ALBANY, Ga. (AP) — A south Georgia church that made the inspirational movie "Facing the Giants" has netted $855,000 from the film's DVD release and plans to use the money to reduce debt and help complete an 82-acre sports complex, the church's pastor says.
The Rev. Michael Catt told the congregation of Sherwood Baptist Church on Aug. 19 that the church had received an initial advance royalty check for $855,000 from Provident Films.
Catt said $600,000 of the royalty payment will be applied to church debt. The remaining $255,000 will be used for the sports complex.
Made by Sherwood with an amateur cast and crew at a cost of about $100,000, "Facing the Giants" played at theaters nationwide but showed no profits from the theatrical release after distribution expenses, officials said.
The movie focuses on a chronically losing high-school football team and the personal problems of its coach. The coach turns to God to resolve his problems and persuades the team to become winners by doing the same.
The DVD has been translated into 10 languages and is being used as a motivational tool by churches, groups and schools, church officials said.