Jenkins Entertainment has just finished principle photography for its forthcoming film "What If..." starring Kevin Sorbo ("Hercules," Hallmark's "Avenging Angel"), Kristy Swanson ("Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "Big Daddy,") Debby Ryan (Disney's "Suite Life on Deck") and John Ratzenberger ("Cheers," all Pixar films). "What If...", the sixth film from the father/son duo of Jerry and Dallas Jenkins, was filmed in Michigan in July.
In the tradition of "It's a Wonderful Life" and "The Family Man," "What If..." tells the story of Ben Walker (Sorbo) who 15 years ago left the love of his life, Wendy (Swanson), and ignored his ministry calling in order to pursue a business opportunity. Now, as a high-powered investment banker with a trophy fiancée, he has little or no interest in faith or building a family. But suddenly, on the day he is named partner in his firm, Ben is visited by a mysterious (divine, perhaps?) tow truck driver (Ratzenberger) who knocks Ben into an alternative reality--the life he should have had. Ben awakens on a Sunday with his wife Wendy and two daughters getting ready for church, where Ben is scheduled to give his first sermon as the new pastor. If Ben wants to escape this "What If..." scenario, he must first learn the value of faith and family. The screenplay was written by Cary Solomon & Chuck Konzelman and Andrea Nasfell.
"What If..." is the first film in a two-picture partnership between Jenkins Entertainment and Pure Flix Entertainment. Jenkins Entertainment is owned by New York Times bestselling author Jerry B. Jenkins and operated by his son Dallas Jenkins. As with the majority of their projects, Jerry will serve as executive producer and Dallas will direct both films. Pure Flix Entertainment will produce and supervise marketing and distribution for the films.
"Our partnership with Pure Flix is perfect for us because they're experts at everything we're not," said Dallas Jenkins. "Working with them so far has been fantastic and has allowed us to concentrate on our interests and strengths."
"The Pure Flix partnership with Jenkins has been a wonderful experience due to their strong creative ideas and Dallas's directing, which has allowed 'What If...' to become a truly inspiring film," said Michael Scott, Pure Flix managing partner. "We can't wait for the next one, 'Riven,' as well."
Dallas added, "I've never been this optimistic after shooting a film."
Jenkins Entertainment and Pure Flix have created a website for the film,
http://whatifmovie.wordpress.com, which includes a "director's diary" video blog from each day of shooting, interviews with the cast and crew, behind-the-scenes photos and updates on the film's progress.
For more information about Jenkins Entertainment, visit www.jenkins-entertainment.com. For information on Pure Flix Entertainment, see
www.pureflixentertainment.com.
The making of Riven the movie, based on Jerry B. Jenkins dynamic novel, is underway. According the the Jenkins Entertainment website a screenwriter has been chosen:
