Portrait of Erica Faye in an ivory blazer and black blouse

FAITH. FILM. POSSIBILITY.

From paper
to screen,
you shall see
your dreams.

Stories with purpose. A place for young voices.
A vision brought to life.

Explore our films ↗Discover our classesView Erica Faye’s Acting Résumé
ERICA FAYE · FOUNDER & FILMMAKER
INDEPENDENT FILM✦YOUTH EDUCATION✦FAITH & COMMUNITY✦IOWA ROOTS. BIG DREAMS.
Erica Faye, founder of Erica Faye StudiosActress. Writer. Producer. Director.

WHO I AM

A story of faith.
A lane of my own.

I’m Erica Faye—a Christian woman who loves the Lord, a mother of two boys, and a filmmaker who decided to create her own opportunities.

I was born in Memphis, Tennessee, and moved to Iowa when I was 15. During my freshman year at a traditional high school, I wasn’t doing well. I was removed from that school and sent to an alternative high school—a place for the “misfits,” the students who didn’t fit the traditional mold.

That is where I discovered theater. It was the only elective class left, and I needed an elective. What started as a class I needed to take became a passion that would shape my life. By my senior year, I returned to that same traditional high school and graduated.

I went on to spend over 21 years in theater, learning to bring characters to life and discovering the power of storytelling.

After losing my mother in 2020, I entered a new chapter in my life and creative journey. I began pursuing film, television, and commercial work, carrying my theater experience and faith with me. But getting someone to give me a chance in their movies was not easy. I faced rejection and struggled to find the opportunities I was working toward.

So I made my own lane. I began writing, starring in, producing, and directing my own micro short films. Instead of continuing to wait for someone else to cast me, I created stories I could bring to the screen. The films you’ll see below are part of that journey—work built through faith, persistence, and a willingness to learn by doing.

That journey has brought recognition from the Iowa Motion Picture Association, including Awards of Excellence, and led to my film Mercy, which is now available on multiple streaming platforms. I continue developing new stories, including In Plain Sight, that explore faith, family, mental health, and the struggles people carry.

Through Erica Faye Studios, my nonprofit film organization, I’m also working to give young people opportunities to discover their own creative voices. We serve middle- and high-school students, with a focus on making acting, filmmaking, mentorship, and hands-on learning more accessible to underserved youth. I know what it feels like to want a chance, and I want to help the next generation find theirs.

My faith is at the heart of who I am and what I create. As a mother, storyteller, and founder, I’m building something that brings together my love for God, my family, film, and community. Our motto reflects that hope: “From paper to screen, you shall see your dreams.”

Watch my films below ↗Connect with Erica ↗
Erica Faye with curly hair and glasses, reviewing a screenplay at her desk in a burgundy blazer

WHO WE ARE

Meaningful films.
Meaningful opportunities.

Erica Faye Studios is an Iowa-based nonprofit film organization founded by actress, writer, producer, and director Erica Faye. We bring together independent storytelling and youth education, creating films with purpose while opening doors for the next generation.

We are about faith, creativity, community, and the belief that a young person’s voice deserves to be heard. Through acting, filmmaking, mentorship, and hands-on creative experiences, we help students discover what they can create—and who they can become.

OUR MISSION

To empower inner-city youth through the art of storytelling by providing opportunities to learn acting, filmmaking, and creative production while building confidence, creativity, character, teamwork, and professionalism.

OUR MOTTO

“From paper to screen,
you shall see your dreams.”

THE STORIES WE TELL

Made with heart.
Meant to move you.

Faith, family, and the choices that shape us.
Explore the work of Erica Faye.

The short film collection

More stories from Erica Faye Studios.

FEATURED FILM

MERCY

A story of pride, tragedy, and the courage to accept help.

Released

Lena does not believe in God. When tragedy changes her world, she must choose whether to hold on to her pride or accept the help God places before her.

Written, produced, and starring Erica Faye, Mercy marks a major step in her independent filmmaking journey.

Where to watch

Mercy is available to watch for free on Amazon Prime.

Amazon Prime ↗Tubi ↗Encourage TV ↗

Also available on Rendez-View, Xumo, and Local Now.

OFFICIAL TRAILER

A first look at Mercy.

OPEN TRAILER ON YOUTUBE
In Plain Sight promotional mock movie poster featuring Audrey and Bryan, a house, a therapy session, a Bible, and a detective at a press conference
Promotional mock-up / concept poster

The son and detective shown are illustrative and do not represent the final cast.

IN DEVELOPMENT

In Plain Sight

DONATE ON SPOTFUND

Help Erica Faye Studios bring In Plain Sight to life.

