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Written by Eric Tiansay
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Thursday, 11 June 2009 02:47 PM America/New_York |
 ABC's Nightline recently spotlighted the surprise hit film Fireproof and other faith-based movies. Titled "Box Office Busters From 'Godlywood,' " the June 5 segment noted that Fireproof made $33.3 million at the box office since it was released last September, despite a modest $500,000 budget.
Nightline interviewed Kirk Cameron, who stars in the movie as a firefighter who turns to God to save his marriage, as well as Alex Kendrick--who wrote and produced Fireproof with his brother, Stephen.
"Success took more than prayers," Nightline co-anchor Terry Moran said. "It took savvy grass-roots marketing. The brothers shared their vision with pastors across the country, who then encouraged their followers to see the film."
Meyer Gottlieb--president of Samuel Goldwyn Films, which distributed Fireproof--said the Christian segment is "an under-served audience." "Hollywood is not serving that audience," he told Nightline . "It's a huge audience. I think there's great opportunities."
Nightline also interviewed Rich Christiano, producer of The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry--scheduled for theaters in September. Set in 1970, the movie stars Gavin MacLeod who mentors three boys-Jansen Panettiere, Frankie Ryan Manriquez and Allen Issacson-to follow the Lord.
Click here to watch the Nightline segment. |
Capitalizing on the success of the campaign to send the special-edition Operation Worship Bible-NLT (New Living Translation) to American military personnel last year, Tyndale House Publishers is releasing four new versions-one for each branch of the U.S. military--as part of new effort to draw customers to Christian bookstores.
Electronics supplier Danteck Group Inc. has re-named its popular WowBible, launched last year, following the threat of legal action from another Christian products industry business.
CBA chairman Jim Whitaker is downsizing his business in a move that he says could be the way ahead for other independent retailers, too.
How are consumers' habits changing in light of the economy, and what are Christian stores doing in response?
A Beijing court yesterday found Christian bookstore owner Shi Weihan guilty of "illegal business operation," sentencing him to three years in prison and fining the house church leader the equivalent of $21,975, Compass Direct News reported.
An Internet business described as a Christian bookstore has created a stir for selling Ku Klux Klan T-shirts for children.
Sales of religious books decreased 7.1% in April continuing a yearlong trend, as overall book sales increased by 3.3% to $494.9 million, according to The Association of American Publishers.
