Mark Burnett to Co-Develop Online Comedic Shorts Based on CliffsNotes

NEW YORK: AOL, Mark Burnett, John Wiley & Sons and Coalition Films are partnering on a series of comedic video shorts based on the CliffsNotes Literature Guides.

Burnett’s One Three in partnership with Coalition Films have acquired the rights from Wiley to develop CliffsNotes videos based on classic works of literature. The deal will bring video versions of CliffsNotes Literature Guides, presenting classic works of fiction in comedic animated shorts that still present the plots, characters and themes of the original stories.

"Mark is one of the most creative and talented people in our industry and this agreement will further strengthen AOL’s video offerings," said Tim Armstrong, the chairman and CEO of AOL Inc. "Video is core to AOL’s consumer strategy and our goal is to build and partner to produce the best video experiences online."

"CliffsNotes is perfect for the short form production format of the web," said Burnett, president of One Three. "Young Americans are going to love these irreverent, comedic, educational and entertaining versions of the great books."

"Wiley looks forward to working with Coalition Films, Mark Burnett and AOL to bring the trusted CliffsNotes brand to animated online study via the content development, production and distribution talents and resources of these partners," added Marc Mikulich, the VP of brand management and international rights.

"It is thrilling to be working on CliffsNotes films with a creative visionary like Mark Burnett and thought leaders like AOL and Wiley," commented Joseph Castelo of Coalition Films. "CliffsNotes is known around the world for distilling and summarizing great works of literature for students and scholars who may need help studying 1,000 pages of Tolstoy, and these new animated shorts will continue that tradition while updating the format for a new generation of online consumer."