A new independent film studio called Wonder Project said it got a $75 million investment to create “hopeful entertainment” for a faith and values-oriented audience.
The studio is led by “Jesus Revolution” producer Jon Erwin and former YouTube and Netflix executive Kelly Merryman Hoogstraten. It raised the seed money from Lionsgate, Powerhouse Capital, the United Talent Agency and producer Jason Blum among others, according to an announcement.
Mr. Erwin, who also produced “American Underdog” and “I Can Only Imagine,” is the venture’s chief content officer. Ms. Merryman Hoogstraten is the CEO.
In a statement, Mr. Erwin said the venture aims to “create a trusted brand that serves the faith and values audience globally with movies and TV shows they didn’t know were possible.”
He said, “We will achieve this by giving the creatives dedicated to this audience (including myself) a level of freedom and resources they’ve never had before. This level of talent combined with the power of the stories we are developing is really inspiring! I can’t wait for the audience to experience the things we are working on.”
Ms. Merryman Hoogstraten said the firm’s goal is “to flood the world with hope. I am convinced we can make a difference by telling stories that restore hope in things worth believing in — family, community, God, and America. We will do this at scale for a global audience that seeks faith and values-driven entertainment. And we will give the audience a brand they can call their own.”
Speaking to the trade journal, Mr. Jenkins said he was “thrilled there’s a place for people like me who can have the creative freedom and a connection to the audience.”
• Mark A. Kellner can be reached at mkellner@washingtontimes.com.
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