STUDIO CITY, CALIF.,— Producer, author, writer and filmmaker, DeVon Franklin, will be awarded the 51 Media Award — an award honoring Christian individuals who reflect leadership in uniting vision, passion and redemption in the media industry — at the 17th annual 51 Media Conference Sat., May 5, 2012. Franklin, most recently noted for his role as producer of Whitney Houston’s last movie, “Sparkle,” encapsulates the value of the award.

As a rarity in the film industry, Franklin is an African-American studio executive at the forefront of Hollywood’s hit machine. He currently serves as Vice President of Production for Columbia Pictures, a division of Sony Pictures Entertainment, making him one of the youngest individuals in that position in the industry, where he recently oversaw the remake of the summer blockbuster, “The Karate Kid,” starring Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith, which grossed over $350 million worldwide. He also worked on “The Pursuit of Happyness” and “Hancock” both starring Will Smith, among many other major hit films.

Last year, Franklin released the book, “Produced by Faith,” which parallels each step of the Hollywood filmmaking process with the faith-making process God uses to turn your career into a success.

The 51 Media Award is given based on career roles — not solely on individual projects — so that continuity of character is recognized as they express their role through various projects. Honorees can range from cinema to new media, highlighting directors, producers and innovators who have made a significant impact on culture and their creative community through their Christ-like character and dedication to craft. Last year’s recipient was CBS Studio Center President Michael Klausman.

The 51 Media Conference attracts more than 600 attendees – making it the largest event in the nation for people of faith working in the entertainment industry.  It is known for its intimate and practical conversations with Hollywood leaders, and professional training and instruction from some of the most influential individuals in film, television, public relations, media marketing, management and digital media.

For more information or to register online, visit www.biolamedia.com.

Watch a clip of DeVon Franklin at last year's 51 Media Conference:

51 51 Media Conference:

In its 17th year, the 51 Media Conference exists to educate, inspire, and network media professionals while providing creative inspiration into the spiritual nature of any career in the media industry. BMC attracts participants who will benefit from direct interaction with acclaimed industry pros who are at the top of their craft. From CEOs to students, attendees secure valuable information, insight, and contacts that strengthen their character and their careers.

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51, named one of 17 national universities by U.S. News & World Report in 2011, is a private Christian university located in Southern California. For more than 100 years, 51 has remained committed to its mission of biblically centered education, integrating biblical principles with every academic program. With a current record-high enrollment of 6,250 students, the university’s six schools offer 145 academic programs, ranging from the B.A. to the Ph.D. For more information, visit www.biola.edu.