Roma Downey's LightWorkers Media Developing Karen Kingsbury Novel Series For TV

Deadline is reporting that Roma Downey's LightWorkers Media, the faith and family division of MGM, have acquired rights to New York Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury’s The Baxter Family novel series for television.

The 22-book series has sold more than 20 million copies worldwide.

“Working with Roma Downey to see the Baxter Family become a TV series is the most exciting thing to happen in my entire career,” said Kingsbury. “In her capable and talented hands, we all believe the Baxter Family will become a longstanding beloved series that will run for many years to come. My 25 million readers have been begging to see the Baxter Family on TV, and now their dreams will come true.”

LightWorkers Media, launched in 2011 by Downey and her husband Mark Burnett, is now a division of MGM, whose TV operation is run by Burnett.

Woodlawn Opens in Top 10

"Woodlawn," a faith-based film that tells the true story of a 1970s Alabama high school football team that came to Christ during a time of racial injustice, raked in $4.1 million to open in 9th place during its opening weekend.

Produced by Roma Downey and Mark Burnett, the film stars Jon Voight, Caleb Castille and Sherri Shepherd.

Chonda Pierce to make Big Screen Debut

“Chonda Pierce: Laughing in the Dark,” a one-night only cinema event will premier in select theaters around the country Tuesday, October 27, at 7 pm.

A deeply personal glimpse into the life of Chonda Pierce, the Christian humorist and best-selling female comedian of all-time, the film chronicles a series of tragic circumstances she recently faced, including the loss of her husband. Leaning on her faith in a season of heartbreak, Pierce perseveres—her signature wit intact—hoping to inspire and encourage others with her story.

"I'm nervous! I have allowed a film crew to expose very tender and private moments in my life simply hoping to continue a dialogue about faith, depression, grief and pain to promote healing for brokenhearted people,” Pierce says. “I love the Church, but it's not perfect. I love God, but life is hard. This movie ‘shows’ it all, not just ‘tells’ it all. Mental illness is not a lack of faith and loving Jesus doesn't exempt you from pain. And being a comic doesn't mean you laugh all the time!”

Immediately following the film, theater audiences will have the opportunity to view a special post-event presentation, “Finding Light in the Darkness.” Various celebrities and public figures, including Roma Downey, Kevin Sorbo, Sherri Shepherd, Monica Crowley, Corbin Bernsen and “Duck Dynasty’s” Miss Kay Robertson, are slated to discuss the impact of Pierce’s story.

“This event really brings to light the importance of having faith through life’s most difficult times,” says John Rubey, CEO, Fathom Events. “Chonda’s ability to use humor to overcome her struggles is truly inspiring and a great lesson for us all.”

“Chonda has always been able to do the impossible,” says “Laughing in the Dark” producer Kent Songer. “She’s the best-selling female comedian in history and at the pinnacle of her career she allows her fans full access into her life. She’s an amazingly brave and talented woman, and I am proud to be a part of this unique Fathom event.”

NBC cancels A.D.: The Bible Continues

NBC canceled A.D.: The Bible Continues after its premiere season averaged 6.5 million viewers and 1.0 among A18-49, but the story’s not over. Producers Mark Burnett and Roma Downey have plans to continue the show on their upcoming faith-focused OTT channel, slated for launch in late 2015 or 2016.

'A.D. The Bible Continues' Suffers Ratings Low for Finale

"A.D. The Bible Continues," the follow-up series to the hit "The Bible" and based on events  in the book of Acts, scored a 0.7 rating among the 18-49 demographic, which translates to approximately 3.56 million viewers.

This rating was well below the series premiere of ABC's "Battlebots," which ran in the same hour as "A.D." and had approximately 5.44 million viewers.

Also competing with "A.D." was Fox's live coverage of the U.S. Open. The professional golf event, which aired from 7 – 10:46 p.m., garnered nearly 6.7 million viewers.

Produced by husband and wife team Roma Downey and Mark Burnett, "A.D. The Bible Continues" premiered on Easter Sunday.

The 12 episodes comprising the first season begin with the crucifixion, death, and resurrection of Jesus and then culminated with the disciples getting their first Roman convert.

Sunday's 0.7 rating was a severe decline from the debut Easter Sunday episode of "A.D.", which gave NBC approximately 9.5 million viewers.

According to the site tvseriesfinale.com, the overall trend of the 12 episodes shows a gradual decline in viewership over the past couple months.

The site noted that the April episodes garnered ratings well above the 5.0 mark, while episodes in May sunk into the 4.0 range, and the June episodes were in the 3.0 range.

