RIDING ON EARLY PRAISE, ‘NOT TODAY’ HEADS FOR THEATERS APRIL 12

New Movie Entertains, Enlightens on the Plight of India’s ‘Untouchables;’ January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month

NotTodaytheMovie.com

YORBA LINDA, Calif. – Jan. 23, 2013 – On a wave of strong praise from advance screenings, NOT TODAY—the first church-made film around an international issue—hits theaters Friday, April 12. (See below for list of debut cities.) In NOT TODAY, a spoiled young American encounters trafficking of children among India’s “untouchables” and is forever changed.

“NOT TODAY is the first feature-length, faith-based film to tackle human trafficking, a global disease,” Producer Brent Martz said. “It’s entertainment, yes. But entertainment with world-changing purpose.”

NOT TODAY is produced by Friends Media, an arm of Friends Church of Yorba Linda, Calif., where Martz heads creative ministries. Rising star Cody Longo (Hollywood Heights, Fame, Make It or Break It) plays Caden, a spoiled, SoCal rich kid partying in India. On mean city streets, he’s oblivious to the so-called “untouchables” until a young girl sold into slavery draws him into the world of India’s outcast Dalits. Fighting to find her, Caden finds himself and his faith re-energized. Also featured in NOT TODAY: John Schneider (OCTOBER BABY, Smallville, The Dukes of Hazzard), Shari Rigby (OCTOBER BABY, The Bold and the Beautiful) and Cassie Scerbo (Make It or Break It, Hot in Cleveland).

Typical audience response to NOT TODAY, from the advance screening at the 2012 Urbana student missions conference in St. Louis:

“Gripping, informative movie that takes you into its world . . . makes you want to get involved to make a difference.”
"Everyone should see this film. You cannot walk away unchanged."
"Heartbreaking and eye-opening . . . I am inspired to make a change."
“Wow! Should have warned us to bring Kleenex."
NOT TODAY echoes in daily headlines:

Jan. 11 was International Human Trafficking Awareness Day
President Barack Obama recently declared January as Human Trafficking Prevention Month in the United States.
Louis Giglio, founder of the Passion movement, heavily focused the Passion 2013 conference on the battle against trafficking and the support of exploited people.
And stark statistics underscore growing concern around the globe:

An estimated 27 million people worldwide are in forced labor including sexual exploitation as a result of trafficking. SOURCE: U.N. Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking
Profits from all trafficked forced labor: estimated $31.6 billion/year. SOURCE: U.N. Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking
India’s Dalit population is among the world’s most vulnerable to the global industry in human abuse:

More than 1.2 million children in India are trapped in human trafficking as child prostitutes. SOURCE: National Underground Railroad Freedom Center India Conference
“For centuries Dalits, the ‘lowest of the low,’ have grown up believing they are less than animals,” said Matthew Cork, NOT TODAY executive producer and lead pastor of Friends Church. “Christianity tells them they are made in the image of God.”

Using education to lift Dalit lives and prospects, Friends Church has committed $20 million to build 200 of 1,000 proposed schools for Dalit children in the coming decade. Friends already has funded more than 40 of the current 107 schools. Profits from NOT TODAY go toward building schools and freeing children.

NOT TODAY premieres across the nation April 12 in these markets:

Los Angeles (Orange County), Calif.
Houston, Texas
San Diego, Calif.
Dallas, Texas
San Jose, Calif.
San Francisco, Calif.
Columbus, Ohio
Seattle, Wash.
Denver (Littleton), Colo.
Washington, D.C.
Nashville, Tenn.
Portland, Ore.
Sacramento, Calif.
Virginia Beach, Va.
Atlanta, Ga.
Colorado Springs, Colo.
Orlando, Fla.
Akron, Ohio
Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
West Palm Beach/Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

For more information, visit: NotTodaytheMovie.com

Randall Franks stars with all-star cast in new film “Lukewarm”

Picture (L-R) Lukewarm Cast: Jeremy Jones,Thomas Makowski & Randall Franks


Actor/entertainer Randall Franks, “Officer Randy Goode” from TV’s “In the Heat of the Night,” stars with fellow CBS alumnus John Schneider in the new film “Lukewarm” releasing to DVD and On Demand Nov. 13.

