Contact:
Tara Powers, (616) 233-0500
Pioneering Audio Bible Production Wins Top Honors at Prestigious Audies®
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., June 4, 2007 – The most ambitious and bestselling audio presentation of the Bible ever produced, Inspired By… The Bible Experience (New Testament), has been named Audiobook of the Year, the most prestigious award for excellence in audiobooks, by the Audio Publishers Association (APA).
The award recognizes the audiobook that made the greatest impact on the audio publishing industry. To date, the New Testament edition of Inspired By… The Bible Experience has sold more than 300,000 units in eight months to become Zondervan’s fastest-selling new Bible, outselling perennial bestsellers. The combination of the product’s original score, theatrical production, world-class talent and use of the most accessible Bible translation, the TNIV (Today’s New International Version), also earned Inspired By… The Bible Experience a second Audie® in the Inspirational/Spiritual category. The winners were announced during the Audies® ceremony on Friday, June 1, in New York City.
“This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of a large team of people, from the Inspired By producers to the talented cast and the entire team at Zondervan who brought the product to market,” said Paul Caminiti, vice president and publisher of Bibles for Zondervan. “Our goal with any of our products is to meet people’s spiritual needs, not to win awards, but we are extremely honored and humbled to receive this recognition and are excited to see how God is using this innovative product to engage more people in the Bible.”
Finalists in 31 categories were considered for the 2007 Audies® and were chosen based on content, production quality, packaging and narration. More than 800 entries were submitted for consideration in 2007.
The Audies® judges shared the following comments regarding Inspired By… The Bible Experience: “The Bible Experience is a tribute to innovative marketing. Packing it with an impressive cast of over 200 prominent African Americans, Zondervan didn’t stop at letting the talent attract listeners. They conducted a church-driven awareness program, utilized MySpace as a promotional vehicle and received a wealth of positive press for this superb production.
”Inspired By… The Bible Experience (New Testament) 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.
“Dozens of people poured their hearts, souls and an unbelievable amount of time into producing The Bible Experience, and we’re privileged to receive what is considered the Oscar of audio production,” said Ron Belk, executive producer, Inspired By Media Group. “The theatrical-quality score and talent involved will set The Bible Experience apart from every other audio Bible for a generation. The cast and crew earned this honor, and we deeply appreciate their time and talent.
”Inspired By… The Bible Experience (New Testament) is available in stores nationwide, with the Old Testament and a complete Bible edition featuring an expanded cast scheduled for release in fall 2007.
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.
Zondervan, a
HarperCollins 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
Bibles,
books,
audio,
video,
curriculum,
software, and
digital products through its
Zondervan,
eZondervan,
Zonderkidz,
Youth Specialties,
Editorial Vida, and
National Pastors Convention brands. Zondervan resources are sold worldwide through retail stores, online, and by
Zondervan ChurchSource, and are translated into nearly 200 languages in more than 60 countries. Visit Zondervan on the Internet at
www.zondervan.com (mobile site:
zvan.mobi).
