TCA: GMC to Launch Monthly Original Movie Package

Complete Coverage: 2011 TCA Summer Press Tour

GMC will launch a series of monthly family-targeted original films beginning with the Aug. 21 premiere of Trinity Goodheart.

The 50-million subscriber network will also air at least one gospel-themed play a quarter beginning in September, Brad Siegel, GMC vice chairman said during the network's inaugural TCA panel presentation Wednesday.

The first film on the docket is Trinity Goodheart, which stars Grammy-nominated singer Eric Bonet and James Hong (Kung Fu Panda) and follows a young girl's decision to reunite her broken family after being visited by an angel.

Other original movies slated for the network include A Mile In His Shoes, a story about a 17 year-old farm boy with Asperger's Syndrome and a live fastball who is recruited by minor league scout, said network officials.

Other movie titles announced by the network include The Decision, The 5th Quarter, The Heart Of Christmas, A Cross To Bear and Brotha White.

While similar to Hallmark Channel's family-based original movies, Siegel said the network is hoping to draw younger viewers with its movies through a mix of inspirational and faith-based family friendly fare.

The network will also bring to TV at least one gospel-themed stage play a quarter, according to Siegel. GMC will debut on Sept. 17 The Love You Save, which chronicles the often negative consequences that come when kids grow up without a father in the home.

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.