ABOUT US
ABOUT US
If you are looking to support us because you think that we have the moral high ground, you will be quickly disappointed. We are led by flawed individuals, we hire flawed teammates and we seek out flawed stories to tell. This ministry exists because we’re trying to learn from our own journeys and bring light to others who are doing the same. That is really hard, but also kind of amazing. Enter: grace.
Grace-Based Films is a 501(c)3 revolutionary film production company based in Hollywood. We tell universal stories that reveal the complexity of living a life in hope and faith. We have re-envisioned the typical film business model. By funding our films through donors rather than investors, we get to put people to work and our profits go toward future stories and philanthropy, rather than investors and filmmakers.
OUR MISSION is to tell compelling stories, through film, that meet 21st Century audiences exactly where they are in the messiness of life, emboldening them in their belovedness by bringing Jesus’ message alive, and reminding them that none of us are alone.
If we want to change our global culture of division and hate, we have to put our money where our mouth is. As Bishop Curry wisely said, “We didn’t get here overnight and we’re not going to get out of this overnight.” Wishing things will get better is not enough. We owe it to our children and grandchildren, our nieces and nephews, to start repairing the damage that has been done. We have to tell stories that push back; not just a single story that makes us feel better for a moment, but rather a series of stories that create a movement.
BRIAN IDE
Co-Founder & Director
DIRECTOR BRIAN IDE has worked in the entertainment industry for over 20 years, initially as a paid actor, then producer, and eventually journeyed in to the world of directing. “A Case for Love” is his fifth film, and premier feature-length documentary.
After producing and directing the feature film “This Day Forward,” he traveled the U.S. presenting the film in churches, theaters, and community centers while discussing the film’s message and experiencing its impact on audiences.
Following that tour, the Lutheran Church of Australia called him to their communities to do the same. 50 pages of responses to that tour are available on the film’s website.
Prior to founding Grace-Based Films, he directed “Clear Lake, WI” and the recent faith-based short film, “Reconcile”, which has been viewed and used in 47 different countries.
A three-time national judge for the Polly Bond Awards, he has spoken to colleges, faith centers, and film programs nationwide about the intersection of film and faith.
Brian is the son of an ELCA Lutheran pastor-father and devout Catholic mother. He is the husband to a lifelong Episcopalian who is drawn to stories that focus on what unites us rather than what divides.
STEVEN FLEENOR
Co-Founder & CFO
CFO STEVEN FLEENOR co-founded Grace-Based Films with Brian Ide in 2019. In this role, he oversees the non-profit corporation’s accounting, finance, legal, and HR functions. He also works as a Producer on each of its films, including “A Case for Love.”
Before his current position, he worked as a banker for 30 years, running ING Bank’s (a globally-focused Dutch bank) west coast sponsor-finance business. He is also a CPA.
Steven was involved in making both the short film “Reconcile” and the feature film “This Day Forward.” In 2021, after witnessing the power of inspirational films to transform lives, he retired from banking to focus 100% of his time on Grace-Based Films.