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

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The Crew on the Lawn

The Crew on the Lawn

Welcome to TheDataDad

April 2008 The DataDad has left the Darden Graduate School of Business after seven years to make movies with Franklin Springs Family Media!!


What a wonderful surprise to suddenly be in a new industry where my experience with venture financing and international markets can be put to good use to encourage families worldwide.

The mission at Franklin Springs Family Media is nothing less than the restoration of the family in the United States and in as many countries as possible.

My role is the business side of film; providing financing for upcoming film projects through a network of venture funds, investors and philanthropists.

You can reach me at Steve@ Franklinsprings.com or  434-960-1607

June 2009

Hard to believe more than a year has passed since I left Darden to invest in films!  The first fund, the Franklin Springs Family Film Fund I, was completed in December of 2008.  Five DVDs have been released and three more an in production.   Investors are getting their money back, so all is good.

I am working with investors to form a second fund, Family Film Fund II, this summer which will invest in feature films in addition to documentaries and biographies.