Industrious Family Fun Films Blog

Aug 06, 2025

The Scarlet Letter Movie

Explore The Scarlet Letter movie adaptations and book themes, from Hawthorne’s message to film reviews, character insights and the best adaptations.

Continue reading "The Scarlet Letter Movie"

Jul 25, 2025

Acting, Focus, and Kaizen: A Lesson from Drama Camp

I just spent a fantastic week being a camp counselor for a friend’s drama camp. One of my favorite takeaways that I got from the acting coach was when he was telling the kids to, no matter what they’re doing, focus 100% on the task at hand and to give it their all.

It reminded me of our word of the year: “kaizen”. It is the mentality that no matter what you’re doing - whether it’s chores, playing or learning something, in this case, it was dancing and singing - that you dedicate a distracting amount of time to putting in your all, and performing to your best ability.

This is of course something that we do at Industrious Family all the time, but I have not yet heard it to be applied to acting. Acting is a skill just like any other. Just like an instrument, no matter how old you are or how long you’ve been doing it, the best performance will be given when you have distractedly put time aside to focusing on doing your best.

Halfway through the year, I am reminded of our word of the year: Kaizen - ever onward, ever improving, all in.

Read my full story on the Mary Poppins Drama Camp here!

Jul 23, 2025

From Wheat Fields to Film Reels: How a Summer Harvest Job Sparked an Unexpected Conversation About "Max & Carlota"

Hey there, it's Becket. This summer I am running a combine during the wheat harvest. During my onboarding/interview, one of the farmers asked me what I do at home. I replied that I make movies. You can imagine his surprise and immediate interest. He then asked what type of movies. I started to telling about our current project FABIOLA and then about our past projects. What really caught his attention was Max & Carlota. He told me that he had lived in the same city that Max was executed in for a few months and so he knew the story very well. I never imagined that I would be visiting with a farmer about the Second Mexican Empire. He said that he would have to check out our films and seemed very excited to find a place that puts out good wholesome movies.

Jul 21, 2025

Behind the Scenes: A Solo Shoot, Sweet Treats, and a Movie Review You Won’t Want to Miss!

Had another fun shoot day today. I love getting out there and filming, but this time was even more fun as I was the only person in front of the camera. I wrote my own script which made delivering the lines very comfortable. I sat down for HMU which was a change as I'm usually the HMU person. The children behaved well and director Mary bought us all ice cream as a reward. I think you'll like the video we made for you. It is a movie review and we really put a lot of extra effort into making it enjoyable to watch. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and sign up for notifications so that you can see it as soon as it is published.

Jul 19, 2025

Closing in on $25K! Help Us Reach This FABIOLA Goal Before July Ends

Thanks to a fantastic contributor and investor this week, we have now raised $21,830 for Fabiola! Thanks to contributions and investments, we are making the Fabiola film a reality. We are passionate about telling the stories of the early Church martyrs through film and your help is what makes this dream happen. Thank you to all those who have contributed or invested thus far.

I wonder if we can make it past the $25,000 mark before the end of July? Remember that you can contribute any amount and become a part of this movement now!

Contribute any amount now!

Jul 16, 2025

Why Children Should Participate In The Arts

The importance for children to be in the arts of movies and plays makes them not so shy and more bold and outgoing. Acting trains them at a young age to sing and dance. It also helps them with obedience for a play cannot be performed well if the actors do not listen to their coach. Hi, I'm Patrick and last week I was a camp leader for a drama camp. The kids’, that attended, average age was 6 and they had to listen and try to do the dances which looked super great the day of the performance. Learning to follow directions and feeling more confident are just some of the reasons that children should partake in acting.

Jul 14, 2025

Stepping Into Lucina's Shoes: Megan Geier on Acting, Dance, and Gingerness | FABIOLA Cast Interviews

Full interview just dropped! In this episode, Kaleb McConner sits Megan Geier down and they chat about her upcoming role in FABIOLA as Lucina, the wife and mother of martyrs. Kaleb and Megan enjoy a conversation about their common likeness with being red-headed and what it has ment in their careers. You won't want to miss this great podcast episode!

