Alex Kendrick

Last updated
Alex Kendrick
Alex Kendrick 2019 (Me-riHIbnqI).jpg
Kendrick in 2019
Born (1970-06-11) June 11, 1970 (age 54)
Athens, Georgia, U.S.
Occupation(s) Actor, film director, screenwriter, film producer, pastor, entrepreneur
Years active2003–present
Notable work War Room , Fireproof , Facing the Giants , Courageous , Overcomer , Flywheel
SpouseChristina Kendrick
Children6
Relatives
  • Stephen Kendrick (brother)
  • Shannon Kendrick (brother)
  • Larry Kendrick (father)
  • Rhonwyn Kendrick (mother)
Website kendrickbrothers.com

Alexander Kendrick (born June 11, 1970) is an American pastor, film writer, producer, director, and actor. [1] He is best known for directing and starring in notable faith-based films, including Facing The Giants , War Room , Overcomer , Courageous , and Fireproof . He is one of only two film directors (with Rob Reiner) to have three films receive an "A+" grade on CinemaScore. [2] [3]

Contents

Films directed by Kendrick have collectively grossed over $190 million worldwide. [4]

Biography

Alexander Kendrick was born in Athens, Georgia as the middle of three sons to Larry and Rhonwyn Kendrick. He grew up in Smyrna, GA. He studied at Kennesaw State University in communication and earned a Bachelor of Arts. Kendrick worked as a Christian DJ for two radio stations before attending New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and being ordained into the ministry. He served as a minister to college students in Marietta, Georgia for four years. [5]

From 1999 to 2014, Kendrick was an associate pastor at Sherwood Baptist Church, in Albany, Georgia. [6] In 2002, he founded Sherwood Pictures, a movie-creating entity, which produced Flywheel (2003), Facing the Giants (2006), Fireproof (2008), and Courageous (2011). [7]

He has co-authored several best-selling books with his brother Stephen, including The Love Dare , which appeared for 131 weeks on The New York Times Paperback Advice & Misc. Best Seller list. [8] His books The Resolution for Men and The Battle Plan for Prayer, again with his brother, also appeared on the New York Times Best Seller list.

In 2013, he founded Kendrick Brothers Productions with his brother Stephen. [9]

Kendrick's fifth film War Room was a box office number-one in its second weekend of release in the United States. [10]

On March 8, 2018, the Kendrick brothers announced via their website that their sixth movie, Overcomer , was in the works, and would unpack a pivotal issue that affects adults and students alike. Filming was begun in the summer of 2018, and the film was released by Sony Pictures on August 23, 2019. [11] [12]

In late 2019, subsequent to Overcomer's release in August, Alex and Stephen Kendrick announced that they would be shooting their next film in the summer of 2020. It is to be based on a true story, and the Kendricks are to executive produce. [3]

Personal life

Alex Kendrick married his wife, Christina, and moved to Albany, Georgia where he served as Associate Pastor of Media at Sherwood Baptist Church. Alex and his wife now have six children. [5] [13]

Film career

Upon reading a survey stating that films had become more influential than churches, Kendrick set out to change the perception of movies in mainstream America. [14] He co-wrote (with brother Stephen Kendrick), directed and acted in all four movies Sherwood Pictures has produced. Their second film, Facing the Giants , grossed over $10 million at the box office. [15] The football feature became the best-selling Christian DVD of 2007. [16] His third film, Fireproof , grossed $33.5 million, [17] making it the highest-grossing independent film of 2008. [18] The project went on to win Best Feature at the 2009 San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival, [19] as well as the Epiphany Prize at the Movieguide Awards in Los Angeles. [20] The fourth feature film by Sherwood Pictures, Courageous , distributed by TriStar, was released in theaters in September 2011 and grossed $34.5 million. [21] The film won Best Feature Film and the Jubilee Award at the 2012 San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival [22] as well as the Epiphany Prize at the 2012 Movieguide Awards. [23] Courageous was also the first winner of the K-Love Movie Impact Award (presented in 2013) and winner of the first Dove Award for Movie of the Year (also presented in 2013). Kendrick also appeared in the 2013 film The Lost Medallion and the 2014 film Moms' Night Out .

