Jacob The Baker On The Path To Production
JACOB THE BAKER ON THE PATH TO PRODUCTION
PRESS RELEASE
Los Angeles, CA – March 18, 2011 – Nationlight Productions, producers of the Will Ferrell starrer “Everything Must Go,” has partnered with producer Michael Helfant and renowned author Noah benShea to develop and produce a feature film based upon the award-winning trilogy of benShea’s Jacob the Baker books. Nationlight principal Marc Erlbaum (“Café”) will adapt the series. Helfant, benShea and Erlbaum will produce.
Jacob the Baker, Jacob’s Journey, and Jacob’s Ladder are all international best-selling books written by poet-philosopher Noah benShea. Jacob is a poor but pious baker whose unassuming life embraces a gentle and profound wisdom that brings inspiration, hope, and comfort to the world around him.
“We are very excited to be in business with Nationlight,” said benShea and Helfant. “Jacob has already touched the lives of millions of readers around the world. With this film, we can continue to share Jacob’s wisdom, compassion, and humor with old fans and new friends alike. And with Marc and his team at Nationlight, we found a partner that is committed to making films that make a difference.”
Erlbaum added, “There is a tremendous demand for positive, uplifting films that appeal to audiences of all backgrounds and affiliations who want to be inspired and entertained. Jacob the Baker is a simple sage and reluctant hero who will move audiences as he humbly offers counsel, comfort, and encouragement to a world that desperately needs it. We are thrilled to be working with Noah and Michael to bring this beautiful work to the screen.”
First published in 1989 by Random House, the Jacob books have been translated into 18 languages. benShea is one of North America’s most respected and beloved poet-philosophers. He is the international best-selling author of 23 books translated into 18 languages. He has been nominated for a Pulitzer Prize, has spoken at the Library of Congress and was the focus of a 2009 National PBS Special that aired in 150 cities. His messages of wisdom and direction make 100 million impressions annually. Noah benShea, husband and father, lives in Santa Barbara, California and is the National Laureate for the ALS Association.
Nationlight Productions most recently produced the drama “Everything Must Go,” starring Will Ferrell and directed by Dan Rush. The film premiered at the 2010 Toronto Film Festival and was one of the most sought after titles of the festival, selling to Lionsgate and Roadside Attractions. It will be released on May 13, 2011. Nationlight’s first film, Café, is an ensemble drama written and directed by Erlbaum, and starring Jennifer Love Hewitt, Jamie Kennedy, and Alexa Vega. “Café” premiered at the 2010 Heartland Film Festival where it garnered the Crystal Heart Award. It will be distributed worldwide by Maya Entertainment. Launched in 2009 by Erlbaum and J. Andrew Greenblatt, Nationlight Productions is a film and television production company focused on creating inspiring, meaningful content for mainstream audiences of all backgrounds and affiliations. Nationlight films highlight human potential, probe the questions of our existence, and inspire viewers to better themselves and their surroundings. Nationlight is represented by WME Global and its advisers include industry veterans Craig Emanuel, Michael Helfant, Doug Mankoff, and Randy Manis.
Helfant is the co-founder of newly formed Troika Pictures. He has held senior positions at Marvel Studios, Beacon Pictures, Miramax/Dimension Films and PolyGram Filmed Entertainment/Interscope Communications, and has been involved with over 125 films over the past 25 years, including such films as “Iron Man,” “Spy Kids,” “Very Bad Things,” “Mr. Holland’s Opus,” “What Dreams Will Come,” and “The Hand that Rocks the Cradle.”