OUR STORY
A BIGGER STORY THAN ENTERTAINMENT.
Novel Films was founded by Erik and Rissa Hildebrandt out of a shared desire to use filmmaking for something bigger than entertainment.
We believe powerful stories can open hearts to truth, create space for honest conversations, and help people see their lives differently. Our desire is to tell stories rooted in biblical truth that point toward healing, freedom, and a deeper life in Christ.
Because when Christ transforms a life, the impact rarely stops with one person. It reaches families, churches, communities, and ultimately the world.
A VISION THAT CONTINUES TO GROW
FROM A CALLING TO A LASTING IMPACT.
For more than two decades, Erik and the creative collaborators behind Novel Films have created narrative films, documentaries, music videos, ministry films, and other story-driven projects.
Today, that vision has grown into our most ambitious project yet—more than a decade in the making.
Anxious & Depressed No More brings Erik's personal journey together with voices including Joyce Meyer, Bessel van der Kolk, Christine Caine, Curt Thompson, Terry Wardle, Jay Stringer, and others.
THE TEAM BEHIND THE WORK
ERIK HILDEBRANDT
Co-Founder / Director / Producer
Erik is an award-winning filmmaker with more than 20 years of experience telling stories that inspire meaningful change. As co-founder of Novel Films, he brings together cinematic storytelling, faith, and personal experience to create films that draw people closer to Christ, including Anxious & Depressed No More.
RISSA HILDEBRANDT
Co-Founder / Producer / Writer
Rissa is a co-founder of Novel Films and a producer and writer with a passion for telling honest, faith-centered stories that lead people toward healing and freedom in Christ. As a producer and writer on Anxious & Depressed No More, Rissa has played an integral role in shaping the film’s story, message, and emotional heart.
RUSSELL YANDURA
Associate Producer / Creative Strategist
Russell is a creative strategist, storyteller, and entrepreneur who helps purpose-driven organizations turn vision into meaningful impact. As Associate Producer on Anxious & Depressed No More, he has contributed to story development, editing, strategic direction, and the larger vision surrounding the film.
JOSHUA MEYER
Composer
Joshua is an award-winning film composer, producer, and studio engineer. A Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music graduate, he worked at Hans Zimmer’s Remote Control Productions. His work spans film and TV, including approximately 65 minutes of original music for Anxious & Depressed No More.
PAUL LONG
Re-Recording Mixer / Production Partner
Paul is the owner of Soul Bridge Studio and a longtime creative collaborator with Novel Films. As re-recording mixer for Anxious & Depressed No More, he helped shape the film’s sound while bringing expertise across production and post-production, including lighting, grip, and production equipment.
