Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Joan Montreuil. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Joan thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you walk us through some of the key steps that allowed you move beyond an idea and actually launch?

I’ve always believed that ideas are assignments — but they only become real when you take action on them. My journey from idea to execution started with a simple desire: to tell meaningful stories and help others do the same.

When I first began working in film and stage productions years ago, I noticed that many talented people had ideas but didn’t know where to start. I had the same challenge early on. Instead of waiting for permission or large budgets, I started creating with what I had. I wrote scripts, produced small projects, and learned every step of the filmmaking process — from writing to directing to distribution.

That mindset eventually led me to create The Newbie Film Academy, which was born from the idea that first-time filmmakers need guidance, encouragement, and practical tools to bring their stories to life. The idea came from seeing so many aspiring creators stuck in the “idea phase.”

Execution meant doing the hard work: building programs, teaching workshops, mentoring filmmakers, and creating opportunities for them to showcase their work. One of the most meaningful milestones was launching our Newbie Film Festival, which brought filmmakers from around the world together to celebrate storytelling.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that execution doesn’t require perfection — it requires movement. Each step, even the imperfect ones, teaches you something valuable. When you move from idea to action, the path begins to reveal itself.

Today I continue to create films, mentor emerging storytellers, and build platforms that help others move from dreaming about their projects to actually producing them.

Joan, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a filmmaker, author, and the founder of The Newbie Film Academy, an organization dedicated to helping first-time filmmakers bring their stories to life with confidence and clarity. My journey into the film industry didn’t begin with big budgets or major studios—it began with a deep passion for storytelling and a desire to create meaningful work that reflects real life, faith, struggle, and hope.

Over the 29 years of service I’ve written, produced, and directed films and stage productions that focus on human experiences, faith, and personal transformation. Storytelling has always been more than entertainment for me—it’s a way to help people see themselves, reflect on their lives, and sometimes even find healing or direction.

One of the things I noticed early in my career was that many aspiring filmmakers had powerful stories to tell but didn’t know how to move from an idea to actually making a film. That realization led me to create The Newbie Film Academy, where I mentor and teach emerging filmmakers about the full process—from concept and screenplay to production, post-production, and distribution.

Through the academy, workshops, and our Newbie Film Festival, we create opportunities for new voices to be heard and for creators to learn how to navigate the industry with practical tools and real-world knowledge.

What sets my work apart is that I approach filmmaking as both a craft and a calling. I believe stories have the power to inspire, challenge, and connect people across cultures and experiences. My mission is not only to create films but also to empower others to tell their stories and realize that their voice and perspective matter.

At the end of the day, my work is about building platforms that help creators move from dreaming about their projects to actually producing them and sharing them with the world.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

One of the biggest things I wish I understood earlier in my creative journey was how much knowledge exists outside of traditional film schools. When I first started, a lot of the information about filmmaking, distribution, and the business side of the industry felt hidden or difficult to access. Many creatives focus on making the project but don’t realize how important it is to understand the full ecosystem of filmmaking—funding, contracts, hiring professional casts and crew, marketing, and distribution.

I also wish I had known earlier how powerful mentorship and creative communities can be. Having people around you who are walking the same path, sharing knowledge, and offering encouragement can accelerate your growth tremendously.

Today there are many tools and platforms that help creators learn faster, from online courses to filmmaking communities and digital technology that makes production more accessible than ever. One of the reasons I created The Newbie Film Academy was to help bridge that gap for first-time filmmakers so they don’t have to struggle through the same confusion that many of us faced early on. My goal is to give new creators clear guidance and practical steps so they can confidently move from idea to producing their first film.

Have you ever had to pivot?

One of the biggest pivots in my journey happened when I realized that creating films alone wasn’t enough—I felt called to help other creators bring their stories to life as well. For many years I worked on my own productions and storytelling projects, but I began noticing that so many aspiring filmmakers had ideas yet didn’t know how to move forward.

That realization led me to shift part of my focus toward education and mentorship. Instead of only producing films, I began developing programs, workshops, and eventually The Newbie Film Academy, a platform dedicated to helping first-time filmmakers understand the entire process of filmmaking.

Another meaningful pivot was launching our Newbie Film Festival, which created a space for emerging filmmakers from around the world to showcase their work and connect with other creatives. It became a powerful reminder that when you pivot with purpose, you often discover opportunities that are bigger than the original plan.

That experience taught me that pivots are not failures—they are often part of growth. Sometimes they simply reveal the next level of your purpose.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thenewbiefilmacademy.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenewbiefilm/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoanTmontreuil
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanmontreuil8005539062/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thenewbiefilmacademytv
• Soundcloud: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3FsUsDxM81d5mr9PwNhJ2W?si=_tDtSHCCSeirqLI_EDlXIA