GRAND RAPIDS , Mich., May 11, 2007 – The most ambitious and bestselling presentation of the Bible ever produced, Inspired By… The Bible Experience (New Testament), has been honored with an Earphones Award by AudioFile, the magazine for people who love audio books.
AudioFile awards Earphones to truly exceptional presentations that excel in all the following criteria: narrative voice and style, vocal characterization, appropriateness for the audio format and enhancement of the text.
The award recognizes Inspired By… The Bible Experience for its cinematic style and commitment to theater of the mind and spirit. Its impact on the audio book industry has not gone unnoticed. To date, the New Testament edition of The Bible Experience has sold more than 300,000 units in six months to become the category leader and Zondervan’s fastest-selling new Bible, outselling perennial bestsellers.
“Inspired By… The Bible Experience is a bold, cinematic effort unlike anything else on the market. Its appeal is universal, and it has brought the New Testament to life for hundreds of thousands of people of all ages and stages in life,” said Paul Caminiti, vice president and publisher of Bibles for Zondervan. “We are delighted with the response to this product and are honored to have received this prestigious award.”
AudioFile magazine had the following to say regarding The Bible Experience: “ The star-powered narration, a full score and sound effects and modern-day language make the New Testament exciting and accessible – and listeners are all ears.” AudioFile reviews audiobooks, original audio programs, commentary and dramatizations in the spoken word format, with particular focus on audio presentation.
Inspired By… The Bible Experience features the voice talent of more than 200 African-American actors, musicians and religious leaders. Notable personalities include Blair Underwood, Angela Bassett, Cuba Gooding Jr. and Samuel L. Jackson. In addition to dramatic performances of the entire New Testament text by leading artists and celebrities, the product also features Hollywood-style sound design and effects and an original musical underscore featuring performances by the Prague Symphony Orchestra.
The Audio Publishers Association recently nominated Inspired By… The Bible Experience as a finalist for Audiobook of the Year, its most prestigious Audie award, in addition to two other awards. The winner will be announced during The Audies® awards ceremony on June 1, 2007, in New York City.
Inspired By… The Bible Experience is now available in stores nationwide. It currently contains the New Testament, with the Old Testament and a complete Bible edition featuring an expanded cast scheduled for release in fall 2007.
The New Testament edition of Inspired By… The Bible Experience is available in CD and MP3 formats as well as audio download. A behind-the-scenes “making of” video, audio samples, news and reviews can be found at www.zondervan.com/BibleExperience.
About Inspired By Media Group
Branded by its signature banner, Inspired By…, Inspired By Media Group, Inc. is committed to serving the faith-based and general markets by creating family-oriented products that are culturally relevant in scope. With more than a combined 40 years in the convergent areas of music, television, film, theater, literature, new media and technology, the company is an industry leader in delivering contemporary multimedia products. Visit Inspired By Media Group on the Web at www.inspiredby.com.
About Zondervan
company, is a world leader in Christian communications and the leading Christian publishing brand. For more than 75 years, Zondervan has delivered transformational Christian experiences through general and academic resources by influential leaders and emerging voices, and been honored with more Christian Book Awards than any other publisher. Headquartered in Grand Rapids, Mich., with offices in San Diego and Miami, Zondervan conducts events and publishes its bestselling
brands. Zondervan resources are sold worldwide through retail stores, online, and by
, and are translated into nearly 200 languages in more than 60 countries. Visit Zondervan on the Internet at
