
Meet The Team
Meet the award-winning filmmakers bringing The Stars Unseen to life. Each member of the creative team carries a proven track record of excellence and a passion for meaningful storytelling.


Transformation Film Institute & Studio 7
Production Company
The Transformation Film Institute exists to empower the next generation of Christian filmmakers with the tools they need to incorporate Christian values into their work. We are a non-profit organization that is unapologetically Christ-centered in all our activities. At TFI, we are committed to helping Christian film artists boldly connect their faith with their passion and use their platform to spread Christ's light in a dark world.

Richard J. Polite, M.A.
Executive Producer
Richard Polite has made his mark in broadcasting by winning five television ACE Awards for a signature network music series. He then transitioned from production to management while pursuing his master’s degree in film at Regent University in Virginia Beach, VA. Richard produced some of CBN Network's highest-rated programs at the time, including the Emmy-award winning "Scarecrow and Mrs. King" and "Remington Steele."
In addition, Richard and his work have been featured on the Family Channel, The BET Network, Bravo, and MTV. Now serving as a professor at the distinguished Dallas Baptist University and with over 30 years of creative television and film experience, Richard Polite brings a wealth of knowledge to any project.

Drew Pendleton
Writer / Director
Drew Pendleton is a Texas-based filmmaker. His body of work spans narrative film, commercial, and emotionally-charged visual storytelling, earning him industry recognition including an Emmy nomination. Now channeling years of practical filmmaking experience into his feature film The Stars Unseen, Drew brings a grounded, character-focused approach to faith-based drama. With a style shaped by both technical precision and personal conviction, he approaches the project not just as a writer, but as a storyteller deeply invested in crafting meaningful cinema that resonates beyond the screen.

Christopher Verner
Director of Photography
Christopher Verner is an Emmy-nominated cinematographer whose work includes feature-length films, documentaries and narrative short films. He is known for blending striking visual composition with emotional storytelling in every project he captures. Christopher now brings his artistry and experience to The Stars Unseen, serving as Director of Photography for the upcoming feature film.