Angel Studios’ THE SHIFT Launches Set to Recoup Film Budget Based on Merchandise Sales Alone

Angel Studios’ Debut Original Film Inspired By the Book of Job Finds Audience Eager to Share Theatrical Experience

Provo, UT—December 2, 2023—Updated January 18, 2024

THE SHIFT, the debut original theatrical release from Angel Studios, the studio behind the summer blockbuster SOUND OF FREEDOM, marches into release weekend on track to be profitable, based solely on millions of dollars generated in merchandise sales before the film’s debut in theaters. 

“Our strategy has been to release the film slowly, building an audience throughout the holiday season and into early 2024,” said Brandon Purdie, Head of Theatrical at Angel Studios. “But with the remarkable response in box office pre-sales and general merchandise sales, including over $2,000,000 in Empty Tomb Necklaces alone, we are committed to increase our P&A theatrical marketing spend well into the Christmas season.”

THE SHIFT is an indie sci-fi romance inspired by the book of Job. The film shares the story of Kevin, whose confrontation with a mysterious adversary threatens his survival and sends him to a dystopian reality. As Kevin travels across worlds to reunite with Molly, the love of his life, a glimmer of hope emerges through a necklace representing the empty tomb.



Early tracking shows that female audiences are championing the film. This audience is actively sharing their excitement through Angel’s proprietary Pay it Forward system where audiences can purchase tickets for someone who may not be able to afford a theatrical movie experience.

THE SHIFT stars Kristoffer Polaha (Wonder Woman 1984, JURASSIC WORLD DOMINION), Neal McDonough (MINORITY REPORT, Yellowstone), Sean Astin (LORD OF THE RINGS, Stranger Things), Liz Tabish (The Chosen), Rose Reid (SURPRISED BY OXFORD), and John Billingsley (Star Trek Enterprise, THE MAN FROM EARTH)

THE SHIFT is the debut film from writer/director Brock Heasley. The project was produced by Ken Carpenter (SURPRISED BY OXFORD, FINDING YOU) for Nook Entertainment.

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About Angel Studios:  Angel Studios is the home of stories that amplify light. Through the Angel Guild, tens of thousands of investors choose which titles the studio will next distribute. Angel Studios allows filmmakers and audiences to form passionate communities around their creative projects, making the story behind the story as important as the final project itself. The Chosen and Dry Bar Comedy—two of Angel Studios’ originals—have earned billions of views around the world, and now SOUND OF FREEDOM has become a global box-office hit. Learn more at Angel.com

*** Key art and assets available at angel.com/press/the-shift