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Black Belt Club to Become Animated Series

Press Release from JL Bird Productions

LOS ANGELES, CALIF., May 27, 2009 -- Karate master and author Dawn Barnes and animation producer John Drdek signed a deal today to develop THE BLACK BELT CLUB book series into an animated show.

Written by Barnes, THE BLACK BELT CLUB features the adventures of four young black belts who are transported to a magical land ruled by the heroes and monsters of ancient myths. Published by Scholastic, the first three books in the illustrated series have sold more than 250,000 copies worldwide.

Barnes, a third-degree black belt and founder of the Dawn Barnes Karate Kids martial arts schools, wrote the books as a way to teach children valuable moral lessons in an entertaining format. "This is an incredible opportunity to bring these exciting stories to an even wider audience," said Barnes.

The deal pairs Barnes with John Drdek, a writer for TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES, who recently produced the award-winning JOHNNY LIGHTNING series for Starz/Film Roman. "I've always been a huge fan of the books. Working with Dawn and exploring the fantasy world she's created is a dream come true," said Drdek.

The animation production studio Curious Pictures (CODENAME: KIDS NEXT DOOR) has begun work on conceptual art for the action series, which plans to target boys 6-11. The development deal marks the first creative collaboration to bring the hit series of books to the television screen.

The fourth book in THE BLACK BELT CLUB series will hit shelves in 2010, coinciding with the release of the animated show.