About the

Storytellers

Seventh Story has been using film to tell stories since 1998. We wrestle with a concept until we’re confident it will spark with your audience. We pride ourselves on throwing creativity at a problem, not money.

Equipped with the latest tech, endless cups of coffee, and childlike curiosity, Seventh Story is a full-service production company here to tell your story.

STEVEN BUSSELL

Show Runner + Director

Creative and logistical lead, Steve has written and directed hundreds of film projects. Short films, commercials, music videos, you name it, and Steve has made it. He has lead the way on spots for groups like Universal, Sony, Coca-Cola, The Country Music Association, Lifeway, Big Idea, Show Hope, and so on. He leads his team of artists to design and complete a few thousand videos each year.

Under Steve’s leadership, Seventh Story has become the go-to company for creative, story-driven commercials and imaginative programming.

Steve founded Seventh Story to tell visually striking, emotional stories about the day everything changed.

He lives in Nashville with his wife, Shelley, and their four sons.

RYAN HINES

Visual FX Supervisor + Director

Wizard and War Machine all in one. Not only is Ryan one of the fastest, most gifted editors around, but he’s also consistent, punctual, and can swing a hammer. He has a mind for Z-space, graphic layout, and three-dimensional thought. He also directs when he’s not too busy inventing worlds.

He lives in Nolensville, TN with his wife Cari and their beagle Penny and cat Charlie. (They remain big “Lost” fans).

LAUREN WALTERS

Resident Artist + Production Designer

Lauren is the MacGyver of artists. She can make art from anything and give emotional gravitas to paperclips with a few strokes of her pen. She’s meticulously persistent and patient. She’s designed and painted dozens of sets, created ancient props, designed logos, and takes photos of rock stars. When she’s not creating works of art, she’s enjoying the art that someone else has made.

JOSH CHILDS

Writer + Producer

Josh makes the original idea sound better and funnier. He has a gift for transforming churning complex concepts into humorous allegories. This 6’4? script-writing genius has superb listening skills, walks away at a sauntering pace, and delivers a masterpiece. It’s all in a few days work for this guy. He also acts, directs, and makes comic timing look easy.

He lives in Hendersonville with his wife Heather and their two boys.

JOANNA HARDMAN

Resident Artist + Editor

Jo the artist & archaeologist. She brings light and warmth to every story she tells. Her skills include but aren’t limited to; editing, stop motion story art, graphic design and 3D animation. She is quick on the uptake and always eager to learn new skills.

Jo is the every rare Nashville Native.

ISRAEL ANTHEM

Director + Audio Specialist

Israel Anthem has been making art since he can remember. He has directed many major label music videos, and has filmed in dozens of countries on four continents. He has been nominated for a Grammy for “Best Short Form Music Video,” four MVPA awards, and has won a Dove award. He also works in sound design, and helps his fellow directors get the job done as an assistant director.
Israel lives in Nashville and has an affinity for frozen organic meals.