In this episode of The Fabulist, Joel Pilger dives deep with Derek Dienner, founder of Make Films and producer of the upcoming feature film Brave the Dark. Derek shares his remarkable journey from running a thriving commercial production company to navigating the highs and lows of bringing a heartfelt narrative drama to life. Discover how Derek balances the dual challenges of managing a creative business and pursuing his dream of making impactful films. From securing $4 million in funding during the chaos of COVID, to signing a distribution deal with Angel Studios for a theatrical release in over 2,500 theaters, Derek’s story is one of resilience, vision, and entrepreneurial grit. If you've ever wondered what it takes to transition from producing commercials to creating feature films—or how to persevere when the odds seem insurmountable—this is the episode for you. Hear about the challenges of the entertainment industry, the power of belief and grit, and the importance of staying connected to your creative roots.  Links: Learn more about Derek's production company: MakeFilms.cc Tickets for Brave the Dark: Available starting December 1st, with the film opening nationwide January 24th. Tune in now to explore the intersection of creativity and commerce, and to celebrate the journey of reinventing the future of storytelling.