THE NATIVITY STORY

SPECIAL SCREENING WITH FILMMAKERS

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2006

THE NATIVITY STORY is a profoundly moving take on the greatest story ever told.   For the first time ever, viewers are able to visually explore the human emotions of Mary and Joseph's journey and extraordinary situation, ultimately bringing new meaning to the reason for the season.   Learn from the filmmakers themselves as they describe the inspiration, creative and scholarly process in developing the screenplay as well as the many behind-the-scenes hurdles and miracles.

Screening will be followed by panel discussion with filmmakers moderated by CRAIG DETWEILER.

Catherine Hardwicke (Director/Executive Producer)
Catherine Hardwicke is one of the industry's most interesting directors both in terms of subject and style. A prolific production designer and architect, Hardwicke has pulled from her experience of working with such critically acclaimed directors as Cameron Crowe, David O. Russell, Costa Gavras, and Richard Linklater to create a period film of “epic intimacy.”  Her most recent film, Lords of Dogtown , followed three young kids from broken homes who revolutionized the new sport of skateboarding in Venice, California in the 70’s. Released by Sony Pictures, the film stars Heath Ledger, John Robinson, Emile Hirsch and Victor Rasuk. Says Producer Wyck Godfrey, "We chose Catherine because she cuts against the grain of the picture-book version of the movie that could have been made. She has had great success at really capturing the lives of young people in particular, and the conflict, crisis, and pain of growing up. The idea of bringing her point of view to Biblical times is very interesting."

Wyck Godfrey (Producer)
Wyck Godfrey has amassed an exciting and diverse line-up of films in his career.  He is currently producing 20th Century Fox's 2006 Christmas tent pole fantasy movie Eragon, based on the worldwide bestselling novel by Christopher Paolini.  Godfrey spent eight years working with John Davis, serving as President of Production at Davis Entertainment for five of those years. While there, he produced the box office sci-fi blockbuster I, Robot, starring Will Smith. He also Executive Produced the action films, Behind Enemy Lines and Alien vs. Predator. He began his career as a Creative Executive at New Line Cinema in 1991 and worked in both the New York and Los Angeles development departments until 1995. Godfrey graduated from Princeton in 1990 with a degree in English.

MOVIE WEBSITE
http://www.thenativitystory.com

EXCERPTS FROM L.A. TIMES ARTICLE:

Shortly before Easter, New Line Cinema executives sat down in a Los Angeles screening room for a class they nicknamed "Christianity 101."

The movie studio was preparing for the holiday release of "The Nativity Story," based on the biblical account of Jesus' birth. Taught by an evangelical preacher, a Presbyterian minister and a Pauline nun who doubled as a film critic for a Catholic magazine, the lesson was aimed at educating executives who were well-versed in slasher movies, fantasy thrillers and raunchy comedies but knew little about one of Christianity's most sacred events. New Line executives hope their education will help them market "Nativity" not only to devout Christians but to those who are not avid churchgoers.

"Nativity" also is a radical departure for New Line. The company, owned by giant Time Warner Inc., made its name with such low-budget hits as the "Nightmare on Elm Street" slasher series. More recently, it released the acclaimed "Lord of the Rings" trilogy and last year's hit comedy "The Wedding Crashers."

Costing more than $65 million to make and market, "Nativity" is one of the biggest and most expensive biblical-themed releases from a major media company."The more we learn, the more opportunities present themselves in advertising with special interest groups and with promotional partners," New Line's Schwartz said. "This has made us realize how large and diverse the Christian world is."

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