About Me
I'm Edward Parker Stroop (Parker), filmmaker and retreat leader, with nearly a decade of experience across television, commercials, feature films, motorsports, and documentary follow projects. My approach to filmmaking is rooted in faith—creating what I call "R-rated Christian films" that don't shy away from the raw realities of life while maintaining a redemptive perspective.
I have a passion for merging creativity with calling, creating spaces where filmmakers can encounter God in their craft and develop work that carries both artistic excellence and eternal significance.
Credits
My work has been featured across major networks including National Geographic, History Channel, ABC, HGTV, Lifetime, and Fox.
I've developed expertise across diverse genres—from high-octane motorsports cinematography to intimate narrative work and reality/documentary follow projects. This breadth of experience allows me to guide filmmakers through multiple storytelling approaches while maintaining technical excellence.
Our Story
The Born to Create Project is a Christian retreat where presence takes priority over performance, and Spirit-led creativity guides every frame. We believe in truth in storytelling—narratives that reflect God's heart and reveal His character through the fundamentals of documentary filmmaking. Here, excellence becomes worship as we steward our creative gifts with intentionality and skill.
All are welcome to join this community where faith and filmmaking intersect. Our rhythm includes morning devotion and prayer, optional quiet hours for Scripture and reflection, testimony circles for sharing God's work in our lives, and worship and ministry nights that celebrate His faithfulness in our creative journey.
Our Mission
To empower creatives to discover and share their unique voice through the art of filmmaking and storytelling. We believe that everyone has a story worth telling, and our retreat provides the tools, guidance, and community to bring those stories to life.
We create a sacred space where creativity meets purpose, where technical skills merge with personal growth, and where individual expression contributes to collective inspiration.
Our Vision
We envision a world where creative expression is accessible to all, where stories bridge divides, and where filmmaking becomes a tool for personal transformation and social change.
Through our retreats, we're building a global community of conscious creators who use their skills not just to entertain, but to inspire, educate, and elevate the human experience.
Core Values
Presence Over Performance
Intimacy with God comes before perfection in art. Everything we create flows from who we are in Him.
Eternal Impact
We create with heaven in mind. Our work is meant to outlast trends and applause.
Spirit-Led Creativity
We welcome the Holy Spirit's guidance, inspiration, and redirection at every step.
Excellence as Worship
We pursue mastery of our craft as an act of devotion, not self-glory.
Truth in Storytelling
We tell stories that reflect God's heart, even when raw or uncomfortable, because truth heals.
Called, Not Competing
Every creator has a unique assignment. We celebrate others' gifts.
Community Over Clout
This is a family, not a platform. Everyone has a seat at the table.
Purity in Message
We do not glorify sin. We do not attach sin to anyone's identity. We love people while rejecting the sin, speaking truth with grace.
The Experience
Nestled in the beauty of Costa Rica—moving from San José to Jacó to Santiago de Puriscal—our retreat offers a unique opportunity to reconnect with your creative spirit while immersed in vibrant culture and nature.
Over nine transformative days, you'll learn fundamentals of documentary filmmaking from industry professionals, collaborate with fellow creatives, and produce work that reflects your authentic voice and faith.
Mornings begin with devotion and prayer; evenings may include testimony circles, worship nights, or reflection. Field work spans travel sequences, portraits, interviews, and vérité practice across multiple locations.
You'll leave not just with sharpened skills, but with a renewed sense of calling and a community that will support your creative and spiritual journey long after the retreat ends.