Industry Insights: EKKL announces new streaming platform

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A new family-oriented streaming platform promising to bring “streaming, podcasts, and meaningful connection into one place designed for those looking for family and faith-friendly content,” according to its website, was announced at NRB in Nashville. EKKL is named after the Greek word Ekklesia, meaning “assembly” or “gathering” and often translated in the New Testament as “church.” Led by former co-founder and CEO of Pure Flix, Michael Scott, EKKL has onboarded Dave Mechem from Pinnacle Peak (The Shift, The Blind, Reagan, Someone Like You) to lead theatrical releasing and Jim Schubert from Pure Flix (God’s Not Dead, The Case for Christ, Moms’ Night Out, Indivisible) to lead streaming acquisitions. Backed by the Robertson family (Duck Dynasty, WHOA That's Good Podcast, Unashamed Podcast), the company aims to create a space where families can engage daily through various forms of uplifting media. To learn more, watch their announcement video here..

From Kevin Christenson, Head of Hope Studios

Executive Notes

I stood by the ice cream machine, waiting for it to freeze, when a student walked up and asked, “Can I pray for you?”

Having just wrapped filming 11 to 1 Billion in Romania (see previous newsletter), in the first week of March, I was invited to speak to the students of Andrews University in Michigan, USA. The topic was about using film for impact. For decades, there’s been an assumption that faith-driven values and artistic excellence had to be an either-or choice when it came to film. Creatives felt left with two choices:

Hollywood, where excellence is expected but values are often tested—or nonprofit ministry spaces, where values are protected but craft and reach can fall short. I was there to inspire the students for a third path that compromised on neither.

“Amen.” We lifted our heads, still standing in the middle of the university’s cafeteria, and the student asked what I was there to talk about. “No way! That’s what I’m studying to pursue!”

Today we are living at a time when series like House of David and movies like Daniel are proving that large-scale excellence is achievable with values and quality.

If you are a creative seeking that third path, be encouraged. It can be done. It is being done. You can do it too. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” — Colossians 3:23 (NIV)

Send this to a creative you know who is seeking that third path of uncompromising excellence.