Landis Entertainment Inks Deal for the movie "The Cross"
August 20, 2009 Agency to exclusively represent DVD/Home Video
In a move further broadening its reach into agency representation of film properties, Landis Entertainment & Media Partners announced today they had signed an exclusive deal with Gener8xion Entertainment to represent their film 'The Cross' in DVD form to retail and ministry outlets. "The Cross is an amazing story of Arthur Blessitt's around-the-world journey to carry the cross to every nation", said Barry Landis, founder and CEO. "We believe the story is a perfect one for our times and will appeal to all ages. We are thrilled to be partnering with Matthew Crouch, Rich Cook and everyone at Gener8xion Entertainment".
"I'm so glad we have this opportunity to work with Barry. We have been friends for a long time and I love his heart. It's a joy to be working together on The Cross", said Matthew Crouch, producer of the film. "Barry is a unique blend of Christian networker and skillful negotiator", said Rich Cook, President of Gener8xion Entertainment. "We've been looking for a way to work on a project with him for several years. We look forward to everyone seeing a copy of this wonderful film in DVD form."
Currently the film is showing in churches via a public licensing arrangement with Outreach Films and the plan is to release the home video/DVD in the spring, leading up to Good Friday. "It's perfect for the Lent/Good Friday/Easter season", said Landis. Later this fall, TBN will begin an aggressive direct marketing campaign to reach their viewers through spots run on the network along with a targeted mail/email campaign to supporters. The DVD will also be available to interested ministries and international markets in the spring.
Landis Entertainment has been moving more and more into the film market after handling the theatrical marketing campaign and P&A fund for last year's Billy: The Early Years film, shot in Tennessee. "Nashville has been the center of the Christian entertainment industry for a long time and it's nice to have so much professional marketing support here", said Landis. "I think our experience in the music industry as well as DVD home video distribution gave us a competitive advantage."
About Landis Entertainment & Media Partners
Landis Entertainment is a veteran agency serving independent filmmakers and producers in the areas of rights negotiation, strategic marketing, soundtracks, funding and distribution. Formerly President of The Word Label Group, one of the nation's largest Christian record labels, he is listed by Worship Leader Magazine and Christian Radio/Retail Weekly Magazine as one of the most influential voices in the Christian market. He is an author, a partner in the social networking site Circlebuilder, executive director of the non-profit Briner Institute and a six-year elected member of the Board of Governors of NARAS (Grammys).
About The Film
"The Cross" is the story of one man-Arthur Blessitt--carrying a twelve-foot wooden cross on a pilgrimage around the world. This compelling story is an inspiration and an adventure of life on the roads of the world and the reaction of people to the cross and, more importantly, its life-changing message. Listed in the Guinness Book of World Records for the 'world's longest walk,' Blessitt has carried the cross in 315 nations, island groups and territories and walked 38,102 miles, more than one and a half times around the globe at the equator. Beyond all that lies the true heart of this documentary - the story of facing life's challenges and pressing on. It is about smiling in the most difficult times and bringing hope in the face of despair. It is about inspiring audiences across the country to step into the destiny God has waiting for them, walking it out one step at a time.