we exist to create
family value-driven, wildly entertaining, educational content for children.
We place trusted readers inside classrooms and living rooms at the click of a button. Through the creation of what we have dubbed "Videobooks," as well as follow-along books for kids, and instructional books for teachers and parents, we are creating an ever-expanding literary series that will inspire and educate young readers.
SERIES trailer
Each Family Story Videobook is a full-scale film production complete with set design, an original script, score, sound design, props, prosthetics, and animation.
This is far more than a simple reading. Each Videobook takes the best-selling and most endearing stories of our time and delivers them in a new medium to an even broader audience.
OUR VISION
Family Story is committed to teaching and releasing media content that educates and empowers traditional family values. By July 2024, we plan to create 50 Family Story, full-length episodes.
While we are looking into the logistics of creating our own streaming platform, we are also open to partnering with an existing platform that echoes our values..
Our MISSION
Our mission is simple. We engage kids’ imaginations by bringing their most beloved stories to life in our interactive and entertaining new Videobook series.
Our children need a safe place to be entertained, educated, and immersed in wholesome family values.
We believe our series is unlike anything in the marketplace and parents and teachers will flock to it in droves.
AUDIENCE
Our first 50 Videobooks will be focused on kids ages 3 - 7, after which we will expand the series to ages 3-11. Initially, we will dub each videobook into Spanish, French, and Mandarin.
The Emmy-nominated, children’s literacy program Storyline Online gets an astonishing 10 million views a month. Their online and mobile app offering consists of 50 titles and is available worldwide at no cost. This comprehensive experience is endorsed by the American Federation of Teachers and is a trusted source of TV entertainment for parents of young readers. A Family Story will easily appeal to the Storyline Online audience- while taking the concept to an infinitely higher level.
family values
We are committed to the development of each child as a "whole person." While still being wildly entertaining, in our first ten Videobooks alone we delve into the issues of identity, bullying, self-esteem, battling dark thoughts, loss, learning how to overcome large obstacles, learning how to be a true friend, and learning how to dream big.
Kids won't just fall in love with reading, through A Family Story, they will also learn how to be happy and healthy members of society.
a family story series breakdown
We plan to initially create 50 episodes. Each will be dubbed into 4 languages for international sales. Of the first 50 episodes, 30 will be public domain stories along the lines of Peter Pan, Peter Rabbit, The Three Little Pigs, etc. The 20 best-sellers will include Giraffes Can't Dance, Not Your Typical Dragon, Love You Forever, and many more beloved books!
PUBLIC DOMAIN: Each episode isn't just a film. Each contains 5 separate products.
1) Each episode will be available for international sales in 4 languages.
2) Each of these stories is being re-written for a new generation. This means each will also boast an original book to be published along with the series as well as a booklet for teachers and parents to help facilitate learning.
3) Interactive and educational videogames will also be created around each episode.
4) Merchandise. Whether it be stuffed animals or toys, we will own the rights to the characters created in every public domain episode.
5) Each episode contains an original song.
BEST SELLERS: Each episode contains 3 products
The only difference between Public Domain and popular best-sellers is that we will not own the rights to create merchandise or games for the 20 best-sellers.
education at its best!
Countless studies have shown the positive impact of reading aloud to children. Educators can observe a child for a short period of time and quickly assess if he or she has been consistently read to. Reading aloud engages children’s imaginations and impacts how their brains are wired. Numerous studies point to fast-paced TV and inconsistent reading time as a large reason for the exponential increase in A.D.D.
Family Story Foundation is offering a product that is highly educational and interactive. Often the idea of starting a new book can be daunting to children. But the more they experience reading through our format, the more they will be drawn into reading on their own.
follow the science
In early childhood education, critical thinking skills and creative problem-solving abilities are essential for children's development. The best way to educate a child is by engaging their imagination. Imagination opens the door to countless possibilities.
The best way to engage imagination is through storytelling. An activated imagination leads to a motivated, fully alert, and inspired child. Furthermore, imagination builds social-emotional development by allowing children to contemplate different resolutions, thus boosting children's confidence, which positively impacts every aspect of their lives.
Joel N Clark is the director of A Family Story Films. Joel has written and directed multiple award-winning films, short films, sitcoms, commercials, adventure series, and feature documentaries.