Faith-driven thriller

In Plain Sight follows Audrey, a mother whose unresolved trauma, anxiety, and depression begin to consume her.

As her teenage son Bryan asks for more independence, Audrey’s fear grows stronger. If he does not answer his phone or text when she thinks he should, her stomach drops and her mind immediately goes to the worst possible outcome. What feels normal to Bryan feels like danger to Audrey.

The more he tries to grow, the more she feels herself losing control. Her anxiety deepens, her depression worsens, and she slowly begins to unravel.

Audrey loves fiercely, but fear has become louder than her faith.

At the heart of the film is one powerful question:

“What happens when we try to fight every battle ourselves instead of letting God fight them for us?”

In Plain Sight explores what can happen when fear, trauma, and the need for control become stronger than our willingness to surrender what we cannot control to God.

The struggle was there all along. It was hiding in plain sight.

HELP BRING IN PLAIN SIGHT TO LIFE

Be Part of Bringing This Story to the Screen

In Plain Sight explores anxiety, family, faith, and the struggle to let God fight our battles. Erica Faye Studios is seeking sponsors, prospective investors, and community partners to help bring this film to life.

Support opportunities include production funding, meals, filming locations, equipment, transportation, and other in-kind contributions.

DONATE ON SPOTFUNDBECOME A SPONSOR REQUEST INVESTMENT INFORMATION

Request the pitch deck to learn more about the film and partnership opportunities.

REQUEST THE PITCH DECK

WHERE MY STORY BEGAN

Theater.
The foundation of my craft.

Before there were film sets and screenplays, there was the stage. With over 21 years in theater, Erica Faye’s creative journey is rooted in the immediacy, discipline, and heart of live performance.

What began as the only elective available at an alternative high school became a place to discover her voice. Theater gave Erica room to step into different lives, explore emotion, and experience the connection between a performer and an audience. That beginning grew into a lasting commitment to storytelling.

These photographs capture the range of that experience—from colorful musical ensembles and moments of laughter to intimate scenes that depend on a glance, a pause, or an honest reaction. They also celebrate the work of a cast: listening, rehearsing, supporting one another, and making each performance happen together.

Today, that stage foundation carries into Erica’s work as an actress, writer, producer, and director, and into her vision for young people at Erica Faye Studios. The place where she first found an opportunity continues to shape the opportunities she hopes to create for others.

A burst of shared joy under blue stage lights. This ensemble moment captures the quick reactions, physical expression, and connection that make live theater feel alive.
A burst of shared joy under blue stage lights. This ensemble moment captures the quick reactions, physical expression, and connection that make live theater feel alive.
Colorful costumes and a full-stage musical number fill the scene with movement and personality. Every performer contributes to the energy of the moment.
Colorful costumes and a full-stage musical number fill the scene with movement and personality. Every performer contributes to the energy of the moment.
An ensemble scene staged behind bars brings character, humor, and expressive reactions into one frame, showing how a cast builds a story together.
An ensemble scene staged behind bars brings character, humor, and expressive reactions into one frame, showing how a cast builds a story together.
A cast portrait celebrates the people behind the production. Beyond each performance are rehearsals, collaboration, and the commitment it takes to bring a show to an audience.
A cast portrait celebrates the people behind the production. Beyond each performance are rehearsals, collaboration, and the commitment it takes to bring a show to an audience.
A quieter dramatic scene centers on an intimate exchange between characters. Focused listening, stillness, and emotion carry the story as powerfully as a large ensemble number.
A quieter dramatic scene centers on an intimate exchange between characters. Focused listening, stillness, and emotion carry the story as powerfully as a large ensemble number.
A scene unfolds across a wooden, multi-level set, with performers sharing the space and the audience’s attention. It reflects the timing and awareness that live storytelling requires.
A scene unfolds across a wooden, multi-level set, with performers sharing the space and the audience’s attention. It reflects the timing and awareness that live storytelling requires.

ERICA FAYE · COMMERCIAL MODELING

Modeling for Von Maur

Erica’s work in front of the camera extends to commercial fashion modeling, including product imagery for Von Maur.

This selection shows her modeling dresses, casual separates, knitwear, and layered looks. Each image serves a practical purpose: helping shoppers see the clothing’s shape, fit, texture, and styling. Pose and posture become part of that communication, bringing presence to the photograph while keeping the garment clearly in view.

Alongside her theater and film work, these images offer another view of Erica’s versatility as a performer and model. The gallery preserves the supplied retail screenshots as examples of her published modeling work.

