An idea inception that began 33 years ago is now realized through the launch of the new animated series THEO this fall. The driving team behind this animated kid’s property consists of curriculum producer “Lifeway Christian Resources”, DVD distributor “EMI CMG”, marketing partner “Propeller” and brand and interactive design group “PlainJoe Studios”. An integrated marketing strategy and product rollout will pave the way for a September 13th street date. The first DVD in the series entitled “God’s Love" will include 3 episodes of our favorite theologian THEO.

THEO is a series dedicated to teaching children God’s Word through a pulpit of cartoon animation. It is creator Mike Joens’ hope that God will use THEO to present the Gospel of Jesus Christ to children and adults in every country of the world.

While Propeller is leading the charge at CBA Retail and generating consumer awareness, PlainJoe Studios is finalizing the THEO app. In development since 2010, the app will provide a unique opportunity to present the Gospel to kids of all ages.

Lifeway Christian Resources released the first THEO video curriculum this month to churches nationwide. "We are thrilled to partner with Whitestone Media to provide THEO resources for use in the local church. Teaching theology to kids is not easy, but this partnership gives churches access to beautifully animated segments that present biblical truth in a fun way. When paired with a teaching plan that digs deep into God’s word, teaching theology with THEO resources will be easy for teachers and fun for kids!" says Becky Loyd, Director of Lifeway Kids.

“EMI CMG Distribution is grateful to be part of Whitestone Media’s launch ofTHEO. Whitestone is committed tohelping kids understand the Good News of the Bible through high quality animated storiesthatentertain, educate, andinspire -helpingchildren retain what theyhave learned. Ourteam is excited to be working on their behalf,” says Greg Bays, SVP of Sales and Marketing.

One of the world’s largest providers of Christian products and services, Lifeway Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention was established in Nashville, TN in 1891. Lifeway Christian Resources also owns and operates 162 Lifeway Christian Stores across the country, as well as two of the largest Christian conference centers in the U.S.

EMI CMG Distribution was founded in 1994 to serve as the main distribution outlet for EMI CMG’s owned and distributed labels to the US Christian and general retail marketplace, and the international Christian marketplace. Since this distribution division was launched, EMI CMG has had more charting titles annually on Billboard’s Top Christian charts than any other Christian distributor and has been named Billboard Magazine’s Top Christian Music Distributor 10 times since 1995. In addition to distributing EMI Christian Music Group’s fully-owned labels, which include Sparrow, ForeFront, and Credential imprints, as well as EMI Gospel and Worship Together, EMI CMG Distribution has exclusive distribution agreements with BEC/Tooth & Nail, Centricity Records, Gaither Music Group, Green Hill Productions, Hal Leonard, Hillsong, Inpop, Isaiah 61, Kingsway Music, sixsteps records, Sonoma Music, Maranatha! Music, North Point Music, Spring Hill Music Group, Troubadour for the Lord, Universal Music Group, VSR Music Group, Anchor Bay Entertainment/Starz, Creative Trust Media, First Look Studios, GT Media,

Guardian Studios/Bananas, Pure Flix Entertainment, Rainbow Valley Heroes, Vivendi Visual Entertainment, and many more. EMI CMG Distribution is a division of EMI Christian Music Group, a unit of EMI Music (www.emi.com), one of the world’s leading music companies.

A creative consultancy, Propeller develops powerful brand experiences to reach faith and family consumers. Using a unique blend of strategic marketing, product development, new media expertise and public relations Propeller serves some of the most well known brands in entertainment media. Propeller delivers solutions for brands seeking new ways to connect with consumers in a fast paced, media rich culture.

PlainJoe Studios is a design group working with brands by shaping their story and giving them a voice in order to communicate the unique value and credibility of their cause so that people take notice. Founded in October of 2001, with 3 designers, PlainJoe Studios has had grown to over 25 full time team members with successive growth year after year. Although PlainJoe Studios has worked with large marketplace companies such as Nissan and Infiniti, the studio has a special place in their hearts for causes and projects that have a Kingdom impact.

Contact for a THEO screener:
Bob Elder
Propeller
bob@flypropeller.com

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