Brave the Dark: A Journey from Set to Screen

Brave the Dark is film based on the true story of teacher in Lancaster, PA who sees the potential of a young student and becomes his guardian.

I worked on the film in 2021, and I am so proud of the incredible journey it took to make it to theaters. After 5 weeks on the big screen, I couldn’t help but reflect on the incredible journey that brought this film to life.

This was my first time serving in an official capacity on a movie set. I came on as one of the 40 associate producers funding the film, and I served as the unit photographer creating the official stills for the brand and marketing. I came in with a mix of nervous energy and determination, setting a goal not just to capture the action on screen, but to celebrate the incredible crew behind the scenes. Every frame became a way to preserve both the story unfolding and the behind-the-scenes collaboration that made it all possible. And I took it as a personal goal to photograph one great image of every team member making the picture.

Three years later, and many more for executive producer Derek Dienner and real Nate who the story is based on — Nathaniel Deen — this film made its way to theaters on January 24, 2025. Angel Studios became our distributor putting it into more than 2,000 theaters opening weekend.

Brave the Dark is a powerful film based on the true story of Nate Dean, someone I was so fortunate to become friends with throughout the making of this film. Set in 1980s rural Pennsylvania and based on true events, Brave the Dark follows the transformative bond between Stan Deen, a compassionate high school teacher, and Nate, a troubled teenager living out of his car. The film explores themes of mentorship, resilience, and the life-changing power of empathy, earning praise for its heartfelt storytelling and performances.

Huge congratulations to my friend and wedding foxhole buddy, Derek Dienner, for making this happen. Persistence has truly paid off!

I forged two other great relationships in this process, including the legendary cinematographer Julio Macat. If you’ve ever seen Home Alone, Pitch Perfect, Wedding Crashers or Horrible Bosses 2, you have Macat to applaud. He’s an amazing talent, and while working so closely with him, he encouraged me to join the cinematographer’s union. I’m proud to be an IATSE member. The other is Unit Production Manager Jamie Buckner, who’s been a wonderful confidant to discuss other film projects over the years. These relationships helped me reshape how I see the craft, the process, and the people who pour their hearts into bringing stories to life.

If you haven’t already, I hope you’ll check out Brave the Dark in theaters and online at the Angel Studios’ website, and witness the magic that so many dedicated hands helped create.

Here’s to more stories, more growth, and more light in the year ahead.

Want to bring your story to life through powerful visuals? Whether it’s film, events, or brand storytelling, let’s capture every moment with authenticity and impact. Email hello@veracitystudio.com and see more of our work at veracitystudios.com.

Brave the Dark: A Journey from Set to Screen

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