A white tunic paired with vivid blue pants creates a clean, relaxed look. This Von Maur product image showcases Erica’s commercial modeling work and the garment’s fit and silhouette.
A white tunic paired with vivid blue pants creates a clean, relaxed look. This Von Maur product image showcases Erica’s commercial modeling work and the garment’s fit and silhouette.
A coordinated neutral linen outfit highlights soft structure and understated styling. Erica’s pose keeps the focus on the clothing and its easy shape.
A coordinated neutral linen outfit highlights soft structure and understated styling. Erica’s pose keeps the focus on the clothing and its easy shape.
A light, layered poncho look shows the drape and movement of the fabric, illustrating the attention to garment presentation that retail modeling requires.
A light, layered poncho look shows the drape and movement of the fabric, illustrating the attention to garment presentation that retail modeling requires.
A simple black pocket dress is presented with a relaxed stance, offering a clear view of the shape, length, and everyday styling.
A simple black pocket dress is presented with a relaxed stance, offering a clear view of the shape, length, and everyday styling.
A dark jersey dress is styled with a hand-on-hip pose that defines the silhouette and gives the retail image a confident presence.
A dark jersey dress is styled with a hand-on-hip pose that defines the silhouette and gives the retail image a confident presence.
A lavender half-zip hoodie and black pants bring a casual, sporty look to this portfolio selection, expanding the range of clothing represented in Erica’s work.
A lavender half-zip hoodie and black pants bring a casual, sporty look to this portfolio selection, expanding the range of clothing represented in Erica’s work.
A black-and-white plaid top is paired with dark pants for a crisp casual look. The product image keeps the pattern and garment details easy to see.
A black-and-white plaid top is paired with dark pants for a crisp casual look. The product image keeps the pattern and garment details easy to see.
A red-and-white striped top and jeans showcase approachable everyday styling, with a pose that helps communicate the top’s cut and proportions.
A red-and-white striped top and jeans showcase approachable everyday styling, with a pose that helps communicate the top’s cut and proportions.
A pale floral top adds texture and a softer palette to the collection. Erica’s modeling presents the garment’s pattern, sleeves, and relaxed silhouette.
A pale floral top adds texture and a softer palette to the collection. Erica’s modeling presents the garment’s pattern, sleeves, and relaxed silhouette.
A navy jersey dress offers another view of Erica’s retail work, emphasizing the dress’s shape through a straightforward, expressive pose.
A navy jersey dress offers another view of Erica’s retail work, emphasizing the dress’s shape through a straightforward, expressive pose.
A blue open-front cardigan layered over a striped top introduces color and texture, showing how commercial modeling can communicate a complete styled outfit.
A blue open-front cardigan layered over a striped top introduces color and texture, showing how commercial modeling can communicate a complete styled outfit.
A yellow-and-white striped dress with a patterned hem brings a bright finish to the collection, capturing another distinct look from Erica’s Von Maur modeling work.
A yellow-and-white striped dress with a patterned hem brings a bright finish to the collection, capturing another distinct look from Erica’s Von Maur modeling work.

FILM & CREATIVE COMMUNITY

Des Moines Art Week

Erica Faye’s films Angels Unawares and After the Rain were featured at Des Moines Art Week 2023, bringing her independent storytelling into a celebration of art and community.

These photographs capture the event flyer, the screening, Erica’s moments at the microphone, and personal snapshots from the outing. They offer a look at what happens beyond a finished film: stepping into the room, meeting an audience, and becoming part of a wider creative conversation.

For a filmmaker who began creating her own opportunities, having her films included was a meaningful part of the journey from writing a story to sharing it with others. This gallery celebrates that connection between the work, the storyteller, and the community experiencing it.

