Netflix has acquired the global rights to the faith-based musical film “A Week Away,” the streamer announced on Wednesday.
Roman White, who has been nominated for 11 Emmy Awards and has worked with artists like Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, is directing. Kali Bailey and Alan Powell are writing the screenplay, after the original idea for the music was conceived by Powell himself.
Steve Barnett, Gabe Vasquez and Powell are producing, while Vicky Patel is executive producing. Corby Pons is co-executive producing, while White is co-producing. Bailee Madison is associate producer.
Madison stars alongside Kevin Quinn, Sherri Shepherd, David Koechner and newcomers Jahbril Cook, Kat Conner Sterling and Iain Tucker. The film was shot in Nashville, Tennessee.
“A Week Away” follows troubled teen Will Hawkins (Quinn), whose run-in with the law puts him at a crossroads: go to juvenile detention or attend a Christian summer camp. He chooses the latter and finds love with a camp regular (Madison).
“We made a film designed to entertain while exploring universal themes of family, friendship and acceptance,” Powell said in a statement. “There is no better time than right now, and no better partner on the planet than Netflix, to help share that message.”
Barnett added: “We are grateful for the hard work by everyone involved in ‘A Week Away’ and very proud of the film we made together. We couldn’t be more excited that the film will have the opportunity to put a smile on millions of faces.”
The film will feature reimagined songs from some of the biggest hits in contemporary Christian music history. Additionally, the film’s music producer Adam Watts has written three new original songs for the musical.
CAA Media Finance brokered the deal with Netflix on behalf of the filmmakers.
10 Highest Grossing Christian-Themed Movies, From 'The Ten Commandments' to 'God's Not Dead' (Photos)
On Easter weekend, TheWrap lists the top 10 highest grossing Christian films in box office history.
10."Miracles From Heaven" (2016)
The Jennifer Garner film made $61.7 million this year on a budget of $13 million, good for eighth all time, adjusted for inflation.
Fox
9. "God's Not Dead" (2014)
Starring Kevin Sorbo, Shane Harper, David A.R. White, and Dean Cain, "God's Not Dead" opened to $60.8 million in 2014 ($61.8 million adjusted for inflation) on a budget of $2 million. Its box office success warranted a 2016 sequel.
7. "War Room" (2015)
The Sony Pictures film raised holy hell at the box office when it opened in August of 2015. It ended up making $67.8 million on a budget of $3 million. Adjusted for inflation, that's $68.8 million.
TriStar Pictures
6. "I Can Only Imagine" (2018)
Jon and Andrew Erwins' take on the story behind MercyMe's record-setting Christian single was so successful ($83 million grossed) that it led to the creation of a new faith-based studio, Kingdom Story Company
Lionsgate
5."Heaven Is For Real" (2014)
Having grossed $92.9 million (adjusted for inflation), the film starring Greg Kinnear is the fourth highest-grossing Christian film on our list at $944.4 million inflation-adjusted dollars.
Screen Gems
4. "Noah" (2014)
On a budget of $125 million, "Noah," starring Russell Crowe and Jennifer Connelly, made $101.2 million at the domestic box office in 2014. That would tick up to $102.8 million today.
Paramount
3. "The Passion of the Christ" (2004)
Directed by Mel Gibson, "Passion" was a major commercial hit despite controversy it raised and mixed reviews it received. The film grossed $370.7 million in 2004, which works out to $472.3 million adjusted for inflation. It was produced for just $30 million.
Fox
2. "Ben-Hur" (1959)
The original "Ben-Hur," which received 11 Academy Awards, tops the list of highest-grossing Christian movies, having made $74 million back in 1959, equal to $611.9 million in today's dollars.
MGM
1. "The Ten Commandments (1956)
Cecil B. Demille's biblical epic was the "Avengers" of the 50s, with $122 million grossed in its initial theatrical run. Adjusted for inflation, it has earned over $2 billion in lifetime grosses at the box office
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”God’s Not Dead: A Light in Darkness“ is the latest faith-based film to hit theaters
On Easter weekend, TheWrap lists the top 10 highest grossing Christian films in box office history.