Roma Downey to Host new Series

Before a tornado ravaged her family's home, one Indiana woman heard the voice of God tell her to prepare her family for the upcoming devastation. This woman was one of many who decided to share their miraculous experiences on the new TLC show, produced by actress Roma Downey, called "Answered Prayers."

Downey, the "Touched by an Angel" actress, will host the new six episode TLC series that she'll also produce alongside her husband, Mike Burnett. The husband and wife duo recently teamed up to create the successful television miniseries "The Bible" and "AD."

Both Christians and non-believers who tune in will bear witness to real life footage, interviews and reactions to divine encounters such as one young boy surviving being buried under 11 feet of sand for hours, a pastor being stabbed 37 times and one family's car falling into an icy river bank with them in it.

"Each hour-long episode paints a vivid portrait of ordinary people who have faced extraordinary circumstances, and miraculously lived to tell the tale," TLC said in a statement shared with The Christian Post. "Each individual's unwavering faith and trust in the power of prayer has transformed potentially heartbreaking situations into stories of true inspiration."

The series will make its official debut at 10 p.m. ET Sunday, July 27.

Cote de Pablo Stars in Latest from Makers of the Bible Miniseries

Cote de Pablo is coming back to CBS.

The actress, whose departure last season from NCIS angered many fans, will be back on CBS in The Dovekeepers (March 31 and April 1).

"I have been blessed," she told writers at the Television Critics Association winter press tour.  "This incredible, epic story came my way. Spending time with family is very important to me and how can I tell stories if not infused" by life and family experiences.

The four-hour miniseries, produced by Mark Burnett and Roma Downey and based on Alice Hoffman's best-selling novel, is based on events surrounding the siege of Masada roughly 2,000 years ago. After the fall of Jerusalem to the Romans, about 900 Jews went to the hilltop retreat of Masada for safety, only to find the Roman Army in pursuit.

Downey, who starred on CBS in Touched By an Angel, says she was moved by a trip to Masada a few years ago.

"I was so profoundly touched by a story of persecuted people ... who stood up for what they believed in, where courage and love were greater than fear and faith and love greater than hate," she said.

Downey added that Dovekeepers takes "the seed of the (true) narrative and built a story around it. It has the grounding of a historic story," relating events from the perspective of "amazing, courageous and powerful women."

Dovekeepers, shot in Malta, features de Pablo, Rachel Brosnahan and Kathryn Prescott in the dovekeeper roles. Sam Neill plays Jewish scholar and historian Josephus and Diego Boneta portrays a warrior in the Jewish army.

Can Maker of God's Not Dead Recreate Success?

Do You Believe? arrives in theatres March 20 from Pure Flix, the studio behind last year’s big-screen hit, God’s Not Dead. The drama features an ensemble cast of Oscar winner Mira Sorvino, Golden Globe award winning actress Cybill Shepherd, Lord of the Ring's Sean Astin, 70s' icon Lee Majors, Alexa PenaVega (Spy Kids), sitcom staple Ted McGinley, Brian Bosworth and Delroy Lindo.

“Do You Believe?” tells the story of diverse lives that intersect on the streets of Chicago – rich lives, poor lives, and desperate lives. A dozen different souls—all moving in different directions, all longing for something more. As their lives unexpectedly intersect, they each discover the power in the Cross of Christ … even if they don’t believe in it. When a local pastor (McGinley) is shaken to the core by the visible faith of an old street-corner preacher (Lindo), he is reminded that authentic belief always requires action. His response ignites a faith-fueled journey that powerfully impacts everyone and touches their lives in ways that only God could orchestrate. More than a movie, it is the question we all must answer (confront) in our lives: “Do You Believe?”

Accompanying the feature film will be the soundtrack of the same name that features the hit single, “We Believe”, by the award winning contemporary Christian group, The Newsboys.

Michael Scott, producer, God's Not Dead and partner, Pure Flix credits some of the success to Winter Jam.  "There's no question the momentum we generated from our sponsorship at Winter Jam created a massive awareness for our movie.”

This year Winter Jam is also spotlighting NBC’s upcoming "A.D. The Bible Continues" from the producing team of Roma Downey and Mark Burnett. Downey and Burnett will make appearances at multiple tour dates, including the Winter Jam Dome Spectacular in Atlanta (Burnett only).

Continuing where History Channel’s hit mini-series "The Bible" left off,  “A.D. The Bible Continues" starts with the Crucifixion and the Resurrection, telling its story through the eyes of the Apostles, Pilate, Caiaphas, the Jewish Zealots and the Herod family. With the Book of Acts and Paul’s letters as its foundation, the series chronicles what would become the most powerful global movement in history—the epic rise of the early Church. The 12-week Television event premieres Easter Sunday, April 5th on NBC.

