Family Entertainment Network Launches First Original Series “Brush of Honor,” Finalizes Production on Four Original Pilots, and Appoints Award-Winning Filmmaker Gary Wheeler as Vice President of Original Movies
Indian Land, SC – INSP has strengthened its position as the recognized leader in family entertainment with the announcement of several key programming moves.
First, production is underway on the original series, “Brush of Honor,” an emotionally-charged biography series honoring America’s fallen heroes, set to premiere in spring of 2015.
Secondly, four highly anticipated pilots are in production and slated to be introduced next year.
Third, INSP has launched a new original film division, and appointed award-winning filmmaker, Gary Wheeler, as Vice President of Original Movies.
“Since transforming the INSP focus to family entertainment in 2010, we’ve taken measured steps to build a solid foundation,” explained David Cerullo, INSP Chairman and CEO. “We’ve accomplished this goal, in part by focusing on acquired content. As a result, INSP has become one of the fastest-growing networks today. Nielsen data confirms that INSP ratings increased more than any other network they measure (when comparing 2013 with 2012 data). Now, INSP moves into original content. And we intend to move in a big way. We know where we’re going. And we’re moving at an uninterrupted pace.”
Cerullo explained that “Brush of Honor” is the first round in this strategy. In short order, this will be followed by more original series and films.
“With the establishment of an original film division, coupled with the original non-scripted programming division we created last year, INSP is positioned as the premier destination for values-based entertainment. By recruiting staff of the caliber of Gary Wheeler and Craig Miller (who heads up the original programming division), our original product is being developed by some of the best creative minds in the industry. This marks an historical year as we move into 2015 well poised with a growing library of original content, a clear strategy to accelerate series development, and unprecedented potential for continued ratings and audience growth.”
In INSP’s original series “Brush of Honor,” artist Phil Taylor tells the stories of fallen soldiers through the creation of compelling portraits. Each episode focuses on one soldier: his life, his family, and his continuing impact. But this is much more than just a work of art. Taylor has a way of capturing the spirit of each soldier, and “bringing them home.”
Each episode culminates in a powerful “reveal” in which the canvas is presented to the family. “These become a celebration of life, with special ceremonies featuring local and national personalities, celebrities, and others who were a meaningful part of the soldier’s life,” said Doug Butts, SVP of Programming, INSP. “These stories must be told. Bringing this series to America is a privilege for us.”
“Brush of Honor appeals to the spirit that lives within all of us to do what we can for the families of these amazing soldiers, to express our gratitude to those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for the ideals that we hold so sacred,” continued Butts. “With all that INSP does for veteran organizations, we felt it fitting and appropriate to make our first original series dedicated to shining the spotlight on an artist who is giving so much of himself to comfort soldiers’ families in their time of need.”
In addition to “Brush of Honor,” INSP is currently working with notable industry producers on four original pilots to be delivered within the next 120 days. These are slated to premiere in 2015. “The pilots are designed to enhance the INSP brand,” noted Butts. “They are wildly entertaining and include well-known characters and celebrity hosts loved by many Americans. It’s exciting to introduce original content to loyal viewers who already recognize INSP as a leader in family entertainment. We are confident that new audiences will be attracted to the network as well.”
In early September 2014, Gary Wheeler joined the network as Vice President of Original Movies. He is charged with creating original features to air exclusively on INSP, with four films scheduled to be debuted in 2015.
Wheeler is a multi-award winning film writer, producer and director. As a member of the Producer’s Guild of America, he has directed and/or produced over a dozen motion pictures and television shows around the world. Most recently, Wheeler wrapped production as co-producer on the Kendrick Brothers’ (FIREPROOF, COURAGEOUS) most recent feature film in conjunction with Sony/Affirm Films.
Wheeler’s past films include:
“Having Gary come on board at this crucial stage in our development of original scripted content is a huge step toward fulfilling the vision of INSP,” said Butts. “Earlier this year, we hired Craig Miller as Vice President of original non-scripted content. With the addition of Gary to the team, original movies and scripted content are soon to follow.”
In addition to providing entertaining and inspiring programming, INSP produces MOMENTS (www.moments.org), an award-winning and critically-acclaimed short-form original video series that celebrates love, family, valor and other timeless truths in action. Both INSP and the MOMENTS series are recipients of the Parents Television Council’s (PTC) Seal of Approval.
Check your local and online guides for channel information or visit FIND INSP to determine availability in your area
About INSP
INSP is available nationwide in nearly 80 million HH via cable, satellite, DBS and telcos. For quality dramas, positive entertainment and inspiring stories, celebrating the American spirit and honoring timeless traditional values, it’s INSP. Welcome Home!