FrontGate Media at ICVM MediaSphere 2026

Join FrontGate Media for four practical sessions for faith-based filmmakers at ICVM MediaSphere 2026

FrontGate Media at ICVM MediaSphere 2026 will bring faith-based filmmakers four practical virtual sessions on film marketing and distribution, YouTube channel building, podcast interviews and ActsSocial. Join us on Friday, July 17, 2026, during FrontGate’s virtual exhibit from 2:30–4:30 p.m. ET.

Faith-based filmmakers are working in a fast-changing environment. Reaching the right audience now requires more than a finished film. It takes a clear distribution plan, consistent audience development and the right media relationships. These sessions are designed to give filmmakers practical ideas they can use as they develop, launch and promote their work.

FrontGate MediaSphere 2026 details at a glance

• Event: ICVM MediaSphere 2026
• Date: Friday, July 17, 2026
• Format: Full-day virtual summit
• FrontGate sessions: 2:30–4:30 p.m. ET / 1:30–3:30 p.m. CT / 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. PT
• Registration: Register for ICVM MediaSphere 2026
• FrontGate discount: Use code FRONTGATEGIFT for 50% off standard registration
• ICVM members: Attend free

What is ICVM MediaSphere 2026?

ICVM MediaSphere 2026 is a full-day virtual summit for Christian visual media professionals. The event brings together storytellers, producers, distributors, investors and other industry professionals for keynotes, workshops, virtual exhibits and a pitch showcase.

FrontGate Media’s exhibit will focus on four areas that can help filmmakers strengthen how they position a project, build an audience and create opportunities for discovery.

FrontGate Media sessions at ICVM MediaSphere 2026

2:30–3:00 p.m. ET — Film Marketing & Distribution Q&A

With Scott A. Shuford and Glenn Wagner

Bring your questions! No talking head behind a podium here!  This popular session at ICVM’s Storytellers Conference debuts for our first virtual conference.  FrontGate team members Scott and Glenn answer YOUR questions about positioning a film, reaching faith-and-family audiences, building a coordinated promotional plan and preparing for distribution conversations.

This session is for filmmakers who want to understand how marketing and distribution can work together to support a stronger launch and a longer life for a film.

3:00–3:30 p.m. ET — YouTube Channel Building

With Steph Carse

YouTube can do more than host a trailer. A focused channel can help filmmakers serve an audience, develop trust and keep viewers engaged between releases. Steph will share practical ideas for building a channel with purpose, creating consistent content and making video work harder over time.

Filmmakers will leave with a clearer picture of how a YouTube presence can support both current projects and long-term audience growth.  You can also deep dive our YouTube Marketing Guide.

3:30–4:00 p.m. ET — How to Be a Podcast Guest

With Isaac Hernandez of Faith on Film

Podcast interviews can help filmmakers introduce a story to highly engaged audiences, but a strong interview requires preparation. Based on Faith on Film’s vast number of interviews, Isaac will discuss how to communicate a film’s purpose clearly, tell compelling stories, prepare useful talking points and make the most of each guest opportunity. Faith on Film is represented by FrontGate Media.  Contact us about Faith on Film.

For filmmakers planning a release, this session will offer practical guidance for becoming a guest who hosts value and listeners remember. You can also learn more about FrontGate’s Christian Podcast Tour service and see how podcast interviews supported The Hill in this film campaign case study.

4:00–4:30 p.m. ET — Introducing ActsSocial for Filmmakers

With Shawn Whitson of ActsSocial.com

ActsSocial is a faith-first social platform designed to connect believers and seekers around shared interests and uplifting content. Shawn will introduce filmmakers to the platform and explain how faith-based storytellers can build relationships through ActsSocial with people who are actively looking for meaningful stories.

The conversation will explore a different approach to social connection—one centered on community, encouragement and interest rather than an ad-driven feed.

Meet the FrontGate MediaSphere speakers

Scott A. Shuford

Scott A. Shuford is the Founder and Chief Engagement Officer of FrontGate Media, an award-winning Christian marketing and media agency celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2026. He helps filmmakers, authors, ministries, publishers and values-driven organizations connect with Christian audiences through strategic marketing, media relationships and trusted faith-based platforms. Scott brings extensive experience in film marketing, distribution, public relations, media buying and cross-channel campaign strategy.

Glenn Wagner

Glenn Wagner handles global film distribution for FrontGate Media. He is an entertainment executive, producer and distributor with more than 35 years of experience in faith-based film, music and publishing. His experience includes work with FoxFaith, Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions, Thomas Nelson, Simon & Schuster, Capitol Christian Music Group, Integrity Music, Provident Distribution and Crown Entertainment. Most recently, he served as producer and marketing executive for He Calls Me Daughter.

Steph Carse

Steph Carse is FrontGate Media’s six-time Emmy Award winner and YouTube channel expert. He is also The Masked Singer Canada 2025 champion, a platinum-selling recording artist and an author. With a career spanning music, television and feature films, Steph is dedicated to producing uplifting stories that inspire audiences around the world.

Isaac Hernandez

Isaac Hernandez’s Faith on Film show is represented by FrontGate Media. He has more than four decades of experience in Christian entertainment, including directing and producing hundreds of television programs for Trinity Broadcasting Network and directing PAX TV’s Great Day America. He launched Faith on Film in 2019 and also consults for streaming companies, film distributors and producers.

Shawn Whitson

Shawn Whitson is the founder and CEO of ActsSocial, a faith-first social platform inspired by the community described in Acts 2:42–47. After three decades as an entrepreneur, he began building ActsSocial in December 2022. The platform is designed to help believers, seekers, filmmakers and storytellers connect around interests and encouraging content.

Why these topics matter to faith-based filmmakers

Film discovery rarely happens through one channel. A filmmaker may need media outreach, advertising, social content, interviews, email and distribution relationships working together around a shared message. When those pieces are planned early, each one can reinforce the others.

The four FrontGate sessions reflect that connected journey:

1. Marketing and distribution help a film find the right position, partners and audience.
2. YouTube gives filmmakers a channel they can continue building and owning over time.
3. Podcast interviews create space for deeper conversations about the people and purpose behind a project.
4. Faith-first social communities can help meaningful stories reach people who are looking for them.

FrontGate has supported faith-and-family entertainment through coordinated campaigns across media relations, podcasting, advertising and audience outreach. Explore our faith-based movie campaign for His Only Son or our multi-tactic Hallmark movie campaign for examples of how multiple channels can support a film’s goals.

How to register for ICVM MediaSphere 2026

To attend, visit the ICVM MediaSphere registration page. Use the code FRONTGATEGIFT to receive 50% off standard registration. ICVM members attend free.

MediaSphere is a full-day virtual event on Friday, July 17. FrontGate Media’s sessions run from 2:30–4:30 p.m. ET. You can also view the full MediaSphere agenda before the event.

Register for ICVM MediaSphere 2026

Need help reaching the Christian audience for your film?

FrontGate helps faith-based filmmakers connect with Christian audiences through strategy, production support, media buying, social media, publicity, podcast outreach, and distribution. We provide comprehensive, coordinated film campaigns. Contact FrontGate Media to start a conversation about your film.