Jul 13, 2025

Keeping Angora Rabbits Clean

Hi there! I've had my angora bunny for a while and I still don't really know how to combat this problem! My bunny ruffles the hay everytime and it always

Continue reading "Keeping Angora Rabbits Clean"

Jul 09, 2025

Enjoy a Free Trial of Industrious Family Theater – Subscribe Today!

Looking for wholesome, faith-filled entertainment your whole family can enjoy? Right now, we’re offering a free trial of Industrious Family Theater when you subscribe to our newsletter!

When you sign up, you’ll get instant access to some of our most-loved films:

💪 Fit Shepherds – A real-life look at Catholic men who grow in camaraderie through fitness, prayer, and sacrifice.

🚀 The Eden Project – In a post-apocalyptic ice age, a girl must choose between obeying her father or risking everything and strike out on her own.

🤣 Pop Goes the Toaster - A quirky comedy about a man, his breakfast ritual, and one stubborn toaster.

🇮🇪 The Longford Fox – Based on true events, this historical drama follows a brave Irish priest evading British capture.

🕊️ Grisly Grisell – Set during the Wars of the Roses, this medieval drama tells the story of Grisell, a noble girl disfigured in a tragic accident. Her inner beauty and virtue lead to an unexpected turnout.

🇵🇱 Home Army – A tribute to Poland’s WWII resistance, told through the eyes of a young female courier.

These featured favorites—and many more—are available now on Industrious Family Theater.

🎁 Subscribe to our newsletter today and claim your free trial to start streaming positive entertainment!

Jul 03, 2025

Celebrate Freedom with Film: The Best Movies for July 4th

As Independence Day approaches, many of us are looking forward to fireworks, family BBQs, and, of course, a good movie night! After a day spent celebrating our freedom, there’s nothing better than gathering with loved ones and watching a film that reminds us why we’re proud to be Americans.

We just updated our list of the best movies for July 4th, and you won’t want to miss it.

➡️ Click here to explore the full list of the Best Movies for July 4th!

So grab the popcorn, cozy up with loved ones, and celebrate the Fourth of July with a film that honors our past and inspires our future.

Happy 4th of July! 🇺🇸🍿🎆

Jul 01, 2025

🎉 We’ve Reached $20,130 — Thank You!

We are so happy to celebrate passing the $20,000 milestone in our fundraising efforts for FABIOLA!

To everyone who has contributed and shared the project—we want to say "thank you" from the bottoms of our hearts. Your support is making it possible to bring this powerful Catholic story to life on screen.

But we’re not done yet! Our goal is to reach $200,000 by the end of the summer, and with your help, we know it’s possible. Every dollar helps us get closer to building sets, filming scenes, and telling the story of faith, courage, and conversion that the world so desperately needs.

🎁 Remember: donations of $100 or more come with a Sacred Heart gift as our way of saying thank you!

Let’s keep the momentum going. Together, we can reach our next milestone

👉 Contribute today!

Jun 27, 2025

Unforgettable Connections and Inspiring Talks: Why You Shouldn’t Miss This Year’s Return to Tradition Women’s Conference

Last year, it was my pleasure to enjoy the Return to Tradition Conference in Littleton with my godmother. You may remember that FABIOLA also sponsored the event last year!

While at the conference I was able to listen to the talks by the amazing speakers as well as meet John Henry Weston, Fr. David Nix and Jodi Lacroix. It was an unforgettable experience in which I made connections and friends I will never forget.

And right now, registration is open again for the fourth annual Traditional Catholic women's conference. I unfortunately will not be able to attend this year, but I encourage any Traditional ladies out there to try to attend if possible. It was a great conference last year and this year it looks like they are going to have another great conference with Mother Miriam from Mother Miriam Live giving the keynote address. And registration is open now so visit their website to reserve your seats!

