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In March 2022, Kim Devins received a Facebook message from a British producer named Rory Barker from Plum Pictures, asking if she wanted to take part in a documentary about her daughter, Bianca.

Devins has received a lot of messages like this over the years. Since the brutal murder of her then-17-year-old daughter in July 2019, images of which went viral on Discord and Instagram, she has spoken to a handful of documentarians and media outlets (including this one) about Bianca and her efforts to prevent social media platforms from profiting...

With “When Calls the Heart” at Hallmark and “When Hope Calls” at Great American Family, Brian Bird is expanding his success with a partnership with UPtv. True Brand Entertainment, founded by Bird, Brandon Clark, Tai Truesdell and Darin Chavez, and the network have a multi-picture licensing agreement, creating a series of uplifting and values-friendly romantic comedies.

The partnership began with “The Engagement Plot,” starring Trevor Donovan and Rachel Boston, which debuted in summer 2022 to record-breaking ratings for UPtv and its streaming service, Up Faith & Family. “The Happy Camper,” starring real-life married couple Daniela Bobadilla and Beau Wirick, premiered to strong ratings on February 5.

The third film in the deal, “Just Jake” starring Brittany Bristow and Rob Mayes, is currently in post-production and is set to debut later this year. All three movies are directed by Clark and produced by Bird, Clark, Truesdell and Chavez. Additional films in the slate are currently in development.