The Winter Jam 2015 Tour Spectacular kicked-off January 2 in Charleston, West Virginia, and continues through March. Featuring headliners Skillet, along with Jeremy Camp, Francesca Battistelli, Building 429, NewSong, for King & Country and Family Force 5 .

“The Greatest Night in the History of Contemporary Christian Music”

The “We Will Stand” event is being billed as “The Greatest Night in the History of Contemporary Christian Music” and will be broadcast online live Wednesday, January 21, starting at 6pm CST at live.ccmunited.com. It will also be recorded and released as a DVD and companion CD.

“We Will Stand” features 28 artists including Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Point of Grace, Petra, Steven Curtis Chapman, Russ Taff and many more together with today’s CCM top artists including Francesca Battistelli and Kari Jobe for an evening of hit songs and performances that have changed countless lives for four decades. 

Heaven Is For Real #3 at Box Office and Four Faith-Related Movies Sit in Top 20 for the Year

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 was amazing in its opening weekend grossing $92 million.

Meanwhile, Heaven Is for Real, which finished third, beat expectations that had originally predicted the movie might make $40 million, upping its domestic total to nearly $66 million. Starring Greg Kinnear, it has passed Roma Downey and Mark Burnett's film by over $5 million.

Low-budget film God's Not Dead has continued to generate a steady profit following its March 21 release. The movie, which features Kevin Sorbo and Shawn Harper, has finished in the top 10 every weekend with the exception of the last.

For the second weekend in a row, it also finished higher than Darren Aronofsky and Russell Crowe's Noah. Domestically, God's Not Dead has made $55.56 million total.

Five months into 2014, the four faith-related movies sit in the top 20 of top grossing movies of the year with Noah in eighth, Heaven Is for Real in 12th, and Son of God in 16th respectively.

Non-Stop Tops Son of God at Box Office

Non-Stop and Son of God ruled the box office over Oscar weekend. The Liam Neeson action movie took first place with $28.9 million, while Son of God was an impressive runner-up.

Meanwhile, Disney Animation's Frozen became the 18th movie ever to earn over $1 billion worldwide. More importantly, it's only the fifth movie ever to hit that milestone that's not a sequel or prequel. With an opening in Japan on the way, Frozen will likely end its run in the Top 10 all-time.

Son of God opened in second place with $25.6 million. That debut is ahead of similar Christian movies like Courageous ($9.1 million), The Nativity Story ($7.8 million) and Fireproof ($6.8 million), but falls behind The Passion of the Christ, which earned over $26 million in its first day.

Son of God far exceeded box office expectations and is a result of Mark and Roma's tireless efforts to connect with a group of moviegoers, Christians, that's often neglected by Hollywood.

Son of God's audience was 62 percent female, and 82 percent were 25 years of age of older. They gave the movie an "A-" CinemaScore. Without a precedent for a movie like this (nearly all of Son of God already aired on TV via The History Channel's The Bible mini-series), it's unclear exactly how well Son of God will hold in the coming weeks.

Going Hollywood: 'Duck Dynasty' stars 'honored' to be part of Faith & Values Awards

The annual Movieguide Faith & Values Awards celebrates productions focusing on American patriotism, Christian beliefs and the traditional family. Now in its 22nd year, the gala ceremony – being held Friday evening at the Universal Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles – is welcoming “Duck Dynasty” stars Willie and Korie Robertson into the fold.

"We're excited to attend an awards show that honors and recognizes actors, directors, writers, producers and executives providing a positive message in film and programming," Korie Robertson told Fox News. "We are honored to present an award and to see Willie's work recognized as a nominee."

Gala founder Dr. Ted Baehr said the Movieguide Awards are equally as thrilled to have the Robertsons as guests and nominees.

"I think they were pretty beaten down by the media following Phil’s interview last year, and went through a period of extreme angst," Baehr said. "But they’re so excited to be coming and they’re bringing the family."

Willie has a Grace Prize TV nomination for his role in “Last Man Standing: Back to School,” while “Duck Dynasty: Till Duck Do Us Part” is also in the running for the Faith and Freedom TV awards and the Epiphany Prize TV award.

Furthermore, Willie and Korie will together present an award for the Best Family Movie. Nominees in that category include “Frozen,” “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2” and “Oz, The Great and Powerful,” while the “Best Mature Audience Films” is acknowledging “Captain Phillips,” “Gravity” and “Iron Man 3.” On the small screen, “Blue Bloods,” “Remember Sunday” and “Christmas in Conway” will face off against “Duck Dynasty” for the Faith & Freedom Award and the hit History Channel series “The Bible”” is up for both a TV Grace Award and the TV Epiphany Prize.