The Art Week 2023 flyer features Erica Faye Productions’ Angels Unawares and After the Rain alongside Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. The event was advertised for June 17 at xBk in Des Moines.
The Art Week 2023 flyer features Erica Faye Productions’ Angels Unawares and After the Rain alongside Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. The event was advertised for June 17 at xBk in Des Moines.
An evening celebrating local creativity: Erica joins fellow participants onstage at Des Moines Art Week, where a couple of her films were featured.
An evening celebrating local creativity: Erica joins fellow participants onstage at Des Moines Art Week, where a couple of her films were featured.
Erica poses with fellow attendees in front of a vivid floral mural during Des Moines Art Week.
Erica poses with fellow attendees in front of a vivid floral mural during Des Moines Art Week.
At the microphone, Erica connects with the audience during an event that brought her filmmaking into a shared community arts space.
At the microphone, Erica connects with the audience during an event that brought her filmmaking into a shared community arts space.
A shared meal and a smiling snapshot with Erica during the Des Moines Art Week outing.
A shared meal and a smiling snapshot with Erica during the Des Moines Art Week outing.
A wider view of Erica onstage, surrounded by the intimate lighting and atmosphere of the Art Week gathering.
A wider view of Erica onstage, surrounded by the intimate lighting and atmosphere of the Art Week gathering.
A film plays on the venue’s large screen as audience members watch together during Des Moines Art Week.
A film plays on the venue’s large screen as audience members watch together during Des Moines Art Week.
Erica addresses the room during Des Moines Art Week, bringing the storyteller behind the films into the spotlight.
Erica addresses the room during Des Moines Art Week, bringing the storyteller behind the films into the spotlight.
A candid portrait of Erica in her floral jacket during the Art Week outing.
A candid portrait of Erica in her floral jacket during the Art Week outing.
A closer look at the live event: a microphone, a listening audience, and a chance to connect through the arts.
A closer look at the live event: a microphone, a listening audience, and a chance to connect through the arts.
A relaxed restaurant moment between the day’s activities, included among Erica’s Art Week memories.
A relaxed restaurant moment between the day’s activities, included among Erica’s Art Week memories.
Erica pauses at the microphone during her Art Week appearance—a portrait of the filmmaker beyond the camera.
Erica pauses at the microphone during her Art Week appearance—a portrait of the filmmaker beyond the camera.
Erica captures a quiet moment inside the venue, away from the microphone and screen.
Erica captures a quiet moment inside the venue, away from the microphone and screen.
An expressive moment onstage at Des Moines Art Week, celebrating film, conversation, and creative community.
An expressive moment onstage at Des Moines Art Week, celebrating film, conversation, and creative community.
Erica addresses the audience with the Art Week program projected behind her, connecting her work on screen with the people in the room.
Erica addresses the audience with the Art Week program projected behind her, connecting her work on screen with the people in the room.

ERICA FAYE · ACTRESS

Monologues

Explore Erica Faye’s monologue performances.

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

Stories created with purpose.
Work recognized with excellence.

2022 Iowa Motion Picture Awards trophy: Award of Achievement, Actress, Erica Faye, Generational Curses

Generational Curses

2022 · Award of Achievement
Actress — Erica Faye

2023 Iowa Motion Picture Awards trophy: Award of Excellence for Mercy, Live Action Entertainment, Medium Form (30–59 minutes), Erica Faye and Brittany Benedict

Mercy

2023 · Award of Excellence
Live Action Entertainment — Medium Form (30–59 minutes)
Erica Faye & Brittany Benedict

Awards of Excellence presentation for Lead Actress in a Play, Erica Toney in Proposals at Starlighters II Theatre

Proposals — Lead Actress

Awards of Excellence recognition · Starlighters II Theatre

Two women holding an award in the 2023 IMPA award nominations announcement

IMPA Awards

Featured photo in the 2023 IMPA award nominations announcement

Erica holding a Starlighters II Top 5 Lead Actress in a Play certificate bearing the name Erica Toney

Top 5 — Lead Actress in a Play

Starlighters II Theatre · Certificate of recognition

Lead Actress in a Play — Announcement

Watch the announcement alongside Erica’s Starlighters II certificate photo.

IOWA MOTION PICTURE ASSOCIATION

Award of Excellence

Mercy received the Award of Excellence from the Iowa Motion Picture Association.

Her independent film journey also includes a screening of Angels Unawares at Fleur Cinema in Des Moines.

AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

Mercy

The Iowa Motion Picture Association’s award announcement and a picture of the awards.

OPEN ON FACEBOOK

AWARDS INTERVIEW

At the IMPA Awards

Watch Erica Faye’s interview at the Iowa Motion Picture Association awards.

OPEN ON FACEBOOK

AWARD OF ACHIEVEMENT · 2ND PLACE

Generational Curses

The Iowa Motion Picture Association’s announcement of the Award of Achievement for Generational Curses.

OPEN ON FACEBOOK

DISTRIBUTION NEWS

A new chapter for Mercy

Watch the announcement that Mercy has secured a distribution deal.

OPEN ON FACEBOOK

INTERVIEWS & PRESS

The story behind
the storyteller.

Erica Faye Studios Youth Acting and Film Classes grand opening: Every Tuesday for 8 weeks beginning January 5, 2027, 6–8 PM, at The Homelab, 1325 W 4th St., Waterloo, Iowa. For middle and high school students.

YOUR STORY STARTS HERE

Big imagination.
Real possibility.

Class registration coming soon!

Join the youth waiting list now to hear when registration opens. Submitting the waiting-list form does not reserve a class place.