Jun 26, 2025

Why Would a Child Like St. Agnes Sacrifice Everything?

At our FABIOLA investor presentations, we highlight a pivotal moment: Agnes' profound act of martyrdom. It's a powerful catalyst in the narrative—but someone once asked me directly, “Why would Agnes, a child, willingly give her life for the Faith?”

I was caught off guard. The answer seemed obvious to me, yet articulating it clearly in the moment proved surprisingly difficult.

Since then, I’ve given it more thought—and here’s a more thoughtful response:

Agnes is not just devoted; she’s deeply in love with Christ. This isn’t some abstract devotion—it's the kind that mirrors the love we see portrayed in art and literature: “I’d walk through hellfire for you.” Think of Sydney Carton’s sacrifice in A Tale of Two Cities, a love so profound he gives his life for another.

Agnes' love for Christ resonates with that same intensity.

So why are we surprised at a child’s willingness to die for her faith? If we accept such radical love in human relationships, why not in our relationship with Christ? The love of saints isn’t fantasy—it’s intensely real and deeply human. It’s a love so strong it compels them to “go to the moon and back” for what they cherish most.

This is the love that fuels the martyrs. And it’s precisely the kind of love we aim to bring to life in FABIOLA—an epic tale that reveals why these early Christians were willing to pay the ultimate price for their faith. To help us tell this beautiful story, we need your support.

Will you help us bring Agnes’ courageous love—and the love of the martyrs—to the screen? Contribute today and champion a film that showcases the depth of Christian sacrifice and sets our hearts on fire. 🔥

Contribute to FABIOLA!

Jun 23, 2025

Red Hair, Faith, and FABIOLA: Megan Geier Shares Her Journey on the Casting Couch

Kaleb McConnor returns to the mic as he sits down with fellow FABIOLA cast member Megan Geier in a new highlight reel from our video podcast series.

Megan shares how she first heard about the FABIOLA project and how she felt called to audition, believing it was God's Will that led her to the role. Originally auditioning for the title role of Fabiola, Megan was ultimately cast as Lucina—a decision made, somewhat ironically, based on her striking red hair.

In this candid and charming conversation, Kaleb and Megan bond over their shared “gingerness,” reflecting on whether being red-headed has been a blessing or a curse in the acting world.

Megan also dives into the process of shifting her mindset to portray Lucina—a journey from the pride of a haughty pagan to the humility of a mature Christian woman that Fabiola could truly admire. She touches on how her background in dance and choreography has enriched her acting.

The two actors also swap stories about their audition experiences, with Megan flipping the script and asking Kaleb how he managed to shift his mood during the auditions for Sebastian and Fulvius.

🎧 This highlight reel is just a taste of what’s to come. Stay tuned for the full interview where Kaleb reveals the three roles he would love to play in his acting career!

Crowdfund FABIOLA today to help us make this film a reality!

Jun 20, 2025

🎉 Weekly Update: We Raised $313—Thank You!

We’re excited to share that we raised $313 this week toward our FABIOLA fundraising goal! Every dollar brings us one step closer to bringing this powerful story of faith, courage, and conversion to the screen.

🙏 A huge thank-you to everyone who contributed—you are making this film possible!

🎁 Don’t forget: when you donate $100 or more, you’ll receive a beautiful Sacred Heart gift as our way of saying thank you.

Let’s keep the momentum going!👉 Donate here: https://www.fabiolamovie.com

#FABIOLAFilm #CatholicCinema #SacredHeart #FaithInFilm #CatholicCreatives #ThankYou

Jun 16, 2025

🎬 FABIOLA Interview Highlight: Meghan Mullaney Talks About Her Role!

We’re excited to share this highlight reel from a recent interview between Kaleb McConner and FABIOLA cast member Meghan Mullaney! 🎤✨

In this interview, Meghan offers a glimpse into her preparation for one of FABIOLA’s most beloved characters.

🎧 Don’t miss this behind-the-scenes peek!

