On February 13, Variety magazine will host its first Spirituality & Faith in Entertainment Breakfast presented by the Faith and Media Initiative (FAMI) in Los Angeles.
The breakfast will feature speeches by actress Hilary Swank, actress and producer Roma Downey, and actor Rainn Wilson on the topic of incorporating faith and spirituality themes into mainstream entertainment.
A panel discussion moderated by Variety president Andrew Wallenstein will also be held with entertainment executives and content creators. The panel titled “Spiritual Storytelling Breakthroughs” will discuss bringing more faith narratives to film and television. Panelists include Neal Harmon, CEO of Angel Studios, producer DeVon Franklin, Shakyna Bolden of Will Packer Productions, and Jennifer Quainton from Audible.
Additionally, new market research will be presented from a global study on faith and entertainment indicating strong audience demand for more accurate and authentic portrayals of religion and spirituality in movies and TV shows.
In a statement, Variety COO and marketing officer Dea Lawrence said: “Variety has always championed inclusive storytelling. It’s exciting for us to take a look at movies and television shows that inspire audiences and leave them feeling good.”
FAMI executive director Brooke Zaugg also noted: “There is an untapped market in entertainment media. Across the globe, consumers are looking for more accurate portrayals of faith and spirituality.”
The invitation-only breakfast represents Variety’s first exploration into the intersection of faith and spirituality in the mainstream entertainment industry. It also highlights the perceived market opportunities as companies pursue new content aimed at underserved religious/spiritual audiences.
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