Licensing Program Unveiled for 'End of the Spear'

Licensing Program Unveiled for 'End of the Spear'

Licensees Introducing Array of Products to Support Motion Picture

OKLAHOMA CITY, Oct. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Entertainment company Bearing Fruit Communications today announced it has reached agreements with licensing partners for "End of the Spear"-branded book, music, apparel, jewelry and home decor products. The products will hit stores this coming December and January to coincide with the nationwide release of the film and be supported by a $12 million consumer advertising and marketing campaign.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20051006/DETH020 )

Bearing Fruit Communications, a nonprofit organization created to produce quality entertainment for a Christian audience, has named industry leaders Carpentree, Kerusso and Word Records as official "End of the Spear" licensees. In addition, Tyndale House Publishers is releasing the book "End of the Spear" by Steve Saint, son of Nate Saint, one of the five missionaries killed by the Waodani tribe and a central character in the movie.

The motion picture "End of the Spear" will release in theaters nationwide on January 20, 2006. The film tells the true story of two people, Mincayani, a Waodani warrior who led the raid that killed the missionaries, and Steve Saint, the son of the missionary Mincayani killed. The story was made famous by LIFE Magazine and the book "Through Gates of Splendor" by Elisabeth Elliot. But the world has never known the other side of the story -- from the perspective of the tribe -- until now.

"We are delighted to announce these licensing agreements and to be able to offer retailers a full complement of products to inspire and delight moviegoers," said Mart Green, founder and CEO of Bearing Fruit Communications. "These licensees are among the most reputable in the Christian products industry, and we're certain they will capture the true heart of this film through licensed products. We expect to see strong consumer interest in the products after the release of the film, as one cannot help but be moved by this amazing story of triumph, forgiveness and redemption."

Tulsa, Okla.-based Carpentree, Inc. will produce framed and tabletop art and picture frames, in addition to limited edition prints from "End of the Spear." Carpentree is also planning a shadow box product featuring real miniature spears made by the Waodani. Carpentree is a leading inspirational framed art and home decor manufacturer with nearly 30 years of experience in the Christian products industry.

Berryville, Ark.-based Kerusso, Inc. will produce t-shirts, hats and a jewelry line, including replicas of the unique Waodani necklaces, based on "End of the Spear," all designed to appeal to a broad audience. Kerusso will also make and market official "End of the Spear" movie gear. In the past two decades, Kerusso has established itself as a premier producer of apparel, jewelry and accessories within the Christian retail industry.

Nashville-based Word Records, one of the leading Christian music labels and a division of Warner Bros. Records, will produce and distribute the "End of the Spear" soundtrack, which will feature the film score as well as songs inspired by the film by leading Christian artists. With over 50 years experience, Word Records represents popular Christian music artists including Amy Grant, Nicole C. Mullen, Mark Schultz, Randy Travis and Point of Grace.

Tyndale House Publishers is located in Carol Stream, Ill., a suburb of Chicago. Founded in 1962 by Dr. Kenneth Taylor as a means of publishing The Living Bible, Tyndale House publishes bestselling books, New Living Translation Bibles and other resources for church and family. Tyndale has several recent titles that have appeared on the New York Times bestseller lists, including the "Left Behind" fiction series and several non-fiction titles.

In addition to the official "End of the Spear" licensed products, the movie and story will be supported at retail by the Oct. 4, 2005 launch of the documentary "Beyond the Gates of Splendor" (Fox Home Video/Word Distribution). Additional licensing partners for the movie "End of the Spear" are pending. Bearing Fruit Communications has agreed to donate 50 percent of all proceeds from the film and the licensing program to benefit the Waodani and other indigenous people like them.

"End of the Spear," a full-length feature film, hits theaters nationwide in January 2006 to commemorate the 50th anniversary remembrance of the 1956 slayings of the five missionaries -- Nate Saint, Jim Elliot, Pete Fleming, Ed McCully and Roger Youderian. In the 50 years since the spearings, the missionary widows have turned down numerous opportunities to have their story appear on the big screen. Steve Saint and the Waodani granted the movie rights to Bearing Fruit Communications after producers visited the tribe in the jungle to ask their permission.

About Bearing Fruit Communications

Bearing Fruit Communications (BFC), located in Oklahoma City, Okla., is a nonprofit communications organization created to produce quality entertainment for a Christian audience by bringing to life true stories of the courage and strength of the human spirit that touch the heart, mind, and soul. BFC has partnered with the for-profit film production company, Every Tribe Entertainment, to produce and release the feature-length film "End of the Spear."

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20051006/DETH020 AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/ PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com Source: Every Tribe Entertainment

CONTACT: Tara Powers of Lambert, Edwards & Associates, +1-616-233-0500, tpowers@lambert-edwards.com , for Every Tribe Entertainment

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