Harvey, Saban set new 'Casper'

By ADAM SANDLER

Signaling their further commitment to the direct-to-video marketplace, Harvey Entertainment and Saban Entertainment have pacted to co-produce a second full-length, live-action, direct-to-video film, "Casper Meets Wendy."

Saban and Harvey are partnered on the just-released "Casper: A Spirited Beginning," which is being distributed by the vidarm of 20th Century Fox. The studio has backed the vid release with a $30 million marketing campaign.

The new pic, which is slated for a fall 1998 release, will include Harvey's Wendy the Witch character.

The pact underscores Harvey's belief that the direct-to-video business is a lucrative one. Universal also has a live-action "Casper" feature on the boards for a 1998 theatrical release.

"The new pact largely parallels the terms of our initial direct-to-video project," said Jeffrey A. Montgomery, Harvey chairman-CEO. "Based on retailers' and consumers' strong initial response to (the first 'Casper' vid) we are confident that direct-to-video is a very effective, long-term medium.."

Montgomery said Wendy the Witch should have strong appeal among all kids, but should prove particularly effective in reaching the "underserved pre-teen girls audience."

Haim Saban, chairman and CEO of Saban, credited the "worldwide recognition of Harvey's characters, combined with their broad appeal among children as well as adults" for making the vid idea particularly viable.

Wendy the Witch, which was created in 1954 and bowed theatrically in the Paramount Pictures animated short "Which is Witch," also starred with Casper in a longrunning animated TV program during the 1960s.

She was also featured in the "Wendy the Good Little Witch" comic book series.