Franks said he looks forward to the release of his fourth film in a year.
“This is an engaging story of a young couple - Luke and Jesse finding their way in a world pulling them in all different directions except towards one another,” he said. “This is a tremendous cast who enveloped themselves in the roles to bring director Thomas Makowski's vision to life. I am pleased to be included in a project with John. I think he does wonderful work.”

Franks portrays John Keebley who is both a pastor and surrogate father to the main character Luke Rogers, portrayed by actor Jeremy Jones, in his first lead role.
“Jeremy brought so much to his role and I think that viewers will be drawn to performances by he and Nicole Gale Anderson, who plays his girlfriend Jesse, as they struggle to define their relationship and the role God should play in their lives,” he said.

According to Franks, Luke Rogers became estranged from his father Bill (Schneider) as a youth and as a young adult, Luke faces challenges offered from characters portrayed by “October Baby” actor Jason Burkey, and former “Blossom” cast member Jenna von Oÿ.

“One of the most amazing aspects of doing this film was working opposite one of the most talented veteran actors in the business - Bill Cobbs. He portrays ‘Brother Thomas’,” Franks said. “He and I throw out the lifelines in the film praying that the other characters will grab a hold.”

The film is from Slingshot Pictures, All Entertainment and Image Entertainment.
Franks has co-starred or starred in fourteen films with superstars including Dolly Parton, Christian Slater, William Hurt and Stella Parton. Among his recent films are the family drama “Decision” in which he starred with Natalie Grant and Billy Dean, and a musical cameo in “The Solomon Bunch,” a children’s adventure.

The International Bluegrass Music Museum Legend’s musical stylings have been heard in 150 countries and by more than 25 million Americans. His musical career boasts 17 album releases, 17 singles, and over 200 recordings with various artists from various genres. The award-winning fiddler’s best selling release, "Handshakes and Smiles" was a top twenty Christian music seller. Many of his albums are among the top 30-bluegrass recordings of their release year.

In addition to his solo career that includes 13 years of guest starring for the Grand Ole Opry ®, Franks is a former member of Bill Monroe's Blue Grass Boys, Jim and Jesse's Virginia Boys and has performed with Jeff and Sheri Easter, the Lewis Family, the Marksmen Quartet, the Watkins Family, Elaine and Shorty, “Doc” Tommy Scott’s Last Real Old Time Medicine Show and Doodle and the Golden River Grass.
Franks latest book is “A Mountain Pearl: Appalachian Reminiscing and Recipes” from Peach Picked Publishing and his latest musical DVD “A Mountain Pearl: Concert of Celebration” is from shareamericafoundation.org.
For more information, visit http://randallfranks.com/.

I AM GABRIEL....Launched August 28

‘I AM . . . GABRIEL’ DVD LAUNCHES AUG. 28;
INSPIRES WITH STORY OF ANGEL IN OUR MIDST

WHAT: I AM . . . GABRIEL is a moving and mysterious film about divine interaction in our daily lives weaving multiple stories of individuals touched by tragedy and their varied responses to an unlikely messenger from God with an amazing message of hope.

WHO: Starring Dean Cain (Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman), John Schneider (The Dukes of Hazzard, Smallville) and Gavin Casalegno in his breakout role as the title character. I AM . . . GABRIEL is from actor, director, writer and producer Mike Norris, son of legendary performer and martial arts champion Chuck Norris.

WHEN: Aug. 28, 2012

WHY: I AM . . . GABRIEL shows what happens when people turn to God in prayer and start to trust Him for the circumstances in their lives. It brings the mystery of faith to life and encourages viewers to see God at work in every detail.


SYNOPSIS: Promise, Texas, is no place to raise a family. No rain. Businesses failing. The kids can’t wait to grow up and move away. Some folks say the town is cursed. But just when things are at their darkest, a mysterious boy comes out of the wilderness with nothing but the clothes on his back and a strange mat under his arm. He has a message for the people of Promise, but they’re slow to listen. They’re blind to the mirror between the slow death of the town and their own parched souls. Confronted by their spiritual shortcomings, the town’s indignation turns to outrage. Still the boy holds to his message: without Christ there is no hope, and Promise can be remade only through earnest communion with the Father. In the end, with his back against the wall — surrounded by skeptics — the boy is forced to reveal his true identity.
ADDITIONAL STORY IDEAS:

