City on a Hill Studio has created a new Theatrical Films and Church Engagement division to lead its expansion into feature films and to head its direct-to-church business. Known for developing cinematic, story-driven media resources for ministry, the studio produced Kyle Idleman’s best-selling small group studies Not a Fan and Gods at War.

Industry veteran Marc Harper will lead the new division. Harper will shepherd projects through theatrical and/or DVD release and church movie event licensing. He will also direct City on a Hill Studio’s church engagement business, assisting churches worldwide in implementing sermon series, church movie events, small group studies and other church-wide and outreach events. Harper’s recent background includes three years as general manager of Outreach Inc.’s films division, working with studios and national ministries to release of faith-based movies like Fireproof, Courageous and Soul Surfer.

“Our goals at City on a Hill are to equip the church, support ministries and reach out to the unchurched,” said Tony Young, City on a Hill Studio president. “Starting the Theatrical Films and Church Engagement division is our next logical step along this path.  Marc Harper is an ideal fit to lead the division, not only because he brings practical experience, but because he fully embraces our vision of equipping the church first, making films second.”

The studio soon will launch full-length feature films beginning with Acts of God, scheduled for release in February 2014, and The Song, based on the Old Testament story of Solomon, planned for release in late 2014. 

“With an increased focus on theatrical releases, we will be branching out into consumer promotion, which will raise awareness not only of a particular film, but also its sister products (small group curriculum, pastors kit, participant guides and possibly book), which will drive traffic to the stores, said Karin Tyrer, marketing director at City on a Hill Studio. “We will cross promote the full line of products almost everywhere we promote the film.”

Acts of God will be released on DVD and is designed for church use, especially in conjunction with its sister small group curriculum. The material has already won the 2013 International Christian Visual Media Gold Crown Awards for Best Picture and Best Drama over $250,000. Moody Publishers is releasing a tie-in book this spring.

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