Source:Columbia Pictures

May 15, 2008

Columbia Pictures has acquired from Scholastic Media the right to adapt Scholastic's bestselling "Goosebumps" book series into a theatrical feature. The film will be produced by Deborah Forte and Neal H. Moritz; it was announced today by Doug Belgrad and Matt Tolmach, presidents of Columbia Pictures.

"Goosebumps" is one of the most popular series of books for children ever -- in fact, only the "Harry Potter" novels have surpassed "Goosebumps" in total sales.

"Goosebumps" has been published in over 32 languages and sold more than 300 million copies worldwide. The series was successfully adapted by Scholastic Entertainment for television for the Fox Kids Network, where it was rated #1 for four seasons, and aired in over 100 countries. Episodes of the live action television series returned to the small screen in 2007 on Cartoon Network and instantly became a sensation. New "Goosebumps HorrorLand" books written by R.L. Stine hit the stores last month and, this fall, Scholastic Interactive unveils a highly anticipated "Goosebumps" videogame.

Commenting on the announcement, Tolmach said, "'Goosebumps' is an international multi-media phenomenon, a truly global brand that excites kids everywhere. Children and parents alike love the 'Goosebumps' series -- it's safe, scary fun that is completely accessible to audiences from 8 to 80. When kids think of 'Goosebumps,' they're drawn not to a single character or mini-series, but to an entire environment. We're excited by that creative challenge and, with so much rich source material available to us, we expect to deliver a film that will chill and thrill fans of this unique family-friendly franchise."

"I'm looking forward to bringing 'Goosebumps' to the big screen with Columbia and Neal who value and respect the brand and the global fan base that Scholastic has cultivated. What better way to deliver the rollercoaster ride of scares and humor that the fans expect from 'Goosebumps' than with a movie. Sony's track record with franchises like 'Spider-Man' makes them an ideal partner," said Deborah Forte, producer and president of Scholastic Media

"Securing the motion picture rights to 'Goosebumps' for Columbia Pictures and Sony comes with an enormous responsibility to the fans who have grown up with these books and have very high expectations about how these beloved novels will be adapted. We are truly delighted to be partners with Deborah Forte and the team at Scholastic as we work together to bring 'Goosebumps' to the big screen," said Moritz.

The "Goosebumps" book series returned to the top of the sales charts again last month with the release of the first two books in "Goosebumps HorrorLand," a new twelve book series by R.L. Stine, featuring favorite characters from the original series such as Slappy the Dummy, the Haunted Mask, and the Mummy. It is the first "Goosebumps" serialized adventure in which each book is part of the same plot. Fans can also get exclusive "Goosebumps HorrorLand" content at EnterHorrorLand.com; and additional "Goosebumps" chills at the official "Goosebumps" website, which continues to garner 1.5 million page views each month.

The studio will begin developing the first Goosebumps movie immediately. Andrea Giannetti will oversee the project on behalf of the studio working closely with Original Films and Scholastic.