ABOUT THE COMPANY [ continued ]
...different, something positive, and out of that conversation BellTown was formed.” Bishop Eddie Long said, “It is my hope that Bell Town Productions becomes one of the world’s leading film and production companies in developing, producing and marketing innovative programming.”

The first project from this venture is titled “Robert Townsend Presents, The Musical Theater of Hope”. It is a unique half-hour television series that combines popular gospel music with powerful acting.  Townsend described it as a Gospel Twilight Zone. The stories are done in a theatrical way and shot in front of a live studio audience but with twists and turns to have you on the edge of your seat. Long and Townsend, both champions of creating new opportunities, held several weeks of auditions to find the talent for this show. Bishop Long said, “It truly showcases talented artists that the world may have never known about without this show.” The stories are taken from today’s headlines and the drama of life such as corporate corruption, ending gang violence, escaping from prostitution and prison reform just to name a few.

The Musical Theatre of Hope is just the first project for BellTown Productions. Up next you can expect more creative television programming, phenomenal films, programs on the web and mobile content. BellTown Productions is poised to be the premiere family friendly entertainment company.

Media Contact:
Franklin Media Group
info@FranklinMediaGroupllc.com

About Bishop Eddie L. Long
Bishop Eddie L. Long is the Chairman and CEO of BellTown Productions. He is the visionary leader for New Birth Missionary Baptist Church. Bishop Long first served as pastor in 1987 for a congregation consisting of just more than 300 members.  After his installation, New Birth’s membership quickly multiplied to well over 25,000. 

A native of North Carolina, Bishop Eddie L. Long received his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from North Carolina Central University and a Master’s of Divinity degree from Atlanta’s Interdenominational Theological Center. Additionally, Bishop Long received honorary doctorates from North Carolina Central University, Beulah Heights Bible College of Atlanta; and Morehouse School of Religion. Bishop Long earned a doctoral Ph.D. in Pastoral Ministry from the International College of Excellence, an affiliate of Life Christian University in Tampa, Florida.  

Bishop Long is revered internationally as a dynamic man of vision, leadership, integrity and compassion. Bishop Long has been named one of America's 125 most influential leaders. His awards recognizing his world changing ministry include: the 2009 Tribute from Who’s Who Among Black Atlanta, the 2003 Leadership Award: Faith/Community Award from 100 Black Men of America, the 2003 Religious Contemporary Award from IRC’s “Portraits of Sweet Success, and the 2003 Champion Award for Spiritual Enlightenment from All Children Are Special, Inc. Savoy Magazine also selected him in 2003 as one of The Most Influential Blacks in America and in 1999.

A noted and accomplished author, Bishop Long’s captivating and powerful messages are masterfully captured in a number of audio and video series including:  I Don't Want Delilah, I Need You, The Spirit of Negativity and Familiarity and Kingdom Relationships, Power of a Wise Woman, What a Man Wants, What a Woman Needs, Called to Conquer and Taking Over, Gladiator: The Strength of a Man: It’s Your Time: Reclaim Your Territory for the Kingdom,  and his most recent The Elect Lady: Life’s Obstacles become God’s Opportunities.

About Robert Townsend
The Musical Theatre of Hope creator Robert Townsend is a filmmaker, actor, producer and entrepreneur, who has been at the forefront of American cinema for the last 30 years. Widely regarded as one of the godfathers of the modern black film aesthetic, the Chicago native’s cannon transcends mediums with projects spanning narrative film, concert film, documentary film, telefilms, episodic television and live productions. His first foray in Hollywood came as an actor in such films as “Streets of Fire” and “A Soldier’s Story’ opposite Denzel Washington. His directorial debut, the independently produced comedy “Hollywood Shuffle,” earned him the Critics
Special Grand Prize at the Deauville Film Festival and an Independent Spirit Award nomination in 1987.
Townsend went on to direct feature films, “Eddie Murphy: Raw,” “B.A.P.S.’ starring Halle Berry and Martin Landau, “Meteor Man” with James Earl Jones and Bill Cosby, and the urban classic “The Five Heartbeats.” His television credits are extensive including the critically-acclaimed telefilms “Holiday Heart” starring Alfre Woodard and Ving Rhames. “Carmen: A Hip Hopera” starring Beyonce Knowles, “10,000 Black Men Named George” starring Andre Braugher and Charles S. Dutton, “Little Richard,” and “Livin for Love: The Natalie Cole Story.” He also created and starred in the WB television series “The Parenthood” from 1995-1999.
Townsend has made history with more than 30 NAACP Image Awards. In addition, he is a spokesman for the Milken Family Fund, an organization created to recognize outstanding educators in this country. Townsend has recently completed post production of the feature film, “Phantom Punch, “starring Ving Rhames in the role of the legendary boxer Sonny Liston. He has also completed post production on “Why We Laugh; Black Comedians on Black Comedy, a documentary on the history of African American comedy beginning from slavery to present. He premiered the film at the Sundance Film festival this past January.

Townsend extended his creative experience as the President and CEO of Production for The Black Family Channel (BFC), where he spearheaded production until the network was successfully acquired by the Gospel Music Channel in 2007. In June of 2008, Robert joined forces with Rey Ramsey of One Economy to head up V Studio. As president of the studio Townsend’s responsibilities include creative programming for the One Economy’s internet channel, PIC.tv. The first project created, produced and directed for V Studios by Townsend is the webisode series titled “Diary of a Single Mom,” which stars Billy Dee Williams, Richard Roundtree, Leon, Monica Calhoun, Valery Ortiz and Janice Lynde. The internet series was designed to entertain and to help single mothers improve their lives by using technology incorporated in the web series to get a better education, to learn how to apply for a job, and to help better address health concerns. Robert Townsend is the president of BellTown Productions.