International gospel superstar, Kirk Franklin has teamed with producer/writer Bobby Smith Jr. and producer/casting director Robi Reed to form Fo Yo Soul Film and Television, a new full service production company that will focus on inspirational film and television endeavors. Smith and Reed will serve as Co-Presidents, and Carla M. Williams is the Executive Vice-President.

Sold on a strong pitch by Smith to Lions Gate, the company’s first project will be Church Boy, which will be developed with a plan to distribute in late 2007. Franklin will star as himself in the feature length biopic that chronicles his rise from the mean streets of the inner city to finding Jesus and eventually becoming an international gospel superstar. The studio is actively looking for a writer.

The movie will be produced by Franklin, Smith and Reed, with Franklin creating original music for the soundtrack. Wil Young will co-produce. Additionally, Lions Gate has brought on Paul Hall (Pride) to produce as well. John Sacchi and Charisse Nesbit are overseeing the project for Lions Gate.

On the television side, the company is developing a Kirk Franklin concert television special, as well as a daytime talk show, which Franklin would host. “Since film and television are two of the most powerful mediums, it is my passion to use them to reach people for a greater purpose,” says Franklin. “Fo Yo Soul Film and Television seeks to leave a positive mark on both the film and television industries and teaming up with Bobby Smith and Robi Reed gives validity to that goal.”

“With Kirk Franklin’s Fo Yo Soul Film and Television, we intend to offer fare to the millions worldwide who are seeking entertainment rich with positive and inspirational messages -- messages that are akin to the spirit that embodies Franklin’s spectacular and unique brand of internationally recognized music,” says Smith. “We are actively seeking projects that can do just that.”

While teaming with Franklin for Fo Yo Soul Film and Television, Smith and Reed will continue to oversee their respective companies, Imatra Productions and Robi Reed Entertainment.

Smith’s writing credits include Jason’s Lyric and Their Eyes Were Watching God. New Line recently bought his pitch, Lift Every Voice which is about gospel choir competitions.

Fo Yo Soul Film and Television is represented by APA Talent & Literary Agency.Kirk Franklin was repped by Dana Sims at William Morris on Church Boy.Mitch Smelkinson at Stone, Meyer, Genow, Smelkinson & Binder represents all parties for film and television.

On the musical front, the Fo Yo Soul Entertainment/Zomba recording artist just received seven nominations for the 2007 Stellar Awards and an American Music Award nod. The seven Stellar Award nominations include “Song of the Year” (Looking For You), “Artist of the Year” (Hero), “Producer of the Year” (Hero), “CD of the Year” (Hero), “Music Video of the Year” (Looking For You), “Contemporary CD of the Year” (Hero) and “Recorded Music Packaging of the Year” (Hero). He also received an American Music Award nomination for “Favorite Contemporary Inspirational Artist.” In addition to being a nominee, the multiple-award-winning artist will co-host the 22nd Annual Stellar Awards show that honors the best in gospel music and will tape in Nashville on January 13, 2007. Hero, the first release on Franklin's Fo Yo Soul Entertainment record label (in association with Zomba Gospel), was released one year ago and includes the #1 hit single, Looking For You, as well as Imagine Me, the second single from his nearly platinum-selling CD. Franklin’s sixth CD debuted in the #1 position on two Billboard magazine charts – “Top Gospel Album” and “Top Christian Album” – and still remains on the charts since its release in October 2005. Looking For You became an anthem on gospel and mainstream stations across the county this past summer with an estimated audience reach of 30 million at urban, urban AC and gospel radio combined, while Imagine Me maintains its position in the top 5 on Gospel R&R charts.

Fans will be pleased that Franklin will release another CD this year. Songs For The Storm…Volume 1 from the FoYo Soul “Life Series” will hit stores on November 7, just in time for the holidays. Keeping in mind those affected by Hurricane Katrina, the project is a collection of songs Kirk personally chose from his own song catalog that speak to the storms of life. Songs For The Storm…Volume 1 will include one new song, Look At Me Now, currently being serviced to gospel radio. Other songs included on the CD are He Will Take The Pain Away, Let Me Touch You, When I Get There, Conquerors, When You Fall, Blessing In The Storm, The Storm Is Over Now, You Are, The Family Worship Medley and one of Franklin’s signature hit singles, Melodies From Heaven. As an added bonus for consumers, the package will also include the music video for the poignant single, Imagine Me (from the Hero CD).

Franklin has also teamed up with Marian Wright Edelman and the Children's Defense Fund (CDF) to help shine a light on 13 million children - living in poverty in the richest nation on earth. In his role as Goodwill Ambassador for the CDF, Franklin is reaching out to fellow musicians and entertainment industry friends to ask for their support and participation in the “Imagine Me” Celebrity Benefit Concert scheduled on January 11, 2007 in Nashville. Franklin, who himself overcame a hard scrabble childhood in Fort Worth, Texas and was raised by an aunt who set the CDF kind of example, hopes the event will raise funds to aid the organization’s 30-year-plus mission to inform people on issues critical to children and their families through research, public policy initiatives, programs and field work throughout the country.

This fall, Franklin’s voice and dramatic interpretation can be heard on The Bible Experience, a dramatized audio recording of the Bible featuring an unprecedented roster of celebrities and clergy. The production of the New Testament features a diverse and multigenerational ensemble cast including: Denzel Washington, Samuel L. Jackson, Ruby Dee, Eartha Kitt, Star Jones Reynolds, Yolanda Adams, Donnie McClurkin, Angela Bassett, Blair Underwood, Cuba Gooding, Jr., Gary Dourdan, Kim Fields, Hill Harper, Sanaa Lathan, Nia Long, LeVar Burton, Alfre Woodard, Jeffrey Wright. Bishop T.D. Jakes, Dr. Juanita Bynum, Bishop Charles Blake, Pastor Billy C. Ingram, Bishop Noel Jones, Bishop Clarence McClendon, Pastor Marvin L. Winans, Bishop Kenneth C. Ulmer and much more.

Franklin is also participating in the Concord Records release, Interpretations celebrating the legendaryMaurice Whiteand thelegacy of his music with Earth, Wind & Fire. Interpretations: Celebrating the Music of Earth, Wind & Fireincludes Franklin's version of September. When asked about Maurice White's musical impact, Franklin says "his music and writing was so 'feel good' that it had that motivation in it to get people together at a time when we needed good songs, good melodies and music that was ours." Other interpetations included on the CD areMeshell Ndegeocello, Lalah Hathaway, Bilal featuring the Roots, Mint Condition, Ledisi, Angie Stone, Chaka Khan, Dwele and Musiq Soulchild. Release is scheduled for February 13, 2007.

The busy Grammy-Award winning artist and businessman -- who is featured, along with wife Tammy, on the cover of the November issue of Ebony magazine -- is also working on the launch of his signature urban clothing line (in stores in 2007), overseeing a successful marketing agency - P19 (Psalms 19), finalizing details for a major book deal and has established a powerful youth ministry at Faithful Central Church in Los Angeles where he has already proven to have touched young souls, by reaching and transforming former gang members through his once-a-month youth sessions. Not one to rest on his laurels, Franklin will wrap up 2006 with international tour dates scheduled in Paris, Amsterdam, Brazil, Nigeria and South Africa.

For the latest news and information on Kirk, stay tuned to www.KirkFranklin.us.