Trilogy from ‘New York Times’ bestselling author to be developed into an animated series.
PARIS & LOS ANGELES -- Gaumont Animation has optioned the global rights to the epic trilogy, “The Star Shards Chronicles,” from The New York Times bestselling and award-winning author Neal Shusterman, for development as an animated series. The author of more than thirty award-winning books, Shusterman’s novels have been translated into over 20 languages.
“‘The Star Shards Chronicles’ is an epic story about six ordinary kids facing extraordinary obstacles, learning to overcome them at great sacrifice to save the world,” commented Nicolas Atlan, President of Animation for Gaumont. “Neal’s characters have feelings and experiences that all kids can understand and this is what draws them to his books. We are honored that he has entrusted Gaumont with this project. He is not only the writer of these amazing stories but will be a part of the team as we work together to bring this empowering trilogy to life. Gaumont has always pushed the boundaries of creativity in storytelling, and we will do so once again as we work closely with Neal throughout this adventure.”
“I’ve always felt this series would shine in animation,” added Shusterman. “Gaumont’s passion for the project, as well as their reputation for innovative and powerful storytelling make them the perfect fit for ‘The Star Shards Chronicles.’ I’m thrilled to be working with them!”
Since the debut of the first novel in the trilogy, Neal Shusterman has gathered an enthusiastic fan base for “The Star Shards Chronicles,” published by Simon & Schuster, featuring six ordinary kids conceived at the same instant that a star explodes light-years away, transforming their souls into living star fragments and causing them to receive extraordinary powers. As they struggle to discover the source of their supernatural afflictions, they learn that only by finding one another will they be strong enough to defeat the mysterious sources that are attacking them. Julian Stone, a long-time collaborator with Neal Shusterman, will serve as an Executive Producer on the new animated project.
Neal Shusterman’s books for children, teens, and adults include “The Unwind Dystology,” “The Skinjacker Trilogy,” “Downsiders” and “Challenger Deep,” which won the 2015 National Book Award. “Scythe,” the first book in his newest series “Arc of a Scythe,” was released in November 2016 and has spent 15 weeks on The New York Times bestsellers list in the YA hardcover category, peaking at the #4 spot. Winner of the Michael L. Printz Honor Award, a Scythe movie is currently in development, to be produced by Bluegrass Films, an entity of Universal Studios. Additionally, Constantin Film is in development to produce Unwind.
Source: Gaumont
Formerly Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network, Jennifer Wolfe has worked in the Media & Entertainment industry as a writer and PR professional since 2003.
