Thursday 28 June 2012

Universal Pictures Acquires Acclaimed Young Adult Novel 'Daughter of Smoke and Bone'

New young adult trilogy author Laini Taylor has had her novel 'Daughter of Smoke and Bone' picked up by Universal Pictures after a hotly contested auction that saw four major studios compete for the film rights.

Here's the official press release:

Universal Pictures announced this week that it has acquired the rights to the fantasy young adult novel Daughter of Smoke and Bone written by Laini Taylor. Universal won a hotly contested auction involving four major studios and a top independent production company. The book was published this September and is the first in a trilogy. Universal’s Co-Presidents of Production, Peter Cramer and Jeff Kirschenbaum made the announcement.

Daughter of Smoke and Bone was released in 33 countries to critical acclaim and has been one of the most well received books of the year. Honours include Amazon.com Top Ten Books of 2011, Publishers Weekly Best Books 2011 and the New York Times Notable Books of 2011.

The novel has also been hailed by UK critics – the Guardian called it, “Remarkable and beautifully written . . . The opening volume of a truly original trilogy.” And the Sunday Telegraph said, “For once the frenzy over a teen novel is justified. Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor is one of those books that blots out reality, so consumed do you become in its fantasy world”.

At the news of the acquisition, Laini Taylor said, “My goal is always to write stories that readers will want to climb inside of and live in, and which – I hope – will allow them to just lose themselves in the page. It is a hugely thrilling prospect to imagine what Universal and the filmmakers we select might do in translating my world to the screen and giving it a second life in such a grand way. I’m over the moon.”

Jane Putch, Taylor’s manager, said, “Taylor is a stunning visual writer, whose superbly developed characters shape a plot filled with intrigue, epic wars, love, betrayal and “teeth”.

Daughter of Smoke and Bone is published in the UK by Hodder & Stoughton.

Taylor is managed by her producing partner, Jane Putch of Eyebait Licensing & Management. Attorney Peter Nelson of Nelson David Wetzstein oversaw the acquisition.

Tuesday 19 June 2012

Sam Mendes to Direct Stage Production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: The Musical

The much-loved Roald Dahl story Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - which has already been adapted into two films - is now set to hit the stage next year in a new production directed by film Director Sam Mendes.

Here's the official press release...

Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures, Neal Street Productions and Kevin McCormick Present Roald Dahl’s CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY The Musical.

Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures, Neal Street Productions and Kevin McCormick today announced that their production of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory will open at the London Palladium in June 2013 after a preview period.

The new stage musical will be directed by Sam Mendes, with a book by David Greig and new songs from Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman.

Set and costume design will be by Mark Thompson with choreography by Peter Darling. Other members of the creative team include: Doug Besterman (orchestrations); Nicholas Skilbeck (Music Director); Paul Pyant (Lighting Designer); Paul Arditti (Sound Designer) and Jon Driscoll (Video and Projection Designer).

The mysterious Willy Wonka is opening his Chocolate Factory for just one day, and for Charlie Bucket it promises to be a mouth-watering chance to feast his eyes on sweets beyond his wildest imagination. Academy Award®-winning film and theatre director Sam Mendes will bring Roald Dahl’s much-loved classic to life in this world premiere stage production.

Tickets will go on sale to the public in October 2012.

Further information is available from the website: www.CharlieandtheChocolateFactory.co.uk.

Friday 15 June 2012

Citizens of the British Isles District: A Release Date Has Been Announced for The Hunger Games DVD/Blu-Ray Release

Citizens of the British Isles District, you can reserve your copy of The Hunger Games on Blu-Ray and DVD from today!!!

There appears to be two versions of the Suzanne Collins adaptation available too - one rated 12A and one - with previously unseen footage - rated 15. There are also lots of bonus features to enjoy!

For more information check out http://www.theukwillbewatching.co.uk/

Saturday 9 June 2012

Gareth Evans Discusses The Raid and More in Exclusive Interview for Filmoria

I know I'm partial to a great adaptation here at Film vs Book, but I do still adore originality. And for me, Indonesian martial-arts spectacle The Raid was a perfect example of that, with impressive fight sequences, choreography and adrenaline-fuelled drama.

Fans of the film will no doubt share the excitement I felt when I got to chat to Writer and Director Gareth Evans - film fan and Welshman, turned martial-arts film genius.

In an exclusive 3-part interview now live at Filmoria, Evans talks about how the film came about, what went into making it, what happened when the cameras started rolling and what amazing projects he has lined up for the future - including The Raid sequel...