Leading children’s and family entertainment producer and rights management company Coolabi, and Walker Productions, the production arm of leading independent book publisher Walker Books, have entered into a major new co-development deal for Walker Books’ quirky comedy book series Scream Street.
Press Release from Coolabi
London, 31 March 2011. Leading children’s and family entertainment producer and rights management company Coolabi, and Walker Productions, the production arm of leading independent book publisher Walker Books, have entered into a major new co-development deal for Walker Books’ quirky comedy book series Scream Street.
Walker Productions and Coolabi have jointly secured the TV, gaming and licensing rights from the books’ author Tommy Donbavand and will develop the books as an animated TV series for 7-10 year old boys and girls.
Scream Street follows the story of Luke Watson: school boy and reluctant werewolf. When the Government Housing of Unusual Lifeforms (G.H.O.U.L.) gets wind of Luke’s hairy habit, they transfer him and his parents to Scream Street – where surfer-dude goblins, laid-back zombies, ghosts, vampires and witches give a whole new meaning to community spirit.
The Scream Street books are already a hit with kids in the UK and internationally and the series has secured a growing fanbase since the launch of the first title in 2008. Fans include authors Darren Shan and Philip Reeve, who describes Scream Street as ‘Like Harry Potter with extra bite!’. Ten books have already been published with book eleven, Hunger of the Yeti, launching in April. The books have so far sold into China, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Portugal, Russia and Sweden.
Scream Street begins development in 2011 with production slated to start in 2012.
Helen McAleer, Managing Director of Walker Productions, says: “Tommy Donbavand’s ghoulishly brilliant books have attracted a loyal following of fans, and we’re very excited to be able to work with Coolabi on creating the TV series and introducing a truly original cast of creepy characters to even more children.”
Michael Dee, Director of Content at Coolabi, says: “Scream Street is a truly individual book series that we know will translate into a fantastic animated show for TV. We’re excited to be starting this new partnership with Walker Productions and bringing to life the books for existing fans and new audiences.”
About CoolabiCoolabi specialises in the ownership, development and creative management of high quality children's and family brands and intellectual property. The current portfolio includes Poppy Cat for Nick Jr, Purple Ronnie, Scarlett & Crimson, The Large Family and Dead Gorgeous. In addition Coolabi also licenses rights to selected brands, including Bagpuss, Clangers, and Ivor the Engine. For more information and a background on the company visit www.coolabi.com
About Walker Productions:Walker Productions develops Walker Books' content for other media platforms with a range of media partners, with current projects including Tilly and Friends for BBC and Fleabag Monkeyface for ITV. Walker Books is the world's leading independent publisher of children's books. Working with the best authors and illustrators, Walker Books is renowned for its truly original publishing and outstanding quality. Home to books for all ages, Walker Books publishes many award-winning authors, illustrators and brands including Anthony Horowitz, Lucy Cousins, Anthony Browne, Polly Dunbar, Mal Peet, Patrick Ness and Where’s Wally? Walker Books is part of a vibrant international group that includes Candlewick Press in America and Walker Books Australia. Further information can be found at www.walker.co.uk.
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