News

Salty Earth Pictures to produce Robin Shope’s novel

Salty Earth Pictures and Robin Shope are pleased to announce plans are underway to produce a feature motion picture based on Shope’s novel The Christmas Edition. Ms. Shope, an author now living in Dallas, Texas, has written a series of novels that are set in Wisconsin, known as The Turtle Creek Edition series. Salty Earth Pictures, located in Fort Atkinson, Wis., is a non-profit organization dedicated to encouraging, producing, and distributing entertainment that challenges minds, lightens hearts, and strengthens souls.

“Ms. Shope’s faith-based novels take place right out our front door, making them a perfect fit for Salty Earth Pictures,” said studio president, Steven F. Zambo. He added, “It is our goal to produce a feature based on Robin’s “Christmas Edition” in a manner much like the successful Facing the Giants film was produced.”

The film will be shot on a relatively low budget by Hollywood standards, but will rely on volunteers and passionate individuals and supporters to bring the film to the screen. When asked about the movie of her book Shope commented, “Being born and raised in Delavan, Wis., I couldn’t think of a more perfect setting for a book and now the movie.” Wisconsites may remember Shope as Robin Jansen. She is a 1968 graduate of Delavan-Darien High School and also graduated from UW-Whitewater.

Without revealing too much of the story, the movie will be based on a struggling family owned business in a small Wisconsin town. It focuses on relationships, secrets, trust, faith, and the hope Christmas and it’s message provides.

Much work needs to be done before the camera will roll. “Scripting, casting, financing, music, and locations are all issues we will be facing in the next several months. But, it is our prayer that we will be in production late this year with a planned distribution for Christmas 2010,” said Zambo.

Salty Earth Pictures’ studio will be the primary location for production. The studio has over 30,000 square feet of production space.

Marketing an independent film is no small task. Zambo says, “We are going to use the electronic tools out there to build and keep interest.” Periodic video update will be available on Salty Earth Pictures’ YouTube page. Also, both Shope and Salty Earth Pictures will be using their group pages on Facebook to build audience interest. News will also appear on Robin Shope’s Shoutlife page and blog.

“The finished movie is only a part of the product,” says Zambo. “We feel the journey getting there will also be exciting and entertaining. We want to share the entire experience.”

Discover more about Robin’s Shope’s series of novels, Turtle Creek Edition.

See Salty Earth Pictures President Steve Zambo announcement. 

The latest news

Catch up on what's happening at Salty Earth Pictures. Read the most recent First Take, the official newsletter of SEP. Click on First Take - Spring 08 at bottom of this page.

Host an SEP small group meeting

Salty Earth Pictures is seeking individuals or couples who would like to host small group events promoting the work of this organization. These meetings of 20 people or less can be held in a private home, resturant/hall setting, or at Salty Earth Pictures production studio in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin.

Salty Earth Pictures President Steve Zambo says, "In 2009 we want to introduce many new people to our exciting and important work. The best way to do this is to have people who are already enthusiastic, provide an opportunity for others to see, first hand, what Salty Earth Pictures is all about. It is our prayer that through these meetings people will learn more about us, consider becoming part of the team, and have a lot of fun too."

Those interested in hosting an event should contact Steve Zambo.

SEP offers scholarships

The Salty Earth Pictures Board of Directors is again offering six scholarships. College students seeking a career in the arts and wanting to use their talents to serve the Lord are encouraged to apply for one of these $500 awards.

"One of our purposes is to encourage and support the next generation of creative professionals," says Salty Earth Pictures President Steve Zambo. He adds, "The board of directors is happy to offer this opportunity to six students in the 2009-10 academic year."

Those interested in applying can e-mail us at info@saltyearthpictures.org.