An INNER VIEW with Producer and Director Anna Zielinski

An INNER VIEW with Producer and Director Anna Zielinski

Inner Views

BIO

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.

INNER VIEW

Kathleen Cooke: There are many challenges as a producer and director. What’s one of the most significant recent lessons God has taught you?

Anna Zielinski: One thing God has recently taught me is the importance of surrendering control and trusting His timing. As someone who loves to plan and organize every detail, I’ve learned that trying to control outcomes often leads to unnecessary stress and frustration. God has been reminding me that His plans are always better than mine, even when they don’t align with my timeline. When I choose to let go and trust Him, I find peace and clarity, even in uncertain moments. This lesson has been significant as I navigate new opportunities and challenges in my life, reminding me to lean into faith and not fear.

Kathleen: A producer’s job requires a calm hand on the steering wheel. This means one must manage one’s time and responsibilities and align priorities. What tips can you share on how to do this?

Anna: Prioritizing my time starts with a clear hierarchy: my health and well-being come first, followed by family, community, work, and finally, guilty pleasures. I’ve learned that if I’m not at my best—physically, mentally, and spiritually—I can’t fully show up for the people and priorities that matter most. My day always starts with exercise. If I don’t get it done first thing, it’s easy for it to fall by the wayside. From there, I move on to the day’s goals, prioritizing tasks in order of importance. For work, I choose to schedule calls within specific timeframes and often conduct them as “walking” appointments to ensure I’m staying active throughout the day. Evenings are reserved for fun and connection—playing pickleball, scrolling Instagram for delicious recipes, or enjoying movie time with my son. This intentional approach allows me to stay productive, maintain my health, and make space for the lighter, joy-filled moments that recharge me. By structuring my day this way, I’ve found balance and alignment with what truly matters while still leaving room for flexibility and spontaneity.

Kathleen: Time management and getting your priorities in line requires drawing boundaries. What have you learned about staying within those boundaries in our 24/7 world?

Anna: Drawing boundaries starts with knowing my values and priorities. I’ve learned that saying “yes” to everything often leads to burnout, so I’ve become intentional about protecting my time and energy for what truly matters—my health, family, work, and personal well-being. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that boundaries are not about shutting people out; they’re about creating space to show up fully for the things and people that matter most. For example, I set clear limits on when I take work calls, ensuring I have uninterrupted family time in the evenings. I’ve also learned the importance of communicating boundaries respectfully but firmly so that others understand and respect them. Keeping boundaries requires consistency and self-awareness. It’s easy to let them slip, especially when I feel the pressure to meet everyone else’s expectations. I’ve found that regularly checking in with myself helps—am I staying aligned with my priorities, or am I overcommitting? Ultimately, boundaries are about maintaining balance. They allow me to give my best to the areas that matter while still leaving room for rest, joy, and connection.

Kathleen: The films you have produced and directed have influenced many. What have you learned about the power of influence and having one that is everlasting?

Anna: One thing I’ve learned about influence is that it’s less about what you say and more about who you are. True, lasting influence comes from character—the way you treat others, the integrity you show in your actions, and the kindness and humility you carry with you. People may forget your words, but they’ll never forget how you made them feel.  To be a “sweet aroma” of influence means leaving a positive impression whenever you leave the room. It’s about being intentional with your presence—listening more than speaking, offering encouragement, and treating others with respect and grace, even in challenging situations. Ultimately, influence isn’t about power or position; it’s about the legacy you leave in the hearts of those around you. When your actions align with your values and reflect God’s love, you create a lasting fragrance that inspires and uplifts others long after you’re gone.

An INNER View with Award-Winning Producer, Director and Writer Lisa Arnold

An INNER View with Award-Winning Producer, Director and Writer Lisa Arnold

Inner Views

BIO

Lisa is an award-winning director, writer, content developer, and producer with over 20 years of experience in film, television, and stage. She is an advocate of faith, family, and purpose-driven projects and strives to create stories that entertain and inspire. Lisa’s projects include Bringing Back Christmas, Decidedly Southern, Into the Spotlight, One Nation Under God, Kid Combat, Caged No More, Camp Cool Kid, Beautifully Broken, God’s Not Dead, This Is Our Time, Letting Go, Flywheel, and Christmas Angel and more. She was awarded by ICFF and KIFF with the Outstanding Women in Film Award. She is the Executive Director of Check the Gate Productions and loves to mentor others to reach excellence and make a difference through filmmaking.

INNER VIEW

Kathleen Cooke: I often hear from actors that they feel isolated and in the industry alone. What has God taught you about why community with believers is so vital?

Lisa Arnold : Over the last two years, God has impressed upon me the importance of community and collaboration. Although we individually have callings, we need the body to come together to make a greater difference. Ladies, open doors for each other, inspire one another, and show up for each other! God divinely gives us a village of support in serving His Kingdom.

Kathleen: How would you define success in the entertainment and media industry?

Lisa: If you want to succeed, you must come with a servant’s heart… the heart of Jesus. Every time that I step onto a set as the film director, I make sure that our team feels loved, respected, prayed over, set up for success, and a part of the vision. If I empower and equip them, they will bring their best, and we will create something beyond our wildest imagination. There is room for all to have a seat at the table! A leader serves!

Kathleen: What’s the one thing you’ve learned about your position of influence in the world?

Lisa: Personally, on my journey in film and television, I see the. impact that our Medium has on the world. It defines culture, and most of the time not in a good way. Our programs today are filled with darkness, destruction, and deceit. Rarely do we see positive content, healthy families being portrayed, and stories that share a powerful message beyond the screen. That is why the influence of Faith & Family content is desperately needed in today’s society. We have to combat the cultural changes that cause us to fall into defeat. Just as we come to the table to share a meal and fellowship, so do we need the opportunity to share inspiring stories together. But with the content that is being made today, we immediately see all of the TVMA warnings and are separated due to language, violence, sex, drugs, or abuse. Our shared experience has been taken away from us, and no longer are we seeing programs and films that are for all generations and are meant for co-viewing audiences. Entertainment sets culture much more than politics does. We have to raise up and champion this cause if we want to spread God’s message, show healthy families, and create content with light, love, faith, and encouragement.

On a broader note, I’ll say this… In the world, influence is considered power, but it is the opposite. With influence comes a bended knee. We are not here to raise up ourselves but rather to raise up each other. To encourage and inspire others to reach their potential and be all that God has for them.

Connect with Lisa:
Instagram: _lisaarnold