between takes
Men's Entertainment Fellowship
About the Group
Between Takes is a bi-weekly meetup for Christian men working in the entertainment industry, hosted in LA’s Westside. This isn’t a formal Bible study, though we will always stay rooted in Scripture. It’s a space to be real with each other - to talk honestly about life and work, to pray, to laugh, and to show up for one another. The struggle is real in this industry, and as men, we need to lift each other up so we don’t fall prey to the pressures and temptations that come with it. This is a brotherhood grounded in God’s Word and our identity in Christ.
Get to Know the Leader
Chad Smathers is a husband, son, brother, friend, filmmaker, storyteller, and the founder of Empyrean Entertainment - a company devoted to creating redemptive, culture-shaping stories that leave audiences better than they were found.
Chad’s journey in the entertainment industry began as a teenager, acting in shows like Without a Trace, Wizards of Waverly Place, and General Hospital, and working alongside industry icons such as Tom Hanks, Jerry Bruckheimer, and Philippe Rousselot. But over time, his calling shifted from performing to building meaningful narratives from behind the camera. Since co-founding Empyrean in 2015, Chad has written, directed, produced, and edited a range of award-winning films, TV shows, and documentaries.
At his core, Chad is a builder - of stories, teams, and Kingdom vision. Between Takes was born from his desire to create space for creative men in the entertainment industry to connect, grow in their faith, and support each other in both calling and craft.
Chad’s journey in the entertainment industry began as a teenager, acting in shows like Without a Trace, Wizards of Waverly Place, and General Hospital, and working alongside industry icons such as Tom Hanks, Jerry Bruckheimer, and Philippe Rousselot. But over time, his calling shifted from performing to building meaningful narratives from behind the camera. Since co-founding Empyrean in 2015, Chad has written, directed, produced, and edited a range of award-winning films, TV shows, and documentaries.
At his core, Chad is a builder - of stories, teams, and Kingdom vision. Between Takes was born from his desire to create space for creative men in the entertainment industry to connect, grow in their faith, and support each other in both calling and craft.
