Jenkins Entertainment update

Excerpts from Dallas Jenkins' most recent newsletter update:

--Our website has a new look, and I think you'll enjoy it. Nothing drastic, but it's easier to navigate, has a sharper look and feel, and we've got more clips and videos than we have before. Check out a sample scene from Cliche, the Jars of Clay music video from Hometown Legend, and some new pictures on most of the project pages.

--As I've mentioned, I'm doing a weekly blog during the development of "Mountain." If and when we go into pre-production, it'll be more frequent, and during shooting, it will be daily and will include video updates.

--Regarding Mountain, we are still trying to complete the financing. It looked like everything was put together a few months ago, but that ended up not being very viable, which was a frustration, of course. Our company is still committed and passionate, and we've put some money where our mouth is, so we're in some active discussions with a few potential partners. In the meantime, we've decided to start making offers to lead cast to build some momentum; I'll let you know if anything exciting happens there. Stay tuned to the blog as well.

--The Karen Kingsbury book, "Moment of Weakness," that we've been developing for over a year with Larry Levinson Productions (Hallmark Channel), really seems to have gotten some momentum going. The final draft of the script just finished, so we should know in the next month or so if that's going to happen.

Find out more at the Jenkins Entertainment website.

Read our interview with Dallas Jenkins here.

C2 : Giving Movies a Second Look (DVD Small group curriculum)

Michael W. Smith, Seabourne Pictures and Randall House have joined forces to produce an innovative new small group study series on DVD called C2: Giving Movies a Second Look. C2 is designed to help individuals develop critical thinking skills when watching movies. With Love At First Sight [Volume One] and Relapse [Volume Two] shipping to retail July 7 through Randall House, Spring Arbor and STL, C2 is expected to help meet the increased demand for DVD curriculum, as well as the growing demand from fans of Christian films.

Each C2 DVD contains a twenty-minute original short film along with bonus features, which include a personal introduction from Michael W. Smith, behind-the-scenes movie features, out-takes, director’s comments and deleted movie scenes. The leader of a small group will have access to helpful tools, including study guides for three separate lessons relating directly to the movie and promoting critical thinking.

“Seabourne Pictures and Randall House have created a groundbreaking product,” says Michael W. Smith. “Nearly everyone goes to the movies, but how often do we stop to evaluate and filter what we just watched? C2 really raises the bar by providing quality short films supplemented with small group curriculum to guide discussion.”

“C2 is unique because it captures the movie experience,” adds Ryan Smith, Seabourne Pictures co-founder. “Movies can be so influential in our life experience. That’s why I think it’s important that we develop the necessary critical thinking skills in order to evaluate what we are watching.”

“Seabourne Pictures has really raised the bar for other products in this category by the level of the quality they put into every aspect of their films,” says Matt Markins, Randall House director of marketing and sales. “And on this DVD are all the bonus features that movie lovers enjoy.”

According to the Barna Group, in 2005, adults watched an average of 45 movies and “nearly one-third of adults (29%) contend that movies have had a substantial impact on the development of their personal morals, values and religious beliefs.” Barna Group research also finds that currently “two-thirds of all Protestant churches have big-screen projection capabilities. In congregations that use movie clips for teaching purposes, 77% of congregants contend that those visual media are helpful in their spiritual development.”

“The increased demand for video can clearly be seen all around us in our culture through resources like YouTube.com, Google Video and hulu.com,” continues Markins. “Similarly, the demand for DVD curriculum has largely increased over the last five years. Everyone watches movies, yet so many Christians do not stop to evaluate how the movies they watch line up with the Bible. C2 is out to change how people view movies.”

C2: Love At First Sight [Volume One] is a romantic comedy dealing with themes of romantic love, true love, judging others and accepting differing opinions.

Watch the trailer:


C2: Relapse [Volume Two] is a drama dealing with themes of addiction, grief and bioethics.

Watch the trailer:


Both volumes have been scored by David Hamilton in Prague, Czech Republic and Jim Daneker in Nashville. Hamilton is a respected arranger, conductor, producer, keyboard artist and songwriter whose work covers a broad spectrum of musical styles heard on recordings by a diverse group of artists such as Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Shania Twain, Linda Ronstadt, Michael Crawford, Point of Grace and many others. Daneker has performed or recorded with many of Christian music’s most enduring artists and enjoys a parallel career scoring for full-length feature films, trailers and commercial spots.

