Few modern faith-based projects have resonated with audiences as much as A Week Away. What began as a musical film has now grown into a full series streaming on Angel Studios—continuing its message of hope, vulnerability, and transformation through faith, music, and story. NewReleaseToday recently spoke with director, writer, and producer Alan Powell about his creative journey, the evolution of A Week Away, and why authenticity and perseverance remain at the heart of everything he creates.
Alan, for readers who may not know your background, can you introduce yourself and share how your journey led you here?
My name is Alan. I’ve been married for 20 years, and we have six kids. I started in the entertainment industry on the music side—I was fortunate enough to be in a band called Anthem Lights for seven or eight years. I began acting a few years before stepping away from the band, then transitioned to full-time acting. That eventually evolved into writing and producing.
I now run a financing and production company, Monarch Media, and one of the projects we created was A Week Away. We sold the film to Netflix, and we’ve now adapted that story into a series streaming on Angel Studios.
You’ve worked across music, film, and production for years. What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned as a creative?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned—and I still remind myself of this—is that nobody really knows anything. There’s a quote from legendary screenwriter William Goldman that says, “Nobody knows anything.” I think that’s true, especially in creative spaces where there’s no objective “right.”
You’re never fully ready, so waiting until you are will keep you from moving forward. The key is putting one foot in front of the other and acting as if it will happen. A Week Away is a great example of that. Everyone said no at first. I had never written a script before, and people still said no. But eventually it was produced, Netflix acquired it, and when they no longer wanted to continue, we found another partner.
The biggest lesson is never giving up—continuing to believe in yourself and finding a way to make your ideas a reality.
What has it been like partnering with Angel Studios for the series?
It’s been great. Those guys think outside the box, and they’ve been incredibly supportive and helpful. I really like what they’re doing, and I’m proud of the show we were able to make together.
The series also includes a behind-the-scenes docu-series. What inspired that idea?
I’ve always loved seeing how things get made. I’m the guy who enjoys director commentary as much as the movie itself. When we started making the show, I wanted to film everything.
We thought it would be interesting to create a docu-series that underlines how much this project meant to us as creatives, while also inspiring others who want to make their own stories. If you love the show and want to know how it happened, this shows you.
Why do you think A Week Away resonates so deeply, especially with younger audiences?
I can’t speak for everyone, but for me, it’s always been very personal. I wrote and produced the movie, created and directed the series, and some of the scenes are a little embarrassing in their vulnerability.
When you’re honest and vulnerable in your creativity, it often resonates with people because they recognize themselves in it. They think, “I’ve felt that too.” That’s my hope—and I think that’s what we’re seeing.
The show doesn’t shy away from doubts, faith struggles, or emotional honesty. Why was that important to you?
That was very intentional. Some of those moments—especially the one you’re referencing—are deeply personal. Those words are my words. I’ve felt those things. Actor Antonio Cipriano did an unbelievable job portraying that honesty on screen. To hear that it’s reaching people and impacting them—that’s why we did it.
As a father, how meaningful is it to watch your kids experience this story?
At the end of the day, I made a show I’d want my kids to sit down and watch—even if I didn’t make it. I wanted something that would affect them, let those messages seep into their psyche.
My oldest daughter is actually in the show—she plays Hazel May—which made it even more special. That’s really the motivation behind everything for me.
Music plays a huge role in the series. What has it been like creating original songs for the show?
I love musicals. When film and music come together, that’s the medium that moves me the most. Creating that has been the greatest professional honor of my life. I love writing music and telling stories, and doing both together is my favorite thing. I have amazing partners—Adam Watts and Cozy Zuehlsdorff—and creating the music was some of the most meaningful and emotional work for me.
Our challenge was to create songs that worked organically within the story while also standing on their own. Seeing that happen has been really rewarding.
Do you have a favorite song from the project?
It’s like picking a favorite child—but if I had to choose, it would be the last song in the first episode. It’s called “Amazing Grace,” but it’s not the one everyone knows. It’s our main character’s spin on it.
Adam and I wrote it together, and it’s probably my favorite song I’ve ever written.
The series also reimagines songs like “Jesus Freak” and “You Say.” What was your approach to those moments?
First, I’m incredibly grateful to TobyMac, Lauren Daigle, and the other writers for allowing us to use their songs. They didn’t have to.
Anytime we cover a song, I want to do it in a way people haven’t heard before. With “You Say,” we made it a duet and framed it so the characters are in opposite spiritual places—one stepping toward faith, the other stepping away.
Once that clicked, it became exciting creatively. It’s risky—you never know if it’s going to work—but I’m really proud of how it turned out.
Is the story of A Week Away finished—or is there more to come?
A Week Away was always designed to last for a long time. Summer camps don’t end after one year. You meet new people, hear new stories, and see how a week like this can impact someone where they are.
I don’t think the world of A Week Away is anywhere close to being done.
Finally, how can people be praying for you right now?
We’re just looking for clarity—what’s next, where to focus our time and energy. There are many exciting developments, and I’m grateful for that, but we’re in a season of seeking direction and wisdom for what comes next.
The full series of A Week Away is now streaming on Angel Studios.
Bradden Ford is a Christian music enthusiast responsible for managing NewReleaseToday's new release database of artists and albums. He resides just outside Nashville, Tennessee.
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