Daniel J. Deal, B.F.A

Professor Daniel Joel Deal teaches courses in both film, video, and creative writing at Cornerstone University. He believes in bringing a very practical approach to teaching his classes.

For 2026, students can will have the opportunity to help with current AFE projects, including a documentary on literacy and a feature length film currently in pre-production.

Authentic Film Elements is Professors Deal’s film production company started over 10 years ago and based in Grand Rapids.  Higher level film students will be able to be a part of the projects that AFE currently has in production.  The work they do is real-world filmmaking that gives students great experience and a path for creating a film project portfolio that has depth.

Professor Deal produced, directed and edited an hour long documentary that’s currently streaming on Amazon Prime. Roger B. Chaffee-Aviator Ad Astra is the story of a local Apollo astronaut.  Other work has played on PBS stations nationwide and has also been accepted at film festivals across the country and even internationally.