News
Fireproof passes 20 million
NEW YORK, NY, October 21, 2008: Samuel Goldwyn Films’ FIREPROOF
starring Kirk Cameron continued its incredibly successful run
having crossed the $20 million dollar mark less than four weeks
in release. After opening #4 in the country on Sept. 26 with a
per screen average of $8,111 making it the highest opening
weekend box office (non 3D HANNAH MONTANA) of the year for films
released on 1,000 screens or fewer, the film remained in the top
10 for three consecutive weeks while competing against films
released on more than double the number of screens.
FIREPROOF marks the second successful theatrical release in the
ongoing collaboration between Sherwood Pictures, Provident
Films, Samuel Goldwyn Films, and Affirm Films. The first joint
venture was FACING THE GIANTS, which went on to gross north of
$10 million.
Currently on 905 screens, the film grossed $2,578,271 this
weekend—declining only 18 percent—for a cume to date of
$20,628,110.
FIREPROOF was written by Sherwood’s Alex and Stephen Kendrick
and directed by the former. The film stars Cameron and newcomer
Erin Bethea in a story about a firefighter who must learn how to
rescue his own marriage.
On both FACING THE GIANTS and FIREPROOF, Sherwood, Provident
Films, Samuel Goldwyn Films, and Affirm Films worked together to
devise and execute a marketing strategy to blend traditional
theatrical marketing with an aggressive grassroots and
faith-based outreach. Provident held screenings across the
country and provided resources and materials for pastors and
churches to spread the word about the film. Through its vast
network and databases, Provident created opportunities for them
to bring the film to their respective areas and generate
excitement within their communities.
Communities across the U.S. are using the film as a tool to
support local firefighters, police, and other first responders’
groups with divorce rates up to 90 percent. As churches,
individuals, and groups send first responders and their spouses
for a night at the movies, volunteer babysitting brigades are
freeing up couples to go. Parents are buying tickets for their
married children. Churches are buying for members and using the
movie to kick off marriage courses.
Said Meyer Gottlieb, president of Samuel Goldwyn Films: “We are
thrilled with FIREPROOF’S astonishing reception and grateful
that audiences all over America are raving about this
entertaining and inspirational film."
According to Bob Rubin, executive vice president of Sony
Pictures Home Entertainment, one of the acquisition partners for
the film, and which oversees Affirm Films: “Affirm is delighted
to have once again partnered with Sherwood Pictures, Provident
Films, and Samuel Goldwyn Films in achieving another outstanding
box office success in FIREPROOF. The performance of this film
obviously reflects the need for this kind of inspiring
entertainment among a large audience and Affirm is committed to
continuing to make such content available to this community in
the future."
"FIREPROOF's inspiring love story has captured the heart of
America. People leave theaters passionate about sharing the hope
and inspiration of FIREPROOF with family, friends, and everyone
they know!” said Terry A. Hemmings, president & CEO, Provident
Music Group.
Alex Kendrick goes on to say: “Calls, letters and emails are
pouring into Sherwood Pictures to tell us how FIREPROOF has
inspired them to pursue covenant in their own marriages. We
know we have a lot of growing to do as filmmakers, but we will
always look for the ‘God’ idea that inspires and motivates
people.”
A book entitled The Love Dare (www.lovedarebook.com),
originally a plot device in the film until audiences repeatedly
requested copies for themselves, is #1 on THE NEW YORK TIMES
PAPERBACK ADVICE BEST SELLER’S LIST for the second week in a
row. Written by the Kendrick brothers, The Love Dare is
currently #9 on
Amazon.com and in its seventh printing.
Goldwyn plans to expand the release of the film over the
upcoming weeks to more than 1,000 screens.
