HBO, American Girl Ink Development Deal for Multiplatform Projects

LOS ANGELES, February 22: HBO has secured a deal with U.S.
publisher, direct marketer and retailer American Girl for the development of a
variety of multiplatform ventures that include theatrical films, series,
specials and documentaries.

HBO Films has greenlit the first project from the deal, an
American Girl live-action theatrical film based on the historical character of Kit
Kittredge. Introduced in 2000 as the seventh American
Girl historical character, Kit Kittredge will be the first one to have her
story adapted for a theatrical film. The adaptation, which is scheduled
to go into production this summer, will be produced by Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas
and Marisa Yeres from Goldsmith-Thomas Productions in association with Julia
Roberts and Lisa Gillan from Red Om Films. Written by Ann Peacock (HBO’s A
Lesson Before Dying, The
Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe), the film will tell the story of the clever and
resourceful Kittredge, a 9-year-old girl growing up in 1934 during America’s
Great Depression. The film will be released by Picturehouse.

“We are delighted to join forces with such talented partners
to bring our much-loved American Girl characters to life,” said Ellen L.
Brothers, the president of American Girl. “Given the highly acclaimed and
renowned work of HBO Films, Picturehouse, Goldsmith-Thomas Productions, and Red
Om Films, there is no doubt we will be creating fabulous entertainment that
will inspire and excite our legions of American Girl fans. We look forward to a
successful partnership with all involved.”

Working in partnership with
American Girl for the last five years, Goldsmith-Thomas Productions and Red Om
Films have received nominations and awards for telefilms such as Samantha: An American Girl Holiday, Felicity: An American Girl Adventure, and Molly: An American Girl on the Home Front.