Zondervan Signs Christian Fiction
Legends in Multi-Book Deal

Grand Rapids, Mich., July 27, 2011—Zondervan today announced it signed award-winning and bestselling authors Bodie and Brock Thoene to a four book contract with the first title, Beyond the Farthest Star, to release December 2011.

Beyond the Farthest Star is a novel based on the major motion picture screenplay by Andrew Librizzi with the film (Pathlight Entertainment) anticipated to release nationwide in time for the holidays. The emotionally compelling novel tells the tale of a father desperate to reconnect with his daughter and regain the love of his wife. In it, he discovers that reconciliation and trust begin, not with words, bit with the revelation of the heart.

“Beyond the Farthest Star is a powerful story with gripping characters and fascinating twists and turns,” said Bodie and Brock Thoene. “We are excited and proud to be partnering with the dynamic Zondervan publishing team as this film and novel come to life.”

“Zondervan is excited about our dynamic partnership with the Thoenes and Pathlight Entertainment,” said Sue Brower, Executive Editor for Zondervan. “Andrew Librizzi wrote such a compelling screenplay for the film Beyond the Farthest Star and we are looking forward to releasing the novel by Bodie and Brock Thoene this winter.”

After the release of Beyond the Farthest Star, the Thoenes will begin their most powerful and climactic writing project ever with a new historical fiction series titled “A.D. Scrolls.” The series begins with the first book, releasing in October 2012, which focuses on those who followed Jesus into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday and continues on with a new release each year which will take readers through the Last Supper, the Crucifixion, Resurrection and on into the first tumultuous days of the Church.

“Bodie and Brock Thoene are a wonderful addition to the Zondervan family of fiction,” said Sue Brower, Executive Editor for Zondervan. “I have wanted to work with these legends in Christian fiction for a long time and am thrilled that the opportunity has finally come.”

Bodie and Brock Thoene have written more than 65 works of historical fiction with more than 25 million of these bestselling novels in print. They have won eight ECPA Gold Medallion Awards affirming what millions of readers have already discovered—the Thoenes are not only master stylists but experts at capturing readers’ minds and hearts.

About Zondervan:

Zondervan is the world’s leading Christian publisher of books whose authors are noted for their excellence in the craft of writing as well as their worthy contribution to the ongoing global evangelical conversation. The works published by Zondervan not only confirm readers’ faith and understanding, they also challenge and stretch readers’ thinking. For more than 75 years, Zondervan has delivered transformational Christian experiences through general, ministry and academic resources by influential leaders and emerging voices, and has been honored with more Christian Book Awards than any other publisher. Headquartered in Grand Rapids, Mich., Zondervan publishes bestselling books, audio, video, curriculum, software and digital products in such categories as biblical languages and studies, biography, business, contemporary issues, counseling, cultural, devotional, evangelism, family, fiction, history, inspiration, leadership, ministry, pastoral, personal development, prayer, philosophy, reference, relationships, textbooks, theology, youth and more. Zondervan resources are sold worldwide through retail stores, online and by Zondervan ChurchSource, and are translated into nearly 200 languages in more than 60 countries. Visit Zondervan Books on the
Internet at http://www.zondervan.com/books

About Bodie and Brock Thoene:

Bodie began her writing career as a teen journalist for her local newspaper. Eventually her byline appeared in prestigious periodicals such as U.S. News and World Report, The American West, and The Saturday Evening Post. She also worked for John Wayne’s Batjac Productions (she’s best known as author of The Fall Guy) and ABC Circle Films as a writer and researcher. John Wayne described her as “a writer with talent that captures the people and the times!” She has degrees in journalism and communications.

Brock has often been described by Bodie as “an essential half of this writing team.” With degrees in both history and education, Brock has, in his role as researcher and story-line consultant, added the vital dimension of historical accuracy.

Bodie and Brock have four grown children—Rachel, Jake, Luke, and Ellie—and eight grandchildren. Their sons, Jake and Luke, are carrying on the Thoene family talent as the next generation of writers, and Luke produces the Thoene’s audiobooks.

Bodie and Brock divide their time between London and Nevada.
For more information, visit  http://www.thoenebooks.com

About Pathlight Entertainment:

More information about the film, Beyond the Farthest Star, go to  www.beyondthefartheststar.com,  http://twitter.com/” \l “!/beyondmovie, http://www.youtube.com/Beyondthemovie or  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Beyond-the-Farthest-Star/170290344732.

NEWS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Karen Campbell
(616) 309-4390 [P]
karen@karencampbellmedia.com

Pathlight Entertainment, LLC is a Limited Liability Corporation registered in the State of Texas and shall engage in the development and production of major, 35mm, feature-length motion pictures for potential release in all domestic and foreign theatrical, secondary and ancillary markets. Our mission shall be to produce motion pictures of stories, whether fictional or historical, maintaining the highest possible artistic quality, production value and commercial appeal within reasonable, market-informed production budgets. Our stories shall be faith-based and family honoring with a fundamental objective to bring insight and inspiration to the marketplace. Understanding the power of movies to influence, it is our intent to be a trusted source of uplifting entertainment with audiences of all demographics. A preeminent business directive to produce profitable motion pictures for our investors shall balance this artistic vision.  www.pathlightentertainment.com

The screening was held in an HD theatre in Irving,TX.  Approximately, seventy people attending.  Primarily, church, group and organizational leaders. Along with several contest winners from the BTFS BRING IT! database. We had folks sitting in the isles.

