Larry H. Miller, owner of the Larry H. Miller Group of Companies, announced Thursday that he has formed a film distribution company to handle the distribution of the new "The Work and the Glory" film adaptations now under production.

In a statement released Thursday, Miller said the Miller Group and Scott Swofford, film producer and founder of Vineyard Productions, have formed Vineyard Distribution. According to the statement, Vineyard Distribution will "handle all national and international film distribution and home entertainment releases" of the "Work and the Glory" films, and is in negotiations to acquire other motion pictures for theatrical and home entertainment distribution.

Details on those negotiations were not disclosed.

"Between Vineyard Productions film producing capabilities and Larry's Megaplex Theatres and KJZZ-TV, developing a film distribution unit became a natural outgrowth of the companies' partnership," Jeff T. Miller, CEO of both Vineyard companies, said in the statement. "And having personnel already in place with years of film distribution experience makes the evolution of Vineyard Distribution that much easier."

Vineyard will continue to work with Excel Entertainment Group Inc. for home video distribution of the first "Work and the Glory" film. The trilogy was adapted from the best-selling series of novels, written by LDS general authority Gerald N. Lund.

In its announcement Thursday, Vineyard named Dean Hale director of the newly-formed company. Hale previously served as director of sales and market development for Vineyard Productions. Before that, he was vice president of motion picture distribution for Excel Entertainment.

Excel was acquired by Deseret Book Co. for an undisclosed amount, the companies announced last November. Deseret Book publishes, distributes and sells religious books and music primarily for customers who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Excel's portfolio includes the LDS-focused films "God's Army," "The Other Side of Heaven" and "Charly."

Hale said Thursday that the formation of Vineyard Distribution was not a reflection of bad blood with Excel. Rather, Hale said, it seemed "the natural direction for things to go."

"It's more an outgrowth of the fact that Larry is producing the movies," Hale said. "And certainly, he has a tremendous amount of marketing clout already. If anything, this represents a commitment on his part to the 'Work and the Glory' brand, and to making sure (the films) are done right."

But Hale said Vineyard Distribution won't be a two-trick pony. Vineyard Productions specialized in producing large-format films — films that were not focused on a specific demographic. Vineyard Distribution will not be limited to the release of the "Work and the Glory" movies, Hale said, nor will it likely limit its acquisitions to LDS-themed material.

"The 'Work and the Glory' films are part of a broad breadth of films we have the ability to distribute," he said. "We're looking big and wide for whatever makes sense to distribute."

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