Genius takes on distribution of faith-based Pure Flix

By Susanne Ault -- Video Business, 3/11/2008

MARCH 11 | The Weinstein Co.’s distributor, Genius Products LLC, has signed on to street titles from faith-based specialist Pure Flix Entertainment.

Starting in the second quarter, The Wager and Hidden Secrets will be the first Pure Flix films released by Genius on DVD and/or digitally.

Starring country singer Randy Travis, The Wager is a modern adaptation of the Bible’s Job story set in Hollywood. Hidden Secrets, featuring Dukes of Hazzard’s John Schneider, follows a man who works to heal his painful past.

Forthcoming titles will include theatrical features, direct-to-DVD and TV-based programming. The Wager and Hidden Secrets premiered in theatrical limited release.

With Pure Flix, Genius adds to its already robust faith-based offerings, including distribution of Classic Media’s VeggieTales franchise.

“Genius has created one of the leading distribution channels in the family/faith vertical,” said Stephen K. Bannon, CEO of Genius LLC’s minority owner, Genius Inc. “By combining Pure Flix’s leading content with our position, we greatly expand our immediate growth opportunities in this category. The family/faith vertical is one of the fastest-growing areas of DVD and digital rights offerings, and we believe our retail strategy and brand expertise will significantly expand Pure Flix’s reach into the family/faith market.”

David A.R. White, Pure Flix executive VP of production, added, “Since we know distribution is such a key factor in getting a film out, we wanted to partner with a proven leader in this film. Genius is dedicated to the family/faith vertical, and we believe their extensive home entertainment distribution channel will ensure we are able to offer our leading DVD, digital rights films and TV programming to the general market and Christian retail communities.”