Scholastic Entertainment has announced the development of three movies with the Hallmark Channel based on its books.
The titles set to be adapted for the screen are The Angel Tree by Daphne Benedis-Grab, You’re Bacon Me Crazy! by Suzanne Nelson and Playing Cupid by Jenny Meyerhoff. The films will be co-developed with film production and distribution company Basset Hound Distribution and executive produced by company founders Alexandre Coscas and Michael R. Goldstein, along with Iole Lucchese, president, Scholastic Entertainment; Caitlin Friedman, senior vice president and general manager; and Jef Kaminsky, vice president, TV development.
“Hallmark’s commitment to presenting what its audience wants, year after year, is incredibly impressive and we’ve long had the company on our radar as an ideal partner for Scholastic Entertainment,” says Friedman. “We are thrilled to be working with Basset Hound Distribution to create movies for Hallmark’s slate, which includes a compelling storyline for younger viewers that incorporates elements of adult romance, ensuring enjoyable viewing for all ages.”
Coming on the heels of its recent “The Trail” movie announcement with Imagine, this is the latest deal in Scholastic Entertainment’s strategy of leveraging its library of popular books to develop content for new platforms. Other extensions in the future will include theatrical ventures, streaming and broadcast for families, including co-viewing experiences.
“When Scholastic approached me about bringing the company’s IP to the Hallmark Channel, I thought it was a brilliant idea to combine two of the most iconic family brands in the business to develop movies,” says Coscas. “We are thrilled to be partnering with Scholastic and Hallmark to produce these films and to be part of this unique and exciting new collaboration.”
“Heartwarming romances, emotional storytelling, and feel-good messages about family and tradition is a winning proposition for Hallmark Channel Original Movies,” says Bill Abbott, president and chief executive officer, Crown Media Family Networks. “Novels to original movies have expanded our original movie lineup and the success of the Hallmark brand on TV, and we look forward to partnering with Scholastic and Basset Hound to create three new, soon-to-be classic rom-com films.”