About

ABOUT
T.C. began making films in Steamboat Springs 10 years ago. After producing his first feature he moved to Santa Monica California and began working as a DP and documentary director on a wide variety of projects ranging from television to independent films. As a story hunter, T.C. has traveled to over 40 countries and has a deep desire to see people live out there dreams and contribute to the common good.

“TC has literally traveled the globe with me recording the amazing stories of the church because I consider him to be one of the finest young film producers of his generation. TC has an amazing ability to capture and interpret stories in a powerful and compelling way.”

Rick Warren
Author of the Purpose Driven Life
Pastor, Saddleback Church

With a passion for redemptive story and world issues, T.C. began writing and directing films with redemptive themes 7 years ago. The vision was simple, allow audiences to dream. He believes a well told story can create a catalysis change.

T.C.’s is focused on 5 strategic areas. Reconciliation, leadership, poverty, health care and education. These issues effect us all and we are all part of the solution.

In a world of massive innovation, the opportunities are endless. As a consultant, T.C. works with a wide range of clients including independent producers, universities, television networks and faith based organizations. His desire is to use media that inspires application with positive outcomes.

In 2007 T.C. also began Gratis 7 Media Group a non-profit 501c3 to support filmmakers and pastors mobilize the Church for mission. www.gratis7mediagroup.com

EXSTENDED

History

After 5 years on staff with Young Life, T.C. Johnstone moved to Southern California to pursue his passion for filmmaking. While on assignment in Rwanda, Africa shooting a story on Rick and Kay Warren of Saddleback Church, life took a dramatic turn…

During production the team visited several small villages to meet with Genocide survivors and HIV support groups meeting in local churches. While recording a 2-day pastors conference T.C. was introduced to a Global Initiative called the Peace Plan, which is a movement to mobilize 1 billion people to take on the world’s greatest problems by doing the things Jesus did while on earth.

Promote reconciliation
Equip servant leaders
Assist the poor
Care for the sick
Educate the next generation

During the conference a simple question was asked, “What is in your hands? What talents do you have that God could use?” This question resonated deep in his heart. For the past year a group of young artists had been praying in his apartment in LA about this very thing. Over the next 7-days in Rwanda it was clear; he was to make movies to motivate and mobilize the body of Christ to take an active part is PEACE.

After arriving home a unique opportunity came in the form of a flood and a phone call. T.C. was again asked to travel with the Warrens to visit pastors and victims of Hurricane Katrina. While Rick and Kay spoke with pastors, T.C. began story hunting within the back rooms of churches across the south. With each church he recorded story after story of people who were being cared for by volunteers from around the country. It was a living testimony of the power of the Church working together to serve others.

In a unique set of circumstances T.C. went on staff with Saddleback church as Rick Warren’s documentary producer. His job was to travel with Pastor Rick around the world as he introduced the Peace Plan to business leaders, pastors and government officials. Each trip was a combination of meeting with leaders and visiting the poor. During these trips T.C. recorded countless stories of changed lives. Ironically, the biggest change was the his own.

Over the next several months T.C. began to meet filmmakers around the world that had a common vision, “media for a movement.” Many were working for small production companies as well as local churches. He saw a need for a ministry to care for these storytellers.

Between travels T.C. and fellow staff member, Bryan Uyeda, began a volunteer media ministry at Saddleback Church called Focus. As they introduced the concept at conferences they learned that pastors wanted to learn how to use media within there churches. T.C. and Bryan cared for pastors but T.C. had a fundamental problem, “I had become jaded by my experiences, I thought I knew all the answers. Though I wanted to see the church move into the world, I had become its greatest critic.” God in his way, had to change T.C.’s heart.

Journal Entry:

God forgive me. My judgment has stood in the way of my ability to serve you. I judge the very people I want to serve thinking I have all the answers. God thank you for opening my eyes to see people the way you seem them. Help me to see people inside the church the same way you see me. Protect me from trying to fix the Church. I finally understand what you mean by family. This is my family. God, I surrender to what you have taught me. Help me to never go back regardless of what is going on inside the buildings. Help me to remember your promises towards the church. Thank you that you never give up on me and you will never give up on the Church.

Soon after leaving Saddleback Church to care for his mother who was diagnosed with cancer, T.C. established Gratis 7 Media Group with a few like-minded filmmakers and buisnessmen who believed in a common vision.

Gratis 7 Media Group supports filmmakers who believe in redemptive story telling. The second goal is to care for pastors by providing them with tools for transformation. Gratis 7 believe the hope of the world resides in churches locally around the world.

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