SGN Scoops Digital

Family TV Movie Takes #1 Spot

“Vote With Your Remote” Campaign drives Secrets of the Mountain success and fuels DVD sales

The highly-touted “family” TV movie, Secrets of the Mountain, captured the number one spot in its time slot with over 7.4 million viewers on Friday April 16.  A nationwide “Vote With Your Remote” grass roots campaign helped Secrets trump Ghost Whisperer (4.4 million viewers), and is now driving robust Secrets DVD sales, demonstrating the huge audience appeal for quality family entertainment.

“A clear message has been sent,” said Secrets executive producer, Ben Simon. “American families want more high-quality programming that they can enjoy together. We’ve heard their voice, and more great family movies are on the way.”

Secrets of the Mountain is the first in a series of movies that the world’s biggest retailer, Walmart, and the world’s largest consumer products maker, Procter & Gamble (P&G), have partnered to produce.

Secrets” TV success has carried over to Walmart stores where the Secrets DVD is being offered for a limited time at just $12, bundled with a CD soundtrack produced by Randy Jackson and featuring American Idol® winner Jordin Sparks, top 5 finisher Brooke White and many others.

Television audiences eager for high-quality family movies launched a “Vote With Your Remote” campaign to get families to watch Secrets, causing the movie to become one of Google’s most-searched terms on the day of its TV premiere.

The “Vote with your Remote” program gives viewers a vehicle to voice their support for family entertainment and keeps them up-to-date on upcoming family-oriented movies and TV shows.

The next movie from the Walmart/P&G collaboration entitled The Jensen Project is set to broadcast July 16 on NBC.

For years, advertisers have been asking for better, broad-reaching family programs. In 1998, more than 40 marketers, including P&G and Walmart, formed the Alliance for Family Entertainment to push for more family-friendly shows. The Alliance has played a significant role in bringing 20 primetime programs to air, including hits The Gilmore Girls, Chuck, and Everybody Hates Chris, among others.

Research conducted by the Association of National Advertisers showed that ads were less effective when they appeared on shows containing sex, violence or drug abuse, and that only 23% of American parents are satisfied with the amountof family programming.

“The success of Secrets of the Mountain confirmed what our research has shown,” says Simon. “Parents will support movies like this – so long as we make them available.”

For interviews, review copies or giveaway DVD/CD sets, contact: Gina Adams, 888-253-3622

An online Press Room for the campaign is at www.votewithyourremote.com/pressroom

Sky Angel and MOPS Celebrate Family-Friendly Christian TV

(Naples, Fla. ) – Today’s moms have so many reasons to be concerned about what their children see on television.  They witness first-hand the powerful influence it can have on their little ones.  Now, through a partnership with MOPS International, moms everywhere will enjoy Sky Angel’s faith-filled and family-oriented television service.  In addition, MOPS is considering the development of exclusive content in the coming months.

“We are delighted to partner with the MOPS International family.  Most of our subscribers are parents concerned about what they bring into their homes, whether it’s television, radio or movies.  Sky Angel’s subscription service is a family-friendly alternative in line with Christian values that truly has something for everyone.  We are working to unveil a MOPS Video On Demand channel that will offer leadership training, curriculum and access to MOPS national events via the Sky Angel platform.  This will allow moms to access MOPS content anywhere, anytime,” said Rick Wright , Sky Angel Senior VP – Sales and Marketing.

“At MOPS International , we know the impact media has on families.  We are excited to expand our outreach to moms through this partnership with Sky Angel, offering new media options that deliver quality programming that equips moms.  Sky Angel will allow us to broaden our reach to MOPS leaders in need of leadership training whether or not they are able to attend a MOPS training event!” said Merideth Rikli , Director of Ministry Advancement for MOPS International .

Sky Angel offers subscribers over 80 television and radio channels of faith-based and family-friendly channels, with entertainment, educational, sports and news programming that is completely compatible with your current TV service.  Sky Angel requires no dish or antenna, is easily installed, and includes value-added features like 48-hour playback on all faith-based television channels plus an ever-growing Video-On-Demand library with free and fee-based selections.  To learn more, or to subscribe, visit www.skyangel.com or call 1-800-SKY-ANGEL (1-800-759-2643).

