Franklin Springs Family Media

Box Office Choices

Friday, April 13, 2012

From my perspective, it’s a monumental day.

After all the controversy (both organic and orchestrated), the polarizing mudslinging, and any other hype surrounding these two pictures, today finds both Blue Like Jazz and October Baby playing at multiplexes across the country.  In some cities, the two films are showing at the same theaters.

I consider this to be a victory.  I can’t recall a weekend when moviegoers had two independent faith-related films from which to choose at the box office.  That this is occurring today is further confirmation that there’s a growing appetite in the marketplace for films that are anchored in faith-related issues.

I’m very well aware that there are all kinds of debates surrounding this emerging genre.  Some argue (rather convincingly) that there should be no such thing as a sub-culture of independent Christian film.  Some posit a position that unless a film contains (or excludes) very specific elements, it has no place in the developing arena of faith-based film.  These and many other related conundrums have been - and will continue to be - argued ad nauseam.

But today I choose to celebrate the simple fact that these two production teams have succeeded in bringing their stories of faith (whether or not one agrees with their flavor of storytelling) to the bigscreen.  I’ve known Steve Taylor for years.  I had lunch yesterday with two of the producers of October Baby.  I’ve had a key creative person from each picture work on a project I’m finishing now.  I’ve been to the advance screenings.  I’ve had my ear to the ground, following the journey of these two pictures.

And today, I applaud both camps.  Both Blue Like Jazz and October Baby faced seminal moments where they seemed to be dead in the water, either in terms of production funding or distribution dead ends.  But these teams prayed, and these teams persevered, and tonight, these two small films will be on screens from New York to California.

Make no mistake:  I’m not advocating loading up the family to go see Blue Like Jazz. It’s not for the younger set.  And there are aspects of October Baby that leave me scratching my head a bit (I agree with those critics who identified that certain stabs at humor and hipness only diluted the   main character’s beautiful story arc).

But setting aside any concerns about the films, along with all the accompanying theologic and orthopraxic volleying in ye olde cyberspace, I’m very happy for these two pictures and for the dedicated and talented filmmakers who fought to get them produced and released.  Kudos to everyone involved.  I wish them both success.

Tree Fort Treasure

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

The nest was perched above the tree fort, further than any older family members could ascend.  So the nine year old grabbed the iPhone to reveal what she and her younger siblings had discovered…

They Will Run…

Monday, April 2, 2012

Numerous miles are being logged these days on this stretch of road in Franklin, TN. Besides our small group of runners, there’s usually a large number of turkey and deer, and on weekends, we can count on cyclists.  As peaceful and quiet as this is, with the arrival of April, we’re now just two months away from stepping to the starting line with some 35,000 other runners at the San Diego Marathon.  An especially meaningful verse these days:  Isaiah 40:31 - But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

Friday’s the Day

Thursday, March 15, 2012

October Baby opens theatrically on Friday March 23rd.  Learn more about this engaging film at www.octoberbabymovie.net.  We wish everyone involved the best of success with this film; we encourage you to enjoy the life-affirming themes of October Baby on opening weekend!

Spring Has Sprung (Almost)

Thursday, March 8, 2012

It’s in the mid-60’s in Franklin, TN today.  Trees are budding, grass is growing, and although the calendar says Spring is still a few weeks away, it appears to be hastening its arrival this year.

Usher in Spring with two DVDs that celebrate the greening around us:  Inherit the Land and Homestead Blessings - The Art of Gardening.  Use this coupon code for $5 off each: spring52012. 

Enjoy!

Wintry Week in Franklin

Friday, February 24, 2012

Beautiful snow on Sunday; wading in the creek today on a 73 degree February day.  That’s winter in Franklin, TN…

October Baby Opens Soon

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Congratulations to the Erwin Brothers, producers Dan Atchison and Justin Tolley, and the team at Provident Films on bringing October Baby to theaters on March 23.  Read more about this life-affirming film at www.octoberbabymovie.net.

Texas Story, Texas Bound

Monday, February 6, 2012

Our primary shooting for Unplanned, the Abby Johnson Story, took place in various Texas locations, where Abby worked as a Planned Parenthood clinic director.  The film is now a nominee in the San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival, which takes place February 23-25.  Learn more about this exciting event at www.saicff.org.

The New Teacher…

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

School is now in session!

In Honor of Sanctity of Life Month

Friday, January 27, 2012

Here’s a special deal in honor of Sanctity of Life Month, offered exclusively to our Facebook and blog readers! Until February 4th, use coupon code FBFHB7 to take $7 off of our encouraging film A Full House of Blessing: The Inspiring Story of the Nicklas Family, hosted by acclaimed author and speaker Joni Eareckson Tada. Watch the trailer and read more about the film here.