Howie Klausner, a self-described “modern evangelical” who co-wrote Clint Eastwood’s “Space Cowboys,” was brought on as a producer and screenwriter to revise Evans’ original script.
A Cordova, Tennessee church and an entertainment giant are now partners in an effort to make a dent in sin as well as in the box office through the modern-day pulpit of the motion picture.
For an undisclosed sum, Provident Films and Affirm Films, two Sony Corp.-owned companies with a focus on the Christian market, have purchased release rights to “The Grace Card,” an inspirational production shot in Memphis last year with financing through Cordova’s Calvary Church of the Nazarene and optometrist-turned-first-time-director Dr. David Evans, a Calvary member.
The movie will be released in theaters natioinwide beginning Feb. 25 through an arrangement with the Sony companies and distributor Samuel Goldwyn Films, Provident officials said Wednesday.
Kris Fuhr, Provident vice president for theatrical marketing, said Evans and Calvary had created “a great marriage between the faith community and Hollywood.”
“The Grace Card” was produced on a budget of about $450,000 with many volunteers in the cast and crew, although professionals were hired for some key roles.
Howie Klausner, a self-described “modern evangelical” who co-wrote Clint Eastwood’s “Space Cowboys,” was brought on as a producer and screenwriter to revise Evans’ original script.
Evans, 42, said the sale to the Sony companies enabled the church to recoup “most” of the movie’s costs. If the film is profitable, the church will use its money for a community center to further its outreach and athletic programs, and perhaps to produce another film.