NASHVILLE, TN (Word Distribution/ www.worddistribution.com) - Nashville-based Christian retail mega supplier, Word Distribution, announces the signing of a long-term distribution agreement with
20th Century Fox Home Entertainment, which garners the promotion of two marketing veterans and establishes three new positions in the marketing department to represent distributed label marketing services. This signing represents a renewal of the agreement between Word and
20th Century Fox that began over two-and-a-half years ago and has resulted in a significant increase in sales of family-friendly and faith-based films in the CBA marketplace.
20th Century Fox Home Entertainment's (TCFHE) ongoing commitment to provide these types of film and marketing support to the CBA marketplace was further solidified by the recent renewal of a long-term
Pictured signing the new agreement (l-r) are Jeff Yordy, 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment vice president acquired marketing; Laura Neutzling, Word Distribution vice president of marketing; and Mark Funderburg, Word Distribution president. distribution agreement that provides Word with exclusive distribution of these quality Christian and Family films to the CBA. Along with this agreement, TCFHE has unveiled the new "FoxFaith" imprint that was announced in February at the NRB 2006 (National Religious Broadcasters convention). With this new imprint, 20th Century Fox becomes the first major Hollywood studio to commit to faith-based film projects with limited theater runs.
All films that appear with the FoxFaith logo will contain overtly Christian content and be based on stories and books by best-selling Christian authors. With the success of such titles as Frank Perretti's Hangman's Curse, films from Hallmark Channel award winner, Janette Oke ("Love" series) and the groundbreaking The Passion Of The Christ, TCFHE will continue to distribute and market to the CBA new family friendly films. Upcoming films include Three, based on the best-selling book by Ted Dekker, Mother Teresa, staring Oscar nominated actress Olivia Hussey, and The Last Sin Eater, based on the popular book by Francine Rivers.
'20th Century Fox Home Entertainment is excited about the continued growth in our relationship with Word Distribution, whom we view as a critical strategic partner in the development of our faith-based business,' says Jeff Yordy, Vice President Acquired Marketing for TCFHE. 'With the launch of the FoxFaith brand nationally later this year, over a dozen new Christian films in production, and important additional strategic initiatives underway, Word has become a critical part of driving this business forward, and we are pleased to expand our relationship with them.'
With this renewed commitment to expand the Christian film genre to the CBA and beyond, Word Distribution announces the staff promotions of two key industry veterans, as well as the creation of three new positions within its marketing department:
Laura Neutzling, former Sr. Marketing Director, is promoted to Vice President of Marketing. With over 20 years experience in Christian retail and music business combined, including ten years within Word's marketing division, Neutzling will continue to head up the marketing department team, overseeing all aspects of Word Distribution's partnership with 20th Century Fox and other family film initiatives, creative marketing program development and implementation, and Marketing Services. She will provide all direction for marketing collateral, develop distribution-positioning presentations and continue to assist the president in maintaining and securing new business for the company. Neutzling will be key to the company's position and imaging, as well as the focus on business development.
Rodney Bowen, former Marketing Director is promoted to Sr. Marketing Director. Bowen will oversee a range of strategic activities, including promotion and program development, label relations, Internet initiatives and marketing services along with marketing group management and public relations. In addition to other key functions, Bowen will be instrumental in helping implement new revenue streams and business development.
'We've been excited to see the family and faith-based film market grow exponentially over the last couple of years, and we're very proud to be associated with Jeff Yordy and his team,' comments Mark Funderburg, President, Word Distribution. 'Because of this growth, we've been able to assemble a team here in Nashville, under the leadership of Laura Neutzling, to specifically move forward with this important initiative. These new resources will enable us to reach our goal of doubling family and faith based film sales for our retailers by this time in 2007.'
New members of the expanded marketing team include:
Josh Mullenix, Marketing Manager. John is assigned to primarily manage the day-to-day functions needed to facilitate the promotions, programs, production, and other retail initiatives pertaining to Word Distribution's relationship with TCFHE. John Chapman, Marketing Coordinator. John will work directly with Neutzling to provide administrative support and assistance to the entire marketing department, in addition to aiding the team by working on Fox-specific initiatives. Matt Toth, Manager of Marketing Services. Matt will be responsible for interfacing with distributed labels who have agreements to pursue marketing functions on their behalf beyond distribution marketing functions. He will manage the day-to-day processes and interactions with the marketing group accounts, as well as support and maintain Word Distribution's proven effective distribution programs.
For more information on Word Distribution, visit www.worddistribution.com.
