WASHINGTON, DC— Jim Walchle and Donna Douglas Walchle, the husband-and-wife duo behind the company Films 4 Flyovers, are on a mission to transform the entertainment world. Fueled by faith and a passion for storytelling, Jim and Donna are pioneering a unique approach to filmmaking.

In 2010, Jim began exploring the film industry for a fresh start after his late wife’s passing. During that time, Ted Baehr of Movieguide® graciously took Jim under his wing and brought him to events around the country, marking the beginning of Jim’s journey of learning and networking within the industry.

This path led him to co-produce “CinemAbility,” a documentary exploring disability representation in media. The film garnered significant attention, qualified for an Oscar run, and featured notable actors like Jamie Foxx, Ben Affleck, and Gary Sinise. Even though Jim was new to the industry when the idea was first pitched to him, he took a leap of faith, invested in professional-grade equipment, and began pulling together the right people to make the project happen.

Despite the documentary’s potential, Jim faced the harsh realities of traditional distribution. He recognized the need for a more equitable and efficient system that would empower entrepreneurs and ensure fair compensation. This realization fueled his desire to create a new model for film production and distribution, focused less on profits for distributors and more on opportunity for filmmakers and supporters.

Enter Donna. With a songwriting prowess garnering global recognition, Donna has over 200 recorded songs to her name, with several of her compositions soaring to the top five on CCM and Adult Contemporary radio. Her songs have been recorded by several renowned artists, translated into twenty-one different languages, and broadcast internationally. Donna has also authored, directed, and produced music videos, books, television series, and screenplays. In March 2022, “Our Petition,” one of Donna’s projects with renowned Christian artists Babbie Mason and Cheryl Rogers, won two prestigious International Christian Visual Media awards at the NRB Convention.

Jim met Donna in 2011, shortly after he began his journey in the film industry. Just three months into their dating relationship, Donna received devastating news: cancer had returned after a ten-year remission. Knowing that Jim had already experienced this painful journey with his first wife, she offered him the opportunity to step away. However, Jim chose to stand by her side, attending every doctor’s appointment and providing unwavering support.

After their marriage in 2012, Donna faced cancer two more times. Even during the most challenging periods, such as simultaneous chemotherapy and radiation treatments, she remained determined to stay productive. She would often work on songs or chapters of her book. At this time, she started writing the screenplay as well as accompanying songs for “Five Date Rule,” which reflects Jim and Donna’s love story and faith journey.

Inspired by his newfound purpose, Jim established Films 4 Flyovers, Inc. with a vision to create high-quality, faith-based films that resonate with audiences of all backgrounds. They aim to cater to the “flyover states,” located in the middle of the U.S., whose more traditional values and viewpoints are frequently overlooked by filmmakers on the coasts. As Donna puts it, “That’s why we say we want to make content that makes you laugh a little, cry a little, and leave you feeling better than when you started.” Their goal is to produce inspiring, well-crafted stories that honor God and uphold a standard of excellence.

Jim also sought to use his own company to test his innovative distribution model. The model involves tithing off the top of gross ticket sales to various nonprofits and directly sharing a percentage of revenue with influencers who promote each film. Jim’s vision for distribution is fueled by John 17:21, the passage where Jesus prayed for unity among his followers. Despite having resources and a shared purpose, followers of Christ are often divided within the highly competitive film industry, Jim has observed.

Films 4 Flyovers is setting a new standard of generosity, allowing nonprofits, small businesses, and corporate partners to benefit from every movie ticket sold, beginning with the first dollar. Instead of relying on traditional middlemen or Hollywood studios, they reduce costs through direct relationships with theaters and distributors. To further encourage support, they offer custom promo codes to nonprofits and radio stations, allowing them to earn a commission on ticket sales generated through their promotions. By cutting out intermediaries and streamlining the payment process, Films 4 Flyovers aims to provide filmmakers with greater control over their work and ensure more equitable distribution of profits.

“If that changes the model, look how that would benefit the Kingdom,” Jim said. “We want to make sure that all of our investors get their money back. … And we want to use it, if this works, to glorify the Lord and maybe change the model to benefit everybody, to help other independent filmmakers.”

“Five Date Rule” premiered just last month, and Donna infused the film with humor and heartfelt moments, drawing inspiration from the experiences of her and Jim’s dating and remarriage journey. They also included references to influential books and pastors who shaped their walk with God.

“The most important thing to us is how people who are non-churched or non-Christians are drawn to Christ or at least begin considering faith because of our movie,” Donna said.

The film boasts an impressive cast, starring Janelle Arthur, a former American Idol contestant, and Jason Berkey, a seasoned actor known for his roles in TV shows and movies like “The Walking Dead” and “I Can Only Imagine.” Their director, Jeff Rose, who has extensive film experience, handpicked each cast member, ensuring that they brought their unique talents to the film.

In a remarkable example of collaboration, Jim and Donna built a community around their film, and the community rallied behind them. Their hometown in Alpharetta, Ga., where they shot the film, played a crucial role in pulling off the project. The city’s charm served as the perfect backdrop, and the CEO of the Alpharetta Convention Bureau supported the film by providing a list of local businesses that could assist with wardrobe, locations, and meals for the cast and crew. The production team recognized these businesses on social media, in the film’s credits, and with a special giveaway at the premiere.

“We say it takes a village to make a movie, but literally the whole city of Alpharetta supported us,” Donna said.

The film’s premiere on October 1 at the Legacy Theatre in Alpharetta was a celebration of success. Jim and Donna’s next streaming event for “Five Date Rule” is set for Valentine’s Day.

“We would really like for this film to be used as a testimony to those who are concerned about stepping out in faith, because this has been a faith walk the whole time,” Jim said.

As Jim and Donna continue to pursue their mission, they inspire others to dream big and make a positive impact on the world. By challenging the traditional Hollywood model and prioritizing unity in faith, the company is paving the way for a new era of filmmaking. Films 4 Flyovers, Inc. has been an NRB member since 2023. Learn more about the company at Films4Flyovers.com.

To watch “Five Date Rule,” visit FiveDateRule.com to purchase a ticket, receive an online streaming link, and four free gifts. For any NRB members, family, and friends using the code FDR19 at checkout, the producers will generously donate 20 percent of every ticket price back to NRB.

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