Simon & Schuster, Starz Media Partner for Raggedy Ann Films

NEW YORK/BURBANK, February 11: Simon & Schuster
Children’s Publishing has joined forces with Starz Media to develop and produce
a series of Raggedy Adventures movies,
based on the publisher’s Raggedy Ann and Me! books.

The company has hired writer Joe Ansolabehere (Recess,
Hey Arnold, Rugrats) to create an updated Raggedy
Adventures story, which will still retain
the characters' core values of friendliness, imagination and giving. The
animated movies will be produced at Film Roman, with TV sales handled by Starz
Media and DVD releases going out via Starz Media's Anchor Bay Entertainment.

Along with the Raggedy Ann and Me! books and the Raggedy Adventures movies, Russ Berrie will create a new doll based on
the updated look. United Media is currently building a licensing program in
support of Raggedy Ann and Me!
and will release merchandise in conjunction with the videos, dolls and books
this fall.

"We knew it was only a matter of time before these
classic Raggedy Ann & Andy stories
made it onto the television screen," said Mara Anastas, the VP of sales
and subsidiary rights at Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing. "We
have had tremendous success with Starz Media in the past with properties such
as Eloise and Wow! Wow!
Wubbzy and knew this transition would be
handled properly by a premiere media company; one with passion and vision for Raggedy
Ann & Andy, which is to produce top
quality entertainment."

"Raggedy Ann & Andy is beloved by generations of young children, and we're sure the
characters' positive message and fresh approach will attract today's girls and
boys too," added Scott Greenberg, the president and COO of Film Roman, an
animation unit of Starz Media. "We've had great experiences working with
established brands, as well as creating new ones, and we're looking forward to
introducing a whole new generation to this venerable property."

—By Kristin Brzoznowski