About
AUDITIONS
About the Project
Our Story
The Community Film Project began as a simple idea: to bring the collaborative spirit of community theater into the world of filmmaking. Inspired by years of experience in community theater and a lifelong passion for film, co-founder Lucas James McGraw envisioned a space where first-timers and aspiring filmmakers could learn, collaborate, and create. Partnering with Justin Lether, the project evolved into a unique initiative that blends the inclusivity of community-driven arts with professional filmmaking practices. The project's first feature film, Before Your Time, came to life with the help of nearly 1,000 volunteers, proving that a shared passion for storytelling can lead to meaningful, high-quality productions.
Our Vision
The Community Film Project empowers individuals to share their unique perspectives through film. Our mission is to cultivate a supportive environment where aspiring artists can explore their creativity and express their voices.
Through hands-on filmmaking experience, participants gain practical skills and build confidence in their art. By bridging diverse perspectives, we produce compelling films and strengthen the sense of community.
Benefits for All
The Community Film Project brings people together to create something extraordinary, offering benefits for all involved. Participants gain hands-on experience, develop creative skills, and build meaningful connections. Local businesses and organizations enjoy increased visibility through sponsorships, while audiences are treated to unique, high-quality storytelling that reflects their community. By working together, we inspire creativity, foster collaboration, and strengthen the bonds that make our community thrive.
What's Next?
Join Us! Be part of the this spectacular creative community. Share your talents, gain experience, and collaborate to bring stories to life. No matter your skill level, there's a role for you. Let's make something extraordinary together!
Meet the Team
Lucas James McGraw
Award-Winning Filmmaker
Co-Founder of the Community Film Project
With over 20 years of experience in filmmaking and storytelling, Lucas James McGraw has directed and produced content that has garnered millions of views on YouTube and helped organizations achieve their goals. As a scalable filmmaker and video producer, Lucas's work has taken him across the globe, creating documentaries, short films, and narratives that inspire and connect. Through his freelance business, Lucas has partnered with education foundations to produce compelling videos that have raised millions of dollars to combat teen homelessness and provide critical resources for at-risk youth. Recently, two of his short films earned the Utah Best of State Award for Short Film in 2023 and 2024, showcasing his dedication to high-quality, impactful storytelling.
As the co-founder of the Community Film Project, Lucas is passionate about fostering collaboration and creativity in filmmaking. This initiative brings communities together to learn, create, and produce award-winning projects like their previous feature film Before Your Time. By combining his expertise in video production with his passion for storytelling, Lucas empowers individuals and organizations to share their stories and create lasting change through film
Justin Lether
Executive Producer
Co-Founder of the Community Film Project
Justin was born and raised in Utah. During high school Justin's family purchased a VHS camcorder and making media became his passion. He attended University and earned a bachelor's degree in Broadcast Communications and a master's degree of Education with a focus on media creation and instruction. He met his wife Barbara Utah while attending university. They have six children. Justin was an educator for the first 10 years of his career.
For the last 15 years Justin has worked on inspirational and educational videos, apps, and educational change initiatives. His major projects have been two scriptures series and broadcasts for adults, youth, and children.
WRITING AND CONTENT TEAM
Kara Jensen
Content Lead / Producer
Kara has built a diverse professional career as a singer, photographer, and teacher. A highlight of her performance career includes appearing as Lady Macduff in Macbeth at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.
In addition to her performance work, Kara teaches singing lessons out of her in-home studio, helping students discover and refine their musical abilities, and works as an independent photographer. Now transitioning into filmmaking, she is bringing her storytelling expertise to the screen as she fulfills a lifelong dream of working behind the scenes.
Off-stage and off-screen, Kara is a proud mother to three wonderful children and wife to her supportive husband, Paxton. She dreams of one day owning her own upscale live theater, where she can continue to share her passion for the performing arts and inspire others through creativity.
Ashley Coles
Screenwriter / Actress
Ashley is an actress and screenwriter born and raised in Fruit Heights, Utah. After serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Digital Cinema Production with an emphasis in Screenwriting from Utah Valley University. When she's not writing or on set, she's probably hiking or taking way too long to decide what to watch on Netflix.
BUSINESS & ADMIN TEAM
Brooke Yates
Administration Lead / Project Manager
Brooke is a Project Manager with 13+ years of experience in process improvement, compliance, and team leadership. As the Admin Lead Project Manager for the community film project, she oversees schedules, budgets, and stakeholder coordination to keep production running smoothly. She excels at streamlining workflows, mitigating risks, and aligning creative and technical teams.
Her film experience goes beyond project management. Previously a Marketing Manager for a large organization, she assisted in short film productions and served as an acting subject matter expert. This blend of creative and logistical expertise makes her a valuable asset to any production team.
Outside of work, Brooke enjoys baking, playing softball, and spending time outdoors. A dedicated mom, she loves supporting her kids’ activities and fostering their creativity. Whether managing a film, advising on performance, or perfecting a recipe, her organization and passion shine through.
Doug Brunnette
Business and Fundraising Lead
Doug looks forward to providing leadership to the business and fundraising team. His years of experience in management and community outreach will prove essential to the success of this important effort. He was able to enlist the support and sponsorship of numerous businesses and organizations when the Community Film Project produced its first full-length film. The associates who are joining Doug's business and fundraising team are highly regarded for their professional accomplishments and expertise.

Doug looks forward to making contact with community and business leaders inviting them to lend their support to the outstanding work of the Community Film Project.
PRODUCTION TEAM
Emily Denhalter
Production Lead / Producer
Emily is the production lead for the upcoming Community Film. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Film Studies from Weber State University. She loves overseeing logistics to make films happen as well as pondering the creative details. She has helped make films, Youtube videos, and video ads. She also has done live production video coverage for college football and basketball games. In addition to a film degree, she has a bachelor's degree in Special and Elementary Education from Western Governors University and has a passion for teaching. She loves playing french horn in her local symphony, playing piano, traveling, and doing anything outdoors. She lives in northern Utah with her husband and baby boy. She is excited to be apart of the Community Film Project!
Chris Bamford
Camera / Editing / Writing
With over two decades of service in the U.S. Army and an ongoing commitment to public service through the Utah Army National Guard, Chris brings a deep sense of discipline, integrity, and teamwork to every project he undertakes. He holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, which allows him to approach storytelling with empathy and a genuine understanding of the human experience.
An award-winning fine art photographer, Chris has captured the beauty of the world and the people within it. His love for storytelling naturally led him to filmmaking, where he has filmed and produced wedding videos, music videos, commercials, and contributed to the feature film Before Your Time with the Community Film Project.
Chris is married to an amazing wife and is a proud father of three children. Family and story are at the heart of his work. Whether behind the camera or on set, he strives to create films that move people, spark connection, inspire, and leave a lasting emotional impact.
MARKETING TEAM