By Karu F. Daniels,
Kirk Franklin is ready for his close-up -- on the big screen this go round.
The gospel music sensation has partnered with Lionsgate to develop 'Church Boy,' a movie project described as a 'screen version of his inspirational life story."
Fresh off the platinum-selling success of his latest opus 'Hero' and on the heels of winning his first American Music Award (for "Favorite Contemporary Inspirational Artist"), Franklin is continuing his wave of Hollywood-bound holy rolling victory.
The three time Grammy Award winner will produce 'Church Boy' along with Emmy Award winning casting director Robi Reed.
Lionsgate, the leading independent filmed entertainment studio in America, has been building up its portfolio of African American and faith based properties with Tyler Perry's wildly popular box-office toppers 'Diary of a Mad Black Woman' and 'Madea's Family Reunion.' In October, the critically heralded family drama 'Akeela And The Bee' scored four do the seven statuettes it was nominated for during the second annual telecast of the Black Movie Awards.
"We are very excited to welcome Kirk Franklin to the Lionsgate family," offered Lionsgate President of Production Mike Paseornek. "Kirk is an incredible talent who has touched countless lives through his music and his spiritual message. To hear his story is to realize how faith and dedication can help a person overcome the most daunting obstacles. With Kirk playing himself and bringing in brand-new songs – audiences are sure to be feeling the spirit with 'Church Boy.'"
"A lot of people who say that they are Christians don't always represent," Franklin said while accepting his American Music Award. "I wanna make sure that when you see my life, that it's a life that you can really be proud of."
The film is Franklin's rags-to-riches story, which will detail him being abandoned by his teenage mother and raised by a great aunt in Ft. Worth, Texas. As a precocious musical talent, he directed a church choir by age 11, but soon lost his way with the exposure to drugs, street violence, and easy sex. As his life spiraled out of control, he underwent a dramatic spiritual conversion … and began a remarkable journey towards superstardom.
According to a spokesperson, he will also compose the film's soundtrack --which will include old favorites in addition to several brand-new songs. The script is still being worked on, with plans to start filming next spring.
Franklin said that Lionsgate is the "perfect home" for the 'Church Boy.'
"This is a studio that has made a strong and genuine commitment to African-American audiences and faith-based audiences," he added, continuing, "Lionsgate puts everything they have behind their films, and they are endlessly creative and resourceful in reaching the commercial marketplace."
On the musical front, Franklin has been tapped to host the 'Imagine Me' All-Star Celebrity Concert on Jan. 11, 2007 at Nashville's Opryland Hotel. The event, which kicks off the 22nd Annual Stellar Awards,' will benefit the Children's Defense Fund.
Artists confirmed to participating in concert, to be nationally broadcast on the Gospel Music Television Channel in April 2007, are Mary Mary, Donnie McClurkin, Kelly Price, Chante Moore, Kenny Lattimore, teen film actress KeKe Palmer (star of 'Akeelah and The Bee'), TV actor Tyler James Williams (star of 'Everybody Hates Chris'), Men Of Standard, Lil iROCC, Judith Christie-McAllister and the Mt. Zion Judah Generation Choir, with more celebrities to be confirmed.
He has served as the private, nonprofit organization's "Faith Ambassador' since last year.
"I'm honored as the Children Defense Fund’s 'Faith Ambassador' to host a benefit honoring an organization whose mission it is to raise awareness and bring much needed help to the millions of poor and disadvantaged children in America today," he commented. "I'm so thankful to my peerswho are joining me in this endeavor."
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