Other confirmed presenters include Mark Burnett, Roma Downey, Andy Garcia, James Denton, Ali Landry and Holly Robinson, while Ritchie Sambora, Billy Ray Cyrus and AJ Michalka from “Grace Unplugged” will perform.

“This past year has been the greatest year we’ve ever had for movies with faith and values; these are being lifted up everywhere," added Baehr. "But we really try to focus on more than celebrating the actors is the people behind-the-scenes – the writers, directors and produce who make these movies and shows happen. These are the people who are too often forgotten.”

The 22nd Annual Movieguide Faith &Values Awards airs March 1 and 2 on the Reelz Channel.

The Bible Miniseries Sells 1 Million Units

The Bible reached a new milestone today with 1 million units sold across Blu-ray, DVD and DigitalHD. The epic 10-part miniseries from co-executive producers Mark Burnett and Roma Downey continues to dominate records everywhere with its unprecedented sales performance. It's the fastest selling TV title in the past 2 years and the #1 TV Miniseries of all time in home entertainment.

During its run, The Bible propelled History® to number one in all of television from 8-10 PM on Sunday nights with over 100 million viewers. The Bible series will air internationally later this year, followed by its international home entertainment release.

“We are thrilled that The Bible series continues to be enjoyed by millions across the country. The response to the series on television was overwhelming and clearly families are now wanting to own the DVD and enjoy it with family and friends,” said co-executive producers, husband and wife team Roma Downey and Mark Burnett.

“Millions of people embraced The Bible, not only making it the television event of the year but also bringing it to unprecedented success with the home entertainment release in the US,” said Mary Daily, president and chief marketing officer of Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. “We are excited about introducing this project to millions more as we launch internationally later this year.”

Mark Burnett, Roma Downey, Louie Giglio Attend 'The Voice' Finale

The fourth season finale of "The Voice" took place last night in Los Angeles with Passion movement founder Louie Giglio in attendance. Giglio took to Instagram to post a photo of him, his wife, Shelley, as well as "The Voice" producer Mark Burnett, and his wife, Roma Downey, on the set of the show.

Burnett and Downey, who co-produced the mega-hit miniseries "The Bible" on The History Channel earlier this year, are well known to be connected to Christian leaders. Downey told The Christian Post on Tuesday, "Louie and Shelley are good friends of ours and fans of the show! It was a really fun night with such amazing performances…'The Voice' really is great entertainment for all the family."

Last night was the first part of the finale frenzy showcasing the best of the remaining three contestants: Danielle Bradbery, Michelle Chamuel and Christian duo, the Swon Brothers. All of them will hit the stage for their final performance and "The Voice" season four winner will be announced tonight.

The Swon brothers, who were taken under Blake Shelton's wings, hail from Muskogee, Okla., and were raised by Christian parents and are no strangers to performing as they did so at several churches while growing up. In the past, "The Voice" has had a number of Christian contestants aside from the Swon Brothers, including megachurch pastor Dr. Tony Evans's son, Anthony Evans. He was chosen to be on Christina Aguilera's team during the show's third season. But along with his shot at stardom came backlash from supporters confused about him attempting to go secular. However, with six albums under his belt as a Christian recording artist and worship leader, his big break had already come before becoming a contestant on the show.

Fox Passed on 'The Bible' Miniseries Over Scheduling, Contract Differences

Fox and Fox News Channel came close to acquiring the rights for the hit miniseries "The Bible," but at the end missed out on the show that went to the History Channel.

The LA Times reported that Rupert Murdoch, chairman and chief executive of News Corp., wanted to have "The Bible" air on Fox as soon as producer Mark Burnett mentioned the idea to him. However, the network was unable to find a day in which the show would have fit, with other big-name shows like "American Idol" and "The Following" occupying popular TV nights.

There was talk that the show could have actually played on Fox News, which the Times noted might have seemed a strange choice among the news and political opinion centered content, but its older and more conservative audience could have appreciated it.

The option was discussed, but at the end Burnett and his wife, fellow co-producer Roma Downey, wanted to hold onto international rights and have final cut over the miniseries, which proved to be a deal-breaker in the equation.

News Corp., however, did manage to get into the success of the show by securing the rights to distribute DVDs of "The Bible," which have also reached record-breaking numbers. In its first week of release at the beginning of April, "The Bible" sold 525,000 copies, making it the fastest-selling TV title released on DVD in the last five years and the top-selling DVD miniseries ever.

