End Times and Current Events
March 29, 2024, 03:27:51 am
Welcome, Guest. Please login or register.

Login with username, password and session length
News: "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me." John 5:39 (KJB)
 
  Home Help Search Gallery Staff List Login Register  

2 Bible Belt filmmakers expand box office horizons

Shoutbox
March 27, 2024, 12:55:24 pm Mark says: Shocked Shocked Shocked Shocked  When Hamas spokesman Abu Ubaida began a speech marking the 100th day of the war in Gaza, one confounding yet eye-opening proclamation escaped the headlines. Listing the motives for the Palestinian militant group's Oct. 7 massacre in Israel, he accused Jews of "bringing red cows" to the Holy Land.
December 31, 2022, 10:08:58 am NilsFor1611 says: blessings
August 08, 2018, 02:38:10 am suzytr says: Hello, any good churches in the Sacto, CA area, also looking in Reno NV, thanks in advance and God Bless you Smiley
January 29, 2018, 01:21:57 am Christian40 says: It will be interesting to see what happens this year Israel being 70 years as a modern nation may 14 2018
October 17, 2017, 01:25:20 am Christian40 says: It is good to type Mark is here again!  Smiley
October 16, 2017, 03:28:18 am Christian40 says: anyone else thinking that time is accelerating now? it seems im doing days in shorter time now is time being affected in some way?
September 24, 2017, 10:45:16 pm Psalm 51:17 says: The specific rule pertaining to the national anthem is found on pages A62-63 of the league rulebook. It states: “The National Anthem must be played prior to every NFL game, and all players must be on the sideline for the National Anthem. “During the National Anthem, players on the field and bench area should stand at attention, face the flag, hold helmets in their left hand, and refrain from talking. The home team should ensure that the American flag is in good condition. It should be pointed out to players and coaches that we continue to be judged by the public in this area of respect for the flag and our country. Failure to be on the field by the start of the National Anthem may result in discipline, such as fines, suspensions, and/or the forfeiture of draft choice(s) for violations of the above, including first offenses.”
September 20, 2017, 04:32:32 am Christian40 says: "The most popular Hepatitis B vaccine is nothing short of a witch’s brew including aluminum, formaldehyde, yeast, amino acids, and soy. Aluminum is a known neurotoxin that destroys cellular metabolism and function. Hundreds of studies link to the ravaging effects of aluminum. The other proteins and formaldehyde serve to activate the immune system and open up the blood-brain barrier. This is NOT a good thing."
http://www.naturalnews.com/2017-08-11-new-fda-approved-hepatitis-b-vaccine-found-to-increase-heart-attack-risk-by-700.html
September 19, 2017, 03:59:21 am Christian40 says: bbc international did a video about there street preaching they are good witnesses
September 14, 2017, 08:06:04 am Psalm 51:17 says: bro Mark Hunter on YT has some good, edifying stuff too.
View Shout History
Pages: [1]   Go Down
  Print  
Author Topic: 2 Bible Belt filmmakers expand box office horizons  (Read 368 times)
Christian40
Moderators
Hero Member
*****
Offline Offline

Posts: 3836


View Profile
« on: August 08, 2014, 05:03:36 am »

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — It's the Hollywood ending every studio wants: Low-cost production and high returns at the box office.

"Filmmakers Alex and Stephen Kendrick seem to have the formula down — grossing nearly $80 million on four films made for less than $4 million combined. Only thing is the Kendrick brothers work far from Hollywood and, outside the world of Christian-themed cinema, many have never heard of their films.

That could change.

Increasingly, major studios appear to be taking a leap for faith-based audiences with biblical epics such as "Noah" starring Russell Crowe, the planned December release of "Exodus" and a remake of "Ben-Hur" for early 2016.

At one point in April, there were four faith-based movies in the Top 20 at the box office, including "Heaven Is for Real," about a 4-year-old boy's account of his trip to heaven. It has grossed more than $99 million on a production budget of $12 million by Sony Pictures.

"Hollywood has taken note," said DeVon Franklin, former Sony senior vice president of production, who oversaw "Heaven Is for Real."

