Have you ever spoken to a movie producer? I did recently when I had the honor of interviewing Jill Holder. She was not only the producer of the local inspirational movie “Broken Road,” but she acted in it as well. It premiered on January 30 of this year to a sold-out crowd at the Regal Pinnacle Theater Turkey Creek. On February 6, it had another showing with an almost full theater. There is another recent development in that “Broken Road” was selected for consideration in the International Chrisitan Film and Music Festival in Orlando, Fla.
Before we proceed any further, I am going to let you in on a little secret: I have known Jill a few years now. I first met her at a Premier Jewelry party at my daughter Sara’s house. Then I hosted one for Jill at my house. She successfully sold jewelry for ten years. So, are you wondering how she went from that to producing a movie? It was an interesting journey. She started out working as a pre-school teacher for 17 years. Then she moved on to the jewelry and she also did fashion on the side. Next, she began to model. I can see why. By the way, she is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside.
Her next move was a fateful one in that she joined a women’s networking group. That is where she met a fashion photographer who asked Jill to model for her in exchange for professional pictures. Let me tell you, those can be valued in the thousands of dollars. After the photo session, the photographer told Jill that she had talent and gave her a business card saying she should get an agent. And that is exactly what she did. Jill began modeling more and acting. Soon she learned how to get bookings herself. Then Jill did a really smart thing in that she approached this new career like a business and not a hobby by setting goals. Naturally things began to take off for her. She started producing commercials and then moved on to films.

I asked her what she did as a producer. She told me that it’s her responsibility to facilitate; in other words, she makes things happen. We’ll start with the script. Before any lines are memorized or spoken, she breaks the script apart as if she is doing an intense study on it. She also helps with the cast. First, she creates the casting descriptions and then publishes them. This narrows down the submissions to a smaller number to pass onto to the director so he can make the final decisions. Along with that, she decides on the wardrobe and filming locations. By the way, they don’t film in chronological order. Instead, they film by location. She is also over the various schedules and call sheets. These sheets have important details about where to shoot film and what time to be there. Once all of this is done, they edit and score the movie with music.

All of this blew my mind in that I had no idea just how much being a producer entailed. I told Jill she must be very organized to accomplish all that she does. She readily agreed and said she takes it one step at a time. Also, she went on to describe producing as planning ahead and hopefully stopping problems before they happen. If they do occur, then she has to solve the problems. To her this is a fun challenge. Since she acts as well, I asked her which one she prefers. She answered that she enjoys being on both sides of the camera.
We also discussed some specifics for “Broken Road.” Jill began the long process of producing it in the spring of 2023 when KnoxCAM (Knoxville Christian Arts Ministries) approached her to do it. They not only funded the movie, but they also participated in its making. Its executive director Jill Lagerberg and “Broken Road” director Kevin Wines wrote the original screenplay. The music score, “Requiem for the Living” was chosen by Jill Lagerberg and it was performed and recorded live in Knoxville. In case you are not familiar with KnoxCAM, it is an organization that uses performing arts to reach others for the Lord.
There are more local aspects of “Broken Road.” First, I was so impressed to learn that they started out each day being led in prayer by a local preacher or layperson. Personally, I think that’s awesome. For another, it was filmed entirely in Knoxville. Jill went on to tell me that not only were they were able to shoot in a real federal court in Knoxville, but they also filmed in actual prison pods. Speaking of the penitentiary scene, the director, Kevin Wines, can be seen in a brief cameo as a prisoner. As for the 120 actors and crew, they were from this area except for one actress that was from Atlanta. In fact, at the premiere of “Broken Road.” Jill introduced the cast and crew and then had a question and answer session.
“When thou goest, they steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.” Proverbs: 4:12 (KJV)
Jill had the wisdom to follow where The Lord led her to go. That is how she arrived to the place she is now. I think many times we try to forge our own way without asking God the step He wants us to take. No matter where your way may lead you, His is always superior. Sometimes, it’s beyond what we dare to dream.
I want to expand more on “Broken Road” being selected for the International Chrisitan Film and Music Festival. Jill said it receives over 1,000 submissions annually. Roughly 30 percent of them are asked to compete in this festival, so it is truly an honor to be selected. That being said, she is going to try to get it into more festivals. Also, she is looking into having it streamed. I hope she accomplishes this fairly soon so I can see it. If you want any information or updates on this awesome movie, you can find them on the website for Knoxville Christian Arts Ministries: https://knoxcam.org/.
Brooke Cox is an author, speaker, and storyteller. She was a 2016 Selah Awards Finalist for Debut Novel. Her children’s book: “Dinosaur Eggs,” is now available. It is based on Ephesians 6: The Armor of God. Her novel “Until the Moon Rises: A Conniving Cousin Mystery” is also available. Also, she has two books out in her storytelling series “Saucy Southern Stories.” The Amazon links for her books may be found on her website: brookecoxstories.com. Please feel free to contact her. She would love to hear from you.