Christian Retailing

Aspiring singer's journey offers 'inspiration' Print Email
Written by Staff   
Thursday, 16 July 2009 11:20 AM America/New_York
Reality series follows newcomer's pursuit of a musical calling

Former Miss Houston Erica Lane offers a fly-on-the-wall look at the Christian music industry in Inspired Ambition (7-45638-00998-7, $29.98, Cloud Ten Pictures), released this month.

A 13-part reality TV series originally broadcast on Christian channels JCTV, the Trinity Broadcasting Network's youth network, and FamilyNet, the three-disc set follows Lane's journey as she leaves behind a career as a schoolteacher to pursue a calling to Christian music ministry.

Along the way, she meets and learns from a virtual who's who of the Christian music world, from former Petra lead singer John Schlitt and longtime favorite Sandi Patty to newcomers Family Force 5.

One episode follows Lane as she performs at the Life Light Festival and gets turned down by some radio stations, while another tracks her as she meets veteran musician Dennis Jernigan during GMA Music Week in Nashville. Other artists she speaks with include Building 429, Bebo Norman, Michael Tait, Grits and The Crabb Family.

"Letting others see my vulnerabilities is sobering, yet it reminds me of how God calls us to be humble and to depend on Him completely," said Lane of having her highs and lows along the way captured on tape. She said she hoped others "find inspiration by observing my experiences."

The series was directed by Kyle Saylors, Lane's husband, who with his brother, Kenny, has produced and directed TV programming, documentaries, music videos and movies through their Saylors Brothers Entertainment.

Left Behind movie producers Cloud Ten picked up the series for distribution because representatives met Lane "and felt a strong connection to their roots as an independent studio trying to find its way in the very competitive film business," said Jeff Jordan, CBA sales rep for E1 Entertainment. "People helped Cloud Ten along the way, and (they) felt compelled to assist Erica along in her journey."

Since shooting the first series, Lane continues to tour, and has plans for a follow-up series in the works. Inspired Ambition includes a bonus 13-song CD of Lane's music.

To order, call E1 Entertainment at 615-579-1826, or go to www.inspiredambition.com.

 
Faith backstory of survival explored Print Email
Written by Staff   
Monday, 06 July 2009 01:06 PM America/New_York

Though the dramatic survival story of members of a South American rugby team whose plane crashed in the Andes in 1972 is well-known, the spiritual backdrop to their ordeal is explored for the first time in Stranded (7-95975-11133-1, $29.99, Vision Video).

The 126-minute docudrama—in Spanish, with English subtitles—follows the survivors as they return to the remote crash site and recall their experiences, weaving their remembrances together with archival footage and reenactments filmed by cinematographer César Charlone (City of God).

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VeggieTales’ latest adventure a favorite ark theme Print Email
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Monday, 06 July 2009 01:04 PM America/New_York

Big Idea again pays homage to Indiana Jones in Minnesota Cuke and the Search for Noah’s Umbrella (8-20413-11409-1, $14.99), which goes on sale in Christian retail stores Aug.1, three days ahead of the general market.

Inspired by the biblical story of Noah’s ark, the DVD is the sequel to VeggieTales: Minnesota Cuke and the Search for Samson’s Hairbrush, released in 2005 and following the museum curator and part-time detective played by Larry the Cucumber.

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‘Pastor Greg’ has a dance with the devil Print Email
Written by Staff   
Monday, 06 July 2009 11:14 AM America/New_York
Christian sitcom creator’s drama addresses spiritual warfare

Christian sitcom “Pastor Greg” creator and star Greg Robbins trades holy humor for a weightier message with C Me Dance (0-94922-20909-2, $19.99), released last month.

Shot in and around Pittsburgh, home to Robbins’ Uplifting Entertainment production company, the 88-minute drama about a young dancer whose career dreams are shattered by a diagnosis of cancer, aims to alert Christians and nonbelievers to the reality of spiritual warfare.

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Pow! ‘Daunting’ scriptures get comic-book look Print Email
Written by Staff   
Monday, 06 July 2009 09:55 AM America/New_York

Released in a new size and format this month by Barbour Publishing, The Comic Book Bible (978-1-602-60685-2, $5.97) leads 8- to 12-year-old readers through more than 60 of the most important stories of Scripture—from creation, Adam and Eve, and Noah to Paul’s letters and the revelation of John.

Each story in the 264-page softcover book is condensed for young readers and illustrated with full-color comic images.

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Survivor collects other ‘cancer stories’ to offer hope Print Email
Written by Staff   
Monday, 08 June 2009 04:28 PM America/New_York

After her own experience with cancer, artist and video producer Nancy Hamilton Myers decided to gather stories from others who, like her, had faced the disease, anchored by their Christian faith.

Among those who spoke about their experiences were a NASA space engineer, a sports champion, successful career men and women, parents, children and homemakers, moms and dads.

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