Excel Entertainment

Excel Entertainment Group came into being in 1995 when Jeff Simpson left his position as an Executive at Disney Studios to become President and CEO of a new entertainment company. Simpson and his partners acquired Embryo Music, Joyspring Records, Lightwave Records and the independent wholesale distributor Excel Distribution. In 2002 Lumen Records was created as the label for inspirational music. Leading the way on Embryo and Lumen is acclaimed composer and songwriter Kenneth Cope. In March 2000, Excel Distribution ventured into the world of theatrical film distribution with the release of the independent film God's Army. The film went on to become one of the top-grossing independent films of 2000. Subsequently, in January 2001, Excel Distribution split into two sister divisions. Excel Motion Picture Distribution handles the theatrical release of independent film. The Motion Picture division has grown rapidly, successfully releasing and marketing films in nearly every market in the United States and grossing over $8 million over three films. In May 2002, AC Nielsen EDI ranked Excel among the top ten of limited release film distributors nationally. In 2004 Chairman of the Board of Deseret Book Company, Robert Garff, announced Deseret Book acquired Excel Entertainment Group.