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.

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!

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.

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.

Join the 5555

Friday, January 27, 2012

Keep up to date (with 5555 others) on the special feature film project
we’re developing.  It’s a triumphant story that we can’t wait to share
with audiences:  www.facebook.com/hannahsmovie.

A 17 Year Old Without Her Phone…

Thursday, January 26, 2012

...will resort to desperate measures to engage her siblings in the hunt.

Happily for her, it worked.  Crisis solved.

Hear Ye, Hear Ye

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Here’s an easy way to receive 30% off your next order at Franklin Springs: it’s as simple as signing up for our email newsletter! We’ll periodically send you information
about great deals, upcoming projects, and what’s going on at Franklin Springs. And you’ll get the 30% off special just for signing up! You can do so here.

Got Milk?

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Caught in the act…

Courageous At Home

Monday, January 16, 2012

Be on the lookout tomorrow for the DVD/Blu-Ray release of “Courageous”, the latest film from Alex and Stephen Kendrick and Sherwood Pictures.  The film surpassed their last picture (“Fireproof”) at the box office; we wish them the best of success in reaching many homes with the vital message of “Courageous”.

Blessings Buzz

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

The Old Schoolhouse magazine will be publishing a review of the Homestead Blessings Collection, Volume 2 in their March issue.  Here’s part of what they’ll be saying:

“With these DVDs, you too can learn about growing herbs, gardening, and canning while enjoying some homespun hospitality and southern charm with Vicki, Jasmine, Hannah, and CeCe West, a delightful mother/daughter(s) team from Tennessee.”

“Their obvious love for family and home is truly a blessing.”

“The DVDs are well worth the money for what you get—a storehouse of knowledge and practical skills that can be used for a lifetime. Priceless.”

“I already own and have enjoyed the Homestead Blessings Collection: Volume 1 covering bread baking, candle making, and soap making. Now I am thrilled to have Volume 2 on my shelf as well as a resource that I can use over and over again. Highly recommended!”