Thread: All Things:Young Adult Fiction & Movies

I am been reeealll tempted to read the Hunger Games books as of late.

Possible Merger Between Lions Gate and Summit Entertainment

Earlier this month, we mentioned that Lions Gate Entertainment’s The Hunger Games must make at least $100 million in order to justify the sequels being made. While there’s no doubt in my mind the movie will make that at the box office, the independent film company does have another source of income: merge with Summit Entertainment. The studio that’s behind the current Twilight series (which has earned over $1 billion through 4 of its 5 planned films) is reportedly in talks with Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. about a potential merger. The benefit to Lions Gate would be a much-needed cash infusion. This, in turn, could ensure the production of The Hunger Games sequels, which could pay dividends for Summit if successful. Hit the jump for more on the possibility of a merger.

Bloomberg reports that although the two companies have had difficulties reaching common ground in the past, citing differences of opinion on price and control issues, merger talks have resumed. Summit had raised $750 million this year to finance productions, repay debts and pay dividends to investors, while Lions Gate currently has racked up around $550 million in debt. While Summit has a guaranteed money-maker in The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1 and Part 2, Lions Gate’s The Hunger Games franchise is, as of yet, untested. In short, this is a small risk for Summit while being a stabilizing move for Lions Gate.

However, insiders also report that Summit has additional suitors in the mergers and acquisitions game. Spokespeople from either side declined to comment due to privacy of talks and the fact that the deal is far from assured. Perhaps a neighborly presence will go a long way as both Lions Gate and Summit are run out of Santa Monica, California.

Paramount Enters a Bidding War to Acquire Young Adult Novel DAUGHTER OF SMOKE AND BONE

If you wrote a young adult fantasy novel in the past five to ten years, you could be in serious business with a movie studio. They have a built-in audience and they usually open the door to a long and healthy franchise provided they don’t fail like most YA fantasy book adaptations. According to Deadline, Paramount is confident that Laini Taylor‘s new novel Daughter of Smoke and Bone can deliver big. The studio is reportedly negotiating a deal in the $700,000 range to pick up the rights, but two other studios want the property, which they believe than can be turned into a blockbuster tentpole.

So what’s the story that’s got the studios in a tizzy? Hit the jump to find out.

Sadly, the title does not refer to a girl who grew up in a steakhouse. I’m going to give you Deadline‘s synopsis and then I’m going to show you the official book description and then you tell me which made you laugh harder. So here’s Deadline:

The protagonist is a 17-year old art student who is sent by her awful father on travels across the globe to collect teeth for an unspecified but creepy purpose. This leads her to an encounter with an angel and revelations about her family that lead her into adventures involving otherworldly beings.

James Newton Howard Replaces Danny Elfman as Composer on THE HUNGER GAMES

Composer Danny Elfman has had to drop out of scoring Gary Ross’ highly anticipated adaptation of The Hunger Games. Variety reports that Elfman is unable to fulfill his commitment on the project due to scheduling conflicts (Men in Black III and Tim Burton’s Dark Shadows), and James Newton Howard has stepped in as his replacement. Back in June it was announced that Elfman would be collaborating on the project with producer T. Bone Burnett (Crazy Heart) on what would be an ambitious multi-album undertaking that included not only music and songs for the film, but a collection of songs influenced by the film from new and established artists.

Though Elfman is departing, Burnett remains onboard and Variety says the transition will be seamless and will have no effect on post-production. Music plays a crucial role in The Hunger Games, with two highly important songs. I’m curious as to whether they had started work on those yet or if Howard will begin from scratch. Howard is an okay choice (his work includes Defiance, Michael Clayton, and The Dark Knight), but I was really looking forward to seeing what Elfman had in store.

THE HUNGER GAMES Movie Image Featuring Jennifer Lawrence

Lots of stuff going on with this one...complaints that Elizabeth Banks portrayal is gonna kill it...oversimplification/neutering...and so on. I like what I see so far. A lot of talent involved here, sure, it's tricky, simply because it's an American version of Battle Royale without the darkness. Doesn't mean it can't be good. This is going to be the true test of whether 'tweener' fiction translates to box office. I wish them well.

Simon Beaufoy Already Writing HUNGER GAMES Sequel CATCHING FIRE; Director Gary Ross Confirmed to Return

I've read the first Hunger Games book and am looking forward to the movie. :D

I'm really excited to see the Hunger Games movie, it looks really good, and my friend is lending me her copy of the first book to read before hand. From what I've heard and seen so far its giving me a Repo the genetic opera mixed with Battle royal feel.