“Fireproof” Debuts At No.4 In Opening Weekend
Published: September 30, 2008
Pro-marriage movie "Fireproof" debuted at No. 4 this past weekend with $6.5 million, and had the year's second highest grossing opening weekend return of any film released on 1,000 screens or less.
The Samuel Goldwyn release beat out competitors such as "Miracle at St. Anna," "Choke," and "The Lucky Ones," according to reported box-office tracker Media By Numbers.
"Faith-based audiences have much clout at the Box Office," explained Media By Numbers, who noted that the only movie to do better than "Fireproof" this year in less than 1,000 theaters was Disney's "Hannah Montana and Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert."
The box office tracker credited 'Action Squads' for buying up tickets; these squads consisted of volunteer groups nationwide that purchased tickets in advance to ensure that the movie's showing in their area.
With the help of volunteers and church members, "Fireproof" opened in 839 theaters over the Sept. 26-28 weekend.
Produced by church-based ministry Sherwood Pictures, "Fireproof" tells the inspiring story of a fireman and his struggle to save his faltering marriage with his newfound faith and with the help of the "Love Dare," a 40-day spiritual guide that utilizes Scripture to reveal what true love is.
Sherwood Pictures' second film, "Facing the Giants," was a surprise box office hit in 2006, lasting 17 weeks in theaters nationwide. The low-budget film centers on the life of a football coach, was shown in 441 theaters across the nation and has been recognized as one of the most inspirational movies of 2006, according to Sports Illustrated.
"Fireproof" has drawn the support of several national groups including Focus on the Family, Outreach, FamilyLife, The Marriage CoMission, Marriage Alive Communications, and MarriageToday. Marriage expert Gary Smalley and Bubba Cathy of Chick-fil-A also gave high marks for the film.
Cathy, who serves as the senior vice-president of Chick-fil-A, praised the film for its "powerful message and the potential to change lives and marriages."
"This is one great movie," he said.
Copyright © 2008 316Networks.com. All rights reserved.
0 comments so far...
Leave a comment
Use the form below to add comments, suggestions, and the inevitable off-topic banter (please keep to a minimum). Feel free to use HTML code (optional), and be aware that we reserve the right to edit any raw language or banter that's too far off topic.
Recommend this 316 story on your favorite social bookmarking site.
“Fireproof” Debuts At No.4 In Opening Weekend
Published: September 30, 2008
Pro-marriage film earns $6 million at box office thanks to church group support
To link to this article from your blog, copy and paste the url below into your blog or homepage. Using this link will ensure access to the article, even after it becomes part of the 316 archive.
Permalink: