Editor

We are happy to announce the launch of Atonement Pictures (AP), a full-service feature film production, distribution and marketing company serving the Christian marketplace, by long-time entertainment industry veteran Tim Warren, founder and CEO of Green Apple Entertainment, and acclaimed Christian filmmaker Kevan Otto (WWJD, A Question of Faith, The Prayer Box).

With plans to acquire as well as produce, AP will release 5-10 films annually with a transmedia distribution plan including limited theatrical runs, television, PPV, cable/satellite/telco VOD, TVOD/EST, SVOD, AVOD, ancillary and home video.

The company has signed output agreements with Manns/Mackie Studios, headed by Terrence "Ty" Manns (A Question of Faith) and Bishop Charles Mackie (My Brother's Keeper), which produces urban-themed and African-American-centric films for the faith-based market; and Action Faith Media, founded by Joel M. Gonzales (Crave: The Fast Life, Chavez Cage of Glory) to create spiritual entertainment.

As part of a high-profile marketing/release strategy, AP has also partnered with Graham Family Films (GFF) - managed by five brothers from the Billy Graham evangelical family, who continue his legacy through filmmaking and their own church ministries - to endorse and market its films to churches and pastors in all 50 states and in countries around the world.

First in theaters on May 7 is Fearless Faith - inspired by actual events - written and helmed by actor/filmmaker Kevin Rushing (The Challenger Disaster, Somewhere Between Heaven and Hell) in his directorial debut, starring Jason Burkey (The Resident, Atlanta, The Walking Dead), Ben Davies (Vindication), Erin Bethea (New Life, Fireproof) and Ben Graham (A Place in the Heart, The Prayer Box). In the film, the life of a respected sheriff's deputy spirals out of control as he questions God's will after witnessing his partner gunned down by an unknown assailant . . . then is confronted by a staggering truth. Can faith carry him through?

Other films slated for release by AP in 2019 include:  Forgiven, a thriller starring Kevin Sorbo (What if. . ., Hercules: The Legendary Journeys); Acquitted by Faith, a thriller starring Casper Van Dien (Sleepy Hollow, Tarzan and the Lost City, Starship Troopers), Catherine Oxenberg (Dynasty) and actress/platinum-selling Christian music star Jaci Velasquez (I'm not Ashamed, The Encounter), an eight-time Dove Award winner, including 2018 Best Female Vocal Album of the Year; and Love Again, a drama/romance starring Kevin Sorbo and Shelley Long (Modern Family, Cheers, The Money Pit).

Currently in development/production are:  Redeemed, a drama starring Keshia Knight Pulliam (Tyler Perry's House of Payne, Madea Goes to Jail, The Cosby Show) and T.C. Stallings (A Question of Faith, God's Compass, War Room, Courageous); and the holiday drama A Country Christmas Miracle, starring Joey Lawrence (Melissa & Joey, Brotherly Love, Oliver & Company, Blossom) and Denise Richards (Love Actually, The World is Not Enough, Wild Things, Starship Troopers).

Tim Warren: With 35 years of entertainment industry experience, Warren also heads Green Apple Entertainment, founded in 2005 - which will manage world rights for AP - a leading, global provider of quality, independent film and television content, including such films as Like a Country Song, Doonby, On Angel Wings, War Flowers, Geezers, Stone of Destiny and Hollywood and Wine.  Prior to that, he held management positions at Lyrick Studios, MGM Studios, Lionsgate and Echo Bridge; and has helped launch such mega-hit licenses as Barney, Veggie Tales, Wishbone and The Wiggles.

Commented Warren, president and CEO of the new company, "The demand for top-quality movies within the Christian marketplace is immense and not being met. We launched Atonement Pictures to reflect God's grace through outstanding filmmaking that tells compelling stories."

Kevan Otto: Otto is a pioneer in the contemporary, faith-based film industry with such hits as WWJD (writer/producer), based on the bestselling book and starring John Schneider (The Rebound, Smallville, The Dukes of Hazzard); and the Pureflix/Universal Pictures films A Question of Faith (director/co-producer), which grossed more than $2.5 million theatrically, and The Prayer Box (director), all of which can be viewed on Netflix. Other credits, slated for upcoming release by AP, include Fearless Faith (producer), Forgiven (director/writer) and Acquitted by Faith (executive producer).

Added Otto, who will head production and development, "Atonement Pictures is breaking stereotypes and setting the standard in Christian filmmaking with top-tier production, entertaining storylines and contemporary stars across all genres--drama, thrillers, romance, urban and family."

Visit us online:  www.AtonementPictures.com