LOS ANGELES, March 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Lionsgate
(NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B)/Roadside Attractions' release of the
Erwin Brothers faith-based family drama I Can Only Imagine
shattered pre-weekend tracking expectations to become #3 at the
box-office this weekend and the #1 faith-based movie of 2018. The
film took in an estimated $17,064,640
for a per-screen average of $10,475
from 1,629 locations in North
America. The film received a rare A+ CinemaScore with an
audience that was 67% female and 80% over 35.
The weekend estimates include an exceptional $6,234,535 for Friday; $5,983,485 on Saturday; and a projected
$4,846,620 for today.
Roadside Attractions co-president Howard
Cohen commented, "When we first saw this incredibly
well-crafted, emotional and moving film, we jumped on the
opportunity to work with the Erwins and their team and our partners
at Lionsgate on I Can Only Imagine. And we were not
disappointed. This is Roadside's highest grossing opening ever!
With the trifecta of the song's double platinum crossover appeal,
the Erwin brothers success with such films as Moms' Night
Out and Woodlawn plus world-class talent like
Dennis Quaid on board, we felt that
the film's inspiring story of hope and forgiveness made for a very
compelling collaboration. With an A+ Cinemascore, we expect I
Can Only Imagine will continue to play solidly through the
Easter holiday and well into Spring."
"Howard, Eric, and the team at Roadside are incredibly talented
and resourceful partners," said Lionsgate Motion Picture Group
Co-Chair Joe Drake. "Their
belief in this film, coupled with the vision of the filmmakers and
our acquisition group's ability to spot an amazing property, shows
once again the vitality of the market for faith-based films."
Producer Kevin Downes said, "We
are so thankful to our amazing team and all the partners who worked
so hard alongside us to get this story out."
Andrew Erwin, co-director &
co-editor added, "God's hand has been on this song and on this
story from the beginning. We are delighted to see a story about
forgiveness and redemption connect with so many people. We are
humbled for the privilege of telling Bart's story."
Jon Erwin, co-director &
co-screenwriter said, "We are amazed and humbled to see the
response to this story. We set out to honor Bart Millard's journey and the band's amazing,
life-changing song. It's our privilege to watch this film engage in
such a powerful way with the audience."
Word of mouth, media attention, grassroots marketing and social
media sharing drove audiences to the theater this weekend. Campaign
highlights included coordinated field marketing and talent PR with
a number of initiatives, including a partnership targeting
MercyMe's latest tour. The company also promoted the forthcoming
film strongly on Christian radio and at faith-based events. Heading
into the weekend, there were more than 130 million combined views
on the film's trailers and marketing materials online.
Additionally, the I Can Only Imagine trailer was featured
ahead of screenings of Lionsgate's box office hit Wonder,
which grossed nearly $300 million
worldwide.
I Can Only Imagine is the latest faith-based film from
Lionsgate following breakout successes including double Oscar®
winner Hacksaw Ridge and The Shack. The film
will be distributed through Lionsgate's IDC joint venture in
Latin America, where The
Shack was a massive hit in Brazil.
I Can Only Imagine is the fourth feature for the Erwin
Brothers, whose previous films included October Baby,
Moms' Night Out and Woodlawn. The screenplay was
written by Jon Erwin &
Brent McCorkle from a story by
Jon Erwin & Brent McCorkle and Alex
Cramer. I Can Only Imagine was produced by
Kevin Downes, Cindy Bond, Daryl
Lefever, Mickey Liddell, and
Pete Shilaimon. Travis Mann, Tony
Young, Scott Brickell and
Simon Swart served as executive
producers.
The film features an all-star cast including Golden-Globe®
nominee Dennis Quaid (The Day
After Tomorrow, The Rookie, Soul Surfer), Oscar®-winner
Cloris Leachman (The Iron Giant,
The Last Picture Show, Young
Frankenstein), platinum-selling country music legend
Trace Adkins, author and actress
Priscilla Shirer (War Room),
Madeline Carroll (Mr. Poppers
Penguins) and Broadway's J. Michael
Finley ("Les Miserables").
I Can Only Imagine brings to life the true story behind
the song of ultimate hope, "I Can Only Imagine." A transformed
relationship with his troubled father inspired Bart Millard, the lead singer of the Christian
band MercyMe, to write what is now the most-played radio single in
Christian music history. A gripping reminder of the power
of forgiveness, I Can Only Imagine beautifully illustrates
that no one is ever too far from God's love — or from an eternal
home in Heaven.
ABOUT ROADSIDE ATTRACTIONS
Since its founding in 2003, ROADSIDE ATTRACTIONS films have
grossed over $300M and garnered
nineteen Academy Award® nominations. Roadside has released
such critical and commercial hits as Manchester by the Sea, Beatriz at
Dinner, Stronger, Love & Friendship, Hello My Name is
Doris, Mr. Holmes, Love &
Mercy, A Most Wanted Man, Dear White People, The Skeleton Twins,
All Is Lost, Mud, Winter's Bone, The Cove, Arbitrage, Margin
Call and Super-Size Me. Its upcoming slate includes
Richard Loncraine's Finding Your Feet, starring Imelda Staunton, Timothy
Spall, Celia Imrie,
David Hayman, John Sessions and Joanna
Lumley; Michael Pearce's
Beast, starring Jessie
Buckley, Johnny Flynn and
Geraldine James; Lizzie,
starring Chloë Sevigny and Kristen
Stewart, and Jesse
Peretz's romantic comedy Juliet, Naked starring
Rose Byrne, Ethan Hawke and Chris
O'Dowd.
ABOUT LIONSGATE
The first major new studio in decades, Lionsgate is a global
content platform whose films, television series, digital products
and linear and over-the-top platforms reach next generation
audiences around the world. In addition to its filmed
entertainment leadership, Lionsgate content drives a growing
presence in interactive and location-based entertainment, gaming,
virtual reality and other new entertainment technologies.
Lionsgate's content initiatives are backed by a 16,000-title film
and television library and delivered through a global licensing
infrastructure. The Lionsgate brand is synonymous with
original, daring and ground-breaking content created with special
emphasis on the evolving patterns and diverse composition of the
Company's worldwide consumer base.
For more information:
Official Site | Facebook
| Twitter | Instagram
Press
Kit:
http://roadsideattractionspublicity.com/filmography/i-can-only-imagine/
Media Contacts:
Faith
Paige Collins,
615-934-4162, Paige@IconMediaGroup.com
Jennifer Willingham, 615-483-4729,
Jennifer@IconMediaGroup.com
Mainstream
Steve Elzer,
213-392-4660, Steve@ElzerAssociates.com
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SOURCE Roadside Attractions