‘The Chosen’ producer Angel Studios establishes Theatrical Division and hires Brandon Purdie as VP of Theatrical Distribution

EXCLUSIVE: Angel Studios – the producer and distributor of the equity-funded faith-based series The chosen oneswhich has done big business both online and in theaters, today announced the launch of a theatrical division and the appointment of Brandon Purdie as vice president of theatrical distribution.

Purdie joins Angel’s Global Distribution team, led by SVP Jared Geesey, and plans to help the company continue to disrupt the typical film model by building its own direct-to-theater network. He comes to Angel Studios after founding his own distribution company, Purdie Distribution, in 2009, which oversaw the release of titles such as the Jason Momoa-narrated documentary Waterman about five-time Olympic gold medalist Duke Paoa Kahanamoku.

Angel Studios is a Legion M-style community-driven film studio that allows developers to showcase projects on the Angel platform, with “Angel Investors” then funding those they’re passionate about. Angel Studios is best known for its hugely popular episodic series The Chosen – the most backed crowdfunded series in history, raising over $10 million from over 16,000 investors for its first season. The Dallas Jenkins Show, starring Jonathan Roumie as Jesus of Nazareth, recently released a trio of Season 3 episodes along with the Christas special Christmas with the Chosen. And while also available online through the company’s website and dedicated app, the total earnings from these theatrical releases co-released with Fathom Events totaled $34 million. The Chosen then in some ways surpassed the blockbuster hits of major studio films, such as Universal’s She Said ($13.8 million), which documented the New York Times shooting of Harvey Weinstein, and Todd Field’s Cate Blanchett drama Tár (22 May). 1 million US dollars). ) for Focus Features, which recently won six Oscars.

Angel Studios’ next crowdfunded theatrical release is the David Helling film His Only Son, a dramatic retelling of the biblical story of Abraham and Isaac, which opens March 31 in approximately 1,800 theaters nationwide.

Angel Studios SVP of Global Distribution Geesey told Deadline that the company’s box office strategy is “the opposite of traditional Hollywood — we know who our fans are, where they are, and if they’re interested in attending this weekend, just plain.” we have an ongoing conversation. This grassroots theatrical approach led to our surprising success with The Chosen for Christmas 2022, and we will apply the same approach to a whole range of theatrical campaigns, starting with HIS ONLY SON at Easter.

“That’s why we use the talented Brandon Purdie,” Geesey continued. “Brandon’s respected track record of moving from films to theaters and creating blockbuster hits makes him the perfect partner to build our relationship directly with theatrical exhibitors.”

Purdie added, “No studio in the history of film or motion pictures is more committed to audiences than Angel Studios. Angel now brings that commitment to the big screen and theater window.

Purdie released more than 75 independent films during his 22-year film career, starting with independent distributor Excel Entertainment, moving from marketing director to overseeing theatrical and DVD marketing and releasing dozens of projects each year before Purdie Distribution was established. Other features he has previously helped bring to screens include the family film The Stray, starring Michael Cassidy, Sarah Lancaster and Connor Corum; rugby drama Forever Strong, with Gary Cole, Sean Astin and Neal McDonough; and the picture of saints and soldiers from World War II. Purdie also serves on the Executive Board of Directors of the Utah-based Zions Indie Film Fest.

Angel Studios’ early projects – The Chosen and the stand-up series Dry Bar Comedy – received billions of views worldwide. The company’s other notable projects include the crowd-funded animated series The Wingfeather Saga, based on Andrew Peterson’s best-selling fantasy book series.