The Arts Alliance America (New York) will be distributing Faith Films’ newest production “Sunday School Musical,” with a DVD release date of October 21st, 2008. The film is about two competing groups of high school students getting together and entering a song and dance competition in order to save their church’s youth center from closing. Emily Johnson of Arts Alliance America reports,

“The movie is a strong inspirational tale that exemplifies good morals through exciting and catchy musical numbers.”

The direct-to-DVD musical includes 21 songs, featuring 7 originals, which are composed by Don Raymond. “Sunday School Musical” is 90 minutes long and is directed by Rachel Goldenberg, with cinematography by Gabriel Diniz. The cast includes Mark Hengst, Candise Lakota, Dustin Fitzsimons, and Cecile del Rosario. The film’s trailer is currently showing on YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prPXjVVRi5I

Previous productions from Faith Films include “2012: Doomsday” (2008) and “The Apocalypse” (2007).

The DVD will be available at http://www.aaadvdstore.com/catalog/item/4321710/6109529.htm and http://www.faithfilms.cc/

This Fall Ehrenkrook Entertainment is releasing “Wait Your Turn,” an uplifting romantic comedy addressing the issues of dating, relationships, and abstinence facing Christians in America today—a welcome respite from the current mass media trends promoting promiscuity and harmful dating behaviors.

Kelly Hoelscher

This romantic comedy stars Kelly Hoelscher (Eve) and Josh Murray (Thad). “Wait Your Turn” explores the dynamics of life, love and dating from a uniquely Christian perspective. The interplay between Hoelscher and Murray is designed to draw in viewers with a realistic view of love and dating as Christians in America today. Hoelscher added,

“I was trying to experience the struggles that Eve went through as well as the joys. Love is such a scary, but a thrilling ride, and I was trying to experience that as she would.”

The storyline tries to strike a careful balance between the importance of this issue and a light-hearted approach that will draw in teens and young women who so desperately need to hear this message.

“During the productions I prayed that I could shed a light on their message and inspire the audience,” said Hoelscher.

In this love story, Eve (Hoelscher) is young, single and disappointed with the dating scene when a college friend (Murray) comes back into her life. But this man has broken her heart before. Can they overcome the past and learn to trust one another? In their second chance at love both must decide if the other is worth keeping.

Produced by DC-based Ehrenkrook Entertainment in association with the Fellowship of Christian Filmmakers, “Wait Your Turn” is currently in post-production and scheduled to begin screening in September 2008.

Official site: waityournturnmovie.com

This is a follow-up to our earlier articles “Left Behind author LaHaye sues ‘Left Behind—The Movie’ producers” and ““Left Behind” earns award and sparks a lawsuit.”

Cloud Ten Pictures Inc., producers of the Left Behind series of Christian-thriller films, announced today that it has entered into a settlement agreement resolving the two lawsuits against it and co-producers on the “Left Behind” film series, Namesake Entertainment, filed by Timothy LaHaye, one of the authors of the Left Behind book series upon which the popular films are based. The settlement ends a legal dispute over the “Left Behind” film rights that began in 2000. CEO André van Heerden said,

“We are thrilled to finally have this behind us. While we received repeated judgments from the Courts that validated our rights, we were unable until now to finally put this lawsuit behind us.”

Tim LaHaye

The agreement reportedly resolves all disputes relating to the three films produced by Cloud Ten based upon the first and second books in the Left Behind series. The agreement also grants LaHaye an opportunity to remake the films based upon these book. Van Heerden commented,

“Cloud Ten was blessed with the opportunity to bring these stories, to life on the silver screen. We are very pleased that Reverend LaHaye will get the opportunity to make the films he envisions out of these beloved books.”

If LaHaye does not exercise his options to remake the films, then Cloud Ten will retain its current rights to make sequels to its “Left Behind” films.

All three films, “Left Behind: The Movie,” “Left Behind: Tribulation Force,” and “Left Behind: World at War,” are available on DVD and reportedly continue to be top sellers and are still available for church viewings through Cloud Ten “Church Cinemas.”

With the lawsuit behind them, Cloud Ten plans to get back into active production and distribution of Christian-themed films. “We’re releasing three new powerful films this year and are close to going into production on possibly another four for 2009,” says van Heerden.

Cloud Ten Pictures was founded in 1996 by brothers Peter and Paul Lalonde. Its 2000 release of “Left Behind: The Movie,” was the top-selling independent video of that year. Cloud Ten has produced and distributed 10 feature films and documentaries.

Official sites:

• Cloud Ten: cloudtenpictures.com
• Namesake Entertainment: namesakeentertainment.com
• Tim LaHaye: timlahaye.com
• Left Behind books: leftbehind.com

Theaters begin booking Provident Film’s drama starring Kirk Cameron

“Fireproof” is scheduled to open in more than 700 theaters on September 26, 2008. The question most-often asked: which theaters? According to the distributor, as of today, approximately half of the theaters have been booked for the opening. The way the theatrical industry works, there will be additional theaters added to this list each week prior to the opening. See Theater List.

