Open River Pictures Seeks Distribution for Original Docu-Series, ‘Marvin Sapp: Single Dad’
Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at 1:03PM 
(EEW Magazine News)- Open River Pictures has teamed up with award-winning recording artist Marvin Sapp to pitch a new docu-series, “Marvin Sapp: Single Dad.” The reality-based program features the life of the recently widowed Sapp who is raising two tweens and a teen, pastoring a mega church, and maintaining a busy gospel music career for the first time without his wife of 20 years by his side.
Filming of Sapp and his three kids, Marvin “ML” Sapp II., MiKaila and Madisson began in early 2012. Now the Open River Pictures team is shopping the production footage to networks hoping it will be picked up for distribution to the public.
Marvin Sapp enjoys a laugh with his daughter over lunch with the family. (Photo Credit: Open River Pictures)“Marvin Sapp: Single Dad” reveals an inside look at the Sapp family as they courageously carry on life after the loss of MaLinda Sapp, a vibrant, beloved wife and mother who succumbed to stomach cancer in September 2010. Footage captures a freshly single Sapp maintaining a music career and fighting off the stereotypical “God told me you are my husband!” women, which, according to Open River Pictures, requires more prayer and skills than this dad thinks he has.
“This is about a family man who really believes in family teaching his children core values along with trying to manage a successful business and a career as well. God’s good, so I am just going to keep it moving,” said Marvin Sapp of the original docu-series in a statement.
Tammy Williams, CEO of Open Rivers Pictures said, “I count it a privilege and an honor that Marvin entrusted my company to document the second chapter of his and his kids, ML, MiKalia and Madisson's life. I think it is timely that the country sees a man, especially an African-American man, who is serious about family values and raising his children.”
Jody Mainello of Lone Oak Entertainment also serves as co-executive producer. EEW Magazine will inform you upon receiving news that the series is picked up for distribution by a digital, cable or broadcast network.
Listen to the theme song and see a few footage shots below:
What do you think about the concept of “Marvin Sapp: Single Dad”? Does this sound like a reality show worth watching? Do you think it will get picked up?
Reader Comments (15)
I would definitely watch this show! I love Marvin Sapp and think he is doing a wonderful job.
I'm sure someone will be happy to distribute this because Pastor Sapp is powerful and positive. He has a beautiful family and the story of his life is interesting. Even thousands of people tuned into MaLinda Sapp's funeral. I think he has drawing power.
I would loveeee it!
Now THIS would be quality programming. I hope it gets distribution. BET would be a great oulet for this. They could really use some more positive programs.
Any network would be crazy not to jump on it. This has ratings written all over it.
I had no idea this was the way it was done??? You take the footage first an then shop the TV show??? Wow. I learn somethin new everyday. Intersting.
I am praying for this family. I think those kids might need a little more time to grieve privately. I don't think everything should be put on public display. But that's just my opinion. I love Marvin Sapp's ministry and all, but I think this might not be the best idea.
These thirsty women out here are driving this poor man crazy. lol! I can't believe people have the nerve to say the Lord told me I'm your wife!! That is really bold.
That song is beautiful. I got emotional a little bit hearing it. It still makes me sad to think about MaLinda Sapp's passing.
Beautiful family! I would love to see something like that. I hope it gets picked up.
BET if you're reading this pick this show up!!! It would be so good for the network. I know people would watch it!!
I wold love to see more than Keyshia Cole, Toya and Tiny! Marvin Sapp's family would be great like Terry Crews and his family. I would really love to see this. Hope it works out.
Ok.... I understand why Marvin Sapp is going this route seeing that he's a gospel music artist/entertainer and in fact, he offers a compelling story: a widowed pastor/father raising three children. They are a beautiful (looking) family.
But I'm not sure I could belong to a church with a pastor who has a reality show. What's the point? And please avoid offering the tired rationale that reality show is a way to spread the gospel.
Another minister gone wild! All these preachers are off the hook! God wants his people he has assigned to spread the gospel to his people not cater to entertainment and hollywood! But they know if they use a black family they will get ratings. The devil cannot enter unless you let him in. I knew Marvin Sapp was changing just looking at his facebook. VANITY the devil knows gets them every time.
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