The Power of Story
At Mission Ranch Films, we believe story is the most powerful force in the universe. Through storytelling, we make sense of the world, learn empathy, and connect with others. A great story lets us see life through different eyes, transforming hearts and minds along the way. If you want to change the world, start with a story.
Our Films
Our films embody all that we hold most sacred about storytelling: an epic fantasy universe, complex characters who relentlessly seek truth; and a team of creators dedicated to bringing people together through story. Each feature is at a different stage of development, and aims to bridge divides and inspire deeper connections. Click a poster to explore more.
Our Mission
The battle ends when we find a deeper connection to God, to ourselves, and to others. It begins with a story that transforms hearts and minds with ideas that are true.
CURRENT PROJECTS:
CHILDREN OF THE WATCHERS
IN THE LAND OF
VAPORS
SPYDER SISTERS
CHILDREN OF THE WATCHERS
IN THE LAND OF
VAPORS
SPYDER SISTERS
CURRENT PROJECTS:
CHILDREN OF THE WATCHERS
IN THE LAND OF
VAPORS
SPYDER SISTERS
WHO IS MISSION RANCH FILMS?
ABOUT US
At Mission Ranch Films, we believe that the foundation of every great story is truth. Our mission is to create a fantasy universe where real traumas and spiritual realities come alive through dynamic characters and their struggles.
Our vision begins with six feature films set within this universe, each exploring profound truths through compelling narratives. But we're not stopping there. We're also developing spinoff projects across multiple media, including a TV series, graphic novels, video games, podcasts, and a YouTube channel dedicated to artists and creators.
This ambitious vision wouldn't be possible without a team of like-minded creatives who share our passion for world-building and storytelling. I’m proud to introduce the talented minds behind our current slate of films.
INDIGENOUS PEOPLES ADVISORY COUNCIL
At the center of our story universe is Yellowstone National Park and the pacific northwest region of the U.S.A. These territories are home to many Native American legends, spiritual beliefs, and histories. Theirs is a story of trauma marked by resilience and spiritual devotion. As we developed the mythology of our fantasy story world, it became apparent that this convergence of trauma histories and spiritual realities needed to be explored.
In order to honor and accurately represent the rich traditions and cultural heritage of the tribal communities, we formed an advisory board comprised of Native Americans with expert knowledge on the religious practices and beliefs of their people, and the traumatic histories of the Montana tribal communities. The following individuals have graciously agreed to join our board, where they will play a vital role by offering council, feedback, and advice as we seek to fulfill the great vision before us.
Mission Ranch Films is honored to introduce our Indigenous Peoples Advisory Council.
Dr. Shane Doyle, EdD
Chairman of the Board
Dr. Shane Doyle is a cultural and educational consultant specializing in curriculum design, genetics, anthropology, and archaeology. A member of the Apsaalooké (Crow) Nation, Shane completed a post-doctoral appointment at the University of Copenhagen in 2016 and has extensive knowledge of the ancient culture of the Northern Plains.
With over 30 years on the powwow trail, Shane is also a Northern Plains style singer and has co-produced several performance art events in Montana as part of Mountain Time Arts. As an environmental advocate, he has served as a tribal liaison for organizations like the Montana Wilderness Association and the Wilderness Society.
Shane has appeared as a historical consultant in PBS Nova's "The Great Human Odyssey" and the History Channel's "Custer’s Last Mystery." Originally from Crow Agency, MT, he now lives in Bozeman with his wife, Megkian, and their five children. For Shane's educational videos, visit the Honoring Tribal Legacies website, or connect with him on LinkedIn.
Michael Spears
Actor, Singer, Indigenous Peoples Consultant
Born December 28, 1977, in South Dakota, Michael Spears is a Sicangu Lakota from Lower Brule, now based in Montana. With a diverse skill set including horsemanship, boxing, Tae Kwon Do, traditional Lakota singing, and archery, he is a passionate advocate for sustainable energy and food sovereignty in tribal communities. Spears also works as a cultural consultant on films featuring Indigenous themes.
Spears gained prominence at age twelve with his role as "Otter" in Dances with Wolves and has since shared the screen with stars like Kevin Costner, Gary Oldman, and Christian Slater. His recent roles include "Black Hoof" in Z Nation (2018), "Biscuit" in The Ballad of Lefty Brown (2017), and "Mica Dullknife" in Longmire (2014). Earlier credits include Into the West (2005) and Lakota Woman (1994).
Awards and honors include his role in Dances with Wolves, the APA Award for Best Subject Matter in The Broken Chord, and various powwow and hand drum singing championships. His personal motto is: "Always remember who you are and where you come from. Know where you want to go and acknowledge those who helped you along the way."
Prairie Bighorn, M.B.A.
Prairie, an enrolled member of the Fort Peck Sioux Tribe, grew up on the Northern Cheyenne reservation in Montana. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business from Rocky Mountain College and an MBA from the University of Montana. Prairie’s career includes contract management for Native American communities with the Department of Health and Human Services, serving as Comptroller for the Northern Cheyenne Tribe, and successfully managing $34 million in federal funds.
