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"We got ourselves upside down financially when everything was working wonderfully," Vischer told Christian Retailing. "When things were doing so well, I thought that was God wanting us to expand, so we grew like crazy. Now I think it was more me having all these great ideas in my head and being so excited that I wanted to do them all at once."

No terms of the sale were announced. Big Idea's Fuhr said that the company hoped to complete the sale by the end of 2003.

In a statement, Eric Ellenbogen, chairman and CEO of Classic Media, said that his company looks forward "to supporting (Big Idea's) mission" and "growing the brand" in the future.

"Although Big Idea has experienced considerable financial difficulties, it has never let down its audience," Ellenbogen said. "We will commit everything it takes to advance Big Idea's unique franchise."

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Christianity Today's earlier coverage of Big Idea includes:

Weblog: Veggies for Sale | Big Idea Productions says it's looking for a buyer (Jul. 16, 2003)

Big Idea Loses Suit | Jury says creator of VeggieTales owes $11 million to ex-distributor. (Jun. 20, 2003)

Big Idea Responds to CT Article | Phil Vischer, CEO and founder, issues a statement regarding company's financial status. (Oct. 4, 2003)

Big Trouble at Big Idea | Former workers worry that Jonah could sink the company. (Oct. 4, 2003)

The Top Tomato | Phil Vischer's tenacious campaign to dominate family entertainment. (Oct. 4, 2003)

Runaway Asparagus | Big Idea's Jonah is both wholesome and hip. (Oct. 4, 2003)

(The Voice of) Larry the Cucumber Speaks | "Nobody thinks growing up that they're going to be a cucumber." (Oct. 4, 2003)

The Serious Business of Silly Songs | The director of music for the VeggieTales talks about bringing musical depth to the score. (Oct. 4, 2003)

The Big Idea corporate site has more information on the company, but not on the sale or bankruptcy filing.

Christianity Today sister publication Books & Culture discussed Big Idea's video series in "What's Cooking When Martha Stewart Meets the VeggieTales?"

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September (Web-only) 2003, Vol. 47