Faith-Filled Characters That Connect and Convert? As a creative coach, filmmaker, and Christian writer, I help storytellers like you bring their ideas to life in ways that captivate audiences and glorify God. If you’re ready to level up your script, character arc, or story structure, I’d love to partner with you. Example videos: https://youtube.com/watch?v=P6JO-7n-2Ks https://youtube.com/watch?v=TiRPuICS9a0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pb7_YJp9bVA https://youtube.com/watch?v=NmPGntsvWmE https://youtube.com/watch?v=84f2qEY_EcU 👉 Reach out today at: www.laynemcdonald.com/contact Let’s shape stories that change hearts and honor heaven. |
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