Joel has also written fiction and nonfiction books that have been published widely. The quality of Joel's work can be seen in the stories he's chosen to tell. He lives with his wife of fifteen years, Megan, their daughter Juno, and their son Elah, in Washington DC.
exec Producer / writer
Mark batterson
Mark Batterson serves as lead pastor of National Community Church in Washington, DC. One church with multiple locations. NCC is focused on reaching emerging generations and meets in theaters throughout the DC metro area. NCC also owns and operates Ebenezers Coffeehouse, The Miracle Theatre, as well as the DC Dream Center. NCC is also redeveloping a city block located at the intersection of Capitol Hill, Navy Yard, and Riverfront neighborhoods. The Capital Turnaround will be a mixed-use space, including an event venue, child development center, marketplace, and co-working space. Mark holds a Doctor of Ministry degree from Regent University and is the New York Times best-selling author of 19 books including, The Circle Maker, In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day, Wild Goose Chase and has recently released Double Blessing, Whisper, and Play the Man. Mark is married to Lora and they live on Capitol Hill with their three children: Parker, Summer, and Josiah.
exec Producer / publisher Liason
Esther
Fedorkevih
Esther Fedorkevich is the founder of The Fedd Agency, a literary and entertainment agency. Among her clients are Mark Batterson, Tim Tebow, George Barna, Erwin McManus, Jentezen Franklin, and Eva Shockey. After representing fifty-six New York Times bestselling authors and having represented more than a thousand books, Esther knows that publishing is changing. That’s why she has established The Fedd Agency’s unique, 360-degree model, that comprehensively manages the needs of her clients—from traditional publishing to in-house book production, to building personal platforms, to negotiating for film, television, and other derivative products.
Esther lives in Austin, TX with her husband, Jimmy, and their two kids, Alexi and Paul.
Education coordinator
Judith wides
Judith Wides serves as the Director of School Counseling and Family Support at the National Child Research Center Preschool in Washington, DC.
Having trained initially at the Brazelton Institute at Harvard Medical School to work with infants and new parents, Judith graduated to preschool based work when she discovered how much she loved supporting children in play based early childhood settings. She has spent the past twenty years collaborating with other educators to create environments where preschoolers, and their parents, flourish as individuals, families, and community members.
Director of development
ANN PRATT
Ann Pratt has a Masters of Arts in Clinical Psychology as well as a Masters of Education in Special Education, specialising in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Ann has been a Special Education Teacher / Administrator for 16 years in Maryland and Washington, D.C. Before this, Ann worked as a School Psychologist for DC Charter Schools. She is certified in Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) with extensive experience in Instructional Strategies such as prompt hierarchy, use of visual supports, and applied behavior analysis. Ann has taught ages 5 - 21 at separate private day schools for students with ASD and other developmental delays. She has also provided reading and math interventions such as specific programs, teaching strategies, groupings, and student groupings. She is also proficient in the use of universal design for learning strategies for student response and presentation modes.
PRODUCER / DIRECTOR
Jason clark
Jason is a writer, producer, and lead communicator of A Family Story nonprofit. He has written 6 books including, Prone to Love, and Untamed. Jason has written and produced films that span from commercials and documentaries to TV and feature films.
Jason and his wife, Karen, live in North Carolina with their three children Madeleine True, Ethan Wilde, and Eva Blaze.
PRODUCER / WRITER / actor
Mike has acted in numerous films ranging from Loving, Lincoln, Evan Almighty, and many more. Mike has also played key roles in numerous series ranging from John Adams to Killing Kennedy to Legends and Lies. Mike is also a writer and the lead singer of Killer B's. Throughout his career Mike has worked on stage with the likes of Johnny Mathis, Barbra Streisand, and Billy Joel.
MIKE SHIFLETT
Mark yucha
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Mark Yucha is a seasoned finance and accounting professional who began his career with KPMG and then moved on to management roles at various organizations ranging in size from startups to Fortune 500 companies. Prior to joining A Family Story he most recently served as the CFO of a national online publisher based in Washington DC.
Mark is currently enjoying a stint in Cape Town, South Africa with his wife and two children.