The Kendrick brothers — who just wrapped up filming their fifth project — are making movies that could see wider release as distributors pay attention to the box office trends in the traditional Bible Belt and beyond.

Their latest film, which has yet to have a title, centers on a family realizing the power of prayer.

"The point is not racing to see how many movies we can produce," said Alex Kendrick, in a telephone interview from Charlotte, North Carolina. "The point is to take the time, in prayer and research, to make a solid film and get the most ministry out of it before moving to the next one."

The Kendricks began with a tiny production company with their pastor at Sherwood Baptist, but decided to strike out on their own with their fifth film. The brothers say the separation was amicable and necessary for them to grow as filmmakers and recruit actors and crew nationwide.

In previous movies, the brothers mostly used volunteers from their church though one of their more popular movies, "Fireproof," did include Kirk Cameron, a veteran actor memorably known starting in the 80s for his youthful role in a popular TV sitcom, Growing Pains.

"The people we've gotten to meet who have expertise in areas that we have needed help have come to the table," said Stephen Kendrick. "And we're growing as filmmakers."

They're also giving back. The brothers are using the fruits of their success to help up-and-coming filmmakers with projects, as well as mentor a younger generation of hopefuls. During their recent filming, they brought in about 20 interns from different universities who worked under professionals involved in the making of the film.

"We believe every generation needs to be pouring into and investing in the next generation," Stephen Kendrick said. "Hopefully, they'll be able to stand on our shoulders one day and make even better movies."

The Kendricks — both ministers who sport salt-and-pepper beards — grew up in suburban Atlanta and now live in Albany in southwestern Georgia. They are still part of the ministry team at the Sherwood megachurch. Along with the church's senior pastor, Michael Catt, they created Sherwood Pictures in 2002 and scraped together $20,000 to put out their first film, "Flywheel," in 2003 about a dishonest used car salesman who learns integrity.

With a budget of $100,000, the company released "Facing the Giants" in 2006. That film — about having courage amid adversity — ended up grossing more than $10 million, appearing in a little over 400 theaters primarily in the South. Then came "Fireproof," a story about a couple struggling to make their marriage work. That movie was made with a budget of just $500,000 and grossed over $33 million.

"That was what I would call the dawning of the new era of independent Christian films," said Ben Howard, senior vice president of Provident Films, a part of Sony Pictures that focuses on the Christian audience.

"Courageous," a film about fatherhood, was released in 2011 and made more than $34 million on a $2 million budget. The fifth Kendrick brothers' movie is expected to cost at least $3 million.

Box office expert Paul Dergarabedian said the Kendricks' earlier movies "weren't what anyone would consider blockbusters in the conventional sense of the word."

"But the success of those films probably influenced filmmakers, studios, producers, distributors, to look at this genre as a viable, potentially money-making genre," said Dergarabedian, senior media analyst for box-office tracker Rentrak.

Faith-based entertainment is not new territory. The Bible alone has spawned dozens of films dating back to the 1920s and Broadway has found enduring hits in shows such as "Jesus Christ Superstar."

While the Kendricks have found success, they're still in the shadows of faith-centric blockbusters like "Noah," which was released in March and has made more than $359 million at the global box office on a production budget of $125 million.

However, the Kendricks and others like them have been able to move their lower-budget faith-based films from limited theaters to wider release mainly through a grassroots approach more reminiscent of community theater. It's this type of fan base growth, which brings in millions in revenue, that has gotten the attention of major studios.

"What people must understand is that Hollywood is a business," said Bishop T.D. Jakes, a megachurch pastor who produced "Heaven Is for Real" and other faith-based movies. "And while we have a message that we want to convey, we are conveying that message to an idiom of thought that is controlled by businesses and budgets."

The Kendricks' marketing strategy, in particular, has become sort of a blueprint for other Christian filmmakers over the years. It involves pre-release screenings for community church leaders, who are encouraged to spread the word about the film.

"Which is accelerated because of social media," said Sean Wolfington, a digital marketing entrepreneur who helped promote "Fireproof" and "Son of God," a faith-based film by husband and wife filmmakers Mark Burnett and Roma Downey about the life of Jesus Christ that was released in February and has made more than $67 million on a production budget of a little over $20 million.

