What began as a media ministry for Alex Kendrick and his brother Stephen has grown into an amazing film enterprise, called Sherwood Pictures (first they made Flywheel, then the inspiring football drama Facing the Giants and Fireproof), that defies typical Hollywood life cycle.
Fireproof opened in 839 theaters nationwide in September 2008 with an amazing average of $8,111 per theater that gained national attention. It nearly overtook the theater average for Eagle Eye ($8,305), which opened in 3,510 theaters according to Box Office Guru.
Fireproof was the highest grossing independent film of 2008, taking in more than $33,000,000 domestically. Alex Kendrick directed the film, which he also co-wrote with his brother Stephen. He recently took some time to talk with us about his journey and the continuing wave of media exposure they've experienced, a wave certainly helped by a recent television segment on the June 5th edition of ABC’s late night news program, Nightline.
Describe your family life and background.
I was born in Athens, Georgia, the second of three sons. Now I get great support from my wife, Christina and family of six children…Stephen has four. After the success of Fireproof, my wife just exclaimed "How is this happening?" We were both amazed how God was showing Himself through these films.
Before creating Sherwood Pictures in 2002 at Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia, I achieved a bachelor’s degree in communications at Kennesaw State University then had several media ministry related positions.
How did Sherwood Pictures begin?
My initial interview at [the] church was in March 1999. After that I became associate pastor of media where we met the needs of the church through our ministry including the televised talk show Home Connection. I got the idea for Sherwood Pictures in 2000. I had read a George Barna article about movies and thought it would be an impactful way to reach people. I didn’t feel extraordinarily gifted as a filmmaker. God has blessed these films and I have followed His direction.
How do you generally get a film started?
We always have several ideas to consider. We start with a season of prayer where we seclude ourselves for about three to four months. We focus our efforts and ask God to confirm the direction in all of us and that He will turn all our hearts in the same direction. We use the platform of film to present Biblical truth and tell a meaningful story to our audiences.
What recent developments have you been experiencing at Sherwood Pictures?
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