In the ever-evolving landscape of modern cinema, certain stories transcend time, resonating with audiences across generations. Shadrach is one such tale—a poignant and thought-provoking series that delves into the complexities of human nature, the burden of guilt, and the redemptive power of friendship. We had the pleasure of sitting down with directors Sean McNamara and Elizabeth Blake-Thomas to discuss the making of Shadrach, the themes that drive the narrative, and what they hope audiences will take away from this powerful series.
Synopsis of Shadrach
Shadrach tells the story of the Wilson family, who, after experiencing a significant loss, move from the bustling city to the tranquility of the countryside. Young Anna Wilson, played by Livi Birch (Tulsa), struggles with the changes in her life until an unexpected encounter transforms everything. While taking a shortcut through the woods on her way home from school, Anna meets a majestic, magical horse named Shadrach. This encounter sets off a chain of events that deeply impacts her family, helping them heal and rediscover the joy and strength that comes from unity and faith.
The Talent Behind Shadrach
This heartwarming series is brought to life by a talented cast and crew. Starring alongside Livi Birch are Cale Ferrin (Endlings), Catherine Urbanek (Cooper Barrett’s Guide to Surviving Life), and Phillip Boyd (The Haves & The Have Nots). The series is created by Holly Goldberg Sloan (Angels In The Outfield), ensuring a story that resonates with families. Directed by Sean McNamara and Elizabeth Blake-Thomas, both known for their expertise in family-friendly storytelling, Shadrach promises to captivate viewers of all ages.
A Conversation with the Directors
Splash Magazine: Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind Shadrach?
Sean McNamara: Shadrach was born out of the types of films that I liked watching growing up. They were simple family shows that had a moral, like The Waltons, The Brady Bunch, or Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman.
Elizabeth Blake-Thomas: Growing up in England, I would watch Little House on the Prairie and The Waltons. To me, these TV shows were filled with true family belief systems and solid family interactions. I believed it was how everyone lived in America. When I was approached to direct an episode of Shadrach, it took me back to that time of innocence, and I wanted to share that with as many people as possible.
Splash Magazine: How did you develop the story of the Wilson family and their journey?
Sean McNamara: We always find an audience. For Soul Surfer, it was youth groups, and for Shadrach, it was families. We wanted something relatable for the audience.
Elizabeth Blake-Thomas: I came into directing partway through filming, so the family already had this wonderful dynamic. I was able to enhance this within the stories for each episode. I loved playing with the humorous side of each of the characters. It was important to keep pushing the children’s and parents’ growth forward, knowing they needed to find a place of happiness and contentment by the end of the show.
Splash Magazine: What message do you hope viewers will take away from this series?
Sean McNamara: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had gone through the fiery furnace and survived. I like to make stories that are inspirational and show how people can come through something difficult and come out the other end stronger, learning from their experiences.
Elizabeth Blake-Thomas: I hope the audience recognizes the simple things in life that are sometimes overlooked. Kindness: remembering that small gestures matter, being kind to your neighbor or a teacher. Family: understanding that even if disagreements occur or you have different belief systems, by being together and eating together, issues can be resolved. Finally, having fun in life—so often, life is busied by things that don’t matter, and we forget that just having fun is all that’s needed for a good day. This family doesn’t need too much of anything; it’s not about material things, it’s about experiences that they have.
Creative Process
Splash Magazine: What was the most challenging aspect of directing Shadrach?
Sean McNamara: Getting kids who were not used to being around horses comfortable and safe was a big challenge. We needed to ensure these great actors, with no horse experience, felt secure around the animals.
Elizabeth Blake-Thomas: Working with animals always adds extra time to filming. For example, if we had a scene where we needed to get Shadrach (the horse) in and out of the horse box, we would film all angles possible without the horse so that when we brought the horse in, he didn’t have to do as many takes. We had a scene where the trainer had to occasionally bring the horse into frame with a green rope so that we could paint this out in post-production, making it look like Shadrach was doing things of his own volition. Working out where cast stood to make the painting out of the rope easy in post took extra time, but as long as that extra time was accounted for, it was great. It was also incredibly hot filming in the summer in Atlanta, but I love the heat, so it was a dream for me.
Splash Magazine: How do you approach storytelling to ensure it resonates deeply with your audience?
Sean McNamara: I approach storytelling from the types of film and TV I like to watch. People say it starts on the page—I think it’s about telling a great story orally, sitting around the campfire, and listening to a story that moves you and makes you feel something emotionally. Then you turn it into script form and make a great film or TV show.
Elizabeth Blake-Thomas: I always refer to what I would like to watch myself, how I would want to see these characters’ lives play out. Also, knowing that this audience really wants to see family values shine through, so in every scene I made sure to draw that out. Whether the lesson was to listen, to be kind, or to grow in confidence, I showed that wherever I could.
Splash Magazine: Can you share any memorable moments from the set of Shadrach?
