Igniting a Catholic Film Renaissance with Brian Shields

If you can't beat Hollywood at its own game, change the game—which is exactly how Brian Shields is sparking a modern Catholic film renaissance.

In the latest episode of The Engaged Parish Podcast, our own Mike Josephs sits down with Brian Shields to discuss faith, film, and facing down giants. Brian is the founder of Lumen Entertainment and the Lumen Institute, organizations dedicated to equipping Catholic filmmakers to defeat the "Goliath of Hollywood."

From Hollywood Success to Holy Surrender

Brian’s journey in the entertainment industry began at age 14, eventually leading to roles on shows like HBO's From Earth to the Moon. Yet, while his career was taking off, Brian realized that external fame didn't equate to internal peace, leaving him miserable on the inside. A transformative retreat experience in which he felt profoundly healed by the Lord during Eucharistic Adoration completely changed his trajectory.

Shortly after, Brian faced a massive test: he was offered an audition for a lead role on the popular, late-90s hit show Dawson’s Creek. Realizing the script promoted immoral themes, Brian bravely told his agent "no," effectively putting a nail in the coffin of his secular career to faithfully follow Christ.

Building the Lumen Institute

Recognizing the lack of support for Catholic creatives, Brian founded Lumen Entertainment in 2004 to produce quality family content, like The Altar Gang series. This eventually blossomed into a Catholic Film Camp in 2008, which later gave rise to the Lumen Institute. Brian stresses that young Catholic filmmakers need strong community support so they aren't "chewed up and spit out" by the modern film industry.

He draws a brilliant historical parallel: just as the Church sponsored artists in the 1500s to create beautiful public art that combated heresy, today we need theologians, artists, and patrons working together to fund and create a new Catholic Renaissance through motion pictures.    

Looking ahead

Brian is currently directing a new family comedy feature film, Race Car Monks, slated for a Spring 2027 theatrical release. The film humorously contrasts the fast, noisy world of auto racing with the silent, still world of monastic life, all built on the moral premise that "doubt always loses and trust always wins."

To hear Brian’s full story and find out how you and your parish can support this incredible mission, tune in to the full podcast episode! You can also visit lumen.tv and racecarmonksmovie.com to get involved