Ordinary women with
extraordinary stories.

Simple Jane Films is a female-led production company committed to developing bold, meaningful stories with heart. We specialize in content development, creative consulting, team-building, and distribution strategy. Whether it’s a powerful biopic or a feel-good rom-com, every story we tell is designed to connect, uplift, and stay with audiences long after the credits roll.

Meet the Simple Janes

Ashley Bratcher | CEO

Ashley is the CEO of Simple Jane Films, a producer, screenwriter, and award-winning actress with more than a decade of experience and over 40 film and television credits. She is best known as the star of the box office hit, Unplanned, a role that earned her a MovieGuide Award nomination for Most Inspirational Performance alongside fellow nominees, Academy Award winner Tom Hanks and BAFTA/Academy Award nominee Cynthia Erivo. Through Simple Jane Films, she has developed a slate of female-driven, character-focused projects, guiding material from early development through the creative and strategic phases of production. Her work reflects a commitment to emotionally grounded, socially resonant narratives that carry both commercial appeal and awards-caliber ambition. 

Jessica Vara | Executive Assistant

Jessica is a versatile artist with a BBA from Belmont University. Her creative journey extends across various facets of entertainment, crafting compelling stories both in performance and behind the scenes. Beyond the entertainment world, Jessica's adventurous spirit has led her to over 20 countries. Through her travels, she has discovered the profound influence of narrative on our worldviews and personal connections. She is deeply passionate about inspiring others by bridging cultures and hearts through the transformative power of storytelling.

Shelby Thomas | PR

Shelby is a publicist and branding strategist as well as an associate producer at Simple Jane Films. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Professional Business Studies and has built a global network, working with major international media outlets. Shelby’s credits include associate producing on HGTV’s Bargain Mansions and Small Town Christmas for UPtv.
SIMPLE JANE FILMS

SLATE

FRANKIE

In early 1960s Washington, Dr. Frances Kelsey, a determined doctor, wife, and mother battles a pharmaceutical giant to become the unlikely catalyst to stop a growing national tragedy and forever change the course of American medicine. Based on a true story.

Narrative Feature: Biopic, Historical, Drama
Status: Packaging
Team: Ashley Bratcher (Unplanned), Lisa Bruce (Darkest Hour, The Theory of Everything), Mark Fincannon (The Blind Side, Ray, The Patriot)

BEYOND THE CROWN

Haunted by a traumatic event, a teenage girl escapes into the glamorous world of international pageants. But as her star rises, she must confront the past she's been running from to find true self-worth. Inspired by a true story.

Narrative Feature: Biopic, Historical, Drama
Status: Development
Team: Autumn Bailey (On A Wing and a Prayer, Billy Knight), Tracy Leeward Kuipers (Makin' It!), Ashley Bratcher (Unplanned)

SAMPLE BABIES

An exploration of the thalidomide scandal in America and those affected, 60 years later and still seeking justice.

Documentary: Social Justice, Impact
Status: Filming
Producer: Ashley Bratcher

THE MERRYTIME MATCHMAKER

A world traveling bachelor receives a desperate plea to come home for the holidays and gets more than the Christmas gift he bargained for. He must take over as the quaint surf town's infamous matchmaker to make a match before Christmas. Based on the book A Match Made at Christmas by NYT Bestselling Author Courtney Walsh.

Narrative Feature: Romance, Comedy, Holiday
Status: Financing
Cast: Jonathan Stoddard (The Young and the Restless, Finding Faith) Ashley Bratcher (Unplanned, Finding Faith)
Director: Ron Fallica
Producer: Ashley Bratcher
Distributor: Hawk Hill Pictures

LIKE I'M DYING

Given two weeks to live, a jingle writer sets out on an adventure prompted by her ex to do all the things she put off to climb the corporate ladder.

Narrative Feature: Romance, Comedy
Status: Script
Producer: Ashley Bratcher

Consulting Services

Simple Jane Films offers tailored consulting services from script to screen and everything in between. Below are some of our previous clients:

Daniel

A biblical epic based on the book of Daniel. Starring: Mena Massoud (Aladdin), Produced by: Daniel Kooman (She Has A Name), Matthew Kooman (She Has A Name), Travis Mann (Reagan, I Can Only Imagine)

Consulting Producer:
Ashley Bratcher

Pencilish Animation Studios

Crowd-invested studio led by industry legends from Disney, Nickelodeon, and DreamWorks rethinking the animation industry. 

Funding and Marketing Strategy Consultant: Ashley Bratcher

The Rattlin' Bog

When three friends embark on a weekend getaway, their bond is put to the test as pride, fragile egos, and jealousy threaten to tear them apart. 

Funding and Marketing Strategy Consultant: Ashley Bratcher
CLICK HERE TO BOOK A CONSULTATION

Want to work with us?

Interested in working with Simple Jane Films? Join our database below to be the first to know when jobs are listed!
JOIN OUR DATABASE

Internships.

Now accepting fall 2025 applications.

Got a heart for storytelling and a head for strategy? Get a front row seat to producing purpose-driven stories. Film, Biz, and Marketing students encouraged to apply. 

Required Skills:

· Strong communication skills (written and verbal)
· Proactive and self-motivated — able to take initiative
· Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills
· Basic understanding of film production or content creation
· Familiarity with Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Drive)

Optional / Preferred Skills (bonus but not required):

· Video editing (Premiere Pro, Final Cut)
· Graphic design (Canva, Adobe Creative Suite)
· Experience with social media content planning or scheduling
· Copywriting or content creation for marketing or newsletters
· Familiarity with fundraising platforms or nonprofit communications
APPLY HERE 

Submission Policy

Simple Jane Films does NOT accept or consider creative ideas, suggestions or material other than those we have specifically requested or solicited.
See Submission Policy.
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