If you love what you see, please consider supporting FABIOLA. Your contribution helps us bring this powerful Catholic story to life—and we’ve got some exciting perks just for you!

🎁 Donate $100 or more and receive a gift from our Sacred Heart merchandise.

Let’s make this film together.

👉 Support the project today!

Jun 13, 2025

First Week Of Funding Round Meets With Success!

We’re thrilled to share that thanks to your generosity, we’ve raised $10,322 this week toward our $200,000 summer goal!

Your support is bringing this powerful Catholic story to life—and we’re not done yet.

There’s still time to join this mission of faith-filled storytelling.

🎁 Donate $100 or more and receive a beautiful gift from our Sacred Heart collection—a heartfelt thank-you from our team to you.

Let’s keep the momentum going! Every contribution makes a difference.

👉 Give today

#CatholicFilm #FaithInAction #FabiolaMovie #CatholicStorytelling #SupportTheArts #SacredHeart

Jun 12, 2025

The Martyrdom Message: Building Faith Amid Persecution

At last year's Catholic Identity Conference, Michael Matt invoked a powerful reminder through Hilaire Belloc’s words: “When they start starving the lions again… it means that the revolution has failed and they have run out of ideas.” Belloc continues, “The Church is a perpetually defeated thing that always out‑lived her conquerors.” Rather than scare us, this message urges us to recognize that persecution is real—and increasingly imminent.

One segment of Michael Matt’s speech resonated deeply, especially in light of FABIOLA. He shared the profound moment when martyrs declare before death:

“The revolution did not get me. I didn’t fold. I will give my life for this.”

This declaration is the story that outlives time. It echoes from the colosseums of the early Church to the more recent martyrs in the Vendée, the Cristeros, and even those in 21st-century China. People are drawn to martyrdom not because of its tragedy, but because of the unshakeable conviction it reveals. Witnessing someone stand firm "right before he or she loses his head" sends a powerful message—the Faith endured.

That message “is powerful enough to topple revolutions,” and it’s a message we must prepare ourselves—and our children—to give.

This is precisely what FABIOLA seeks to capture on screen: the courage of those who refused to worship any other than God, the light that shines in the darkness, and the stories of martyrs whose last words inspired generations.

🎬 Help bring their stories to life. Support FABIOLA today and join us in proclaiming, “I kept the Faith.”

Jun 10, 2025

Help Us Reach Our Goal – New Round of Funding for FABIOLA Now Open!

We're excited to announce that FABIOLA is moving forward—and with your continued support, we're launching another round of funding!

Our goal this round is to raise $11,000, which will go directly toward completing the next scene of this powerful Catholic film. Whether you’ve been part of the FABIOLA journey from the beginning or are just now hearing about the project, now is a perfect time to jump in.

To show our gratitude, we're offering a special gift to contributors:🎁 Donate $100 or more and receive a gift from our Sacred Heart merchandise collection—a small token of our thanks.

Every donation, large or small, helps bring FABIOLA to life. This is more than a movie—it’s a movement to revive Catholic storytelling and share heroic virtue with the next generation. Your generosity helps us tell stories rooted in faith, courage, and truth.

Thank you for believing in us and in this project. Let’s keep the momentum going!

Contribute $100 to Fabiola today!

Jun 09, 2025

Embracing the Latin Mass: From Barstools to Beauty

Though Jodi had been raised Methodist and Presbyterian, she agreed to a Catholic wedding—where her husband John, a fallen-away Catholic, returned to the Church on their wedding day.

Two years later, Jodi heard the story of Our Lady of Fatima. She describes it as a “Marian kidnapping”—Our Lady had claimed her heart. In 1988, she joyfully entered the Catholic Church.

John had served as an altar boy in the 1960s and deeply missed the Latin Mass. So when the Fraternity of St. Peter (FSSP) arrived in Denver in 1996 to offer the Traditional Mass, they were among the first 16 attendees—seated on barstools in someone’s basement.

