Brian Bird
Brian's 25-year career in Hollywood includes writing and producing credits such as "When Calls the Heart" (2013) for the Hallmark Channel and Millennium Entertainment, "Not Easily Broken" (2009), adapted from the novel by T.D. Jakes, for Sony/Screen Gems; and "The Confession" (2013) and "The Shunning" (2011) for Sony Affirm, "Saving Sarah Cain" (2008) and "The Last Sin Eater" (2007) for (20th Century Fox 2007), "Call Me Claus" (2003) for Sony, and "Bopha!" (1993) for Paramount, along with 250 episodes of network TV, including "Touched By an Angel" and "Step By Step," and the recent pilot for NBC, "Gametime." He is currently writing and producing the feature film "Captive," the true story of 2005's Atlanta hostage crisis, in partnership with Ralph Winter ("X-Men") and Ken Wales ("Amazing Grace"). However, his best productions to date are his five children with his wife of 32 years, Patty.
Steve Puffenberger
Originally a “Multi-Image” producer for The Ohio State University, Steve has produced and exhibited hundreds of titles primarily for the business meeting/education sector over a 40-year professional career. He likes to sum it up, “everything from nuclear power plant training to fundraising for church.” In 1982 Steve founded Advent Media, Inc., (advent1.com) which now specializes in filmmaking, website development, and live-presentation content and training. Now joined by his son David, they continue supporting clients while pursuing Second Advent Pictures, a division for creating Gospel-centered original content. Steve has participated in five 168 films since 2008, producing two Signature films, editing a third, and winning Best Unlimited Documentary and Evangelista in 2011 for “The Main Thing,” and Best Unlimited Documentary in 2012 for “Changed on the Inside.” Steve lives in Columbus, Ohio.
Gary Swanson
is a pastor and full time missionary to many, who are the future of Hollywood. His Tinseltown Bible Studies meet on both the Fox and CBS Lots. Gary and his wife Judy live in Redondo Beach, CA.
John David Ware
is the founder and director of the 168 Film Project. Originally from Columbus Ohio, John went to film school at Miami University, Oxford, OH) and graduated with honors. In 1998, he co-founded SLATE Entertainment Fellowship at Bel Air Presbyterian Church, where 168 was born. John is a conference speaker and media and film festival consultant. 168 has helped propel the lives and careers of thousands of artists all over the world by teaching them to focus on excellence of craft and on God's Word. John has written feature-length spec screenplays and produced short films. He lives in Burbank, CA.