More information about C2 can be found at http://www.seabournepictures.com/c2.html.

Watch Michael W. Smith answer the question: "What is C2?" below:

The Wager DVD debuts at #1 in retail sales

The Wager starring Randy Travis (Genius Products, May 13, 2008) debuted in the #1 spot in CBA Retail sales.

“The Wager landing in the number one retail spot is a pleasant surprise and shows us that despite a tough economy, consumers and families are still interested in quality entertainment that has a solid, moral message,” says Russell Wolfe, managing partner of Outreach Cinema who produced The Wager.

Based on the best-selling book by Bill Myers, The Wager is a powerful parable examining how to live while your life is tested. Travis plays an actor who is nominated for a prestigious award and just as he has overcome industry blacklisting and persecution for his beliefs, he finds himself in the fight of his life. The Wager unfolds as Travis’ reputation, marriage and career are destroyed and he seeks help from others and makes life-changing decisions to survive.

The Wager is released by Genius Products, LLC, a leading independent home-entertainment distribution company that produces licenses and distributes a valuable library of motion pictures, television programming, family, lifestyle and trend entertainment on DVD and other emerging platforms.

Pure Flix Entertainment (www.pureflix.com) produces and distributes film projects to churches and consumers that are enlightening, life-altering, and sometimes humorous with clear portrayal of forgiveness, redemption, love, and faith that will engage people in their pursuit of God.

Read our review of The Wager here.

Mandie and the Secret Tunnel movie

The first Mandie movie (based on the book) is soon to be a movie. From the official website:

In 1899, Mandie's life changes when her Cherokee friends help her escape to a mansion that holds the hidden secrets of her past and the key to her future!

"MANDIE and the SECRET TUNNEL," is the first feature-length movie based on the MANDIE books written by Lois Leppard.

Set in the early 1900s, this series boasts a delightful cast of characters who, in the tradition of LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE and ANNE OF GREEN GABLES, learn valuable lessons as they conquer hardships and celebrate life’s triumphs.

The movie is now in the final stages of post-production, and MandieMovies.com is your source for the latest news and behind-the-scenes information!

Watch the trailer (Windows Media) by clicking here.
Large Quicktime version here.
Small Quicktime version here.

(Movie still below. Click to enlarge.)

Beverly Hills Chihuahua coming in September

Disney looks like they have another fun dog movie in the works with this one. Coming in September.

Watch the trailers:

Quicktime Small
Quicktime Medium
Quicktime Large
HD

Watch Fireproof videos!

Also be sure to read our exclusive interview with Stephen Kendrick about the movie here!



New! Read our interview with Kirk Cameron.
Read our review of Fireproof the movie.
Read our review of Fireproof the novel.

Tyler's Ride debuts!

Paulist Productions is proud to announce the launch of the Web TV series, Tyler’s Ride. The debut season of this weekly web drama kicked off with “Happy Birthday”, introducing Tyler as well as the other characters to this intriguing new drama, and was followed up with a new episode each day during debut week. For the rest of the season, new episodes will hit the web weekly with "Tyler's On Tuesdays".

Tyler’s Ride is available for viewing at tylersride.com, GodTube and blinkx, as well as at the show’s page at myspace.com/tylersride. The Tyler's Ride website also features exclusive behind the scenes footage and photos as well as blogs from the characters.

Tyler’s Ride is the latest in the growing world of Internet television. This expanding medium is becoming a launching point for writers and actors, showcasing new talent such as lead actors Grant Alan and Natalie Wachen. Each week a new episode will be posted on Tuesday, taking viewers into the life of Tyler, an aspiring musician, and his quest to follow his dreams.

The show also features guest star Jeremy Camp as Jesse, Tyler’s mentor, a musician who shows Tyler that sometimes you have to get lost to find your way.

Camp already has a successful career in the Christian music world, having sold over 2 million units, 3 gold records, 13 number one back-to-back radio hits, and earning 5 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards. This is Camp’s first, and certainly not last ,appearance as an actor.

Tyler’s Ride was created by Paulist Productions.

For more information about Tyler’s Ride and to view the episodes, please visit www.tylersride.com.

