Mission Pictures International Signs on to 'Beverly Lewis's The Shunning,' An Original Hallmark Movie with Sony Pictures' Affirm Films
LOS ANGELES, Nov. 4 /
Christian Newswire/ -- Mission Pictures International, which was created to fill a unique position and need in the marketplace for family and faith based films will handle international sales on Beverly Lewis's The Shunning, an original Hallmark movie along with AFFIRM Films, a division of Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions (SPWA). The film is based on Beverly Lewis' novel of the same name and will star Danielle Panabaker (Friday the 13th, The Crazies, Mr. Brooks) and Sherry Stringfeld (ER). The Michael Landon Jr. helmed film will be executive produced by Landon, Brian Bird, Maura Dunbar and Cindy Bond in association with Believe Pictures and Lightworks Pictures. Production will begin in North Carolina on November 8th.
Mission Pictures International Cindy Bond and Chevonne O'Shaughnessy said: "The Shunning encompasses the essence of the Mission Pictures brand. We have found a synergy with our partners at Hallmark and AFFIRM Films, not to mention the talents and pedigree of Michael Landon Jr."
"The Shunning is a powerful coming-of-age tale of a young woman discovering her identity and coming to peace with the faith of her parents. It's a universal story that will resonate in every household and in every family, even though it's set in the world of the Amish," said Landon, Jr. "We are thrilled to be making this film with Hallmark, AFFIRM Films and Mission Pictures International."
Barbara Fisher, Senior Vice President, Original Programs, Hallmark Channels said, "Having been an ardent fan of Beverly Lewis' books for many years, I look forward to what I hope is an ongoing movie franchise of Ms. Lewis' tales of plain heritage. We have wanted to work with Sherry Stringfield for a very long time, and we equally welcome beautiful Danielle Panabaker as the heroine of our story. Together, the stars join some of the network's best producers in creating a film that should become an instant Hallmark Channel classic."
Lewis is a Christian fiction novelist and children's author of over 70 books and foremost authority in the Amish community. Her novel, The Shunning, centers on the quiet Amish community of Hickory Hollow, Pennsylvania, where time has stood still. While cherished traditions and heartfelt beliefs have flourished, a secret lies buried that could shatter the tranquility its inhabitants have grown to love.
About Mission Pictures International
Mission Pictures International is a foreign sales, production, distribution and marketing company that specializes in high quality family and faith-based entertainment for mainstream audiences worldwide. Founded in 2008 by Cindy Bond and Chevonne O'Shaughnessy, MPI's primary focus and commitment is to create and build a trusted and vibrant brand of entertaining and life-affirming feature film and television programming.
Mission Pictures slate includes the features such as: Like Dandelion Dust which stars Academy Award® Winner Mira Sorvino (Mighty Aphrodite), Golden Globe® Nominee Barry Pepper (Seven Pounds, 25th Hour), Cole Hauser (Good Will Hunting) and Maxwell Perry Cotton; Letters to God starring Robyn Lively and Bailee Madison (Brothers); The Way Home starring Dean Cain (Out of Time); The Mighty Macs starring Carla Gugino, David Boreanaz, Marley Shelton and Ellen Burstyn; To Save a Life; and Bella. Plus the documentaries Finger of God, Hollywood Transformation and Soul Mate as well as the animated series Buzz and Poppy and Animated Kids Bible.
In addition, Mission recently acquired the Gener8xion Entertainment's film library which includes the action/adventure feature The Omega Code, the documentary The Cross, and dramas including One Night with the King and Noelle.
AFFIRM FILMS
Affirm Films is a division of Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions (SPWA), a Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) company, dedicated to producing, acquiring and marketing films which inspire, uplift, and entertain audiences. SPE is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America, a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; home entertainment acquisition and distribution; a global channel network; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of entertainment in more than 140 countries. Sony Pictures Entertainment can be found on the World Wide Web at www.sonypictures.com.
