4/29/2023 0 Comments Fireproof full movieProvident also encouraged churches to rent out theaters for their congregations to see the film and even suggested they provide babysitting for parents. "We found over 90 percent of people would recommend the film to their friends and family members," Gottlieb said. Provident also held about 200 free screenings around the country to get people talking about the film. "It takes a lot of time to get the wheels going in a faith audience," she said. Kris Fuhr, who heads marketing for Provident, began inviting ministers, Christian leaders and secular marriage experts to the set of "Fireproof" a year ago when it was still shooting. "The outreach to the ministries and having them tell their followers were far more impactful." "The evangelical audience doesn't react as well to advertising," said Meyer Gottlieb, the president of Samuel Goldwyn, the distributor, along with Provident Films. Cameron heard about one man who stood up after the film and announced, "I am Caleb Holt and I need 10 men to pray for me and my marriage." He said 20 men walked over.īuilding an audience for "Fireproof" took some unusual marketing methods. They have heard stories of couples on the verge of separation renewing their vows after the film. The film is striking a chord with its viewers, judging by the e-mails that Cameron and Sherwood Baptist Church have received. So Stephen Kendrick had Chelsea fly in to be a double for Bethea and they shot the kiss in silhouette. Still, Cameron said the film cried out for a kiss. Maybe there wouldn't be so many divorces in Hollywood if actors had a more sacred view of marriage." I don't want to do anything to violate our marriage. "If that means I don't get a movie or TV gig, that's fine. "I promised my wife that my lips are reserved for her only," said Cameron, who's been married to Chelsea for 17 years. That's because Sherwood Pictures has a policy that only actors and actresses married to each other can kiss on screen. Originally, the script called for only long loving looks and warm embraces between Cameron and his on-screen wife, played by Erin Bethea. "You can hardly come in and say God and Jesus without everyone giving you dirty looks."Ĭameron's wife also played a small but significant role in the film. "To know 20 people are praying for you is just alien to Hollywood sets," Cameron said. When a scene presented a challenge for the actor, Kendrick would ask 20 volunteers to pray. Instead, Sherwood Baptist Church made a donation to Camp Firefly, a charity Cameron runs with his wife Chelsea to give terminally ill children and their families a free week's vacation.Ĭameron called the role of Caleb Holt "the most difficult I've ever done, for sure," but said the experience of making the film was by far his favorite. Like other volunteers, Cameron received no money for the six weeks of shooting, although the church paid for his expenses in Albany. The film made $10 million at the box office.Īfter watching it, Cameron - a Christian evangelist who runs an organization called the Way of the Master, comprised of a Web site and cable television show - called Alex Kendrick and Catt and said, "If you ever do another movie, count me in." In 2006, the newly-formed Provident Films, which distributes Christian-themed movies, teamed with Samuel Goldwyn and released "Giants" in theaters. The second film, "Facing the Giants," about a struggling football coach, enlisted more volunteers and cost $100,000. In 2002, church members raised $20,000 and volunteered to work behind and act in front of the camera, so that Kendrick could make "Flywheel." Shown on DVD at a local theater, it stayed on screen for six weeks and was Albany's second highest grossing film. But there are so many of us who have a standard of morality and faith that is rarely reflected in films coming out of Hollywood." "Hollywood is good at reflecting the values and lifestyles of people in California and New York. "We tried to make a movie that speaks to your middle-American family and couple facing all the common issues in marriage," Alex Kendrick said. Together, they've made three films and have become known as the "Christian Coen Brothers." Kendrick co-wrote the script with his younger brother Stephen, who also produced the film. "That's reason to praise God," said Alex Kendrick, the director of "Fireproof." 1 movie, Shia LaBeouf's critically panned "Eagle Eye," which was in 3,500 theaters. Anna," which made only $3.5 million in its opening weekend.Įven more impressive, "Fireproof" opened on only 839 screens, which makes its per screen average of $8,100 second only to last weekend's No. Instead, they topped the Coen Brothers' "Burn After Reading," with Brad Pitt and George Clooney, in its third week, and Spike Lee's "Miracle at St. They were hoping to make $3 million or $4 million and crack the top 10 when the film opened last weekend. The film exceeded even the filmmakers' expectations.
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