The List coming to DVD June 10th

In a world of secrets, where evil has reigned for over a hundred years, there lives a treacherous blood covenant and vast fortune guarded by a dark prophecy that will change the life of one man forever in the gripping suspense drama The List, debuting on DVD June 10th from Fox Home Entertainment. Featuring captivating performances from veteran screen legend and Golden Globe® nominee Malcolm McDowell (A Clockwork Orange, Halloween), Chuck Carrington (“Jag”), Hilarie Burton (“One Tree Hill”) and Will Patton (Remember the Titans, Armageddon), The List is based on the first novel by best-selling author Robert Whitlow and timed to coincide with his latest book release, Deeper Water.

After being shaken by the news of his father’s mysterious death, Renny Jacobson (Carrington) is mystified to discover that his father has left him nothing but a reference to an obscure entity called “The Covenant List of South Carolina, Ltd.” Setting out on a quest to learn the truth, he uncovers a treacherous blood covenant and vast fortune guarded by a dark prophecy that will change his life forever. Joined in the spiritual battle by some unlikely and courageous heroes, he soon finds he must fulfill the prophecy spoken in 1863 and destroy the power of “The List,” or risk losing the true treasure that has changed his life. Highlighted by DVD features including audio commentary by writer/director Gary Wheeler (Final Solution) and actress Hilarie Burton, The Power of Prayer featurette, deleted scenes and more, The List DVD is available for the suggested retail price of $26.98 U.S./ $37.98 Canada.

Synopsis:

Renny Jacobson is shaken by news of his father’s mysterious death. Although they were never close, he is stunned to discover that his father has left his substantial estate to charity, leaving his son with nothing but a reference to an obscure entity called “The Covenant List of South Carolina, Ltd.” Setting out on a quest to learn the truth about “The List,” he meets another descendent of a family bound to the secret society and soon discovers that they are both inheritors of an ancient and sinister secret – as well as a vast fortune. Having signed the covenant with his own blood, he is unprepared to fight the evil forces that now seek to devour everything – and anyone – he holds dear.

DVD Features:

The List DVD is presented in widescreen format (1.85:1 aspect ratio) with English 5.1 Dolby Surround audio plus English and Spanish subtitles. DVD bonus features include:

· Commentary by writer/director/producer Gary Wheeler and actress Hilarie Burton

· The Power of Prayer featurette

· Deleted scenes

· DVD-ROM Content – Bible Study Guide

A recognized global industry leader, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment LLC (TCFHE) is the worldwide marketing, sales and distribution company for all Fox film and television programming on VHS, DVD and Blu-ray Disc (BD) as well as acquisitions and original productions. The company also releases all products around the globe for MGM Home Entertainment. Each year TCFHE introduces hundreds of new and newly enhanced products, which it services to retail outlets – from mass merchants and warehouse clubs to specialty stores and e-commerce – throughout the world. Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment LLC is a subsidiary of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, a News Corporation company.

Jeremy Camp to star in new web series

Award winning entertainment company, Paulist Productions, is pleased to announce its new venture in the rapidly expanding world of internet television with the brand new web series, Tyler’s Ride. Acclaimed Christian singer, Jeremy Camp joins the cast in his acting debut, as Jesse, an aspiring Christian musician and mentor to Tyler, the lead character.

“Jeremy Camp is a natural for the role,” says Father Frank Desiderio, Executive Producer of the series and President of Paulist Productions. “Jeremy was our first choice of all actor/musicians we looked at for the role.”

Also starring Grant Alan, Natalie Wachen and Ker’in Hayden, Tyler’s Ride is the story of 23 year-old Tyler, super-cool, super-senior in college, who is living the dream life in LA. Tyler shows up for his birthday party expecting the keys to a new car; instead, his Dad, “Mr. Tough Love”, kicks Tyler out of the house and cuts off his credit cards. Reality soon hits him square in the face. Then he meets Jesse, a musician with a dream, courage and convictions.

“It was a joy to work with people in the film industry whose purpose is to share their Christian faith and really make a difference in the world,” exclaims Camp. “Tyler’s Ride was a blast!”

Web TV is on the rise with hit shows such as Quarterlife, Prom Queen and Roommates grabbing the attention of teens and parents across the globe. With this market virtually untouched by faith-based producers, Paulist Productions moved into the void and created the Tyler’s Ride series aimed at this demographic.

Desiderio explains, “I’ve been convinced since starting to work in Hollywood that there are lots of creative, Christian artists and a large audience for their work; but, the problem in the past has been connecting the two. Broadband media allows us to bridge the gap between them. Paulist Productions creates entertainment to reveal the presence of God in the human experience. We share God’s good news with new media; we aspire to lead the way in producing internet entertainment that helps people meet life’s challenges.”

