LOMBARD, IL, USA - October 8, 2002 — The long awaited, first feature-length film from Big Idea Productions, Jonah - A Veggie Tales Movie, opened in theatres across North America last weekend, and Big Idea insiders say it's receiving a warm reception from movie-goers.
Jonah took in just over 6.2 million dollars on its opening weekend
Photo: Big Idea Productions
A scene from
Jonah - a VeggieTales Movie
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Variety, the bible of the entertainment industry, reported that Jonah opened at 940 theatres last weekend, and took in box office receipts of just over 6.2 million dollars. Dan Philips, Vice President of Production for the unique entertainment company, says they were encouraged by initial box office reports: "It (the Jonah movie) came in sixth overall, which is very good ... so we're releasing more prints and opening up more screens this weekend, and in more cities too, actually. The average number of tickets sold per screen, when you look at all the films that opened up last weekend; we came in second place for that ... which was quite good."
It is primarily a story of God's mercy
The movie portrays the biblical story of Jonah, (with considerable creative license) as told by a cast of talking, singing vegetables. It is primarily a story of God's mercy. And Philips says the message is impacting audiences in an atmosphere of liveliness and fun.
| "...there's been this habit of every kid jumping up and dancing towards the end, in front of their seats, which I haven't seen before ..." |
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- Dan Philips, Vice President of Production, Big Idea Productions
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"The few screenings that I've been to recently, the kids not only enjoy the show the way they normally do with the video releases, but there's been this habit of every kid jumping up and dancing towards the end, in front of their seats, which I haven't seen before ... I would say the audience response has been pretty darn good - the musical numbers - I usually sit towards the back and you can watch the heads and shoulders bobbing up and down throughout the music, which is really good," Philips said during a telephone interview with Bible Network News this week.
It is a small company with a mighty mission
Photo: Big Idea Productions
A scene from
Jonah - a VeggieTales Movie
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This film is a big step for a company that began in a spare bedroom with one computer and little capital, back in 1993. Founded by computer animator and storyteller Phil Vischer, Big Idea Productions is a small company with a mighty mission; 'to markedly enhance the moral and spiritual fabric of our society through creative media'. Small wonder then, that the mood around the office has been somewhat tense since the film opened.
"I guess we're all nervous, to be honest," said Philips. "I mean we're very, very happy that it's out there - that we were able to actually make it and get it out in front of everyone, and not just our fans, but to an even wider audience, and yet at the same time, we're nervous about, 'Well, will everyone go and see it?' We know we had a fairly good (opening) weekend; we're hoping that now, people will go out and talk about it, so word of mouth will start to bring in friends and other people that wouldn't necessarily see a Veggie (Tales) show."
Source: Patricia L. Paddey, Bible Network News
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