Saturday, April 18, 2015

4/20/15 Dallas CMA Meeting ~ BEYOND the STORY!


The Dallas Chapter of Christian Media Association will meet on April 20, 2015 for an incredible night about the impact a film can have on artists and musicians and how their creativity, combined with the filmmakers, is woven together into a powerful film that goes beyond the original vision. Each person involved with a film brings their special talents to create the whole. There is so much more than just the story being told. Our theme for the night is about "The Power of Art in Filmmaking."


Our special guest for the evening is John Hasting, CEO of The Thomas Kinkade Company. John previously had experience with Brushstrokes Fine Art Inc., InterArt Greetings, and Hallmark Cards Inc. One of the things John will be sharing with us is how seeing a rough draft of Beyond the Farthest Star inspired Thom to create one of his final paintings.


Other guests scheduled for this panel discussion are familiar faces from the film,  Beyond the Farthest Star.

Writer/Director/Producer Andrew Librizzi's film and commercial work have collected numerous awards, including international award winner, "Holding On," at the Houston Worldfest Film Festival. He also has had several stage productions performed across the United States and Canada.


Executive Producer/Actor Benjamin Dane (Deputy Jimmy Wilkens in BTFS) is also the current Dallas Chapter Leader for Christian Media Association. Benjamin has worked in several film, television and stage projects, with several due to be released in 2015. He is also the owner of the award winning ad agency Robinson Creative Inc.


Actor Todd Terry has the leading role as Pastor Adam Wells. Todd has been seen in numerous television and film roles, including, TNT's "Dallas," "Friday Night Lights," "Breaking Bad," "Arlington Road," and most recently on ABC's "American Crime." Todd also has several projects in production right now and is currently filming "Waiting For the Miracle to Come."

"Beyond the Farthest Star" will be making a monumental announcement that involves Thomas Kinkade, but they also have other famous fans who have been inspired to share their talents after seeing a rough cut of the film. Best selling Christian authors Brock and Bodie Thoene wrote a novel based on Andy's screenplay, and multiple award winning musician Crystal Lewis remastered her iconic hit, "Beauty For Ashes," to be included in the film. 




Dallas Chapter Leader Benjamin Dane is the host for the evening, but he will be assisted by Christian Media Association Board Member Theresa Westbrook and CMA Dallas Chapter Team Member Sherry Bronson.

The meeting will be held at Theatre 166 in Carrollton and is open to the public. However, due to limited space, it is strongly advised that you RSVP. Go to the Dallas Chapter CMA Facebook page to Join the Event. There is also a link where you may RSVP on the CMA website.


4/19/15 UPDATE!!
Now it is really serious! If you attend the CMA EVENT tomorrow night at 7P in Dallas, you could win this large framed Thomas Kinkade print! Must be present to win. Limited Seats. Make sure you RSVP!

Thursday, April 16, 2015

Inspirational Indie Film Inspires Kinkade Painting

The original Texas independent feature, “Beyond The Farthest Star,” and The Thomas Kinkade Company will announce the release of a new painting on Monday, April 20, 2015. Thomas Kinkade CEO, John Hasting, will make a formal announcement 7PM Monday at Theatre 166 in Carrollton. The film’s stars include Texas natives ReneĆ© O’Connor, Todd Terry and Barry Corbin, along with Billy McNamara, Andrew Prine, Cherami Leigh and Lou Beatty, Jr.


Dallas, Texas – April 15, 2015– Pathlight Entertainment and the producers of the feature film, “Beyond The Farthest Star,” partners with The Thomas Kinkade Company on the dual national release of a Kinkade painting and the film that inspired it. Along with the painting, the feature film will experience a national city-by-city, Theater-On-Demand distribution. Fans have been awaiting news of the film’s theatrical release for the past year. Overwhelming fan response on the new website at www.BeyondTheFarthestStar.com and Facebook demonstrates large interest in the story and film.

Early in 2012, famed artist Thomas Kinkade, experienced a rough-edit of  “Beyond The Farthest Star” and was inspired by its dramatic story. The “Painter of Light” usually crafted a watercolor for concept, color and layout before completing a final painting in oil. However, days after the initial work, Kinkade died suddenly. The father of four girls, it was his wish that the painting and film reach other families, just as his images captivate millions.

After the unfinished work sat dormant in the Kinkade vault, Thomas Kinkade’s brother, Patrick, desired to honor his brother’s wish. He encouraged his son (and Thomas’s nephew), Zachary Thomas Kinkade, to consider completing the original idea. Now, continuing in the Kinkade legacy, Zachary is inspired to explore Thom’s original concept and paint a new impression of the vision.


"We delayed the release of the film for quite some time as we have been waiting to make the formal announcement of the painting. Now the world will experience the Kinkade painting and the film story that inspired it, as it was meant to be,” says Executive Producer, Benjamin Dane.

The painting honors “Beyond the Farthest Star” and Thomas Kinkade’s concept with the characters from the film looking up into a sparkling night sky over a quaint Texas city. Most can relate to observing the stars. The painting captures that feeling with the Kinkade “touch”– glowing stars and an idyllic city in lights beneath. An image of Thomas’ original study may also appear on the back.

Pathlight Entertainment, in cooperation with The Kinkade Company’s local gallery, will release the film this summer along with the painting, in a special one-night cinema event. Then “Beyond The Farthest Star” will release in theaters across the country through GATHR. This grassroots system allows fans to control when and where they experience “Star”, on the exact day and time they select. Interested individuals are encouraged to email staff for more information at kathryn@pathlightentertainment.com. “Star” has received powerful endorsements, reviews and support. The film has also inspired a Harper-Collins novel by famed author team, Bodie and Brock Thoene, and a remake of the classic song, “Beauty For Ashes” by Crystal Lewis.

The “Beyond The Farthest Star” cast includes international star Renee O’Connor ("Xena", "Ark", "Boogeyman 2"), Todd Terry (“Breaking Bad”, “Arlington Road”, “Fissure”), Barry Corbin (“No Country for Old Men”, “Anger Management”, “War Games”), William McNamara (“Copycat”, “Chasers”, “The Legend of Hell’s Gate”), Andrew Prine (“The Miracle Worker”, “Gettysburg”, “The Dukes of Hazzard”) and Cherami Leigh (“Temple Grandlin”, “Fast Food Nation”).

“Star”
is helmed by writer/director, Andrew Librizzi ("Holding On", "Still Born"), executive produced by Benjamin Dane ("The Significant Other", "Still Born") and produced by Sally Helppie ("Exit Speed", "The Beacon").

Richard Propes, The Independent Critic says, "Beyond the Farthest Star is that rare film with the courage to speak a harsh and authentic truth while never losing sight of its grander truth." Although Pastor Adam Wells is revered as "the Next Billy Graham" of the sleepy Texas town, circumstances are forcing him to choose between church superstardom and his fractured family.

The Thomas Kinkade Company CEO, John Hasting, along with Writer/Director Andrew Librizzi and Executive Producer Benjamin Dane, will make a formal announcement at the Dallas CMA Event – Monday, April 20th 7PM at Theatre 166 in Carrollton, TX.

For More Information Contact:

Ben Robinson, Robinson Creative Inc.


EM: Ben@RobinsonCreativeInc.com PH: 817/748-5057, X-101 FX: 817/416-7833

###