Producing with Purpose: Empowering Female Filmmakers with Anna Zielinski | Influence Women We

Are you a woman of faith passionate about storytelling and ready to lead in the world of film? Join producer Anna Zielinski for a powerful and practical webinar designed to equip female filmmakers with the tools, confidence, and clarity to produce with impact—regardless of your budget. Hosted by Influence Women global director Kathleen Cooke https://influencewomen.org in this session, you'll learn how to turn challenges into creative opportunities, lead with boldness and grace, and bring your vision to life without compromising your values or purpose.

Whether you’re just starting out or already producing, this webinar will help you step into your calling as a faith-driven leader in film, harnessing the power of storytelling to touch hearts and transform lives.
🎬 What You'll Learn
✅ Resourcefulness Over Resources – Discover how to stretch any budget using real-world tactics like creative problem-solving, community support, and strategic partnerships.
✅ Confident Leadership – Learn how to own your role, lead with clarity, and build a collaborative, inclusive culture on set.
✅ Faith-Fueled Resilience – Gain actionable insights to overcome unexpected obstacles without losing sight of your greater purpose.
💡 This webinar is for:
• Emerging producers seeking guidance and inspiration
• Experienced filmmakers navigating leadership challenges
• Women of faith committed to making a difference through film
Step boldly into your calling. Lead with purpose. Produce with impact.

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Founded by media executive Kathleen Cooke, IW will help you grow in your faith, your relationships, and your professional career in film, television, the arts, and leadership. You’ll find Influence Women in the major film hubs across the nation.

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*More About this Episode* Producing with Purpose: Empowering Female Filmmakers with Anna Zielinski
Anna Zielinski has over 15 years of experience producing faith-based and family films, spending her entire career at Pinnacle Peak Pictures. Anna began her producing career in 2010, partnering with David A.R. White and Pure Flix Entertainment to produce multiple films, including Marriage Retreat, Apostle Peter and The Last Supper, and Brotha White, and made her directorial debut with The Book of Daniel (2013).

In 2014, Anna served as a producer on the faith-based hit God’s Not Dead, which became the highest-grossing indie feature of that year. Anna continued her momentum in 2014 with Dancer and the Dame and the sitcom Hitting The Breaks, and in 2021, Anna produced and directed Courting Mom & Dad. She went on to expand her portfolio as executive producer on The Encounter and Sons of Thunder: Redemption, Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters, Nothing’s Impossible, Revelation Road: The Series, and God’s Not Dead: In God We Trust (2024).

Throughout her career, she has successfully led the production of both original films and series, solidifying her reputation as a leader in faith-based entertainment. Now solid with wisdom and knowledge and wanting to see others excel in the industry, Anna launched The Producers Desk, a YouTube channel providing aspiring producers with practical tips and strategies to bring their creative visions to life.

Find out more at https://www.theproducersdesk.com/

00:00 Introduction by Kathleen Cooke for the Influence Women webinar
01:40 Meet producer Anna Zielinski
03:46 Producing with purpose for female filmmakers
06:04 Resourcefulness for filmmakers
08:12 Learn how to negotiate and make deals
16:30 Production and distribution windows
19:43 How film distribution has changed
22:45 Anna Zielinski tells the story of how she got her first producing gig
30:08 Creative problem solving skills in film production
36:14 How to learn film production
47:55 Resources for female filmmakers