Through Gregorian Chant and sacred hymns, Jodi soon fell in love with the Mass.

Jodi now treasures the Latin Mass as a source of beauty, clarity, and strength.

👉 Read her full story of faith, music, and rediscovering Tradition: Embracing the Latin Mass

Jun 09, 2025

Now Is the Time to Tell the Story of FABIOLA

Did you know St. Thérèse’s favorite novel is being made into a film? FABIOLA is the story of Christian courage, martyrdom, and conversion—set in ancient Rome but speaking directly to our times.

In a world increasingly hostile to Christianity, we need inspiring stories that unite believers and remind us of our heritage. That’s why we’re telling the story of FABIOLA—but we can’t do it without your help.

Support the film today and receive a Sacred Heart gift for donations over $100.

Let’s preserve these inspiring stories through the powerful of Catholic cinema.

👉 Contribute now

Jun 06, 2025

The Seed That Fell Upon Good Ground: Christopher Hatfield’s Journey Toward Tradition

What does it take to rediscover the sacred? For Christopher Hatfield, it began with a cassock, a faithful priest, and a question: Why has so much changed?

In his moving article "Seeds on the Road to Tradition", Christopher reflects on his experiences as an altar boy, a college student, a military member, and a husband—all while unknowingly being drawn back to the Traditional Roman Rite. From solemn retreats and daily Masses to a Christmas Midnight Mass that coincided with the birth of his daughter, Christopher’s journey is full of unexpected moments that slowly but surely pointed him to the rich beauty of Catholic Tradition.

His story is full of the little “seeds” God plants along the way—seeds that, in time, lead to clarity, conviction, and an eventual home in Tradition. If you’ve ever wrestled with the changes in the Church or longed for something more reverent and rooted, this testimony will speak to your soul.

Read Christopher Hatfield’s full article and be encouraged by his humble, heartfelt road to Tradition.

#TraditionalCatholic #CatholicConversion #TraditionalLatinMass #CatholicFaith

Jun 04, 2025

New Article Published on OnePeterFive: Book Review of Ben-Hur

Exciting news—Mary’s full article has just been published on OnePeterFive! This in-depth review of Ben-Hur by Lew Wallace explores more than just plot points. It dives into the timeless themes like vengeance, love, suffering, and how our ideas about God can become distorted through pain and pride.

If you've ever been moved by the classic film or wondered about the deeper layers of the original novel, this reflection is worth the read. Head over to OnePeterFive to read the full piece now!

Jun 03, 2025

From Confusion to Clarity: How One Couple Found Their Home in Tradition

Sometimes the road home is long, winding, and completely unexpected.

That was certainly the case for Matthew and Gabriella Prescott. Raised Catholic but feeling spiritually adrift, they left everything familiar behind—both physically and spiritually—in search of truth. What they found was far more than they expected.

In "Finding Our Home in Tradition", they share their honest and inspiring journey from confusion to clarity, from compromise to conviction. If you’ve ever felt alone in your faith or questioned what it truly means to be Catholic, their story will resonate deeply.

Read their full testimony and be encouraged by their rediscovery of Tradition.

May 30, 2025

A Private Investigator, a Parking Lot, and the Unexpected Path to Tradition

Sometimes the greatest discoveries happen when you're not looking for them. In his article, author James Fitzhenry shares his powerful and unexpected journey to the Traditional Latin Mass—beginning in the most unlikely of places: a church parking lot during a private investigation.

What started as a routine stakeout in Colton, California, quickly turned into a providential encounter with a priest from the Society of St. Pius X, whose clarity and conviction sparked a transformation that would change the course of Mr. Fitzhenry's spiritual life. This story is one of those rare moments where faith and God’s grace intersect in a way that’s both gripping and truly inspiring.

For those who, like James Fitzhenry, have stumbled upon Tradition, it’s a reminder of how God often leads us down the most unexpected paths to draw us closer to Him. Read James Fitzhenry's full story in his article here.

