Join our online workshops for a chance to hear from industry professionals in the art of storytelling as they share insider perspectives relevant to today’s media landscape—and beyond. Choose the workshop that interest you most!
As a member, you’ll have access to recordings from all eight workshop sessions post-event.
This year’s workshops cover the following topics: production, animation, sound and music design, documentaries, distribution, streaming and funding, gaming and media, and artificial intelligence. Each session offers valuable learning opportunities and time for Q&A.
Explore the full list of workshops and speakers below.
ICVM Presents
MediaSphere Workshops & Presenters
June 27th, 2025 from 12:00-1:00PM EST
Production Workshop
Paul Sirmons, President of ICVM
Paul Sirmons is an independent filmmaker with 40 years experience, the first 20 as a DGA Asst. Director on many TV series including THE WALTONS, QUANTUM LEAP, SEAQUEST & FALCON CREST. The last 20 years he’s been producing movies and TV shows, focusing more on faith-based and family productions. Paul served as Florida’s State Film Commissioner, appointed by then-Governor Jeb Bush, from 2005 to 2008, and wrote Florida’s first successful film incentive bill. He most recently produced the movies TE ATA and MONTFORD: THE CHICKASAW RANCHER, and line-produced the faith-based movies HOME RUN, LETTERS TO GOD and TO WRITE LOVE ON HER ARMS. He’s been president of ICVM for five years, leading a Board with hearts to help Christian filmmakers.
Alexandra Boylan, Producer, Writer, Actress
Alexandra Boylan is a dynamic award-winning filmmaker, writer, producer, and actress who has been trailblazing through Hollywood for two decades. Born and raised in Massachusetts, Boylan is known for her fearless pursuit of meaningful content. In addition to her numerous acting credits, Alexandra co-created The Boylan Sisters Entertainment, a successful film studio that focuses on uplifting, positive, family-friendly content. Their first feature-length film, Catching Faith, streamed on Netflix for two years and has spawned a sequel, as well as paved the way for other critically acclaimed movies such as The Greatest Inheritance and Switched. Their latest venture, Identity Crisis, also serves as the basis for a YA novel, which she is co-authored with her business partner Andrea. Alexandra has previously published the widely regarded how-to guide entitled “Create Your Own Career in Hollywood: Advice from a Struggling Actress Who Became a Successful Producer” and is an active member of Women in Film Los Angeles. She received the 2025 California Women of Faith Award presented by State Senator 12th District, Shannon Grove.
Justin Tolley, Producer
Justin Tolley wanted to make movies when he was 13. But when you’re just a kid, a dream that big seems unlikely. Thankfully he serves a God who specializes in the impossible. He graduated from film school (Full Sail University) in 2004 and has been in the film industry ever since. His first feature film was Fireproof. After his work with the Kendrick Brothers he moved to Hawaii to work on the hit television show Lost, but he left after 2 seasons to work exclusively in the faith based film industry. Indivisible, Courageous, October Baby, Moms’ Night Out, War Room, Woodlawn, The Chosen (tv series), Family Camp, The Forge, and Unsung Hero are just a few projects he’s been honored to be a part. And he’s excited for the upcoming release of his most recent project: The Promised Land (Tv Series).
With a mixture of over 30 feature films and tv series shot in over 15 states (God is good), he would say his most impressive number is 4. Four beautiful boys are his greatest work. His family travels with him as He pursues the calling the Lord has placed on his life.
Animation Workshop
Greg Lyons, Producer with the Salvation Poem Project
Greg Lyons is a Producer in the animation industry with a versatile body of work spanning feature films, television series, video games, large venue theme park attractions, short films, and marketing content. He has collaborated with top-tier studios such as Warner Bros., Sony, Disney, Lucasfilm, Epic Games, Riot Games, and many others, bringing a broad creative vision and sharp production acumen to deliver impactful results.
Greg is currently a Producer with the Salvation Poem Project, working on the upcoming animated feature film Light of the World. His role involves guiding the film’s production from development through final delivery in theaters and beyond.
With a career built on collaboration and adaptability, Greg excels at managing complex, cross-disciplinary teams while keeping projects aligned with their creative goals. He is passionate about fostering supportive environments where artists can thrive and compelling stories can be told. Greg continues to help shape meaningful animated content that resonates across cultures and platforms.
Scott C Smith, Founder of After August Films
Scott has worked in Hollywood for 20 years in Production, Animation and Visual Effects, on 23 films from Star Wars to Pirates of the Caribbean for Disney/ Lucasfilm. Scott has contributed to 2 Academy Awards in Visual Effects and Technology and has recently produced on 2 Animated Features in the Feature-faith space as he now fully transitions to serve God and the Gospel with his experience. Recently, with his Texas-based production company, After August Films, Scott has begun his directorial debut on a faith-based Animated Feature slatted for release in 2028.
