be part of the story

Name: Hello Joy
Director: Taty Ortiz
Cast: Vaughn Biggs, Madison Watkins

“Hello Joy” is more than a short film—it’s part of a larger mission to tell stories that connect, heal, and inspire.
We’re an independent team building meaningful films, and this is just the beginning.
By supporting this project, you’re not just helping fund a film—you’re joining a growing community that believes in honest, impactful storytelling.
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Every contribution helps us bring “Hello Joy” to life and continue creating future stories that matter.
Even a contribution like $50 can go a long way—helping cover real production needs and moving this film closer to completion.
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Where Your Support Goes:
‍– Production and equipment
– Post-production (editing, sound, color)
– Music and licensing
– Film festival submissions and distribution
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Your support doesn’t stop at this film—it helps open the door for everything we create next.

Tax-Deductible donation via Wedgwood Circle

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Every contribution makes a difference.

About The Project

Hello Joy was born inspired on the book Choose Joy by Kay Warren, and the question “How can one find happiness again when you feel the worst had happened?” Grief is something we all go through at different levels, and it affects all areas of our lives including the very ones that could helps us get through it; like music, art, and connecting with others.

The story of Vince is meaningful to us, because we’ve all been him in one sense or the other. And by we, I mean the crew who worked on this project. We’ve had very close loss, we’ve had family and friends struggling with mental health, we’ve pushed aside our passions, our art, and kept moving through the motions numb and disconnected at different times.

But sometimes it takes one person, one line, one book, one song, or one movie, to help you see things in a new perspective and offer a glimpse of hope. And thats the reason we wrote this story.

Hello Joy Poster: A young black man walks across train tracks with trains in the background. The Words "Hello Joy" sit at the top of the poster.

Cast & Crew

Film director Taty Ortiz wearing a black long-sleeve top and ripped black jeans sitting on a wooden stool against a beige background.

director

Vince

Vaughn Biggs

Vaughn Biggs is a versatile worship pastor, singer and actor. He has held the title as worship pastor for several years at Saddleback Church's LA campus. Known for his impactful contributions to worship music, he has played a significant role in various Saddleback Worship albums and songs. Most notably, he was instrumental in the recent album “Christ Forever (Live)”, where he participated in songwriting and production. Leading the song “The God We Know.”In addition to his musical achievements, Vaughn Biggs has made a mark in the entertainment industry as an actor. He appeared in the 2023 Super Bowl commercial for the M&M’s company, starring alongside actress Maya Rudolph in the recognized "May&ya’s" campaign. His diverse talents continue to enrich both the worship and entertainment worlds.

Mia

Madison Watkins

Madison Watkins is an American singer, songwriter, and influencer who has made significant strides in the music industry. Her career began with a notable debut on NBC’s America’s Got Talent in 2016, which showcased her exceptional talent and set the stage for her future endeavors. She gained further recognition as a Top 12 semi finalist on American Idol Season 19, where her unique voice and compelling performances captivated audiences.Watkins' single, "Blinded," garnered additional acclaim when it was featured on CBS’s popular TV series Love Island (American edition). Her musical versatility extends to her collaboration with Saddleback Church’s worship band, Saddleback Worship. She played a pivotal role in the creation and performance of the original worship song "Before the King."