Founded in 2001 by Hunter and fellow Brigham Young University film graduate Kurt Hale, Halestorm Entertainment found success with their its feature film, "The Singles Ward," and brought in more moviegoers with "The R.M." and "The Home Teachers." In total, the movies have made more than $10 million.

Halestorm's latest film, "The Best Two Years," takes a comedic look at Latter-day Saint missionary work. A premiere performance was Wednesday, and the general opening is tonight on 22 movie screens in Utah.

Hunter said that Halestorm's films are popular because they manage to be funny without being offensive. The company's planned venture into mainstream films will also be family friendly, he said.

But even if Halestorm makes it big in Hollywood, Hunter promises one good LDS-themed movie a year for Utah's LDS audience.

"There is an endless amount of Mormon fodder for our films," he said.

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E-mail: lwarner@desnews.com