Open Hearts Before the Paddle Raise
A premiere-night film that shows your guests why your ministry matters, right before you ask them to give.
Your guests came to celebrate. Give them a reason to give.
By the time dinner is served, your guests have heard plenty of thank-yous and seen plenty of slides. What moves them is seeing the students, teachers, and families their gift will reach.
A gala film brings your classrooms into the banquet hall. The room goes quiet, the lights come down, and your guests see exactly what they're investing in, just before the ask.
The Gala Film
One story-driven film, made for your big night.
Built around your theme. We plan the film around this year's gala theme and fundraising goal.
Real voices. Students, teachers, parents, and alumni share what your school means to them.
Your ministry in action. Footage from classrooms, chapel, and everyday school life.
Ready for the reveal. A finished film delivered before your event, ready to premiere on the big screen.
Built for the night and long after
The premiere is just the beginning. Your film keeps working:
Revealed at the gala, right before the paddle raise
Shared on your website and social media afterward
Sent to donors who couldn't attend
Reused at open houses, enrollment events, and in church
Proven at real events
Carlsbad Christian Academy, Carlsbad, CA
CCA holds an annual gala and has learned that video is the best way to capture its audience's attention. They reveal the film the night of the event to build excitement for the school's ministry, then publish it on their website and social platforms.
Journeys Lutheran School, Hales Corners, WI
For Journeys' Day of Thanks & Giving, we created a film celebrating the school reopening after a challenging flood, inviting families and supporters to be part of its next chapter.
"We really appreciated John's work with our school. He was able to take his experience and vision and mold it with what we were looking for and create an incredible promotional video for our school. John is a great communicator and very professional. Would highly recommend!"
Dave Roekle
Principal, Carlsbad Christian Academy
Why a principal makes your gala film
I'm a Christian school principal. I know what goes into a gala: months of planning, a room full of your most faithful supporters, and one evening to inspire them. I plan every film around what your guests need to see to give generously.
I grew up in a pastor's family, so telling ministry stories with care and integrity matters to me. Your students and staff will be in good hands on camera.
How it works
Discovery call (20 minutes). We talk about your event, your theme, and your fundraising goal.
Story plan. We choose who to interview and what to film, working back from your gala date.
Filming days. One to three days on site, depending on the size and scope of your project, scheduled around your school day.
Editing and review. You'll see the film before it's final, with two rounds of revisions included.
Premiere. You get the finished film ready for the big screen, plus versions for your website and social media.
Investment
Projects start at $5,000.
After our first call, I'll send a clear quote based on the film, filming days, and travel.
Questions
When should we reach out?
As soon as your gala date is set. Filming works best while school is in session, with plenty of time to edit before the event.
Do you travel?
Yes. I'm based in the Fox Valley of Wisconsin and have filmed for schools in Wisconsin, California, and Utah. Travel costs depend on location, transportation, and whether hotel stays are needed, and they're spelled out in your quote.
How much staff time does this take?
About an hour for planning, plus helping coordinate interviews. I handle the rest.
Who appears on camera?
Usually your principal or head of school, plus a handful of students, teachers, parents, and alumni.
Can we use the film after the gala?
Yes, anywhere you'd like. Most schools share it on their website and social media, and many reuse it for enrollment and in church.
Ready to make your next gala unforgettable?
Book a free 20-minute call, and we'll talk through your event and how a film can help you reach your goal.