Branden J. Stanley Featured in The Criterion

In the Press
Written By Branden J. Stanley

Branden J. Stanley, featured in Archdiocese of Indianapolis’ The Criterion news paper.

It was an incredible honor to be interviewed by The Criterion, the newspaper of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, for a feature titled “Scenes from a Young Filmmaker’s Life—and the Faith and Love at the Heart of It.”

As an Indiana native and former longtime parishioner of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, being featured by my home diocese means a great deal. The piece beautifully captures my journey in Catholic filmmaking—from hiking through the mountains of Poland with a camera on my back, to telling stories of faith, beauty, and redemption through the work we create at Spirit Juice Studios.

More than anything, I’m grateful that this story highlights what drives me: the desire to create something of lasting beauty, to honor the faith that formed me, and to pass that same love for the Eucharist and for beauty on to my family and to those who encounter our work.

A huge thank you to writer John Shaughnessy and the team at The Criterion for this thoughtful, in-depth piece.

You can read the full article here:
👉 Scenes from a Young Filmmaker’s Life—and the Faith and Love at the Heart of It

Branden J. Stanley

Branden J. Stanley is an Emmy Award-winning cinematographer and lifelong camera nerd who’s been chasing light and moments since he was barely old enough to hold a camera steady. Growing up in a small Catholic homeschooling family just outside Indianapolis, Branden’s fascination with storytelling through a lens started early—and never let go.

These days, Branden wears a lot of hats (though usually a vintage one) as Executive VP at the award-winning Spirit Juice Studios in Chicago. Whether he's behind the camera or leading creative teams, he’s always blending his love for modern filmmaking with a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, analog culture, and the beautifully mechanical cameras from photography’s golden age.

When he’s not immersed in film projects or geeking out over vintage gear, Branden’s busy on his favorite production yet—raising four energetic kids with his childhood sweetheart (i.e. his beautiful wife). Life’s a bit chaotic, usually loud, but always filled with the kind of moments worth capturing.

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