New Line Acquires Inkheart Children's Book

files/pictures/picture-35.jpgEvery studio is looking for its own HARRY POTTER series and New Line is putting its hopes in German children's fantasy tale, INKHEART. VARIETY reported that after a lengthy negotiation process, New Line has obtained the rights to develop author Cornelia Funke's book into a feature franchise. This deal will extend to any future books in what is planned to be a trilogy.

The story centers around a young girl whose father can make literary characters come alive by reading books out loud. A power-obsessed villain kidnaps the father and his daughter teams up with her real and imaginary friends to save him.

Making its U.S. premiere this past fall, the first book has spent the last 19 weeks on the New York Times Children's Chapter bestseller list. The second book in the series is scheduled to be released worldwide next year.

Overseeing the film for the studio will be New Line evp Mark Ordesky and Fine Line Features svp of European production and acquisition Ileen Maisel. Funke will serve as a producer on the project.