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Daystar Television’s ‘Gospel Music Showcase’ Kicks-Off New Season with Ivan Parker

Shows featuring new inspirational performances begin March 20

DALLAS /Christian Newswire/ — Featuring sounds from one of Christian music’s most beloved genres, Daystar Television Network’s original program “Gospel Music Showcase” will begin a new season on Saturday, March 20 at 7:30 p.m. EDT/6:30 p.m. CDT with multi-award winning male vocalist, Ivan Parker.

Parker, who was named “Favorite Lead Soloist” six times and “Favorite Male Vocalist” nine times from “Singing News,” has released 13 solo albums including his newest “Unity.”

“Ivan Parker’s music has been a great blessing to audiences for nearly three decades, and we are grateful that he would be a part of the inaugural show of the 2010 ‘Gospel Music Showcase’ season,” said Tammy Underwood, host and producer of “Gospel Music Showcase.” “We know this is going to be our best year yet, bringing the Good News to viewers around the world through Gospel music. The program has been refreshed with a new look and we are very excited to start another season and bring you the finest in gospel music.”

In its sixth year, “Gospel Music Showcase” regularly features the best and brightest stars of Gospel music. Inspiration and great music are the two resounding themes of Daystar’s “Gospel Music Showcase.” This program brings viewers a comprehensive line-up of performers and in the past has hosted artists including David Phelps and 33 Miles. In addition to Ivan Parker, the 2010 season will feature the likes of Crabb Revival and Pfeifers.

“Gospel Music Showcase” is an original program produced by the Daystar Television Network. Joni and Marcus Lamb founded Daystar Television Network in 1997. Today, it is the fastest-growing and one of the largest Christian television networks in the world. Headquartered within the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex in Bedford, Texas, Daystar seeks to provide first-class, faith- based TV for today’s generation. Daystar currently reaches over 81 million households in the United States and broadcasts via satellite into more than 200 countries and 671 million households around the world. Additional information is available at www.Daystar.com.

Sky Angel Adds Daystar to Channel Lineup

(Naples, Fla. – March 17, 2010) –  Sky Angel, a national provider of faith-based and family-friendly television and radio programming (www.skyangel.com), announces the addition of Daystar Television Network to their Faith TV channel lineup.  The network can now be viewed on Channel 111.

Daystar Television Network is the fastest-growing and second largest Christian television network in the world. With a mission to reach souls with the good news of Jesus Christ and to seek out every available means of distribution to a world in need of hope, Daystar has an extensive blend of interdenominational and multi-cultural programming that is broadcasted into homes across the globe. Daystar’s co-founders, Marcus and Joni Lamb are committed to producing and providing quality television that will reach the viewers, refresh their lives and renew their hearts. Daystar reaches 81 million homes in the U.S. and globally broadcasts to over 200 countries and 671 million households worldwide.

“We are pleased to bring Daystar Television Network to Sky Angel’s platform, which now offers more than 80 channels, including 56 Christian television and radio channels.  Daystar is a channel that our subscribers regularly request and we are delighted they will join America ’s most complete faith and family television lineup,” said Rob Johnson, CEO.

“What a great opportunity to reach more people in the U.S. with this launch on Sky Angel,” said Steve Wilhite, Sr. V.P. of Affiliate Relations for the Daystar Television Network. “Daystar brings to Sky Angel viewers award winning original programs, exciting “live” events, music, and the most requested national and international ministry programs.  Experience Daystar on Sky Angel!”

Sky Angel offers subscribers over 80 television and radio channels of faith-based and family-friendly channels, with entertainment, educational, sports and news programming and is completely compatible with your current TV service.  Sky Angel requires no dish or antenna, is easily installed, and includes value-added features like 48-hour playback on all Faith-based television channels plus an ever-growing Video-On-Demand library with free and fee-based selections.  To learn more, or to subscribe, visit www.skyangel.com or call 1-800-SKY-ANGEL (1-800-759-2643).

