GRACE in the SHADOWS
Our professional team
Transformation Film Institute & Studio 7
7250 Dallas Parkway, Suite 400, Plano, Texas 75024
(844) 834-5683
The Transformation Film Institute exists to empower the next generation of Christian filmmakers with the tools they need to incorporate Christian values into their work. We are a non-profit organization that is unapologetically Christ-centered in all our activities.
At TFI, we are committed to helping Christian film artists boldly connect their faith with their passion and use their platform to spread Christ's light in a dark world.
MEET the AUTHOR
Grace in the Shadows is the film adaptation of the true story from the book Murder in the Church by author Chris J. Schimel.
Murder in the Church was a book Pastor Chris Schimel wrote reluctantly. Finally, after two promptings from God and ten years after the event, God made it clear it was His desire that the story should be told. So, Chris obeyed. He wrote and published the book. But there would be more promptings. Soon, people began to call for the story to be told on film. When Chris was again reluctant but never loosing the vision, God brought Transformation Film Institute and Studio 7 to him requesting to make his book into a movie. The rest is history. We are brimming with anticipation as to what God wants to do in our troubled and confused world, with this amazing redemptive story retold in the film: Grace in the Shadows.
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Chris Schimel is a pastor of 50 years, serving in several states and four denominations. He has written multiple books, and has a master’s degree in ministry. He is the director of a non-profit organization called Touch One Ministries. He and his wife and ministry partner Shirley, have two sons and one grandson.
MEET the TEAM
We are honored to work with these experienced and gifted people.
Richard J. Polite, M.A.
Our Producer & Director
Richard Polite has made his mark in broadcasting by winning five television ACE Awards for a signature network music series. He then transitioned from production to management while pursuing his master’s degree in film at Regent University in Virginia Beach, VA. Richard produced some of CBN Network's highest-rated programs at the time, including the Emmy-award winning "Scarecrow and Mrs. King" and "Remington Steele."
In addition, Richard and his work have been featured on the Family Channel, The BET Network, Bravo, and MTV. With over 30 years of creative television and film experience, Richard Polite brings a wealth of knowledge to any project.
Mark Keuthan, Ph.D.
Our Screen Play Writer
Dr. Keuthan has received multiple awards at Faith-Based Film Festivals for his work. His feature film script, "Deep in the Heart: The Ballad of Ruthie and Beau," won the gold medal at the Houston Worldfest International Film Competition. He also adapted Bernard Malamud's short story "The Silver Crown" into a short film, which was nominated for a Student Academy Award, won the Platinum Remi award at Houston Worldfest, and was selected as an Official Selection at the Cannes Film Festival.
Doug Miller, M.F.A.
Our Cinematographer
Douglas Miller is a feature-film cinematographer known for his clear, emotionally nuanced visual style. His credits include An Unlikely Angel (PureFlix), The Mulligan (ICFF Award winner for Best Cinematography), and God’s Compass (drama rooted in spiritual realism). With each project, Douglas brings cinematic precision, lighting finesse, and framing that support storytelling and character depth.
Welcome our newest Team Members
Meg Parker Wilson
Our Casting Director
Meg Parker Wilson is an American artist raised in Brazil, with a diverse background in theatre and film. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communications and Theatre. Following her studies, she relocated to California, where she attended the Los Angeles Film Studies Center and gained industry experience in Features Casting at 20th Century Fox.
Meg’s performance credits include both stage and screen work as an actor and director. Upon moving to Dallas, she contributed her writing and directing talents to Genesis Children’s Theatre and served on the Board of Directors for Light in Action, in Natal, BR where she produced film content. Her artistic passions include costume design and integrating technology into theatrical storytelling. She is the co-writer of Boy on Billboard, a new musical that debuted in New York City in 2025. A concept album for the musical was recently released and the show continues to make strides towards its Broadway goals.
Her filmography includes roles in Seasons of Grey, A Modern Day Joseph Story (Kate Welling, Echolight Films), and Aliens in the Attic (Brook, 20th Century Fox), She (written and directed by Meg Parker Wilson).
Lori Suri
Our Script Supervisor
Lori Suri is a script supervisor based in San Diego who is dedicated to supporting independent filmmakers.
Her goal is to ensure a high-quality production by applying her keen attention to detail and identifying continuity errors. She acts as a vital link between departments, making sure that the footage aligns with the written script and that the creative vision is effectively executed.
Lori began her journey as script by chance. She volunteered as an extra for a short documentary and discovered her passion for the creativity involved in filmmaking.
Now, she works throughout the country and is dedicated to low-budget indie filmmaking, helping to bring unique stories to life.