YouTube and Axiom TV, a platform that is both family-friendly and technologically sound, will host the program.

Tyler’s Ride will premiere April 22 on YouTube and Axiom TV with new webisodes each week. The series will also appear on the show’s website at www.tylersride.com.

About Jeremy Camp
With sales of over 2 million units, three Gold records, 13 back-to-back No. 1 radio hits, American Music Award nominations and five Gospel Music Association “Dove” Awards, Jeremy Camp’s career is on a steady climb. He has been featured in nearly all major Christian media outlets and has also garnered consistent coverage from publications such as Pollstar, Billboard and R&R. In 2007, Camp branched out of his comfort zone of music and stepped into the world of television, hosting the Gospel Music Channel’s Christmas At Union Station concert series, and is set to make his acting debut on Tyler’s Ride. Camp is currently on the road with the “Boomin’ Beyond Measure Tour” with TobyMac.

About Paulist Productions
Since its inception, Paulist Productions has created projects for film and television that are incisive, illuminating and faith affirming. The company was founded in 1960 by the late Father Ellwood “Bud” Kieser to produce the syndicated series, Insight, which went on to win five Emmy Awards® in its 23 year run. Throughout its history Paulist Productions has won numerous other awards including the Christopher Award, five Gabriel Awards, the Toronto International Film Festival Award, International Film and Video Festival Certificate for Creative Excellence, the Aurora Gold Award and a Special Achievement television that are incisive, illuminating and faith affirming. The company was founded in 1960 by the late Father Ellwood “Bud” Kieser to produce the syndicated series, Insight, which went on to win five Emmy Awards® in its 23 year run. Throughout its history Paulist Productions has won numerous other awards including the Christopher Award, five Gabriel Awards, the Toronto Award in 2002 from CineMedia. Additionally, Paulist Productions has worked with a stellar line up of talent including Carol Burnett, Rod Sterling, Walter Matthau, Ed Asner, Martin Sheen, Jane Seymour, Ron Howard, Michael Crichton, Patricia Heaton and Blair Underwood to name a few. Continually striving to stay cutting edge with today’s media and technology, Paulist is pleased and excited to enter into the world of web-based television with Tyler’s Ride.

For more information about Tyler’s Ride and to preview the trailer, please visit www.tylersride.com.

Love's Unfolding Dream coming to DVD May 8th

CENTURY CITY, Calif. – An endearing story of faith and perseverance just in time for Mother’s Day, Love’s Unfolding Dream debuts on DVD May 6 from Fox Faith, the faith-based programming label from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. Based on the sixth novel in the Love Comes Softly series by bestselling author Janette Oke, Love’s Unfolding Dream is a coming-of-age tale centering on heroine Missie Lahaye’s (Erin Cottrell, “Little House on the Prairie,” Love Comes Softly series) strong-willed daughter Belinda Taylor (Scout Taylor Compton, 13 Going On 30). Belinda is determined to transcend the conventional way of life and pursue a career in medicine, but along the way she falls in love with the town newcomer Drew Simpson (Patrick Levis, “The King of Queens”) and must explore and discover whether following her dreams and listening to her heart can coexist.

A truly successful and enduring franchise, the Love Comes Softly series has sold more than 30 million books and 3.5 million DVDs. Now in Love’s Unfolding Dream, fans are reunited with cast favorites and introduced to new teenage characters. Previous titles in the series – Love Comes Softly, Love’s Enduring Promise, Love’s Long Journey, Love’s Abiding Joy and Love’s Unending Legacy – rank as the highest rated films in the history of The Hallmark Channel and have all been mainstays on the Christian Booksellers Association top 10 adult titles chart. Love’s Unfolding Dream will be available at the suggested retail price of $22.98 U.S./$25.98 Canada. Prebook is April 9, 2008.

DVD Features:

The Love’s Unfolding Dream DVD is presented in widescreen format with English Dolby Surround Sound 2.0 and English and Spanish subtitles.

Synopsis:

From award-wining author Janette Oke comes the sixth chapter in the Love Comes Softly series, Love’s Unfolding Dream. As Missie’s daughter Belinda struggles to discover her own place in the world, she is torn between two loves – her dream of being a doctor and her fondness for a newcomer in town.