Film Company Executive to be Featured Speaker at One of the Nation's Largest Church Conferences

Contact: Heidi McDow, A. Larry Ross Communications, 972-267-1111, heidi@alarryross.com

FRANKLIN, Tenn., May 1, 2014 /Christian Newswire/ -- Rick Santorum, Chairman and CEO of EchoLight Studios, a faith and family film studio and distributor, will be a featured speaker at the annual THRIVE Conference from May 1-3, hosted by pastor Ray Johnston at Bayside Church in Granite Bay, California.

The keynote speaker during the conference's opening night, Santorum will share the vision for EchoLight Studios and its most recent announcement of EchoLight Cinemas, a business model set to turn the film industry on its head by world premiering powerful, faith-based films in churches, prior to releasing in theaters. 

"I am excited and honored to attend THRIVE and have the chance to interact with some of our nation's top faith leaders," said Santorum. "The popularity of faith-based films offers churches an opportunity to reach individuals outside of the walls of the church. Through EchoLight Cinemas, we are developing a powerful tool for pastors and leaders to use in their ministries by offering the opportunity to premiere great films with inspiring stories and positive messaging inside their own buildings."

To become an EchoLight Cinema, churches simply need to register at www.echolightcinemas.com/cinemas.

Making its debut at the conference, "Hoovey," starring Patrick Warburton, Lauren Holly, Cody Linley and Alyson Stoner, will be one of the first films to be distributed by EchoLight Cinemas. "Hoovey," is the remarkable story of how one family triumphs in the face of adversity when their son is diagnosed with a brain tumor.  An additional breakout session will be offered to attendees, during which they will learn how the new platform works and how to become a participating EchoLight Cinemas location.

Santorum will be in good company at THRIVE -- he is featured among other notable pastors and entertainers including conference host Pastor Ray Johnston; Pastor Rick Warren of Saddleback Church; Rev. Sam Rodriguez, president of the National Hispanic Christian Leader Conference; best-selling author Lee Strobel; Focus On The Family President Jim Daly; former Executive Vice President of Operations for the Walt Disney World® Resort Lee Cockrell; New York Times Best-Selling Author of "Love Does" and founder of Restore International Bob Goff; President and CEO of World Impact Efrem Smith; comedians Bob Smiley and Michael Jr.; and featured musicians Lincoln Brewster and Gungor.

"We are so thankful for the opportunity for EchoLight be featured at such a significant conference with so many of today's key Christian influencers," said Echolight President Jeff Sheets. "The mission of EchoLight Studios and Cinemas is to partner with the Church in helping restore a Christian worldview through authentic, powerful movies.  This is a particularly effective approach in winning the hearts and minds of the younger generations.  Thrive is the perfect venue to launch our partnership initiative."

EchoLight Studios
EchoLight Studios is a world-class entertainment studio specializing in bringing first-class, redemptive media to the marketplace. EchoLight Studios produces, directs, funds and distributes faith-based films that bring communities together. For information visit www.echolight.com.

Note to Editors: To arrange an interview with a studio representative, please contact Heidi McDow of A. Larry Ross Communications at 972.267.1111 or Heidi@alarryross.com.