Sony Pictures Animation Developing Faith-Based Movie About Nativity Story, by Jeff Sneider

DeVon Franklin will produce the animated film “The Lamb” under his new company Franklin Entertainment

”There is a desire for more uplifting content, and content that can inspire and challenge people in a way that makes us think more about our purpose, more about our destiny, and more about our history.” -DeVon Franklin

By Jeff Sneider • The Wrap

DeVon Franklin at 2014 BAFTA LA Outreach Project

Sony Pictures Animation is developing “The Lamb,” an animated movie inspired by the Nativity story that DeVon Franklin will produce under his newly-minted company Franklin Entertainment.

Based on an original pitch by Tom Sheridan, the film will feature both laughs and heart, as well as an all-animal cast.

Sony Animation intends to produce an inspiring, respectful and entertaining take on the famous Nativity story while remaining accessible to a broad audiences.

Sony Pictures Animation’s Michelle Raimo Kouyate, Jenny Marchick and Daniel Inkeles will oversee the project for the studio.

Franklin previously told TheWrap he believes that “entertainment absolutely has the power to heal,” and cited the increasing success of faith-based films and growing need for such content. ”There is a desire for more uplifting content, and content that can inspire and challenge people in a way that makes us think more about our purpose, more about our destiny, and more about our history,” said Franklin, who is also a well-respected motivational speaker and Christian preacher.

The market for faith-based entertainment has been as big as ever this year, as evidenced byDarren Aronofsky‘s “Noah” ($359 million worldwide), Sony’s “Heaven Is For Real” ($100 million worldwide), Mark Burnett and Roma Downey‘s “Son of God” (nearly $60 million in the U.S.), the Kevin Sorbo movie “God’s Not Dead” ($60 million in the U.S. on a $2 million production budget”) and the Christian-themed football film “When the Game Stands Tall,” which is also expected to turn a profit.

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See also:  

DeVon Franklin and Gary David Stratton at Princeton Theological Seminary’s ‘Morality in Media’ Conference

Bezalel Rising: Gary David Stratton Speaks at Princeton on Hollywood Storytelling and Culture-Making Communities of Faith

Hollywood’s Come-to-Jesus Moment: Inside the Latest Rise of Faith-Driven Movies

11 Top Grossing Christian-Themed Movies Since 2004 (Photos)