Anne Rice’s bestselling novel CHRIST THE LORD: Out of Egypt will soon become a major motion picture to be produced by Los Angeles-based Good News Holdings, a multimedia studio specializing in the development and distribution of faith-based media. The feature film deal was announced by George Barna, Chairman of Good News Holdings. The novel, which was released in October of 2005, was Belief.net’s book of the year for 2005 and spent 13 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Good News is presently in discussions with distributors for the motion picture with an intended Christmas 2008 release.

CHRIST THE LORD: Out of Egypt is the story of Jesus Christ at age seven as he and his family depart Egypt to return home to Nazareth. Told from his childhood perspective, the novel movingly celebrates the character and strength of the young Jesus as he grows into his religious identity. Its many highlights include Jesus coming to terms with the circumstances of His birth in Bethlehem and his growing realization of his calling. Set in a turbulent era against the backdrop of the Roman occupation, the story brings to life the day to day life of Second Temple Judaism from the beauty of worship in the largest temple of the ancient world to the regular prayers and readings of Jewish family life, Rice’s research included “latest publications in archaeology, geography and social history, as well as intense biblical study.”

One of the most popular writers of the 20th Century, Anne Rice’s books have sold over 85 million books to date. She drew widespread attention in 1998 when she returned to her Christian faith.

“We will be faithful to Anne’s vision,” said George Barna of Good News. CHRIST THE LORD is a transcendent work. Millions of readers have already found the book to be a riveting journey. The film will appeal to Christians because of its familiar yet powerful and revealing story, as well as non-believers, who will be fascinated to experience the emergence of one of the world’s most extraordinary figures. Anne’s narrative presents a fresh and captivating perspective on the greatest story ever told.”

Good News Holdings is a privately held multimedia company based in Los Angeles, California. The organization was founded in December 2005 by entertainment industry veterans Christopher Chisholm, Martha Cotton David Kirkpatrick, Silicon Valley executive Rich Christopher, bestselling author and renowned researcher George Barna, and former Barna Group business partner Thom Black. Good News currently delivers Christian content through mobile phones via its cellular division, FaithMobile.

The Christ The Lord deal was brokered by Creative Artists Agency in conjunction with Janklow Nesbit & Associates.

“7th Street Theater,” the first ever prime time, weekly, Christian drama series on a national television network in the history of broadcasting, has now begun airing on TBN. Christian film producer Dave Christiano said, “I saw that there was a tremendous need for Christian drama on the airwaves. …If you turn on a Christian television network in prime time, you will not find any dramatic shows, and so I wanted to offer something that had a direct message for Christ and was dramatic entertainment at the same time.”

While the names of cast members won't ring any bells for most viewers, series producer Christiano emphasized that they turn in top-rate performances. “This is an extremely talented group of actors,” he said, “who play a number of different characters within the series. It's a unique format that allowed the actors to display their abilities and as a result, present characters I feel strongly viewers will enjoy watching.”

That talented cast of regulars on “7th Street Theater” includes Josh Gaffga, Hugh McLean, Johanna Jowett, Stacey J. Aswad, Shane Willimon, and Jack Kelly.

The half-hour series consists of 24 already produced original episodes in the first season. A second season begins production in April. Christiano noted that the weekly drama series, the first of its kind on Christian television, is debuting on one of the world's largest television networks. “TBN is a worldwide stage and a great number of people will be able to receive the program,” he said. “I'm very pleased about that.”

Susan Zahn, an expert in faith-based media, noted that there is an ever-increasing demand for all types of family-friendly and inspirational programming. “7th Street Theater is an example of the clean, quality television that is being produced to fill that demand,” she said. “And TBN is taking the lead in getting these shows to largest audience possible.”

Two actors now residing in Los Angeles, Stacey J. Aswad and Jack Kelly, were cast in leading roles as series regulars. “As well as playing the role of 'Andi' in the series, Stacey is the host for Walt Disney World's theme parks infomerical that airs 24 / 7 in Orlando,” states Christiano, “and she's also the lead female in our love story, 'Me & You, Us, Forever' coming to theaters February 15th, 2008. The girl has diverse talent and a sparkling personality which comes across sincerely in her work.”

Jack Kelly moved to Los Angeles in 1998 to pursue a ministry to people in the entertainment industry. “He is a natural actor,” said Christiano, “and his ability really shows in episode #7 entitled, 'One Lucky Lady'. It's an episode that deals with purity before marriage and Jack brings it home with a very special and touching performance.”

“I'm excited about the uncompromising message,” said actor Josh Gaffga. “The gospel is presented and a strong story is told that has substance to it.”

Actor Hugh McLean adds, “Once a person starts watching and gets into the content of the show, there is some life-changing truth. You can watch a Christian program, and not feel preached at, but learn some life lessons and be entertained at the same time.”

One episode is named “Movie Star” where Kelly (Johanna Jowett) dreams she is the world's most famous actress. “It's an Emmy award winning performance by Johanna in that episode,” states Christiano. “And I don't say that with any false hype.”

“7th Street Theater” can be seen on TBN every Saturday at 8 p.m. (PST). To find out more about the show, see the official Web site: 7thstreettheater.com.

For more information on Dave Christiano, go to: ChristianFilms.com/dcf.htm