ADAPTATION
Passion Pictures is set to adapt a series of children’s author Rachel Bright’s books for screen.
Passion inked the deal with Hachette Children’s Group. It includes much-loved stories such as “The Lion Inside,” “The Koala Who Could” and “The Squirrels Who Squabbled,” illustrated by Jim Field.
The books, which have sold millions of copies across the globe, are set to be turned into animated half-hour specials.
Debbie Crosscup, executive producer at Passion Pictures, added: “We are absolutely delighted to be bringing Rachel Bright and Jim Field’s beautiful books to the screen. Their stories are filled with warmth, humour, and valuable lessons about friendship, courage, and self-discovery. We believe they have the potential to resonate deeply with audiences of all ages on a global scale.”
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TALENT DEVELOPMENT
Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) Access, the talent development division for under-represented creatives, has unveiled the three filmmakers who are set to tell their stories of what it means to be Black and British as part of Black Britain Unspoken.
The trio chosen for the program, which provides professional development opportunities including a “pitch-to-production” experience, are Donell Atkinson-Johnson, Lauren Gee and Joladé Olusanya, who were selected from over 300 applicants.
Partners involved in the scheme include Media Trust, Bounce Cinema and award-winning U.K. production company Wall to Wall, part of Warner Bros. International Television Production.
TEAM BUILDING
Warner Bros. Discovery has set out its international kids’ leadership team under general manager for kids, global streaming and international networks Vanessa Brookman.
Pablo Zuccarino has been upped to head of kids and animation LATAM and portfolio strategy for international, based in Miami; Ana González has added APAC to her existing editorial responsibilities; Sean Henry has added an international remit to his current EMEA responsibilities; Sean Gorman adds responsibility for consolidated pay TV networks across EMEA to his remit; Mark Taynton has been upped to head of Adult Swim, EMEA and adult animation content management international and Michelle Truong joins the international kids’ team as manager for original animation.
Monika Oomen, VP for brand, communications and digital strategy EMEA, Alison York, head of kids data and insights, and Sarah Fell, VP for original animation EMEA, Hanna-Barbera Studios Europe round out the team. The changes mean Christopher Ho, VP for kids APAC will be exiting the company.
