In late 2008, filmmaker David Branin had been contemplating writing his own filmmaking blog, but didn’t quite have a name for it. Nothing seemed to work. After weeks of mulling over what to call it, a decision was finally made. That was the birth of Film Courage.

In Spring of 2009 David and Karen Worden (a part-time actor and full-time film lover) decided to begin a radio show dedicated to filmmaking, acting, screenwriting, and following a dream. They’d lived in Los Angeles for awhile. They’d seen people who had “made it” and others who sat on the sidelines watching. They both wanted to know what it took to cross over. How did people pursue a passion while working a day or night job? How were some people able to ‘beat the odds,’ whereas others still sat watching, talking about creativity and fame, but never participating despite what yearned inside them.

The radio show Film Courage was launched from the studios of LA Talk Radio in Studio City, California on April 12, 2009. Each Sunday David and Karen explore their guests’ varied (but always colorful) backgrounds such as having a support system while growing up, odd jobs they’ve endured to pay the bills, and if a project has made money. Film Courage has taken on a life of its own. David and Karen now receive daily e-mails from people wanting to come on the show and talk about their experiences. Listeners respond to archived shows, explaining how they feel inspired. Being an “indie” anything is a tough road, mostly because it’s done alone and with little encouragement. Film Courage is a place where other indie pioneers join together, talk about their work and applaud other artists. People are hungry for this community.

What started as a filmmaking blog has evolved into an indie empire. Film Courage has expanded with a monthly screening series at The Downtown Independent in Los Angeles. In a four-hour live event the last Monday of every month, The Film Courage Interactive showcases a couple short films, an independent feature, director’s Q & A, and caps off the night with a filmmaking discussion group where people share about the ups and downs of their pursuit, epiphanies on success, and more. Film Courage is more than just a radio show and monthly screening series. It’s a way of life for many artists. It’s about pursuing a passion, whether the rewards are monetary or emotional. We are glad that you have found us. We hope to have you become part of our family.
 

2010 Hollyshorts Film Festival with David Arquette and
David Branin/Karen Worden of Film Courage

Photo courtesy of Brian Erzen of Erzen Design

Karen Worden, Peter Ong Lim (middle), and David Branin at the
2010 Film Independent Filmmaker Forum

David Branin and Karen Worden of Film Courage at the
2010 Los Angeles Film Festival as Interviewed by
Debra Eckerling of Write-Online

David Branin and Karen Worden on the set of Film Fest TV

David and Karen's video message to EgoFest audience
members in Brainerd, MN as filmmaker/founder Phil Holbrook
addresses the crowd

Photo Courtesy of Phil Seneker

David, J. Reuben Appelman, Gregory Bayne, and Karen

Photo courtesy of a nice lady at the Beverly Hills, CA Chipotle