Historic Family Theater Productions commemorates its past and looks toward the future at a special Hollywood event at the site of the first Academy Awards.
Family Theater Productions, a family- and faith-based media production company in Hollywood, California, will commemorate its 75th anniversary celebration at the iconic Roosevelt Hotel on Hollywood Boulevard today (Wednesday, April 27). What other Catholic media company has worked with James Dean, William Shatner, Bob Hope, Princess Grace, Frank Sinatra, Eduardo Verastegui, Ali Landry and Jonathan Roumie?
See the sizzle reel video for the event:
“Anything that lasts 75 years, I think is an achievement, and Father Peyton’s humble beginnings rooted in prayer sets an incredible example of faith and trust in God,” said Father David Guffey, C.S.C., national director of Family Theater Productions. “The 75th anniversary is also a tribute to the ways that Hollywood and entertainment have changed. We started in print, then went to radio, then television and film, and now social media, video and apps. Faith and family have been a part of this history in exciting ways. There’s a lot to celebrate and look forward to as we commemorate the founding this year.”
Family Theater Productions was founded by Father Patrick Peyton, C.S.C. in 1947. Father Peyton dedicated his life to using mass media to spread devotion to the Blessed Mother through the Rosary and encouraging family prayer. His first nationwide broadcast was Mother’s Day 1945 and it featured Bing Crosby. Father Peyton would later work with Lucille Ball, Bing Crosby, Loretta Young, Rose Kennedy and so many other celebrities who collaborated with him and Family Theater Productions to produce compelling and award-winning content.
Watch Family Theater Productions’ short testimonial video about Father Patrick Peyton, and his relationships with some of Hollywood’s most iconic actors and actresses:
The organization also worked behind the scenes on a pastoral level in Hollywood these past 75 years, acting as the vetting organization for scripts that involved Catholic or faith matters and in personal matters of discernment.
“Family Theater Productions has walked with many in the film industry who were discerning the will of God in their lives,” said Father Guffey. “Some stayed in the industry and others left and used their talents elsewhere. It’s a part of the work we have done that is truly hidden from the world but that only God understands and has placed us in these positions to support people who need it.”
Headquartered on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, Family Theater Productions has sought to create media that inspires, entertains and informs. Its latest productions include the award-winning documentary PRAY: THE STORY OF PATRICK PEYTON and THE HOUSE THAT ROB BUILT.
“This celebration is also about looking ahead to the future, to our projects with collaborators, and our goals to reach more families while encouraging them in their prayer lives,” said Fr. Guffey. “We hope to continue to create content that will make people think, will make people hope, and will give people a little bit of beauty that will support their life."
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