A three-year-old Gabe Mienert eagerly takes the camcorder from his dad, trying to film his own story instead of complying with his dad’s request of being on camera. A sense of wonder for storytelling through film was born then, and continues to be an integral part of Mienert’s life as he prepares to head out into the real world.
A Passion for Photos and Film
As a senior of Olivet Nazarene University studying Multimedia Communication with a concentration in Film Studies, Mienert has been engaged from the very beginning in learning and practicing all things film and media.
“I was screwing around making like dumb YouTube videos of my brother when we were like eight, and then from there I kind of just kept doing that for fun,” Mienert said.
When he’s not editing for his communication classes, Mienert has his own photography/videography business, and takes photos for his high school football team on the weekends.
Jayson Pickles, a wide receiver for the Metamora Redbirds poses for football media day 2025. Photo by Gabe Mienert Studios 
Nick Delinski, the head coach of the Metamora Redbirds, holds up a football in victory after a win against Sterling on August 29th, 2025 . Photo by Gabe Meinert Studios 
The Metamora Redbirds charge the field for one of their home season games against Sterling on August 29th, 2025. Photo by Gabe Meinert Studios 
Jaiduan Cranford, a running back for the Metamora Redbirds, celebrates after a touchdown against South Shore International on November 1, 2025. Photo by Gabe Meinert Studios
Spotlight on Olivet
Mienert knew that when he was looking for colleges, he wanted one with a good film program. One day, his mom recommended Olivet because it was one of the only colleges that required students to spend a semester in Los Angeles with LAFSC, the Los Angeles Film Studies Center, as part of its curriculum. At that point, Mienert was sold on attending Olivet.
On coming to Olivet, Mienert immediately got involved in filming video projects, one of which was being the videographer for the Ollie’s Follies Variety show.
“I stepped in during my freshman year when they didn’t have anyone to film it, and then that kind of got my foot in the door,” he said.
Since then, Mienert has done videography for Life at Olivet events and helped with the marketing team for athletics. However, he’s taking a pause on it for his final semester to really experience campus life and make memories with his friends; Mienert’s one regret of jumping into videography right away in his college journey.
Lights, Camera, Los Angeles!
While he was on track to go to the Los Angeles Film Studies Center his senior year, Mienert decided to go earlier last spring and gained much from that experience out there. Not only was he able to learn from professionals in the film industry, but he also got to work on a short film project with other film students like him.
“You’re not working with people who are putting minimum effort into their projects; you’re working with people who push you to be better at everything you do,” Mienert said.
Jack Murphy, Mienert’s former roommate and recent graduate of Olivet, has seen Mienert in action while filming.
“Gabe’s knowledge and love for being behind the camera give him a vision for a film, but then he’s able to take his vision and collaborate with others too,” Murphy said.
Film and Faith
As graduation approaches, Mienert has some ideas on where he’s going next, as he’s thinking of going back to LA, where he has connections from LASFC, or going to Nashville and using his film skills there. In any case, Mienert wants to continue to create films and content that speak about the importance of a relationship with God.
Mienert’s relationship with Christ has been crucial in his creative journey as well, as he has had to put his trust in the Lord when it comes to finding jobs.
“I’m reminding myself that if I’ve been given these gifts for a reason and I feel this calling to pursue them, I shouldn’t be spending so much time worrying about where it’s gonna take me,” Meinert said.
Wherever Meinert ends up, there’s a high chance he’s bringing his heart for Christ and his passion for film along with him.
