The Terri Schiavo Story, from the Producers at Franklin Springs Family Media (http://www.franklinsprings.com), has been selected as a semi-finalist at the San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival. Two other must-see DVDs which were also selected are:
When Robin Prays
“When Robin Prays” is an inspiring story of hope - one that celebrates the gift of life! This special episode of the “Joni and Friends” television show, hosted by much-loved author and speaker Joni Eareckson Tada, features the incredible story of Robin Hiser. Born with Down Syndrome, Robin’s life has been extraordinary. Her service to others, and her commitment to the Lord, distinguish her as a woman who has had tremendous impact on countless individuals.
An American Adventure: The Living Legacy of Jimmy Gentry
An American Adventure: The Living Legacy of Jimmy Gentry traces the life of 82-year-old WWII veteran Jimmy Gentry from his Depression-era boyhood in historic Franklin, TN, to his military service in WWII, to his life-altering experience as one of the first liberating soldiers through the gates at the infamous Dachau concentration camp, to his over 50 years as a renowned football coach.
With these nominations, Franklin Springs Family Media continues to be a leader in providing inspirational DVDs that promote strong, united families coupled with a love for God and a love for neighbor.
"The Terri Schiavo Story" DVD selected as Semi-Finalist for the SAICFF
Fireproof Rocks the Box Office
An amazing thing happened last weekend in the world of film distribution. A film with a production budget of $500,000 opened in 4th place nationally and grossed $6.8 million dollars, while a $45 million dollar film came in 9th place with only $3.5 million in ticket sales. FIREPROOF SUCCESS
How did this happen?
The answer is the incredibly underserved market for Faith and Family films. This category includes films that simply portray the benefits of noble character and hard work and also the traditional Christian film that goes all the way with a full presentation of the gospel.
The Christian retail market is in excess of $4.6 billion dollars annually, yet very few faith-based films enjoy theatrical releases. Instead, independent Christian filmmakers rely on the Direct-to-Consumer model which will move anywhere from 3000 units to 250,000 units depending on the director and the distribution channels in place.
However, a new distribution paradigm is taking shape as grass-roots organizations, associations, churches, and youth groups employ the power of online social networks to create awareness and buzz without the need to spend millions of dollars on traditional media buys. With these networks in place, the economics of Faith and Family films finally makes sense for the investment community.
As traditional studios, film producers, distributors, and investors come together to further develop the distribution channels for Faith and Family films, look for more edifying films, higher and higher production values, and finally, entertainment that has a positive impact on the culture for what is truly good, true and beautiful.
Steve Morales is the Executive Director of Franklin Springs Family Media Fund I based in Charlottesville, Virginia. Steve@franklinsprings.com
The Maxwells are Coming to Charlottesville
Central Virginia’s Largest Family Conference for 2008 is coming to Charlottesville, Virginia!
The Maxwell Family will be in Charlottesville September 26th and 27th for a family conference and a FREE Gospel Bluegrass Concert. This remarkable family with eight children are self-taught musicians and have had an incredible impact on thousands of families world-wide. After reading the Maxwell’s eye-opening book “Keeping Our Children’s Hearts” and dozens of other available resources, families have started down a new path towards family harmony and unity.
For more informatoin email me at steve@franklinsprings.com.
The New Film Distribution Model
Times are changing for film distribution.
The age of PRODUCER to CONSUMER has arrived for filmmakers. Using state-of-the-art equipment, industry standard software, and digital distribution channels, movie producers can shoot, edit, and distribute directly to their audience without ever signing away the rights to their work.
Companies like Franklin Springs Family Media are teaming up with investors to produce broadcast-quality family titles for a market desperate for uplifting, quality entertainment. While traditional channels will not go away, they must work together with this new breed of film producer in a way that is fair and equitable. For every producer, the world market is just a URL away.
If you are interested in learning more about the disruptive technology that is coming soon to the movie industry, you MUST read The Long Tail
Restoring the Family
Families are the building block of our society. As the family goes, so goes our culture.
Stay tuned over the next few months as I outline a plan to restore the family through the power of film.
Teamed together with investors from around the world, we will provide a glimpse at the beauty that comes from a family that lives together, works together, plays together, and serves those around them.
Steve Morales
Executive Producer
Franklin Springs Family Media
2008 GMAC MBA Leadership Conference
My presentation this year at the Leadership Conference is titled "Using Data for Effective Decision-Making." See you there! GMAC Conference
When
Wednesday, January 30–Saturday, February 2, 2008
The Crew on the Lawn
