JACKSONVILLE'S “SAFE HARBOR BOYS HOME”

A MOTION PICTURE DRAMA ON THE HALLMARK CHANNEL WILL AIR  May 30, 2009 : 09:00 PM ET / 08:00 PM CT

Jacksonville, Fl., Hollywood, CA – Twenty–five years after the founding of Safe Harbor Boys Home by local Jacksonville couple Doug and Robbie Smith, the program is being portrayed in a Hallmark Channel TV Motion Picture.  

In the production of the TV motion picture “SAFE HARBOR” for the Hallmark Channel, Bright World Productions'  Humanitas Award-winning writer Josef Anderson, Executive Producer Norton Wright (former producer of “Sesame Street”) and legendary director Jerry Jameson (his credits include “Airport 77” starring Jack Lemmon  and “Raise the Titanic” staring Alec Guiness and Jason Robards) create two hours of exciting contemporary drama based on the true story of Doug and Robbie Smith, the married couple that founded a unique, residential, educational program for at risk teen-aged  boys on the Saint Johns River in Jacksonville, Florida. Coping with human nature and Mother Nature, the Smiths program teaches troubled teens the maritime skills of voyaging under sail and under power, navigation; valuable vocational skills such as engine repair, electrical and welding along with a strong academic program.  The combination helps turn troubled boys into responsible young men.

Screenwriter Anderson and Executive Producer Wright spent many hours interviewing Doug and Robbie Smith and the resulting teleplay tells the story of how the couple tamed and nurtured the program's first group of rowdy boys, fought to establish the program as a privately run home for the boys.  In true Hollywood style, the movie weaves a story of excitement and drama - and at story's end, the Smiths and their young wards prove their courage and skills as they battle a storm at sea. The spectacular storm effects and cast performances are directed by Jerry Jameson who loved the Smith's true-life story and knew he could turn it into a thrilling action adventure to be enjoyed by the whole family. 

Closer to real life, the actual story is more about faith and Doug and Robbie’s commitment to the boys they serve.

Star casting includes Treat Williams as “Doug Smith”, Nancy Travis as his wife; “Robbie” and Orson Bean as the courtroom judge who helps them handle their boys with tough love. The “SAFE HARBOR” movie is scheduled to be broadcast on the Hallmark Channel starting Memorial Day weekend. The premier performance will help kick off the celebration of Safe Harbor Boys Home 25th Anniversary in June 2009.

The movie was filmed in Los Angeles where the stars of the cast live and where the palm trees and weather resemble that of Florida. Supporting the local production was producer/financier, Daniel L. Paulson.

Safe Harbor Boys Home is a residential academic and vocational education program serving troubled, at-risk, teenage boys.  The program is celebrating 25 years of inspiring permanent and positive change in the lives of hurting boys by helping them become men of character, integrity and vision.  The Safe Harbor academic and vocational education, teamed with the structure, discipline and love they receive has resulted in a 95% success rate with the boys served by the program. 

For more information about Safe Harbor Boys Home visit www.boyshome.com or call 904-757-7918.

CONTACT:          Karen Hensel, Development Director – Safe Harbor Boys Home

904-757-7918 or karen@boyshome.com

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