NEW YORK, Oct. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- An inspiring new holiday film, destined to become a Christmas classic, has been announced by Thomas Kinkade, the most collected living artist in American history. Releasing on November 11, 2008, Thomas Kinkade's Christmas Cottage, directed by Michael Campus, stars eight-time Academy Award(R) nominee Peter O'Toole, with Academy Award winner Marcia Gay Harden, and Jared Padalecki. The film, based on a true story, is a look at the inspiration behind Thomas Kinkade's incredible career.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081027/LAM029)

Returning home from college one Christmas, young artist Thomas Kinkade (Jared Padalecki) is dismayed to learn that attempts to promote local tourism have failed and his mother (Marcia Gay Harden) is dangerously close to losing the family cottage to foreclosure. Inspired by his mentor, Glen (Peter O'Toole), a famous artist who lives next door, Thom accepts a job painting a mural of his small, idyllic hometown. With Glen's help, Thom not only discovers his calling as the Painter of Light(TM) but also helps the town rediscover the true spirit of Christmas in this nostalgic, humorous and heartwarming true story destined to become a holiday classic.

"I began my career creating art for an animated feature film, and it has been a life-long dream to tell some of the story of my own life -- the story behind my art -- through the medium of motion pictures. Now, the dream is coming true with Thomas Kinkade's Christmas Cottage, which I hope will be the first in a number of inspirational movies to tell the story of my growing up," says Thomas Kinkade. He continued, "To me it's all about love. If you love family, home and holiday traditions, you'll find it all in this movie."

Written by award winning writer Ken LeZebnick and directed by Michael Campus, the Academy Award, Emmy and Tony Award-winning cast makes the film come alive! Favorites include Chris Elliott, Charlotte Rae, Richard Moll and a special guest appearance by Ed Asner make this film even more memorable.

Thomas Kinkade gave his skill and time to this unique production, art directing the sketch young Thom presents to his mother in the film as well as the town mural that appears in some of the movie's dramatic scenes. At the end of the movie, we see Thom in present day painting the Christmas Cottage home depicted in the movie. The painting is currently available in Limited Edition canvas and paper reproductions. Thomas Kinkade's Christmas Cottage is available on DVD nationwide on November 11, 2008 at Thomas Kinkade Galleries, online at http://www.thomaskinkade.com as well as on http://www.amazon.com. SRP: $19.98

ABOUT THE THOMAS KINKADE COMPANY

The Thomas Kinkade Company publishes the work of Thomas Kinkade and distributes his art and related collectibles through independently owned galleries worldwide, an extensive network of branded and licensed dealers, and strategic marketing relationships with more than 70 licensees. The company's primary products are canvas and paper reproductions that feature Mr. Kinkade's artistic unique use of light and his peaceful and inspiring themes. Mr. Kinkade, known as the Painter of Light(TM) is the most collected living artist in U.S. history. For more information, please visit the Company's web site at http://www.thomaskinkade.com.

SOURCE The Thomas Kinkade Company