The Kendrick brothers' fifth film, War Room , was released in theaters across the United States on August 28, 2015. It focuses on the transformational role that prayer can play in an individual's life. The cast includes New York Times best-selling author and Bible teacher Priscilla Shirer in her film debut, along with T.C. Stallings, Alex Kendrick, comedian Michael Jr., and Karen Abercrombie. It introduces newcomer Alena Pitts as Danielle and features a cameo by renowned Bible teacher and author Beth Moore in her first acting role. Provident Films and AFFIRM films partnered with the Kendrick brothers to release the film in theaters. Sony Pictures again handled distribution. [24]

Movie critic Phil Boatwright, a Baptist Press columnist, said of the Kendricks: "One gets the impression this is their ministry, while at the same time understanding the No. 1 rule of cinematic storytelling -- story must come first." [25] Movie reviewer Michael Foust said in a Baptist Press feature on the Kendricks: "They've been the Lewis and Clark of the genre. No, they weren't the first to make faith movies, but they did it better than anyone who came before -- and Hollywood noticed. They were trailblazers who made first-class movies on shoestring budgets." Foust added, "Even more impressive, the Kendricks have continued to improve on their craft. War Room was better than Courageous, which was better than Fireproof, which was better than Facing the Giants, which was better than Flywheel. Remember: War Room was the No. 1 movie at the box office in its second weekend in 2015. That's an accomplishment that many well-known Hollywood directors haven't achieved. The Kendricks also have been models of humility, giving all credit to God while working to help raise up the next generation of filmmakers." [25]

Filmography

YearTitleDirectorWriterProducerEditorActorRoleNotes
2003 Flywheel YesYesYesYesYesJay AustinAlso cinematographer, composer and executive producer
2006 Facing the Giants YesYesYesYesYesGrant TaylorAlso composer
2008 Fireproof YesYesYesYesYesPastor Strauss
2011 Courageous YesYesNoYesYesAdam Mitchell
2013 The Lost Medallion: The Adventures of Billy Stone NoNoNoNoYesDanielAlso additional editor
2014 Moms' Night Out NoNoNoNoYesPastor Ray
2015 War Room YesYesNoYesYesColeman Young
Faith of Our Fathers NoNoNoYesNo—
2018 Like Arrows NoYesExecutiveNoYes42 year old Josh
2019 Overcomer YesYesNoYesYesJohn Harrison
2021 Show Me the Father NoNoExecutiveNoYesHimself
2022 Lifemark NoYesExecutiveYesYesShawn Cates
2024 The Forge YesYesNoYesNo—

Book career

In addition to filmmaking, Kendrick has co-written five novels from his films, the last four of which became bestsellers. The first three were written with his brother, Stephen, and novelist Eric Wilson. The fourth novel, Courageous, was written with Randy Alcorn. The fifth novel, for the film War Room, was written with Chris Fabry. The Love Dare made The New York Times Paperback Advice & Misc. bestseller list for 131 weeks, [26] reaching number one twice. [27] The Love Dare has sold over 6 million copies. [28] In October 2011, the novel for Courageous was listed on The New York Times Best Seller list, along with his book The Resolution for Men, [29] which was written with his brother, Stephen. In 2013, the brothers released The Love Dare for Parents, which became a CBA Best Seller. Kendrick reached the New York Times Best Seller List again in 2015 with his most recent book, The Battle Plan for Prayer, written with his brother.

