MIPCOM Spotlight: MarVista Entertainment

CANNES: Family features are at the core of MarVista Entertainment’s MIPCOM offering.

In All Hallows’ Eve, a young girl who is celebrating her birthday on Halloween discovers she’s a witch when she accidentally summons a deceased relative who is intent on wreaking havoc on the party. The MarVista original Jessica Darling’s It List, based on the book series from New York Times best-selling author Megan McCafferty, is another MIPCOM highlight. There is also the family adventure Annabelle Hooper and the Ghosts of Nantucket, about a group of friends investigating a 200-year-old mystery.

“Each story is driven by a strong female lead and delivers adventure, laughs and some very engaging situations kids everywhere can relate to,” says Vanessa Shapiro, MarVista Entertainment’s executive VP of distribution.

MarVista’s slate also includes Cold Zone, which tells the story of a scientist who sees signs of an impending flash-freeze storm while vacationing in Alaska. Another highlight is the thriller One of Us, about an investigative journalist who questions her sanity when she is asked to expose the charismatic leader of a commune that only recruits young women. There is also the romantic comedy Summer Villa, which MarVista produced for Hallmark Channel.

“These movies appeal to buyers for the same reason they appeal to the escapist sensibilities of the viewers: the stories are captivating and the characters are endearing and aspirational,” adds Shapiro.