May 27, 2025

"Life Is Suffering—And That’s Where Joy Begins": Reflections on Tradition by Aaron Kessler

The Traditionalist movement addresses the ugly painting over the mantelpiece that everyone is too polite to notice: That life is suffering and we will die. One might think this is a morbid and sad reality, and it can be.

But since it is reality, one must face it.

Admittedly, some may dwell on this to the point where they eclipse the joys in life. But if one is sane about it, accepting this reality can lead to making the most good out of it. That is the Traditionalist movement at its best, approaching suffering in such a way that it leads one to Jesus, the greatest joy in life.

No one can escape suffering, but when one accepts its existence it can begin to bear fruit.

Thank you, Aaron Kessler, for this reflection on the Traditionalist movement. This is the movement that is celebrated in our new music video "Trad Seats" which is available to watch now on our YouTube!

May 27, 2025

Another Book Made into a Movie Review! This Time: Ben-Hur

We’re back with another book-to-film deep dive—this time featuring one of our all-time family favorites: Charlton Heston’s epic 1959 Ben-Hur. This Golden Age classic never fails to intrigue us, and we finally sat down to give it the serious review it deserves. We also made time to watch the 2016 remake and shared our honest thoughts about how it holds up.

And there’s more! I recently finished reading Lew Wallace’s original novel and included a short summary in this comprehensive page. Keep an eye out—my full review will be published next month on 1Peter5!

Until then, read the full page featuring the film adaptations here!

May 26, 2025

🎶 Trad Seats — A Musical Tribute to the Latin Mass Attendees

I’m thrilled to announce a new project: a song called “Trad Seats”—a fun and heartfelt tribute to all the families, individuals, and faithful souls who go the extra mile (literally and spiritually) to attend the Traditional Latin Mass. Whether it's long drives, inconvenient Mass times, or making tough sacrifices to live the faith fully, "Trad Seats" celebrates the beautiful determination of those who choose Tradition.

To mark the release, I’ll also be sharing real conversion stories from friends and fellow Catholics who found their way to the Traditional Mass—stories of grace, struggle, and the surprising paths God uses to draw us closer to Him.

🎶 “Trad Seats” is available to watch on our YouTube channel now!

May 23, 2025

The Story Behind Our Brand Name

We were just 10 and 12 years old when my sister and I helped our mom come up with a name for our company. Even at that young age, we had big dreams and a “go get ’em” mindset that we wanted our brand to reflect. That’s why we chose a name inspired by one of our favorite virtues: industriousness.

Playing on the old saying, “Idleness is the devil’s workshop,” we named our new business Industrious Family. It started as a website dedicated to helping families have quality, affordable family fun. The heart of the brand was all about working together and spending time as a family.

Our original logo featured a simple daffodil—chosen not just because it's the first flower to bloom in spring and a traditional symbol of industriousness, but also because it’s personal to us. Dad's family were daffodil farmers in western Washington, so including this flower in our logo felt like a tribute to our heritage.

Now, as we've grown into a film company, we’ve carried that original inspiration with us. The name Industrious still fuels everything we do. We’re currently working with a designer on a fresh new logo, and yes—the daffodil is still very much part of the vision.

We can’t wait to share it with you when it’s ready!

For those of you who have been following us since that simple start in 2014, thank you for your faithful support all of these years. And for those of you who are just starting to find out about us, welcome to the adventure! We hope you continue to support and learn more about Industrious Family as we continue to work toward a more virtuous future.

May 22, 2025

Last Chance: Celebrate the Election of Pope Leo XIV with 14% Off!

In honor of the election of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, all items are 14% off—a perfect opportunity to stock up on Catholic gifts, wholesome movie merchandise, and faith-filled resources for your family.

From saint-inspired apparel and accessories to our family-friendly films like Outlaws of Ravenhurst, Grisly Grisell, and Pelayo, every purchase supports our mission to make entertainment for your family’s soul. But you've got to hurry! Today is the last day of this sale.