Charts

Awards and nominations

Movieguide Awards

YearNominee / workAwardResult
2012CourageousMost Inspiring Performance in MoviesWon

See also

Related Research Articles

<i>Facing the Giants</i> 2006 film by Alex Kendrick

Facing the Giants is a 2006 American Christian drama sports film directed by and starring Alex Kendrick. The supporting cast was composed of volunteers from Sherwood Baptist Church, and it is the second film that Sherwood Pictures has done. Shot in Albany, Georgia, the film tells an underdog story about American football from a Christian worldview. The film made $10.2 million on a $100,000 budget.

<i>Flywheel</i> (film) 2003 American film

Flywheel is a 2003 American Christian drama film about the unexpected pitfalls that a used car dealer experienced as he suddenly goes honest. The dealer intentionally overcharges his customers until reaching a turning point in his life where he decides to end his shady business practices and become a Christian. Alex Kendrick both directed the film and starred in the lead role, and with his brother, Stephen Kendrick, co-wrote the film. Flywheel also features Lisa Arnold and Tracy Goode.

<i>Fireproof</i> (film) 2008 American film

Fireproof is a 2008 American Christian drama film released by Samuel Goldwyn Films and Affirm Films, directed by Alex Kendrick, who co-wrote and co-produced it with Stephen Kendrick. The film stars Kirk Cameron, Erin Bethea, and Ken Bevel.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sherwood Pictures</span>

Sherwood Pictures is an American independent Christian film production company in Albany, Georgia, United States. It is unusual among production companies in that it is a ministry of a local church, Sherwood Baptist Church. The company uses mostly volunteers in their productions. It was founded in 2003 by Alex Kendrick, the associate pastor of media for Sherwood Baptist Church with $20,000 in donations.

<i>The Love Dare</i> 2008 book by Alex and Stephen Kendrick

The Love Dare is a non-fiction marriage-related book written by Alex and Stephen Kendrick. It is a 40-day Christian devotional designed to strengthen marriages. Each daily devotion includes scripture, a statement of principle, the day's "dare," and a journaling area and check box to chart progress. It is used in the storyline for the 2008 film, Fireproof, which is directed by author Alex Kendrick. For Valentine's Day, Day 1 and Day 2 of The Love Dare were published on the Baptist Press' website, with permission of B & H Publishing Group.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stephen Kendrick</span> American film producer

Stephen Kendrick is an American film writer and producer, co-writer of the book The Love Dare with brother Alex Kendrick, and former senior associate pastor at Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia. Stephen, Shannon and Alex Kendrick comprise Kendrick Brothers Productions.

Erin Bethea is an American actress. She is known for appearing in Sherwood Pictures' films, Facing the Giants and Fireproof. She wrote, produced, and starred in the film New Life, directed by her husband Drew Waters.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sherwood Baptist Church</span> Church in Georgia, USA

Sherwood Baptist Church is a Baptist church located in Albany, Georgia. It is affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ken Bevel</span>

Ken Bevel is a former American Marine Corps officer, pastor and actor who co-starred in the 2008 film Fireproof and the 2011 film Courageous. He serves as the Connections & Local Missions Pastor at Sherwood Baptist Church, based in Albany, Georgia. In Fireproof, Bevel portrays firefighter Michael Simmons, and portrays police officer Nathan Hayes in Courageous.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Christian film industry</span> Aspect of Christian media

The Christian film industry is an aspect of Christian media for films containing a Christian-themed message or moral. They are often interdenominational films, but can also be films targeting a specific denomination of Christianity.

Advent Film Group (Advent) is an independent Christian film production and distribution company founded in 2007 by George D. Escobar and Michael Snyder. The company trains young Christians to be filmmakers. Advent's films include the 2009 drama Come What May, which starred Kenneth Jezek and his wife, Karen Jezek, and the 2014 drama Alone yet Not Alone, which was a work-for-hire project for Enthuse Entertainment.

