News & Blog

Jumping the Broom: A Black Movie for All People

2011-04-28T00:09:08Z

We wanted share a thought provoking review of Jumping the Broom provided by Beliefnet.com. Check out the article, see the movie next weekend and let us know YOUR thoughts:

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A Black Movie for All People

Will white evangelical America come out to support such a "real" film?

BY: Ash Greyson

Faith based movies are often presented with a caveat, "this had a tiny budget" or "most the actors were volunteers" or "the writer had to go on a missions trip in the middle of filming" and while most are solid moral tales, they are not unlike watching your child's ballet recital. You smile and hope that nobody falls. That's not the case with Jumping the Broom, there's not a frame in this movie that won't hold up to the best in Hollywood. The cinematography is excellent, the acting superb and the writing is clever yet completely organic. I’m a nerdy, painfully Caucasian, evangelical and I loved this movie, everyone will but… will they come? I'm not going to review the movie. Instead, I'm going to review the audience.

This movie has a built-in sweet spot, 20-50 year old black women, and I suspect they will show up in droves. They will laugh hard, cry harder and most will leave the theatre better for it, but will the white people of faith come? Urban faith movies have a huge problem, they are just too real for white evangelicals. The opening scene of this movie has a woman (gasp) in her bra. It only gets more scandalous from there, she's apparently just had (double gasp) pre-marital sex. Never mind the fact that you hear her inner voice, talking to God, asking for forgiveness and promising to save her "cookies" for the man God wants for her. There's some playful innuendo along the way, there's a character who almost swears, there's one who smokes, and one who I doubt actually tithes. Some will say they have tried too hard to be edgy and relevant. This is not the case, rather, they've gone the extra mile to represent actual REAL people.

More Woman Thou Art Loosed

2011-02-13T15:12:52Z

Building on the book that started it all and the much-acclaimed movie of the same title, TDJ Enterprises is producing a four-film series in conjunction with our partners at Code Black Entertainment.

In the first film entitled, On the Seventh Day – Kari Ames has seemingly built the perfect life until her dark past is unveiled following the kidnapping of her four-year old daughter. As she and her husband David desperately search for their child, Kari realizes they both have secrets. Can they embrace their true selves and re-build a marriage with love, honesty, and acceptance?

TDJ Enterprises Working on Television Sitcom

2011-02-12T15:58:29Z

T.D. Jakes' One LOVE is a television series project produced in conjunction with Code Black Entertainment. The series follows a Chicago pastor and his family through the unique and often comedic adventures of their lives. Specifically, William and Carolyn Winters are the Pastor and First Lady of Mt. Sinai, a prominent church in Chicago. After 30 years together, they have been role models for marriage. But as their three children (Nate, Genesis & Luke) get older and navigate relationships of their own, they find themselves confused as to where exactly they went wrong… The project stars Mark Curry, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Carl Anthony Payne. Coming to television fall of 2011.

Dexterity Sounds Partners with Universal Music Christian Group

2010-11-17T13:48:00Z

We are proud to announce a new distribution and marketing agreement between our Dexterity Sounds record label and the Universal Music Christian Group (UMCG).

"We are incredibly delighted to be in a partnership with a world-renowned leader of Bishop T.D. Jakes' stature and influence," said UMCG Vice President Rhoda Lawrence. "An alignment of this enormity creates endless opportunities to impact people's lives on ... all aspects of faith-based entertainment from film and television to music."

Dexterity General Manager and Senior Music Producer Cedric Caldwell said UMCG "has proven (to be) a monumental, creative force in this industry." "We believe that the musical synergy between Bishop Jakes and Universal Music Christian will be felt and heard all around the world," Caldwell said.

The first project under the new agreement will be the follow-up to Jakes' Sacred Love Songs CD, released in 1999 by Island Records and featuring R&B singer Shirley Murdock and artist and pastor Marvin Sapp. Sacred Love Songs II will feature biblically inspired love songs.

Dexterity Sounds is also working on the CD soundtrack for the ensemble comedy Jumping the Broom, a film that tells the story of what happens when two families from totally different socioeconomic backgrounds meet for the first time at a weekend wedding at Martha's Vineyard. The movie is being produced by Bishop Jakes, Curtis Wallace and Tracy E. Edmonds and directed by Salim Akil.

Jumping the Broom: The Director's Cut

2010-10-25T12:58:00Z

Last Saturday, October 16, I flew out to LA to meet with the other Producers of Jumping the Broom and see the Director’s cut of the film. This was the first time that the film had been shown to an audience. I could not have been happier with the movie. At this point in the process, there is still a lot of work to be done on the film before it is ready for theaters; including color correction, work on the sound and finalizing the music. But even at this early stage, the movie was incredible.

Bishop Jakes Hosts Youth Summit

2010-10-22T22:36:00Z

Bishop T.D. Jakes and the Firehouse Youth Ministry invite you to join us on Sunday, October 31st at 9am for an unforgettable event. It’s the “Who Are We” Youth Summit… a morning of interactive “real talk” with our youth, giving them a voice to share their hearts, discuss issues affecting their generation and encouragement for their journey to discover who they are boldly becoming in Christ!

Tell every young person you know to be right here in the Main Sanctuary at The Potter’s House on Sunday - October 31st at 9am. Special musical guest is “Jai”. This event is FREE and open to the public!

From CNN Opinions on Faith

2010-10-19T19:00:00Z

Over the last couple of months, CNN has highlighted diverse perspectives on faith in the black community in an opinion series, "The Black Pulpit."

Here's an excerpt from a recent story:

"Heavenly minded, financially empowered Bishop T.D. Jakes, best-selling author and senior pastor of the legendary 30,000-member Dallas-based church, The Potter's House, writes "As a faith leader, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, I've always had one foot in both the practical and the spiritual worlds. Prayer is good, but you also have to be able to manage your checkbook."

Read the full article >

Bishop T.D. Jakes Among Well-Wishers at Emmitt Smith’s HOF Enshrinement

2010-08-02T13:45:00Z

With heart-felt joy and father-like pride, Bishop T.D. Jakes honors the induction of spiritual son and former Dallas Cowboys running back, Emmitt Smith to the NFL Pro Football Hall of Fame on Enshrinement Day, Sunday, August 7, 2010 in Canton, Ohio.

Capping a prolific career that included surpassing Walter Payton’s All Time Leading Rushing Record in 2002 and taking home the ultimate crown on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” in 2006, Smith is known equally for his loyalty and generosity as he is for his commitment to family and community.

Reflecting on a relationship that spans more than 13 years and encompassed membership at The Potter’s House church in Dallas, Bishop Jakes said of the proceedings:

“Participating in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement ceremony is one of the most meaningful moments that my wife and I could imagine sharing with Emmitt and Pat Smith. The induction is not only a reflection of an outstanding career, but it shines a beacon light on the extraordinary man behind the stats.”

Headlining a class that also features Jerry Rice of the San Francisco 49ers, and Rickey Jackson of the New Orleans Saints, among other notables, the former # 22 selected Cowboys’ owner, Jerry Jones as the ceremony presenter.

Bishop Jakes to Larry King: We Appreciate You

2010-07-20T14:12:00Z

Bishop Jakes took the opportunity to offer his appreciation and blessings as journalism legend, Larry King, retires. Watch the message on CNN>