Biblica Contracts Marchiano Ministries as exclusive Distributor of Highly Acclaimed Bible Films, Matthew, Acts, Jesus the Christ

Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX—On a January morning in 1993 actor, Bruce Marchiano began a life-changing journey that continues to this day.  Dressed in a rustic robe and sandals, he stood on a mountainside in Quarzazate, Morocco, surrounded by cameras and film crew, waiting for the director to call, “Action!” Cast to portray Jesus in the film, The Gospel According to Matthew, little did he know that morning that the Lord would call him to found his own ministry, then give him the breathtaking responsibility of carrying that very film and the love of Jesus explored therein, to a new, 2010 generation.

Biblica (formerly International Bible Society, IBS-STL), the rights holder of Matthew and other subsequently produced films using the NIV Bible text, has contracted with (Bruce) Marchiano Ministries for a fresh release of these films throughout USA/Canada.  “We are pleased to announce our partnership with Marchiano Ministries,” writes Scott W. Bolinder, Biblica President of Global Publishing, “providing them with exclusive broadcast, commercial and online distribution rights, within the USA and Canada for Biblica’s audio-visual products, Matthew, Acts, Jesus the Christ, and Who is Jesus.  As such, Marchiano Ministries is the sole and only authorized distributor to the commercial wholesale and retail channel for these products, all based on the NIV text.  We look forward to a growing partnership between our ministries.”

First released in the USA/Canada in 1995, The Gospel According to Matthew was a pioneering vision, breaking new ground in Jesus films, the script being entirely word-for-word from Matthew, not even one syllable added or removed.  “We created Matthew on the presumption that God’s Word is far more powerful than a screenwriter’s skill,” explains the film’s director, Regardt Van den Bergh.  “Who can dare to think that any man could write a better script than God Himself by inspiration of His Spirit?”

But there was more.  Led in prayer and research to The Book of Hebrews 1:9, which describes Jesus as “anointed with joy above anyone else,” both Marchiano and Van den Bergh felt to portray Jesus as a “Man of Joy” as opposed to traditional representations of Jesus as aloof and emotionless.  This, along with presenting Jesus in a human authenticity and with deep, personal love for people, caused a revolution in perceptions of Jesus, not to mention countless lives changed.  “I’ve been a Christian for twenty-five years,” as one testimonial declares, “but I never knew who Jesus truly was or how deeply He loved me till I saw Matthew.”

In time for Easter, Marchiano Ministries will first release Matthew in a 15^th Anniversary (of its US debut) Edition, repackaged with bonus items and special features, including a 2 CD audio book, In the Footsteps of Jesus, in which Marchiano personally takes us behind the scenes of the making of Matthew and intimately shares his life-altering experience portraying Jesus.

Unto this end, Marchiano Ministries has contracted Nest Entertainment of Dallas, Texas as the exclusive distributor of Matthew to “faith-based” retailers and distributors.  “We are thankful for this opportunity,” says Diana Shaw, Nest Specialty Sales Development Manager.  “We are very enthusiastic about what Matthew has to offer, and believe the timing is right to partner in this.”

Marchiano himself stands amazed and humbled that God has given him this privilege, and to have the trust and partnership of both Biblica and Nest.  “It is a great responsibility to be entrusted with God’s Word – with the Gospel, which is His chosen method to reveal His Son to a world that so desperately needs Him,” Bruce soberly reflects.  “All these years later, not a day goes by that I don’t receive a testimony from some corner of the world about Matthew, so I’m very familiar with the work God is doing through it.  And with an entirely new generation here in America that has yet to be introduced to it, I can’t wait to see what more God is planning to do through this new release!”

Marchiano’s own life was radically transformed through his experience playing Jesus in Matthew, causing him to transition away from secular acting to a speaking ministry that has taken him around the world, to African crusades and church building, to penning several books on the person of Jesus.  Now, alongside this new contract with Biblica, he is currently involved in his most ambitious endeavor to date, as executive producer of another upcoming, word-for-word Gospel film, Jesus…No Greater Love.  “All I ever wanted in life was to be an actor and win an Academy Award,” Marchiano muses, “but I guess the Lord had other things in mind!”