<i>Letters to God</i> 2010 American film

Letters to God is a 2010 American Christian drama film directed by David Nixon and starring Robyn Lively, Jeffrey Johnson, Tanner Maguire, Michael Bolten and Bailee Madison. The story was written by Patrick Doughtie about his son Tyler, with the screenplay penned by Doughtie, Art D'Alessandro, Sandra Thrift and Cullen Douglas. The story took place in Nashville, Tennessee, but the movie was filmed in Orlando, Florida.

<i>Courageous</i> (film) 2011 American film

Courageous is a 2011 American independent Christian drama film directed by Alex Kendrick and written by Kendrick with his brother Stephen Kendrick. It is the fourth film by Sherwood Pictures, the creators of Flywheel, Facing the Giants, and Fireproof. Filming in Albany, Georgia concluded in June 2010. The film was marketed by Sony's Provident Films, which also marketed their previous films.

<i>War Room</i> (film) 2015 American film

War Room is a 2015 American Christian drama film directed by Alex Kendrick and written by him and Stephen Kendrick. It is the Kendrick brothers' fifth film and their first through their subsidiary, Kendrick Brothers Productions. The film was produced by Provident Films, Affirm Films and TriStar Pictures in partnership with the Kendrick brothers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Erwin brothers</span> American film directors and producers

Andrew and Jon Erwin, known as the Erwin Brothers, are American Christian film directors, screenwriters and film producers known for such films as Woodlawn, October Baby, Moms' Night Out and I Can Only Imagine which have collectively grossed more than $150 million worldwide. They are the leaders and co-founders of the production company Kingdom Story Company.

<i>Overcomer</i> (film) 2019 American film

Overcomer is a 2019 American Christian drama film directed by Alex Kendrick, who co-wrote the script with Stephen Kendrick. It is the Kendrick brothers' sixth film and their second through their subsidiary, Kendrick Brothers Productions. The film was released by Sony Pictures Releasing on August 23, 2019.

Kendrick Brothers is an American Evangelical Christian film production company in Albany, Georgia, United States.

<i>Show Me the Father</i> 2021 American film

Show Me the Father is a 2021 American Christian documentary film by director Rick Altizer, presenting five fatherhood-related stories connected with commentary by Tony Evans, produced by Mark Miller and executive produced by the Kendrick brothers. It is the Kendrick brothers' seventh film and their third through their subsidiary, Kendrick Brothers Productions. It was theatrically released on September 10, 2021.

<i>Lifemark</i> 2022 American Christian drama film

Lifemark is a 2022 American Christian drama film by director Kevin Peeples, adapting the true story of the adoption of David Scotton, previously depicted in the 2018 short documentary film I Lived on Parker Avenue. It tells the story of how a young man's mother considered aborting him, but instead made an adoption plan for him, and later reconnected with him as a young adult.

<i>The Forge</i> (2024 film) 2024 American film by Alex Kendrick

The Forge is a 2024 American Christian biblical drama film directed by Alex Kendrick and co-written by Stephen Kendrick. A spin-off to War Room, it is the Kendrick brothers' ninth film and the sixth through their subsidiary, Kendrick Brothers Productions. Their initial five films were created under Sherwood Pictures. It stars Cameron Arnett, Priscilla Shirer, Aspen Kennedy, Karen Abercrombie, T.C. Stallings, BJ Arnett, Ken Bevel, Benjamin Watson, Jonathan Evans, Jerry Shirer, and Tommy Woodard.

