Faith-based film releases have tripled since 2006, and AFFIRM Films is at the forefront of the growth spurt.
A division of Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions, AFFIRM has partnered with dozens of filmmakers over the years to release projects such as 2012’s “Abel’s Field,” starring Kevin Sorbo and Samuel Davis; the upcoming “Risen,” starring Joseph Fiennes (“Shakespeare in Love”) and Tom Felton (“Harry Potter”); “Soul Surfer,” based on the true story of teenage surfer Bethany Hamilton and her path to recovery after a shark attack left her with one arm; and this year’s “War Room,” a film about the power of prayer.
“We have no set model,” says AFFIRM’s Senior Vice President Rich Peluso, via email, about the company’s selection process. “We are always on the hunt for great stories, and once we find them, we’re open to partnering at whatever [level] makes sense for all parties involved—whether it’s just marketing and distribution, or requires a more significant investment including development and production.”
A large majority of the films on the AFFIRM roster are independent and made through a collaboration with other companies such as Provident Films, TriStar Pictures, Samuel Goldwyn Films, and others. Peluso says books and scripts are read daily in order to find content for evaluation.
The impetus for AFFIRM Films arose after the 2006 release by well-known faith-based filmmakers Alex and Stephen Kendrick of “Facing the Giants,” about an underdog football team. The company has since been “dedicated to producing, acquiring, and marketing films which inspire, uplift, and entertain audiences,” according to the website. The Kendrick brothers are now on their fifth production with AFFIRM at a time when the faith-based industry is seeing an increase in output.
“[The faith-based film landscape has] changed radically, both in quality and quantity,” says Peluso. “On the quality front, there are a few filmmakers that are making significant investments in top-tier writers, directors, and actors to help craft amazing visual storytelling experiences. On the quantity front, 10 years ago, in 2005, there weren’t any faith-based theatrical releases; 2004 saw ‘The Passion of the Christ,’ and in 2006 there were five theatrical releases. In 2015 there will be a total of 15.”
With the success of 2015 films such as the Mira Sorvino–starring “Do You Believe?” and last year’s box office smashes “God’s Not Dead” and “Heaven Is for Real,” making upward of $60 million and $91 million, respectively, according to Box Office Mojo, it’s becoming clear the market is lucrative, paving the path for a new generation of faith-based filmmakers. To them, Peluso says, “Focus on true, authentic stories, and make sure the key creatives involved really believe in what they’re trying to accomplish.”
Inspired by this post? Check out our audition listings!
