TORONTO -- Sullivan Entertainment is producing and financing three features based on books, the company announced at the AFM in Santa Monica on Friday.
The production company, which launched its feature division last week, is lensing a pic based on Timothy Findley's novel "Famous Last Words" and a film based on Isobelle Carmody's novel "The Gathering," to be titled "New Haven." It is also revisiting cash cow "Anne of Green Gables" with "Anne: The Animated Movie."
"Anne" a prequel to L.M. Montgomery's classic, features Lally Cadeau ("X-Men"), Geoff Kahnert and Michael Beaver. It is scheduled for release this Christmas.
Sullivan is best-known for its work on the "Anne of Green Gables" story, with three live action features and miniseries that have sold worldwide and successful spinoff series "Road to Avonlea" under its belt. The 26-part weekly animated TV series is set to premiere on PBS this fall.
Company's not had an easy go of it with "Anne," however. Rights and royalty conflicts with Montgomery's descendants scuttled the company's efforts to go public two years ago.
"Famous Last Words" is Sullivan's second feature based on a Timothy Findlay novel. Company brought its first feature "The Piano Man's Daughter," starring Stockard Channing and exec produced by Whoopi Goldberg and Sullivan co-founder Trudy Grant, to the AFM.
"New Haven," based on Carmody's mystical novel "The Gathering," is being adapted for the screen by Chris Grismer. Kevin Sullivan will produce and direct. International sales for the films will be handled by managing director Mary Barlow at the company's London-based Sullivan Entertainment Distribution.
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