Music & Sound Design Workshop
JR Fountain, Award-Winning Sound Designer
J.R. Fountain is an award-winning Sound Designer with over two decades of experience in film and television. His credits span a wide range of genres, such as PAW Patrol: The Movie, The Breadwinner, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, and the Netflix series Locke & Key. J.R. is passionate about the creative possibilities sound offers in shaping compelling, immersive stories. He brings a practical and collaborative approach to every project, drawing on years of hands-on experience in post-production sound.
John W Doryk, Composer & Music Designer
John William Doryk (www.johndoryk.com) is an award winning composer, and sound designer who has been creating original music and sound design for film, television, and audio drama for over 30 years. He has also worked many times as a supervising sound editor on many feature films, documentaries, theatrical presentations and audio dramas. He has had his work aired on The Discovery Channel, History Channel, PBS, ABC Nightline, BBC, FOX Network, Netflix, Sony Pictures, various theatrical venues such as Sight and Sound Theater’s “Samson”, Focus on the Family Radio Theater, and many independent feature films. In 2010, he won “Gold” at the prestigious Park City Film Music Festival for his work on “For Love of Liberty: The Story of America’s Black Patriots” hosted by Halle Berry and featuring the voices of Morgan Freeman, Samuel Jackson, Avery Brooks, Allan Rickman and many others. He also provided original music to the PBS special “Unsung Heroes”, directed by Frank Martin and produced by Ron Howard. He has worked on such films as “Beyond the Mask” starring John Rhys Davies and “The Riot Act” starring Brett Cullen and Lauren Sweetser. He recently created and provided immersive sound design for the national tour of “The Thorn”. He currently resides in Colorado Springs, Colorado with his wife Susan.
Documentaries Workshop
TC Johnstone, Documentary Film Director / Producer
T.C. Johnstone is a multi-award-winning impact documentary film director/producer. He has produced and directed multiple features and short documentaries including the award winning film “Rising From Ashes” executive produced by Oscar winning actor Forest Whitaker. The film won 19 film festivals, received US and international distribution and was a catalyst for the creation of the Rising From Ashes Foundation which continues to support the work of peace and reconciliation.
He is also the founder of the Gratis 7 Media Group Foundation which produces films designed to create measurable change in 5 specific areas; reconciliation, equipping servant leaders, assisting the poor, caring for the sick, and educating the next generation.
Distribution Workshop
Bobby Downes, Veteran in Faith-Based Media
Bobby Downes is a veteran in faith-based media with over 30 years of experience. In July 2023, he joined Kingdom Story Company, leading International Partnerships for theatrical releases and heading Television. The company, with a first-look deal with Lionsgate, has produced films like I Can Only Imagine, Jesus Revolution, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever and the upcoming theatrical release of I CAN ONLY IMAGINE 2 (February 20, 2026). Bobby holds degrees from California Polytechnic State University and began his career in education and missionary work across 20+ countries.
In 1999, he co-founded ChristianCinema.com, the world’s largest faith-based movie platform, recognized by Inc. 5000 in 2010. He later sold it, forming the Giving Company and integrating Dove.org, now part of Cineverse. Bobby contributed to the writing of NY Times Bestseller The Shack, and in 2023, led Originals and Content Acquisitions at PureFlix, enhancing its library before its sale to Great American Family. Married to Layne for 32 years, they have two children, ages 18 and 23.
Streaming & Funding Workshop
Dan Cobb, CEO of MyStreme
Dan is a 23-time Emmy Award-winning media executive, innovator and multi-patent holder of AI TV. As founder of national media companies, DBA Worldwide and AdBox.io, Dan brings 30 years of marketing tech experience, managing $500M in ad spend with world-class brands: Chick-fil-A, Disney, Warner Bros., Sony, ABC, NBC, CBS, Papa Johns and PizzaAndAMovie.com with Paramount, introducing social media for for Disney’s Tangled, Warner Bros., The Hobbit, Board Member at Missions.Me, Rescue International and Love Has No Limits.
Paul Lauer, President of MyStreme
Paul is a 20-year movie development and marketing executive, founder of Hollywood agency Motive Entertainment. The 50 films Paul has worked on have grossed over $4.2 billion in box office, including Chronicles of Narnia, Polar Express, Rocky Balboa, Heaven is for Real, The Shack, Just Mercy, and Mel Gibson’s Passion of the Christ, for which Ad Age gave Paul a “Top 50 Marketer of the Year” award – in recognition of 50 million viewers via influencer marketing. Launching #1 TV shows, social media apps: Pray and Lomotif with 225M downloads.
Craig Fryar, CEO of ATSVR.com
Craig Fryar is an AI, ops and data specialist. He translates founder’s vision into strategic action. As a Venture Partner, crowdfunding portal COO and Angel, he has reviewed and advised over 3,000 Startups in tech, data, gaming, XR, AI, and biotech. He started as Technology Evangelist at Apple where he launched the consumer and gaming markets. He currently serves as CEO of ATSVR.com, provider of advanced XR simulation training for EMTs and First Responders (We Train Heros™). He’s been pursuing a vision Jesus gave him 40 years ago, combining marketplace and ministry excellence for kingdom advance!”