Churches connecting with Outreach

Churches all over the country are reportedly seeing the potential impact that “Fireproof” could have on marriages in their congregations and in their communities. Many are involved in “Action Squads” that are bringing the movie to their town or purchasing group tickets for specific show times.

In addition, churches are able to access resources and tools from Outreach (below) to create a single message, Bible study or a sermon series on relationships that is tied into opening weekend of “Fireproof,” September 26-28. Church leaders can receive free resources at Outreach.com, including exclusive clips from the film and sermon resources like trailers, outlines, and illustrations. Churches can also purchase resource and campaign kits to help get the word out about strengthening relationships.

More information:

• Our previous article on “Fireproof”
• Our review page
• Share your comments. Have you viewed “Fireproof”? If so, please share your comments with us for possible publication on our Christian Spotlight™ review page.
• Outreach’s Resources
• Official site: FireprooftheMovie.com

“Saving God” is about a convicted felon Rev. Armstrong (played by Ving Rhames) who returns back to his neighborhood a changed man looking to take over his father’s old church. The neighborhood is tough and full of drugs and gangs. Through Armstrong’s tough demeanor and strong faith he tries to make a difference with Norris—a youth on the edge of falling into a lifetime of drugs and gangs. Also, Armstrong must deal with his past history of violence and make sure he doesn’t fall again.

Star Ving Rames is well known for his appearances in the “Mission Impossible” films (1-3).

Director Duane Crichton (left) prepares to shoot a scene from “Saving God.” Crichton is a celebrated music video and commercial director. This is his feature directorial debut.

The film is produced by Clear Entertainment’s Domenic Serafino, Wayne Thompson, Philip Mellows and Cloud Ten Pictures’ André van Heerden. Ving Rhames serves as executive producer. Cloud Ten Pictures is the North American distributor for both their national “Church Cinema” release October 10, 2008 and for home entertainment DVDs on October 14.

Earlier this year, Cloud Ten signed a distribution deal with Koch Entertainment, the independent music and DVD distributor that also has become more involved in faith-based music and DVDs. Koch will distribute all new Cloud Ten films to the retail market and will replace Sony Pictures Home Entertainment for North American distribution of existing Cloud Ten films in North America.

For distribution to churches and specialty markets, Cloud Ten has signed an agreement with Nashville-based CNI Distribution, a division of Christian Network International.

The Cloud Ten “Church Cinemas” arm will release all of the company’s upcoming films to churches before they go to other distribution channels. Cloud Ten used the church-premiere strategy for its recent installment in the “Left Behind” franchise, “World at War.” The film was released in more than 3,200 churches in North America during its first weekend, representing a larger opening than any other film that opened in theaters the same weekend, according to Cloud Ten. Based on that success, Cloud Ten plans to premiere one new film in churches every three to four months.

Domenic Serafino

Clear Entertainment Chairman and CEO Domenic Serafino says,

“We are very pleased with the cast we have assembled for this production and especially excited to have Ving Rhames, Dean McDermott and Ricardo Chavira, as all have delivered extraordinary performances.”

Cloud Ten Pictures’ CEO, André van Heerden adds,

“We’re thrilled to be working with Clear Entertainment on ‘Saving God.’ The cast, the story and the redemptive theme are precisely what we’ve been striving to produce and find. It’s going to reach a lot of people.”

For more information, pictures and a cast list, see our review page on the film “Saving God.”

Official site: savinggodmovie.com

Paulist Productions becomes an official premium provider on YouTube channel

Paulist Productions, a faith-based entertainment producer for nearly 50 years, recently signed an agreement with YouTube to provide its Web series, “Tyler’s Ride,” as an official premium channel. They hope the recent launch of the channel will allow “Tyler’s Ride” to rapidly expand their reach.
 
Created and produced by Paulist Productions, “Tyler’s Ride” is the latest hit in the growing world of Internet television. With the success of series like “Prom Queen” and “Roommates,” this expanding medium is becoming a launching point for Paulist Productions to attempt to establish itself as a Web content leader, showcasing new talent such as “Tyler’s Ride” lead actors: Grant Alan and Natalie Wachen as well as Christian multi-platinum artist, Jeremy Camp, in his acting debut. Frank Desiderio, Executive Producer of the series and President of Paulist Productions says,

“The Web TV series follows the adventures of Tyler, a young man whose search for identity and purpose leads him to his newfound passion for music and a new spiritual grounding. We’re very excited to bring a faith-based series to YouTube viewers.  We want to provide Internet viewers with a positive and inspiring message.”