Whatever the case, the success of such movies is likely to command the attention of major studios for quite a while.

"When we have films that represent our beliefs ... (and) to be able to have more options of those types of films in the marketplace; it's certainly speaking to Hollywood, without question," said Franklin, now president and CEO of Franklin Entertainment."

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/765657772/2-Bible-Belt-filmmakers-expand-box-office-horizons.html?pg=2
Report Spam   Logged

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter

Psalm 51:17
Global Moderator
Hero Member
*****
Offline Offline

Posts: 28357


View Profile
« Reply #1 on: August 08, 2014, 08:15:31 am »

Quote
"We believe every generation needs to be pouring into and investing in the next generation," Stephen Kendrick said. "Hopefully, they'll be able to stand on our shoulders one day and make even better movies."

Investing in the "next generation"? Look at this BUZZWORD - this means they are TARGETING THE YOUTH(not to sound harsh, but Hitler did the same thing. And alot of these Apostate ministries like Rick Warren and the (Tim)Tebow family ministries are doing the same). Not to mention too the modern-day "church" system is putting alot of emphasis on these "youth groups".

Quote
The Kendricks — both ministers who sport salt-and-pepper beards — grew up in suburban Atlanta and now live in Albany in southwestern Georgia. They are still part of the ministry team at the Sherwood megachurch. Along with the church's senior pastor, Michael Catt, they created Sherwood Pictures in 2002 and scraped together $20,000 to put out their first film, "Flywheel," in 2003 about a dishonest used car salesman who learns integrity.

I need to look up this church's web site, but nonetheless it's a *megachurch*. That right there raises a red flag!

Quote
With a budget of $100,000, the company released "Facing the Giants" in 2006. That film — about having courage amid adversity — ended up grossing more than $10 million, appearing in a little over 400 theaters primarily in the South. Then came "Fireproof," a story about a couple struggling to make their marriage work. That movie was made with a budget of just $500,000 and grossed over $33 million.

Didn't see "Facing the Giants", but if I remember correctly, it was about a youth school football team - honestly, don't think even organized sports is biblical b/c you 2 opposing teams going against each other, when Jesus Christ specifically says...

Matthew 5:44  But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
Mat 5:45  That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust
.

Also, in Brother Johnson's last End Times Current Events email he sent us, one of the links he sent was over how baseball's origins are with Freemasonry.

Quote
"That was what I would call the dawning of the new era of independent Christian films," said Ben Howard, senior vice president of Provident Films, a part of Sony Pictures that focuses on the Christian audience.

This is New Age buzzword(ie-dawning of a new day) that occultists use alot too. Yet another red flag!

Quote
While the Kendricks have found success, they're still in the shadows of faith-centric blockbusters like "Noah," which was released in March and has made more than $359 million at the global box office on a production budget of $125 million.

It's not only the domestic box office numbers for these movies, but INTERNATIONAL BOX OFFICE is also important to these Hellywood studios as well.(as well as DVD, tv, etc revenue) Pt being that they don't call America the "Great Satan" for nothing. Look at all of the conditioning and propaganda they push on the world.

Revelation 12:9  And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

Quote
The Kendricks' marketing strategy, in particular, has become sort of a blueprint for other Christian filmmakers over the years. It involves pre-release screenings for community church leaders, who are encouraged to spread the word about the film.

"Which is accelerated because of social media," said Sean Wolfington, a digital marketing entrepreneur who helped promote "Fireproof" and "Son of God," a faith-based film by husband and wife filmmakers Mark Burnett and Roma Downey about the life of Jesus Christ that was released in February and has made more than $67 million on a production budget of a little over $20 million.

Which says it all right there - I know bible prophecy(the falling away, that is) is coming to pass - but nonetheless it's sad to see the Apostate Church pushing entertainment instead of preaching out of the KJB.


Report Spam   Logged
Pages: [1]   Go Up
  Print  
 
Jump to:  

Powered by EzPortal
Bookmark this site! | Upgrade This Forum
Free SMF Hosting - Create your own Forum

Powered by SMF | SMF © 2016, Simple Machines
Privacy Policy