True Crime; True Testimonies

A meth addict escaping her Hell’s Angels boyfriend, the sole survivor of a shotgun serial killer, a pastor robbing a bank to pay off a hitman (sent by another pastor). This isn’t your ordinary “testimonies” show—and that’s the point. Viewer research showed that one of the most in-demand styles for audiences is true stories; specifically the genre of true crime. So, what if we took the impact of testimonies but presented it in the format of true crime?

Just One Decision is a gripping docu-drama series that reveals the detrimental power of one single choice. Each episode explores incredible, heart-wrenching stories of lives shattered by regret, where a single wrong turn led to a spiral of despair. But then, something extraordinary happens. In the depths of their darkest hours, people experience overwhelming grace, leading them to a life they never thought possible. For those who’ve hit rock bottom and wondered if redemption was even possible, Just One Decision shines a light on the miraculous journey of how one decision can turn everything around. Get ready to witness lives restored and hope reborn in ways you’ll never forget.

Watch our social media this month to see behind the scenes on set.

Exec Notes

Our team recently had the opportunity to present to film, television, and new media professionals from around the world in Auckland, New Zealand (before flying directly to set in Los Angeles for Imagine Faith!). From hybrid AI production to international film tax incentives and "tellable vs sellable” filmmaking, we covered a wide range of topics. While it was rewarding to speak to a packed room of people from every continent but Antarctica, the best part was what happened over meals together.

For many years, faith-forward films were mostly only in the United States. Christian television existed in other parts of the world, but narrative storytelling was limited. Over the past several years, Rico Hill, Head of Development for Hope Studios, and I sounded like a broken record presenting on the same topic of: why storytelling is the most effective way to drive impact. This year, something changed.

From Zimbabwe to the Philippines, we heard the hunger for embracing film on a global scale. Over breakfast, lunch, and dinner, we met with media leaders who not only support their teams in launching new film initiatives, but allocate budgets to put their money where their mouth is. The landscape of faith-driven storytelling is changing.

In meetings in West Hollywood, we heard from industry insiders how distributors like Lionsgate (which distributes The Chosen, I Can Only Imagine, and Jesus Revolution) are seeking projects that will resonate with more international audiences—not just those in North America. This week I received a call from the President of ICVM (the International Christian Visual Media Association) who shared how their MediaSphere Africa event brought record-breaking attendance. It’s a new era in the global market of film and storytelling, and Hope Studios is proud to be at the forefront of telling global stories on a global scale. If you want to be a part of this new global landscape, consider attending events like the ICVM Storyteller’s Conference (Sep 30-Oct 3), which Hope Studios proudly sponsors.