FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:NEW LINE CINEMA SIGNS HARPERPRISM AND SCHOLASTIC TO INNOVATIVE PUBLISHING
DEAL FOR 'LOST IN SPACE' FRANCHISE New York, NY, June 9, 1997 - New Line Cinema has announced long-term publishing deals with HarperPrism and Scholastic Publishing for its Lost in Space science-fiction franchise. The innovative publishing program was signed a year before the release of New Line's feature film, and grants adult and kids' publishing rights to the respective houses, with an emphasis on creating serious science fiction. Books will begin their rollout in April of 1998, simultaneous to New Line's release of its long-anticipated Lost in Space feature film, starring William Hurt, Mimi Rogers and Gary Oldman among others. David Imhoff, Senior Vice President, Worldwide Licensing & Merchandising, New Line Cinema, negotiated the deals in conjunction with New Line's literary agent Writer's House, who will also be consulting on the series. Says David Imhoff, "It is our aim to create a line of serious science fiction with long-term appeal for readers. With that in mind, we are excited to be working with two publishing houses that not only understand the property, but are clearly capable of creating a distinctive and well-respected series of novels based on the 'Lost in Space' franchise." John Silbersack, Senior Vice President and Publishing Director of HarperPrism comments, "HarperPrism is very excited to be involved with New Line Cinema in developing a wide range of properties, both tie-in and continuity-related, on the 'Lost in Space' franchise. The feature film in development and the longer term plans New Line has for the property are a perfect complement to HarperPrism's unique brand marketing and cross-merchandising expertise. 'Lost in Space' will join a stellar list of bestselling Prism licenses, such as The X-Files, Magic: The Gathering, Peanuts and Independence Day." According to Craig Walker, Editorial Director of Trade Paperbacks at Scholastic, "'Lost in Space' represents a unique opportunity for Scholastic in terms of publishing science fiction for young readers. Kids seem more and more interested in space travel, aliens and futuristic technology. And, this property has a great track record." The deal allows HarperPrism to create a line of science-fiction novels that continues the adventures of the Robinson family (and spring from the feature film storyline) as well as an array of movie tie-ins. The tie-ins include a novelization of the feature film story that will simultaneously be released in hardcover and mass market paperback, a blueprint 'map' book, a making-of book and a postcard book. HarperPrism will also create a classic TV series postcard book and a compendium that focuses on the rich history of the classic Lost in Space series. Scholastic's focus will be on the youth market, with a tie-in digest novelization of the Lost in Space feature film, a glossy and oversized deluxe storybook with photos and two younger children's picture books -- one in the 'Hello Reader!' series for beginning and young readers, the other an 8"x8" heavily-illustrated storybook. Additionally, Scholastic will create six spinoff digest novels for teens that focus on the further adventures of the Robinson family. New Line Cinema's Lost in Space Publishing Licensees To Date Adult Books: Harper Prism has been licensed to create:
Children's Books: Scholastic Publishing has been licensed to create an array of tie-in books for children including:
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