Small town. Big dreams—In the small, North Texas town of Justin, a group of local citizens wanted to produce a film about reaching out to God when you find yourself in need. These people reached out to Mike Norris, veteran actor and director, who had left Hollywood behind, set up shop in nearby Flower Mound and was committed to creating faith-focused film.
Making films beyond Hollywood—Veteran actor and director Mike Norris grew up well acquainted with the Hollywood scene—his father is legendary star and martial arts champion Chuck Norris—and immersed himself in it as a young man. But after marrying in 1992, he wanted more from life than Hollywood glitz and parties. He moved to Flower Mound, Texas, near Dallas, established 2nd Fiddle Entertainment and began creating faith-focused films.
PRODUCER: 2nd Fiddle Entertainment

DISTRIBUTOR: EchoLight Studios

FEATURED ACTORS:

Dean Cain—Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman
John Schneider—The Dukes of Hazzard, Smallville
Gavin Casalegno—NOAH, with Russell Crowe (2014)
Elise Baughman—Monk
Carey Scott—Birdie & Bogie
Mike Norris—Director, Walker, Texas Ranger
Jenn Gotzon—FROST/NIXON
AVAILABILITY: Preorders now, immediate sales and delivery start Aug. 28. The film is available through such leading online and retail providers as Amazon.com, LifeWay Christian Stores, Family Christian Stores, among many others.

For more information, visit: EchoLight.com/iamgabriel

Connect with the film on Facebook: Facebook.com/iamgabrielmovie

An Angel In Small-Town Texas? DVD 'I Am . . . Gabriel' Brings It To Life

‘I AM . . . GABRIEL’ DVD DEBUTS AUG. 28
MOVING FILM TRACKS VARIED RESPONSES TO THE MYSTERY OF GOD’S WORK IN DAILY LIFE
Starring Dean Cain and John Schneider
EchoLight.com/IAmGabriel

DALLAS – Aug. 14, 2012 – I AM . . . GABRIEL—a moving and mysterious film about divine interaction in our daily lives—launches DVD sales nationwide and online Aug. 28. From Director Mike Norris, I AM . . . GABRIEL weaves multiple stories of individuals touched by tragedy and their varied responses to an unlikely messenger from God with an amazing message of hope.

“I AM . . . GABRIEL shows what happens when people turn to God in prayer and start to trust Him for the circumstances in their lives,” said Norris, who also co-wrote and acts in the film. “The mystery of faith comes to life and encourages every viewer to see God at work in every little detail.”

Starring Dean Cain (Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman), John Schneider (The Dukes of Hazzard, Smallville) and Gavin Casalegno in his breakout role as the title character, I AM . . . GABRIEL opens in present day Promise, Texas, a town parched for rain and hope, whose citizens feel cursed after a tragedy 10 years earlier. Then a young boy wanders out of the wilderness into the lives of the beleaguered residents. Miracles start to happen. Some believe and find hope. Some don’t and grow desperate. Some see a messenger from God, others a runaway kid, a huckster. Finally, as the town’s last skeptic backs him into a corner, the young boy reveals his identity. I AM . . . GABRIEL is a story of faith that leads to real hope, regardless of circumstances.

Produced by 2nd Fiddle Entertainment and Heaven’s Promise Productions, I AM . . . GABRIEL is distributed by EchoLight Studios.

"We are absolutely thrilled to be distributing stories created by inspirational filmmakers like Mike Norris,” EchoLight Chief Global Strategist Christopher Morrow said. “And it is so encouraging to be in development with Mike on another EchoLight Studios project slated for production in 2013."

I AM . . . GABRIEL can be pre-ordered now with deliveries and immediate sales starting Aug. 28. The film is available through such leading online and retail providers as Amazon.com, LifeWay Christian Stores, Family Christian Stores, among many others.

ABOUT DIRECTOR MIKE NORRIS

Actor, director, writer and producer Mike Norris, son of legendary performer and martial arts champion Chuck Norris, founded 2nd Fiddle Entertainment to create faith-focused films that make a difference. With numerous film and television acting credits, Norris also directed films and multiple episodes of the long-running series Walker, Texas Ranger.

For interviews, contact: Monique Sondag Monique@Lovell-Fairchild.com 214-536-4319.

For more information, visit: EchoLight.com/IAmGabriel

Connect with the film on Facebook: Facebook.com/IAmGabrielmovie