Paulist Productions mission is to “create films and television programs that reveal God’s presence in the contemporary human experience.” Past credits include the long running TV series “Insight,” the ABC After School Specials, the feature film “Romero,” starring Raul Julia and the ABC/Paramount movie “Judas” starring Johnathon Schaech.

Official site: tylersride.com

Everyone knows who he is. Now find out how he got there.

A biographical drama titled “Billy: The Early Years of Billy Graham” is scheduled for theatrical release on October 10, 2008. Directed by Robby Benson, the film stars Armie Hammer as Billy Graham, Martin Landau as the older Charles Templeton, Lindsay Wagner as Morrow, Kristoffer Polaha as the younger Charles Templeton, Josh Turner as singer George Beverly Shea, and Stefanie Butler as Ruth Graham. The script was provided by screen-writer and actress Jana Lyn Rutledge. The production companies behind the film are Solex Productions (London, England - solexproductions.com), American Trademark Pictures (California), 821 Entertainment Group (Tennesseee), and Momentum Releasing. Noticeably missing is Worldwide Pictures, the film production division of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, whose last theatrical release was in 2004. Filming took place during April in Tennessee.

Tim Abare Ministries (Charlotte, North Carolina - 703-631-3980) is asking church and ministry leaders to attend a special advance screening for pastors, leaders, and their spouses and to make sure the film comes to their city. Showing information is available at churchlicenses.com.

The theatrical distribution will reportedly be handled by Rocky Mountain Pictures (Salt Lake City, UT) which released “Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed” earlier this year and 2006’s “Color of the Cross” along with 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment.

For more information and a preview trailer, see the official site: billytheearlyyears.com

In the wake of winning their lawsuit that was placed against their film by Yoko Ono, the producers of “Expelled” are offering their film for private screenings in theaters. Churches and other organizations can sponsor a showing by purchasing a screening at a nearby theatre with a showing time before 3:00 pm for $1800/$6 per ticket for a group of 300 people. For showings after 3:00 pm the cost is $2400/$8 per ticket.

Premise Media sales promoter Tripp Thornton says,

“This is perfect for Churches as they use this venue for an outreach event.”

Here are a few other points of interest:

• Churches can sponsor the film—the discounted price of $6 bucks a ticket and reimburse their budget by recharging their participants the regular price of $10 bucks thus MAKING BACK their initial expense AND making extra money that can cover the administration costs…SO this is a WIN-WIN program for us and the church!
• Most churches did not know that they can have their “OUTREACH EVENT” advertised at their local Christian radio station for FREE!

See our review of this movie: “EXPELLED: No Intelligence Allowed”

Additional information can be found at expelledthemovie.com/playground.php

For more information, contact:

• Tripp H. Thornton
  EVP-Sales
  PREMISE MEDIA
  1727 Bakers Mill Road, NE
  Dacula, Georgia 30019
  Office: 678-546-5580
  Email: Trippht@bellsouth.net
  premisemedia.com

Director Gary Wheeler, whose adaptation of author Robert Whitlow’s novel “The List” was released in 2008 by 20th Century Fox Home Video, was recently honored with two awards by a faith-based media group ICVM (International Christian Visual Media) which presents awards each year to films that carry faith-based messages and was designed to “recognize excellence in production and content of films and videos that are created to reflect Christian values in a secular world.”

The film was awarded in the categories of “Best Drama over $250,000” and “Best Screenplay.”

Christian director Wheeler said,

“We were thrilled and honored to receive this award. It represents the blood, sweat and tears of a lot of people and I accepted the award on their behalf.”

Christian author Whitlow noted,

“It was really cool seeing my novel as a film. Some of them have their genesis in people that I know but they change as the story unfolds. Others are entirely fictional.”

Another one of Whitlow’s novels, The Trial, is scheduled to start production in 2009 and will also be directed by Wheeler.   

Whitlow’s new book Deeper Water is now available in stores nationwide.

See our movie review page on “The List” and previous article on this film: Fox Home releases “The List” DVD.

Traveling to South America, Steve Saint leads a group out of their comfort zone and into the jungles of the Amazon rainforest of Ecuador. The group includes many who are related to one of the most famous missionary stories of our time—the five men who were killed in Ecuador in 1956 by the tribe then known as the Aucas. The Saint, McCully, and Fleming Liefeld families visit the tribe that once was considered the most violent on earth.

Now known as the Waodani, the tribe’s spiritual leaders are the very men who killed the missionaries. Living with the Waodani Indians, the group shares the Wao way of life, their faith and explores with them what missions is all about. Along with the journey and daily jungle living, the travelers and the Waodani share their memories, their experiences and how they live out their Christian faith.

This hour long documentary (2008) produced by Dianne Becker has been broadcast on FaithTV (SkyAngel) (July 17, 2008) and is available on DVD from tonibecker.com. The film was produced in partnership with the Indigenous People’s Technology & Education Center founded by Stephen Saint.

Official site: diannebecker.com.