The comments from the audience were so thoughtful, heartfelt and encouraging!

Here are both the written and video comments from attendees…

VIDEO LINK:
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=2157950223697&oid=170290344732&comments
“I was completely mesmerized!”
-Carla

“Most powerful, inspirational movie I have ever seen. Life changing.”
-Hailey

“Overwhelming representation of God’s Love, Grace and the Law! I can’t stop crying!”
Pastor Toni Gore
Faith Fellowship Church
McKinney, TX

“Outstanding tool for ministry. This movie will speak deeply to any person no matter their belief. Deeply moving and heartfelt!”
Bob Mason
President, Missions International

“Intense and gripping. Won’t let go!”
-David

“Gripping journey from law and condemnation into grace. It’s deep reach into your heart opens doors for healing…”
Pastor Rob Gore
Faith Fellowship Church
McKinney, TX

“This is the move accessible Christian movie to a non Christian audience that I have ever seen!”
Associate Pastor Zane Sipes
Clearpath Church
Mesquite, TX

“I love character driven and moving stories. BTFS delivers! A soul stirring treasure!”
-Kandie

“A compelling experience depicting God’s grace and unconditional love. The acting was fantastic!”
-Kandie

“Wow!!!”
-Chuck

“Amazingly redemptive!”
-Gary

“Unpredictable!”
-Cyndi

“A brutal and ELEGANT view of reality.”
Pastor Jordan Sutton
Clearpath Church
Mesquite, TX

“Wonderful and beautiful. Fragile and yet strong!”
-Rebecca

“This movie was so intense and captivating!”
-Sophia

http://beyondthefartheststar.com/leadership/

Last Saturday, I set out for Los Angeles with a few clips and information about our film, BEYOND THE FARTHEST STAR. With the film in post-production, we compiled three rough-cut scenes and a montage of the film. However, before setting appointments, I sent the montage to distributors in hopes of getting a meeting while at AFM. By the time I left, I had six meetings set with distributors and sales agents. Santa Monica was beautiful but there was little time to admire it. Each day, was packed with meetings and new contacts. The six meetings doubled to twelve in four days. As I played the limited film footage in each meeting, the executives were amazed at the quality of our production, the engaging story and the powerful performances. These are “seasoned” industry people who see hundreds of films every year so, when they say a film impresses them, you take it seriously. After watching the footage with misty eyes, one distribution executive said, “You have a very special film here.” Seeing the project shot on location through it’s current rough-edited sequences, I have always felt BEYOND was going to be incredible, so this comment was reaffirming for me as producer. I know we have a tremendous film here.

My last full day in Los Angeles was unforgettable. I met an executive on a major studio lot. It was the only meeting not in Santa Monica. We discussed BEYOND THE FARTHEST STAR and its compelling story as well as the possibility of distribution.

After this meeting, I headed back to AFM to meet our star actress, Renee O’Connor for lunch. I had the privilege of showing her footage for the first time since shooting and we enjoyed lunch together afterwards. You can see an impromptu interview with Renee and her glowing reaction to the film at the link below.

What’s next? Every distributor and sales agent who I met in California last week, has requested a screener. A screener is a full rough-edit of the film. This should be available for private viewing and consideration in January 2011. Currently, our post-production team is feverishly preparing for this deadline.

Don’t for get to leave a comment and let us know what you thought!

What’s YOUR Answer?
In Beyond the Farthest Star, Anne Wells, the Goth daughter of Pastor Adam Wells, wrestles with the question, “What is beyond the farthest star?” In the movie, Anne describes this as “an unsolvable mystery that no one ever talks about.” A BTFS camera crew visited a local cinema in Southlake, Texas and asked moviegoers there the same question. Watch the video and see what people of diverse cultures and backgrounds had to say about this universal question. Also, please post your thoughts in the comments section of the site. Let’s start a national conversation! Let’s get the world talking about “the mystery no one ever talks about” and the new film, BEYOND THE FARTHEST STAR!

In this week’s video blog, cast and crew say a big, beyond THANK YOU! to the city of Leonard for being such gracious hosts to our fifty-plus member cast and crew during our three week stay there throughout production. Big props to Pastor Denny Gorena and the congregation of First Baptist Church for their tremendous support and all access to their church facility for our base camp. A special shout out goes to the Leonard City Council, Mayor Bill Yoss, City Secretary Nancy Robinson, Police Chief Rex A. Clark, Police Officer Kim Dillard, Fire Chief Roby Watson, all the business owners and residents who provided locations for the shoot, and the ever delightful Eddie Sudderth. Especially important to the cast and crew was our home away from home, The Five Rivers Motel and RV Park . . . Thank you Robin Whisenhunt for being such a fabulous hostess. But most important of all is the entire community of Leonard, Texas, especially those who came out and endured long days on the set, to be part of the movie magic experience. They embraced us and the project, and we hope we left them with some happy memories in return.