Christian Retailing

Jerry B. Jenkins’ movie completes filming Print Email
Written by Eric Tiansay   
Thursday, 13 August 2009 03:01 PM America/New_York
Jerry B. Jenkins' entertainment company recently finished principal photography for its forthcoming What If... film.

The Jenkins Entertainment movie stars Kevin Sorbo (Hercules), Kristy Swanson (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Big Daddy), Debby Ryan (The Suite Life on Deck) and John Ratzenberger (Cheers). Jenkins hopes to have the film in theaters in early 2010, but distribution has not yet been determined.

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 fiancee, he has no interest in faith or building a family. But after he is named partner in his firm, Ben is visited by a mysterious tow truck driver (Ratzenberger) who knocks him into an alternative reality-the life he should have had.

What If... is the first film in a two-picture partnership between Pure Flix Entertainment and Jenkins Entertainment, owned by Jenkins and operated by his son, Dallas Jenkins. Jerry will serve as executive producer, and Dallas will direct both films. Pure Flix Entertainment will produce as well as supervise the marketing and distribution of the films.

"The Pure Flix partnership with Jenkins has been a wonderful experience due to their strong creative ideas and Dallas' directing, which has allowed What If... to become a truly inspiring film," said Michael Scott, Pure Flix's 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. The script was terrific, the actors were even better than I expected and the filming went great. Plus, this is by far our most audience-friendly film. We're very excited for the possibilities."

Previous Jenkins Entertainment movies include Midnight Clear and Hometown Legend. For more information about What If..., click here.

 
Religious book sales significantly down Print Email
Written by Eric Tiansay   
Thursday, 13 August 2009 03:15 PM America/New_York
Sales of religious books saw a significant decrease of 22% in June continuing a yearlong trend, as overall book sales increased by 21.5% to $942.6 million, according to The Association of American Publishers (AAP).

The month's sales for religious books were $41.7 million, with the category's sales down by 7.2% for the year. Sales of religious books previously decreased 12%, 7.1%, 11.4%, 19% and 9% in May, April, March, February and January, respectively.

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Zondervan’s show specials featured in virtual tour Print Email
Written by Eric Tiansay   
Monday, 10 August 2009 01:49 PM America/New_York
Zondervan's show specials to Christian retailers are being featured in the Virtual Christian Retailing Show.

Hosted by Christian Retailing magazine, the Web-based event involves 25 exhibitors that took part in last month's International Christian Retail Show in Denver, presenting products and extending some special offers to buyers. The virtual show has attracted more than 2,500 visits from 49 countries since it was launched July 20.

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Gibbs’ Tyndale book on ‘New York Times’ list Print Email
Written by Eric Tiansay   
Monday, 10 August 2009 01:53 PM America/New_York
Game Plan for Life by NFL Hall of Fame member Joe Gibbs (Tyndale House Publishers) is currently listed as No. 3 on the New York Times' best-seller list in the Hardcover Advice category for the week of Aug. 7.

Game Plan for Life was buoyed by a media campaign and book-signing tour by Gibbs, who spoke during last month's International Christian Retail Show in Denver.

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‘Noah’s Umbrella,’ Casting Crowns top SoundScan charts Print Email
Written by Eric Tiansay   
Monday, 10 August 2009 02:02 PM America/New_York
Minnesota Cuke and the Search for Noah's Umbrella (Big Idea/Word Distribution) displaced The Retrievers (GT Media/EMI CMG Distribution) at No. 1 on the SoundScan Christian Videos list for sales the week ending Aug. 2, while Casting Crowns' self-titled disc (Beach Street Records/Provident-Integrity Distribution) remained atop the Christian/Gospel music Christian retail chart.

After Noah's Umbrella, the best-selling DVDs were: 2. The Retrievers; 3. 3-2-1 Penguins! Save the Planets! (Big Idea/Word); 4. Facing the Giants (Provident Films/Provident-Integrity); 5. Fireproof (Provident Films/Provident-Integrity); 6. Faith Like Potatoes (Sony Pictures Home Entertainment/Provident-Integrity); 7. Minnesota Cuke and the Search for Samson's Hairbrush (Big Idea/Word); 8. Fall on Me by Lee Williams & the Spiritual QC's (MCG Records/Malaco Music Group); 9. Flywheel (Provident Films/Provident-Integrity); and 10. VeggieTales: Abe and the Amazing Promise (Big Idea/Word).

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Nelson sees significant growth in general market Print Email
Written by Eric Tiansay   
Monday, 10 August 2009 02:09 PM America/New_York
Thomas Nelson has announced that the company has seen significant growth in its sales to general market bookstores during the quarter ending June 30. The total net revenue of Nelson's general market accounts grew 149% over the same period last year.

"With all the negative economic news, it is extremely encouraging to see this kind of momentum," said Sally Hofmann, senior vice president of general market sales for Thomas Nelson. "We are finding that in tough times, readers are predominantly looking for books that do two things ... nonfiction that helps answer uncertainty and provides comfort and for fiction that provides a sense of escapism."

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‘Friends for Life’ coming in 3-D next spring Print Email
Written by Eric Tiansay   
Monday, 10 August 2009 02:15 PM America/New_York
Grizzly Adams Productions has announced that its award-winning film Friends for Life will be released in 3-D in theaters next spring.

The film--which has won 28 national and international awards--tells the story of a big-city attorney retired and living in a small mountain town, who suffers loneliness after the death of his wife.

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MercyMe expresses heartache about accident Print Email
Written by Eric Tiansay   
Monday, 10 August 2009 02:20 PM America/New_York
MercyMe was scheduled to perform tonight in Wisconsin after canceling Saturday's show in St. Louis because of a fatal accident involving the band's tour bus, the Associated Press (AP) reported.

MercyMe was leaving Fort Wayne, Ind., where they had performed Friday, Aug. 7, when a car carrying several teenagers cut in front of their bus, causing the collision. The wreck killed two of the teens and the pregnant driver's unborn baby. The 18-year-old driver was hospitalized in critical condition, the AP reported.

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