Killer Films pacts with Arcady Bay

'Terabithia' trio preps Paterson's 'Gilly Hopkins'

By WINTER MILLER

Killer Films has struck a three-pic development deal with Arcady Bay Entertainment, the writing and producing trio behind Disney's "Bridge to Terabithia."

First-look deal jumpstarts with an adaptation of "The Great Gilly Hopkins," based on another award-winning young adult novel from "Terabithia" author Katherine Paterson.

Story revolves around Gilly, an unruly 11-year-old girl bounced between foster families until she lands with the kooky Trotters, an experience that eventually allows Gilly to make peace with her past.

The live-actioner was adapted by Paterson's son, screenwriter David Paterson.

Producers are in talks for funding, with shooting anticipated to begin in the fall. Budget expected to fall in the $8 million-$10 million range.

Killer co-founders and co-prexies Christine Vachon and Pamela Koffler have been hunting for a movie for children for some years; previous attempts had not come to fruition.

"We have kids; why should it be a painful experience to take your kids to the movies?" Koffler said. "The opportunity to have a prize-winning, beloved novel and the chance to do what we do with that kind of raw material is exciting. David's adaptation kept hold of what's beautiful and timeless about the book."

Joining Killer will be exec producer John Wells.

Founded this year, Arcady Bay Entertainment focuses on entertainment content for children and families and is headed by Katherine and David Paterson.

Read the full article at:
http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117984816.html

Like this article? Variety.com has over 150,000 articles, 40,000 reviews and 10,000 pages of charts. Subscribe today!
http://www.variety.com/emailfriend
or call (866) MY-VARIETY.
Can't commit? Sign up for a free trial!
http://www.variety.com/emailfriend