Honored with the National Center for American Indian Economic Development’s 40 Under 40 Award in 2011, Prairie has been recognized for her leadership and contributions to business and community. She is a board member for the Montana Board of Research and Commercialization Technology and a reviewer for MIT Solve’s Indigenous Communities Fellowship program. Currently, she is the Executive Director of the American Indian Business Leaders organization, dedicated to increasing Native representation in business.
In her free time, Prairie enjoys running, snowboarding, reading, and spending time with her family.
MEET ZENA DELL LOWE
There are only three things I feel like I truly understand: trauma, faith, and story. Together, these three things capture the whole of the human condition.
Through trauma, we experience pain and suffering.
Through faith, we find comfort and strength.
Through story, we find meaning.
Story weaves together the chaotic and disjointed moments of our lives, allowing us to see order in the midst of chaos. When viewed through the lens of our beliefs, stories reveal a greater pattern and purpose. This is the power of storytelling—it connects, clarifies, and transforms.
Mission Ranch Films represents the culmination of my life’s work and passions. It’s the embodiment of everything I find thrilling about being a storyteller. I invite you to join me on this epic journey. Together, let’s capture the hearts and minds of our culture and leave a lasting, legendary impact on the world.
Houston Howard
Co-Founder of One 3 Creative
Houston Howard is a renowned producer, author, speaker, and thought leader known for his innovative transmedia approach to storytelling. As Chief Storyteller and Co-Founder of One 3 Creative, Houston has advised top companies like Mattel, Disney Imagineering, Samuel Goldwyn Films, Harper Collins Publishing, and more, helping them craft stories that resonate across multiple platforms. He has also worked on transmedia projects for Fox, the CW, TNT, and the creative teams behind iconic properties like
Toy Story
.
Beyond developing transmedia projects and international co-productions, Houston educates industry professionals on adapting to the evolving entertainment landscape. He has led workshops for the Television Academy of Arts and Sciences, the Producers Guild of America, the National Association of Broadcasters, and other prestigious organizations worldwide.
Houston’s books, Make Your Story Really Stinkin’ Big and You’re Gonna Need a Bigger Story, have become essential guides for creators looking to expand their storytelling across diverse media, maximize revenue, and engage audiences in innovative ways.
Dr. Kevin Lewis
Theology Specialist & Consult
Dr. Kevin Lewis was a Professor of Theology and Law at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University, where he teaches in the Christian Apologetics and Science & Religion programs. His expertise spans Polemical & Elenctic Theology, Systematic Theology, Christian Apologetics, and the integration of Theology and Law with Jurisprudence & Public Policy.
As the Founder and President of the Institute for Theology & Law, Dr. Lewis equips Christians with resources to engage with law, justice, and public policy through a Christian theological lens. His extensive background includes lecturing at churches, colleges, and conferences, and he has appeared on numerous radio and television programs discussing theological, legal, and apologetic topics.
In addition to his academic and speaking roles, Dr. Lewis is a practicing attorney, a partner at the Law Office of Lewis & Lewis, and an affiliate attorney with the Pacific Justice Institute.
In his role with Mission Ranch Films, Dr. Lewis will serve as our theology specialist, ensuring that our storyworlds’ mythologies are authentic and accurately reflect the realities of occultism.
Duncan McLean
Film Editor
Duncan McLean’s career is notable for its breadth and depth. After earning a BA at Duke University and an MFA at the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts, Duncan began his professional career working as a chief lighting technician on a wide variety of film and television projects, ranging from no-budget independents to multi-million dollar studio and network productions. During this time, he also strarted to work as a camera operator and then as a cinematographer, which took him to Turkey to shoot the multi-award winning documentary, Searching for Paradise.
Shifting his focus to post-production, Duncan edited television specials and series for networks including MTV, Fox, Travel, ABC Family, and Lifetime. Duncan directed his first show, the CMT specialWorld’s Greatest Tour Buses, and subsequently directed, produced, and edited several music documentaries for the network. He also directed, co-produced, photographed, and edited multiple segments for the PBS foreign affairs show, Foreign Exchange.
Since that time, Duncan has edited series for numerous networks, including Biography, the Oprah Winfrey Network, Investigation Discovery, and Bravo. He edited, wrote, and co-produced the documentary, See Me, and edited and co-produced the TLC special, The 685lb Teen.
.
Leeann Barna
Screenwriter, Story Consultant, Producer
Leann Barna is an award-winning screenwriter, freelance story analyst for Disney, film festival programmer, and instructor at Transformation Film Institute. She holds an M.A. in Cinema/Screenwriting and in Biblical Studies. Leann owns Mining Company Media, which helps screenwriters tell their best stories and takes on select production projects.
"I instantly knew I wanted to be part of this project. It is entertaining, intense, and the truths in the story had me reflecting on my own life."
Join Us On This Exciting Journey!
At Mission Ranch Films, we’re entering the most thrilling chapter in our history, and we need your support to conquer the challenges ahead. Every step of the filmmaking process is a battle—from world-building and team-building to fundraising and production. That's why we, as storytellers, remain focused on what matters most: the story itself.
We invite you to stand with us as we bring these stories to life. Add your name to our contact list, and we’ll keep you informed of our latest developments, behind-the-scenes updates, and opportunities to get involved. Together, we can make an impact that lasts.
© 2024 Mission Ranch Films
© 2024 Mission Ranch Films