References

  1. ↑ "Kendrick & Kendrick". Archived from the original on 2013-01-28. Retrieved 2013-07-03.From Idea to Impact: Turning Creative Ideas into Great Products
  2. ↑ ""OVERCOMER" Delivers With Rare A+ CinemaScore And Estimated Third Place Box Office Standing". PRNewsire.com. August 24, 2019. Retrieved January 1, 2020.
  3. 1 2 Michael Foust (November 6, 2019). "Kendrick Brothers Unveil Details of Next Film: 'It's Such an Inspirational Story'". Christian Headlines. Retrieved January 8, 2020.
  4. ↑ "Alex Kendrick – Box Office – The Numbers". The Numbers . Retrieved January 1, 2020.
  5. 1 2 "Overcomer – Cast and Crew". AMC. AMC.com. Retrieved 5 January 2020.
  6. ↑ Heyman, Jessie (October 5, 2011). "Hollywood Finds Jesus: Movie Industry Banks On Christian Crossover Films". HuffPost. Retrieved November 15, 2021.
  7. ↑ J. Ryan Parker, Cinema as Pulpit: Sherwood Pictures and the Church Film Movement, McFarland, U.S., 2012, p. 61
  8. ↑ Bloom, Julie (8 October 2011). "Praying, Then Producing a Hit". New York Times. Retrieved 6 January 2020.
  9. ↑ Michael Foust, bpnews.net, Filmmaking Kendrick brothers, going in 'new direction,' launch indep. production company, U.S., April 19, 2013
  10. ↑ Simanton, Keith (2015-09-06). "Weekend Report -'War Room' Walks to #1". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved 2015-09-06.
  11. ↑ "Movie 6 is in the works!". 8 March 2018.
  12. ↑ "Overcomer".
  13. ↑ "Christians in Cinema: Alex Kendrick". ChristianCinema.com . November 20, 2006. Archived from the original on 23 January 2009. Retrieved February 21, 2009.
  14. ↑ Miller, Donna (9 November 2006). "Facing the Giants in final week at Albany theater". The Citizen News. Archived from the original on 13 February 2009. Retrieved 13 March 2009.
  15. ↑ "Facing the Giants movie info". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved April 25, 2013.
  16. ↑ "Facing the Giants". Archived from the original on 2012-11-17. Retrieved 2013-07-03.
  17. ↑ Bloom, Julie (October 8, 2011). "Praying, Then Producing a Hit". The New York Times . Retrieved 28 February 2013.
  18. ↑ Milk Money Promotions. "Welcome To FireproofTheMovie.com – DVD Available NOW!". Archived from the original on 2015-09-01. Retrieved 2013-07-03.
  19. ↑ "Christian Filmmakers Creating An Industry Of Faith". NPR.org. 21 February 2009.
  20. ↑ Craig von Buseck. "Fireproof Wins Big at Movieguide Awards".
  21. ↑ "Courageous movie info". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved April 25, 2013.
  22. ↑ "San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival Announces 2009 Jubilee Award Winners – Christian Newswire" (Press release).
  23. ↑ "Fireproof Wins Epiphany Prize". ChristianCinema.com. 12 February 2009.
  24. ↑ "WAR ROOM Is Coming to Theaters August 28!". Archived from the original on 2015-04-02.
  25. 1 2 Roach, Erin (5 March 2018). "'Flywheel' began Kendrick brothers' filmmaking ascent". www.bpnews.net. Retrieved 2018-04-01.
  26. ↑ "Best Sellers: Paperback Advice & Misc". The New York Times . January 29, 2012. Retrieved 28 February 2013.
  27. ↑ Kimball, Josh (February 18, 2009). "'Love Dare' Regains Top Spot on NY Times Best Sellers List". The Christian Post . Archived from the original on 2012-07-29. Retrieved February 19, 2009.
  28. ↑ "Love Dare Goes Platinum". ChristianCinema.com . May 13, 2009. Retrieved May 15, 2009.
  29. ↑ "The Resolution for Men". Archived from the original on 2015-09-24. Retrieved 2013-07-03.
  30. ↑ "'The Shack' tops Amazon.ca books list for the week ending Feb. 17". The Canadian Press . February 2009. Retrieved February 21, 2009.[ dead link ]
  31. ↑ Kimball, Josh (February 18, 2009). "'Love Dare' Regains Top Spot on NY Times Best Sellers List". The Christian Post. Archived from the original on 2012-07-29. Retrieved February 19, 2009.
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