The Making of Courage: Episode Three

Episode Three of The Making of Courage takes us to Covina, California, where we filmed one of the most important sequences in the entire story. These school scenes hold so much of the emotional weight of the film, and seeing them come to life again while putting this episode together brought back a rush of gratitude for everyone who helped make this day possible.

We filmed at Sonrise Christian School for Day Two of our shoot, transforming real classrooms and hallways into the world of Courage. The moment we capture here is when young Eric checks the basketball list to see if he made the team. It is the third scene in the film but one of the earliest moments where you really feel his hope, his pressure, and everything he is carrying. Building the environment around that moment mattered.

This was also the first time I had ever directed a large group of background actors and student extras, and it turned out to be one of the most memorable parts of production. We had students who volunteered their time. Parents and teachers who stayed to help. Staff who opened up their campus to us. Everyone came together to fill the hallways with the energy of an early school morning. Even though it was a film set, it felt alive in a very real way, and that authenticity shows on screen.

Watching our lead, Mateo Ulibarri, work through this moment surrounded by so many moving pieces was something special. He stayed focused and grounded, even with cameras following him, extras flowing through the hallway, and a full crew working behind him. This episode also captures a fun detail: my fiancé, Pyet DeSpain, plays Miss Johnson, the teacher in this scene. Having her there added a personal touch that I love every time I see the footage.

What I hope people see in Episode Three is the level of coordination and teamwork that goes into building a scene like this. From blocking and timing to set dressing and sound, every department plays a part in making a school environment feel real on camera. It takes community. It takes patience. It takes people who believe in the story enough to stand behind it.

Thank you to every student, parent, teacher, and staff member from Sonrise Christian School who helped us bring these moments to life. Your support truly brought the heart of Courage onto the screen.

Episode Four is coming soon, and I cannot wait to share the next part of this journey with you.