Kirk Franklin Expands Entertainment Company With Fo Yo Soul Film and Television

While teaming with Franklin for Fo Yo Soul Film and Television, Smith and Reed will continue to oversee their respective companies, Imatra Productions and Robi Reed Entertainment.

Smith’s writing credits include Jason’s Lyric and Their Eyes Were Watching God. New Line recently bought his pitch, Lift Every Voice which is about gospel choir competitions.

Fo Yo Soul Film and Television is represented by APA Talent & Literary Agency.Kirk Franklin was repped by Dana Sims at William Morris on Church Boy.Mitch Smelkinson at Stone, Meyer, Genow, Smelkinson & Binder represents all parties for film and television.

On the musical front, the Fo Yo Soul Entertainment/Zomba recording artist just received seven nominations for the 2007 Stellar Awards and an American Music Award nod. The seven Stellar Award nominations include “Song of the Year” (Looking For You), “Artist of the Year” (Hero), “Producer of the Year” (Hero), “CD of the Year” (Hero), “Music Video of the Year” (Looking For You), “Contemporary CD of the Year” (Hero) and “Recorded Music Packaging of the Year” (Hero). He also received an American Music Award nomination for “Favorite Contemporary Inspirational Artist.” In addition to being a nominee, the multiple-award-winning artist will co-host the 22nd Annual Stellar Awards show that honors the best in gospel music and will tape in Nashville on January 13, 2007. Hero, the first release on Franklin's Fo Yo Soul Entertainment record label (in association with Zomba Gospel), was released one year ago and includes the #1 hit single, Looking For You, as well as Imagine Me, the second single from his nearly platinum-selling CD. Franklin’s sixth CD debuted in the #1 position on two Billboard magazine charts – “Top Gospel Album” and “Top Christian Album” – and still remains on the charts since its release in October 2005. Looking For You became an anthem on gospel and mainstream stations across the county this past summer with an estimated audience reach of 30 million at urban, urban AC and gospel radio combined, while Imagine Me maintains its position in the top 5 on Gospel R&R charts.