AMG Films, a wholly owned division of AMG Holdings, announced today it has inked a five-year, first-look deal with Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group for television, DVD and digital rights in the U.S. and in select foreign territories.

The first of the films, all of which will be released by Warner Home Video (WHV), will be the animated 3-D feature The Lion of Judah, hitting screens in 1,000 domestic theaters this spring through a distribution agreement with Rocky Mountain Pictures. The film features the voice talent of stars Scott Eastwood (Invictus, Gran Torino, Pride, Flags of Our Fathers), Michael Madsen (Donnie Brasco, Kill Bill, Vols. 1 & 2, Reservoir Dogs) and Ernest Borgnine (Red, The Wild Bunch, The Dirty Dozen, Marty, From Here to Eternity, TV’s McHale’s Navy).

The Lion of Judah — which tells the Easter story through lovable stable animals’ eyes — was produced by Animated Family Films, the animation arm of AMG Holdings, and has already garnered a groundswell of support and anticipation through churches and faith-based organizations.

Stated Tom Lucas, WHV’s VP Marketing, Theatrical Catalog, “We are delighted this deal has come together and we welcome AMG’s high-quality slate of titles to the Warner Bros. library — starting with the charming and family-friendly The Lion of Judah.”

Commented Tim Warren, President of AMG Films, “This is a significant milestone in our young company’s history. We are excited to be partnering with Warner Home Entertainment Group for the release of The Lion of Judah and on our entire slate of animated and live-action films.”

Other films in development/production at AMG include:

• An African Tale, a $30 million-budget, animated, family feature telling the story of a life-changing adventure, during which the offspring of the jungle and plains animals overcome decades of mistrust and enmity, setting in motion a chain of events that will change their entire land forever.

• Bethlehem or Bust, the $12 million-budget prequel to The Lion of Judah — starring Borgnine, Omar Miller (The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, 8 Mile), Alphonso McAuley (Pride, Glory Road) and world-renowned gospel singer Sandi Patti (The Lion of Judah) — to be released in 2-D and 3-D.

• Perfect Wave, a live-action film with a $10 million budget, is based on the true story of surfer Ian McCormack who travels to Bali in a quest to catch “the perfect wave,” but dies when stung by a jellyfish. Experiencing both heaven and hell, he does indeed encounter the ideal ride before returning to life.

• Heart of a Man, the highly anticipated $65 million-budget period feature from AMG’s live-action production arm, Prelude Pictures. The film is based on the real-life story of John Newton — famed 18th century, Caucasian seaman who was “gifted” to a West African princess as a slave — and the prequel to Amazing Grace.

• Our Father, a “dramedy” written by John Candy and Gene Quintano (in which Candy was slated to star prior to his death).  The $15 million-budget film will feature numerous celebrity cameos by friends of Candy.

Chris Arrant

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