A welcoming place for middle- and high-school students to build confidence, collaborate, and discover how stories become films.

Our current program: Acting & Student Film Experience. Students will learn acting skills and have opportunities to put them into practice on camera in student films.

Acting classesStudent film experience

Other classes coming soon: Screenwriting, directing, cinematography, editing, and more.

Join the youth waiting listParent FAQ

Fill out and submit online. No sign-in needed. Joining the waiting list does not guarantee enrollment.

LEARN. CREATE. CONNECT.

From your first idea
to your first scene.

6:00–7:30 p.m.Acting & creative practice
7:30–8:00 p.m.Meal & community time

Build acting skills through hands-on activities, teamwork, and creative practice, with opportunities to perform in student films.

Classes meet every Tuesday for 8 weeks beginning January 5, 2027, at The Homelab, 1325 W 4th St., Waterloo, IA. Contact Erica for availability and registration details.

FOR FAMILIES

Parent FAQ

Planning for your child’s first session? Find practical details below. See the class schedule, location, and waiting list.

Who can participate, and is experience required?

The program is for middle- and high-school students. Beginners are welcome. Our first group is planned for 10–15 students, allowing time for individual practice and feedback.

How much does the program cost?

The eight-week youth program is free for students.

What commitment should families plan for?

Students meet every Tuesday for eight weeks. Consistent attendance, respectful participation, and practicing assigned scenes or lines between sessions help students prepare for their on-camera work. Please contact Erica if your child needs to miss a session.

When should I pick up my child?

Sessions end at 8:00 p.m. Please plan to pick up your child between 8:00 and 8:15 p.m. Contact Erica promptly if you are delayed.

What if my child has a food allergy or dietary restriction?

Please include allergies and dietary restrictions on the waiting-list form and discuss them with Erica before the program begins so meal arrangements can be reviewed.

How does the Saturday film shoot work?

A separate Saturday production day is planned after the eight-week learning block. Students will put their acting skills into practice in short filmed scenes of approximately 2–5 minutes. The date, location, and arrival instructions will be shared when confirmed. Students will use their own clothing, with any scene-specific guidance provided beforehand.

Will families get to see the finished work?

Families will be invited back for a showcase of the students’ filmed work. The date and viewing details will be announced separately.

What paperwork is needed before filming?

Accepted students will need additional registration paperwork, including parent or guardian permissions, emergency contact information, and a media release for participation in the student film. The waiting-list form does not replace these permissions.

How do I ask about my child’s individual needs?

Contact Erica before the program begins to discuss learning needs, accessibility, or other concerns. This gives families and EFS time to talk through what support may be possible.

Have another question? Email Erica or call 319.327.5044.

INVEST IN YOUNG STORYTELLERS

Support Erica Faye Studios

Erica Faye Studios is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Your support helps make free acting instruction and student film experiences possible for underserved youth. Read our mission.

Give financially

Help cover classroom materials, student meals, and the costs of hands-on youth film experiences. Give to Erica Faye Studios through either account below.

Give with Cash App

$ericafayestudios

Give with Venmo

@ericafayestudios

Provide meals or supplies

Support a class meal or offer notebooks, folders, pens, pencils, printing, and other classroom supplies. Coordinate quantities and delivery with Erica before purchasing or dropping off items.

Offer meals or supplies

Share space or equipment

Offer a filming location, equipment loan, or space for a future shoot or showcase. Let Erica know what is available, when it can be used, and any conditions.

Offer space or equipment

Give your time

Help with meals, classroom support, setup, or the student film shoot. Camera, sound, lighting, and production volunteers can share their experience while helping students bring a scene to life.

Volunteer interest form

Businesses and community partners can discuss a partnership or request our nonprofit determination letter.

Looking to support In Plain Sight?

Visit the film’s dedicated fundraiser and sponsorship information.

Support the film

WORK WITH ERICA

Bookings & collaborations

Tell Erica what you’re planning. Availability, scope, and fees are discussed for each inquiry.

Acting

Film, television, commercial, and theater inquiries. Include the role, project summary, location, production dates, and compensation details.

Inquire about acting

Modeling

Commercial, retail, and brand photography inquiries. Share the campaign, shoot location, dates, intended image use, and budget.

Inquire about modeling

Speaking

Invite Erica to discuss her creative journey, faith, independent filmmaking, or creating opportunities. Include your audience, event format, and date.

Inquire about speaking

Workshops

Ask about acting, improv, or storytelling workshops for your group. Share participants’ ages, group size, goals, and the time available.

Inquire about workshops

LET’S CREATE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL

Every great story
starts with a connection.

319.327.5044

Based in Iowa. Connected through stories.