PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Hope Allen
Ph: 214.420.9207
E:

fHammond Family Entertainment Inc. (FHFE) announces its first motion picture debut "Christmas…Who Needs It"; a refreshing dramedy fusion from the mind of multi-platinum famed gospel artist Fred Hammond. This is the inaugural project of his recently announced brand expansion into FHFE. "Christmas…Who Needs It?" cleverly portrays layers of sincere relationships between a multicultural cast of refreshing characters that expand the common holiday message.

The story is brought to life by a stellar cast including Hammond, who is supported by both veteran and fresh talent including renowned stage and film actors David Whitfield and Ann McCrary, a Bobby Jones Gospel staple, Toussaint Duchess (Lifetime Television's "The Fantasia Barrino Story and T.D. Jakes "Woman Thou Art Loosed") as well as three time Stellar award-winning artist, IROCC Williams. "Over ten years ago I envisioned capturing fresh stories for healthy family enjoyment. I am excited to begin a new venture that fulfills our mission that "The Gospel must be seen", says Hammond. "We purposely sought after fresh faces with incredible talent that we envision making an impact on modern urban storytelling."

In this charming holiday tale, James Jonathan Zaxby, a cooled-out, new urban mogul from Los Angeles is bitter toward God and indifferent about the Christmas holiday due to a personal tragedy. Like many successful hurting people, James has managed to camouflage his pain with a suit, tie and briefcase. While on his way to a business meeting on Christmas Eve, he is forced to make an emergency landing in the small southern town of Cricket Fence. Here he encounters a charming & quirky family, the Hacketts, who are at the center of a collection of outrageously funny friends and extended family. Their unfailing love for each other coupled with an optimistic approach to life help James realize what the holiday season is all about. Says Hammond, "This is what we like to call a country-fried Christmas story you'll never forget."

Director Juan Roberts, best-known for his live events (Megafest) and motion picture projects (Woman Thou Art Loosed), shares, "This is the fulfillment of a long creative journey. It is only the beginning of presenting urban Christian culture with a transparency never seen before. Fred's script, while wildly comedic, has tender moments, powerful revelations and rich relationship textures that reveal how God is active in all of our lives… I am more than honored to be at the helm of the project as the facilitator of my friend's dream."

Christmas … Who Needs It" is currently being filmed at FHFE's new 15,000 plus square foot sound stage and production facility in Dallas, Texas. The facility now under renovation will provide a complete portfolio of integrated entertainment services that collectively address the exclusive needs of the urban family market with core offerings including: a film division releasing direct-to-DVD titles; a music and book publishing division; an online multi-media website including radio programming and streaming video content; theatrical presentations; as well as perpetual music production from new and established artists under the famed, F. Hammond Music label.

"Christmas … Who Needs It?" is slated for a soon coming release with preview screenings in select markets and pre-production for a musical stageplay. Without a doubt, "Christmas … Who Needs It" will become a classic, timeless production that families will look forward to year after year, serving as a tender reminder that we all need to embrace the spirit of Christmas.