The History Channel beat out other tough competition for the rights to air the 10-episode series, however, as it was revealed that Discovery's TLC network also wanted the show, but the husband and wife co-producers again didn't budge on international rights.

The Bible Shatters Home Entertainment Sales Records

The epic miniseries, The Bible, continues its unprecedented success with its home entertainment launch and quickly has become the biggest selling TV on DVD in the last 5 years and the biggest miniseries of all time on Blu-ray, Digital HD and DVD in its first week of release.  The Bible series sold 525,000 units in its first week. The Bible also ranked #1 across digital stores including iTunes, Amazon, VUDU, Xbox, PlayStation, CinemaNow, and GooglePlay.

“We are humbled by the overwhelming response from audiences to The Bible miniseries,” said co-executive producers, husband and wife team Roma Downey and Mark Burnett.  “First, the show was number one on HISTORY, now it is number one on Blu-ray and DVD and has been number one in every country in which it aired.  We feel incredibly blessed that we were able to bring this amazing love story to life on the screen.  It is our hope that folks everywhere will continue to be touched by the message of the Bible and cherish these stories at home with their families for years to come.  This is just the beginning.”

During its run, The Bible propelled HISTORY to number one in all of television from 8-10PM on Sunday nights with 95 million cumulative viewers watching the miniseries.

After being named the official app of THE BIBLE series, YouVersion’s Bible App had its biggest month ever, reaching 88 million total installs, breaking into the top 15 of all free apps in the iTunes App Store, and seeing 3.4 billion minutes of Bible engagement in the app.

The Bible's Producers Call Controversy Over Satan's Resemblance to Obama Absurd

History Channel and The Bible executive producers, husband and wife Mark Burnett and Roma Downey, addressed the Obama-Satan controversy. “History channel has the highest respect for President Obama,” the network said in a statement. “The series was produced with an international and diverse cast of respected actors. It’s unfortunate that anyone made this false connection. History’s The Bible is meant to enlighten people on its rich stories and deep history.”

Burnett and Downey used stronger language in dismissing the connection, suggesting that the actor playing the Devil may have been simply type cast. “This is utter nonsense,” they said. “The actor who played Satan, Mehdi Ouzaani, is a highly acclaimed Moroccan actor. He has previously played parts in several Biblical epics — including Satanic characters long before Barack Obama was elected as our President.” Added Downey: “False statements such as these are just designed as a foolish distraction to try and discredit the beauty of the story of The Bible.”

The Bible's Ratings Rise in Third Week

History’s Sunday night was a historical cable powerhouse with both The Bible and Vikings up from the previous week. The third two-hour episode of the 10-part miniseries The Bible garnered 10.9 million total viewers, up from the 10.8 million the Mark Burnett- and Roma Downey-produced show received for its second episode March 10. While down in viewers from its massive March 2 debut, the mini again was the most-watched show on TV on Sunday night, topping AMC’s juggernaut The Walking Dead (10.8 million) and all other broadcast and cable competition in total viewers. Sunday’s episode was up in key demos as well, drawing 4.2 million in adults 25-54 (compared to 3.8 million the week before) and 3.5 million adults 18-49 (compared to 3.2 million March 10).

History's The Bible Slips in Week 2 But Still Smites the Competition

The second two-hour installment of History‘s miniseries The Bible on Sunday drew 10.8 million total viewers, 3.2 adults 18-49 and 3.8 million adults 25-54. That was down 18% in total viewers from the mini’s blockbuster opener the previous Sunday but still a massive turnout for a cable telecast. In fact, The Bible was the top program in all of television from 8-10 PM on Sunday among total viewers and 25-54, beating cable and broadcast competition.

The Bible: A Hit in Print And Now on TV

"The Bible," a 10-hour live-action miniseries that debuted Sunday night on the History Channel, is posting some heavenly Nielsen ratings, despite a poor response from the nation's TV critics.

13.1 million viewers watched the 8-10 p.m. premiere. This makes it the most-watched entertainment program on cable since the History Channel’s own “Hatfields & McCoys” wrapped its impressive three-night run in late May 2012 with 14.3 million for its initial airing.

No program on TV drew more viewers Sunday than “The Bible.”  CBS’ “60 Minutes” drew the largest audience on the broadcast networks (11.9 million).

Four more episodes of the miniseries will be broadcast each Sunday night this month.

The series was produced by actress Roma Downey, of "Touched by an Angel" fame, and Mark Burnett, producer of reality TV shows like "Survivor" and "The Amazing Race."

"We've been working on this project for the past four years now, and are deeply honored to be given this once in a generation opportunity to breathe new visual life into the Bible's profound stories," the couple says in a statement.