About This Conversation
In this special episode of Flicker & Burn, Rob Kaczmark and Branden J. Stanley step behind the camera to share how Heaven in Stone and Glass came together. As co-directors of the film, they spent 45 days across four trips to France capturing the Gothic cathedrals featured in the film and finding a way to translate Bishop Robert Barron’s script into a cinematic experience.
They unpack the creative and technical choices behind the production, from filming in changing seasons and low light to choosing lenses, camera movement, sound design, and visual effects that would make the cathedrals feel like characters in their own right. They also share the practical challenges of working inside active places of worship, navigating permissions, hauling gear through historic spaces, and adapting when the ideal filmmaking setup simply was not possible.
The conversation also goes deeper into the meaning behind the architecture itself. Rob and Branden reflect on how the stained glass, sculpture, light, scale, and hidden details were designed not simply to impress, but to communicate faith and draw people toward God. They describe the film as a kind of virtual pilgrimage for viewers who may never have the opportunity to experience these cathedrals in person.
They also share the personal side of the project, including the trust built over years of working with Word on Fire, the sacrifices made by their families and team, and the way birth, loss, faith, and gratitude became woven into the making of the film itself.
This episode is a behind-the-scenes look at filmmaking, Catholic art, sacred architecture, creative collaboration, and what it takes to make something beautiful at scale.
The Episode
Number: 10 (Bonus)
Released: Sept. 21, 20
Duration: 01:21:08
Guest: Branden J. Stanley
Share
Thank You To Our Episode Sponsor
Join Our Community
Support Flicker & Burn
Your generosity helps us create powerful Catholic media that draws people closer to Christ.
Every one-time or recurring gift supports our mission to evangelize the culture through beautiful, high-quality storytelling. We could not do this without you. Thank you, and God bless you!
Your donation is tax-deductible within the United States, and we will provide a tax receipt for your record
Questions? Contact us at [email protected].
-
Flicker & Burn: Josue Barron
Kristen Harris shares how New Age spirituality, tarot, a dream of the Blessed Mother, and a search for truth ultimately led her into the Catholic Church.
Colleen and Deanne share how pilgrimages, Marian consecration, personal healing, and quiet obedience prepared them to create SoulCore, an apostolate that integrates the Rosary with functional movement. What began with a simple idea and a small group of friends in a basement grew through their willingness to say yes before they felt fully prepared. Together, they explain how SoulCore engages the whole person, body, mind, and soul, through Scripture, silence, surrender, movement, and rest.They also reflect on the body as a sacred gift, the slow work of God, and the healing that becomes possible when suffering is surrendered to Him. Their story of transforming a place marked by grief into the Marian House studio reveals the heart of SoulCore: God can restore what feels broken, turn mourning into joy, and accomplish more than we imagine through one small, faithful yes.
-
Flicker & Burn: Joe Melendrez
Catholic speaker, performer, and music missionary Joe Melendrez joins Rob Kaczmark for a lively conversation about creativity, identity, fatherhood, and following God without losing what makes you unique.
Joe shares how a powerful retreat encounter transformed his faith as a teenager and inspired him to combine hip-hop, dance, storytelling, and Catholic spirituality. From creating the Rosary Rap to performing for thousands of young people around the world, his ministry has been shaped by one conviction: every gift can become a way to glorify God.
He also reflects on rejection, creative resistance, spiritual discipline, and the importance of remaining authentic when others do not understand your calling. Together, Rob and Joe explore how prayer, silence, service, family life, and healthy boundaries with technology can help us stay present and spiritually grounded. Their conversation is an energizing reminder that God can use creativity, courage, and a simple yes to reach people in unexpected ways.
-
Flicker & Burn: Kristen Harris
Kristen Harris shares how New Age spirituality, tarot, a dream of the Blessed Mother, and a search for truth ultimately led her into the Catholic Church.
Colleen and Deanne share how pilgrimages, Marian consecration, personal healing, and quiet obedience prepared them to create SoulCore, an apostolate that integrates the Rosary with functional movement. What began with a simple idea and a small group of friends in a basement grew through their willingness to say yes before they felt fully prepared. Together, they explain how SoulCore engages the whole person, body, mind, and soul, through Scripture, silence, surrender, movement, and rest.They also reflect on the body as a sacred gift, the slow work of God, and the healing that becomes possible when suffering is surrendered to Him. Their story of transforming a place marked by grief into the Marian House studio reveals the heart of SoulCore: God can restore what feels broken, turn mourning into joy, and accomplish more than we imagine through one small, faithful yes.