Gaming & Digital Media Workshop
Luke Richey, Co-Founder of Gravity Jack
Luke began coding at 14, worked with NASA, and built several successful startups, including OpenEye, later acquired by Alarm.com. In 2009, he and his wife Jen founded Gravity Jack, one of the first mobile AR companies, helping create games like Pokémon GO and Double Down Casino, which generated billions for clients.
In 2019, after a radical encounter with Jesus that saved him from suicide, Luke surrendered his life, business, and family to God. His transformation led to the restoration of his marriage and a renewed mission. Now 51, he’s a father, grandfather, skydiver, cage fighter, and snowboarder. He sees Gravity Jack and their game WarTribe as a sheep in wolves’ clothing—built to reach the lost through gaming.
Jennifer Richey, Co-Founder of Gravity Jack
Jennifer has spent over 20 years in tech, co-founding and scaling startups. She was CFO of Tometa Software through its 2007 acquisition and held the same role at the acquiring gaming company. In 2009, she co-founded Gravity Jack, one of the first AR companies.
In 2019, after a life marked by chaos and addiction, she encountered Jesus and surrendered fully. That moment led to the healing of her heart, marriage, and family, and launched a new purpose—using technology and gaming to reach the next generation.
She’s a mother of four, grandmother of three, professional triathlete, skydiver, and extreme athlete who now lives in the Pacific Northwest. For Jennifer, Gravity Jack and WarTribe are tools to bring light into dark places and show the world what redemption truly looks like.
Jan-Willem Bosman, Executive Director of Jesus.net
Artificial Intelligence Workshop
Rod Hopping, Founder of Wonder Entertainment Group & CEO at Heritage Films International
Rod began his career in 1991, co-founding a cell phone business with his mentor Mike. As General Manager of Network Communications, he led rapid growth, opening over 60 stores around Australia in a decade. One standout initiative, the Charity Mobile Plan, enabled customers to support causes through their mobile use and raised over $50 million — a clear example of aligning business with impact.
In 2004, Rod left the telecom world to launch Heritage Films, blending his passion for storytelling with his strength in product distribution. With no background in film, he built a thriving, values-based company from the ground up. In 2025, Heritage celebrates being 21 years old, a milestone Rod knows is testament to what’s possible when a group of dedicated friends band together with purpose.
Rod’s strength lies in turning bold ideas into sustainable ventures. He’s guided teams through every growth stage, with deep expertise in product development, business strategy, marketing, and sales, always with purpose at the centre.
Peter Ganunis, Image Processing Researcher, Colorist
Peter Ganunis is an artist and software developer from Ellicott City, MD. His work explores the aesthetic possibilities of generative technologies and spirituality in human-computer interactions. Peter is the author of Suppitive Ornamental Vigilance, the first novel written with transformers—the technology which now powers AI chatbots. Peter has continued to develop creative AI software in his research at Syracuse University, where he engineered new methods for style transfer in 3D scenes and an algorithm for color reference matching which has been used for color grading films and controlling image generation.
His webgame and social media series LivingRPS, featured in Buzzfeed, is a particle-based rock-paper-scissors variant which regenerates uniquely for each viewing. Currently, he is directing the feature-length animated horror musical The Gibbon House and developing methods with sensory deprivation and EEG technology to directly condition creative AI software with brain activity. His other creative projects include April in the Cage, a body-mount surveillance documentary edited with no human supervision; Big Chungus, an absurdist video game exploring spirituality in internet meme culture; and Latent Voyages, an album of procedurally generated music.
Register
Register today to attend MediaSphere online summit Friday, June 27th from 9:30am – 6:00pm EST. Free for ICVM Members.
Sponsorship
This is your moment to make an impact. Let’s put your brand in the spotlight. Sponsorships align your vision with MediaSphere’s momentum.
Virtual Exhibit
Two hours of unmatched global networking, brand visibility, and business growth opportunities—all from the convenience of your own space.
Upcoming Events
Crown Awards
Feb 17-20, 2026
The longest-running faith-based film awards ceremony celebrates its 53rd annual year recognizing and promoting the very best in Christian production. We award 22 categories for every type of production with our awards ceremony held at NRB.
Storytellers Conference
Oct 1-4, 2025
Our next 53rd annual Storytellers Conference will take place in Orlando Florida. The event includes our Christian Film Market, Storyteller Pitch-A-Thon, Investor Pitch Showcase, Crown Awards finalist celebration, and more.
MediaSphere
June 27, 2025
MediaSphere is an online summit by ICVM bringing together our international community of storytellers, producers, distributors, and investors for a day filled with learning, innovation, and meaningful connections.
Connect with Us
ICVM is dedicated to serving the Christian film and media industry by bringing together storytellers from around the world. Whether you’re looking to connect with like-minded professionals, explore upcoming events like the Storytellers Conference or Crown Awards, or learn more about how ICVM supports its members, we invite you to reach out. We look forward to hearing from you!