Sean McNamara: One evening, we were out in the field with the horse Shadrach, and the sun was dropping behind his head. I asked my DP, “Let’s get this shot—add flare, use the longest lens you’ve got, 135—it was a total beauty shot.” We filmed the horse with the sun setting behind him, then I got Livi to do the same, and it just looked beautiful. If you look closely, the shot doesn’t quite make sense, but it makes for beautiful television.
Elizabeth Blake-Thomas: The first day I arrived, everyone was so welcoming; it just felt like a big family. I loved eating lunch in the big barn with everyone. I enjoyed hanging out with the cast at lunch as well, chatting with them about their characters and any thoughts they might have had for the day. Filming on such a beautiful set was also magical—it meant the place had its own character, and we were so lucky to be able to feel at home.
Career Highlights
Splash Magazine: With a diverse portfolio of films and series, which project has been the most rewarding for you?
Sean McNamara: I have two: Shadrach and Soul Surfer, where I got to follow the life of Bethany Hamilton into the ocean in Hawaii. Everyone loves filming in Hawaii.
Elizabeth Blake-Thomas: I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve filmed. Every project has taught me something new, and every time I work on something new, I grow as a director. I love working with new talent as well, and they all become friends. I can’t believe I get to direct for a living. That’s a huge privilege.
Splash Magazine: What was it like working with Pure Flix on this project?
Sean McNamara: It was great. They had wonderful ideas, it was a dream, and I can’t wait to get another show going with them soon.
Elizabeth Blake-Thomas: Easy and fun. It’s always enjoyable to have a supportive team behind the vision. I have worked with them before when producing a film with Brookwell McNamara Entertainment. They are so open and encouraging but also have a clear understanding of their demographic.
Impact on the Industry
Splash Magazine: As a leading female director in a predominantly male industry, what challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them?
Elizabeth Blake-Thomas: It is challenging. However, I am fortunate enough to be surrounded by incredibly supportive people, many of whom are men. I know that I have to keep going to pave the way for other underrepresented creatives, using the platform I have been given to support others. I have a strong, multi-gendered team around me, so when I’m planning my own projects, I really try and fill as many roles as possible with underrepresented creatives. My latest three features got the ReFrame stamp, a certification given out by Women in Film acknowledging that my films were gender balanced.
Future Projects
Splash Magazine: Can you share any details about your upcoming projects?
Sean McNamara:
- Reagan, which tells his full life story, is out August 30th in 3,500 theaters.
- Bau, out on February 14th in 1,000 theaters, tells the true story of the artist Josef and Rebecca Bau, who were in Auschwitz. They were the couple that got married in Spielberg’s Schindler’s List.
- Next year, I have On Fire, starring William H. Macy, Joel Courtney, John Corbett, and DeVon Franklin. It’s the true story of John O’Leary, who burned himself as a young boy and nearly died. He then went on to live an inspirational life, helping hundreds of thousands of people fight against their odds by being a public speaker.
Elizabeth Blake-Thomas: I have quite a few things ahead of me for the rest of this year and next year. There’s a rom-com that I’m filming in November, on top of a thriller at the end of the year. Next year is packed with films as well, all in a variety of genres. The production company I have with my daughter, Mother Daughter Entertainment, is producing all of these films.
Splash Magazine: What genres or themes are you most excited to explore next?
Sean McNamara: I want to continue making inspirational family films like I have been doing over the last two decades, but make them better and be able to reach more people around the globe and affect them positively.
Elizabeth Blake-Thomas: One of the genres I love is the realm of true stories. We have a great one that’s inspirational based on a family we know, as well as one that’s set in Italy that discusses faith in a creative way using an unlikely tool.
Personal Insights
Splash Magazine: How do you balance your professional career with personal life?
Sean McNamara: It’s a challenge, especially having three boys, but I manage it with God’s help!
Elizabeth Blake-Thomas: It’s really important to do this! I’m fortunate that I love what I do, so it doesn’t feel like work. However, it’s important to have mini resets. So every six weeks, I take myself off and relax my mind—creatively or mentally. I’m also a keynote speaker and a creativity coach, so I get to vary what I do in my day, which I think is important. Finally, I’m an award-winning author for my book Living with Intention, so I practice what I preach! How I spend my time, what I want to spend my time on, and who I want to spend my time with often comes down to appreciating the simple things in life, like just spending time with my daughter, dog, and boyfriend while watching sunsets and going on lovely walks, eating avocado toast!
Where to Watch Shadrach
Shadrach is available for streaming exclusively on Great American Pure Flix. The series premiered on July 25, 2024, with new episodes streaming each Thursday at 8 p.m. ET. As the fourth original series to premiere on the platform this year, Shadrach reinforces Great American Pure Flix’s commitment to delivering high-quality, faith-based content for families.
Final Thoughts
As our conversation with Sean McNamara and Elizabeth Blake-Thomas drew to a close, it became clear that Shadrach is more than just a series—it’s a cinematic experience that invites viewers to reflect on the power of faith, the importance of family, and the unexpected moments that can change our lives forever. With its compelling narrative, stellar performances, and meticulous attention to detail, Shadrach is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates stories that challenge the mind, touch the heart, and uplift the spirit.
Photo Credits: Sean McNamara
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