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Newcomer Izabela Rose and Siena Agudong (No Good Nick) are set to lead the ensemble cast for Upside-Down Magic, a new Disney Channel original movie based on The New York Times bestselling fantasy fiction children’s books of the same name. Vicki Lewis, Kyle Howard (My Boys), Elie Samouhi (Bizaardvark), Alison Fernandez (Once Upon a Time) and Max Torina (Raven’s Home) will also star in the movie which begins production today. It’s slated to premiere next summer.

With a teleplay by Nick Pustay (Ramona and Beezus) and Josh Cagan (Kim Possible), Upside-Down Magic is based on the Scholastic book series from bestselling authors Sarah Mlynowski, Lauren Myracle, and Emily Jenkins. Disney Channel optioned the series for development in 2015.

The movie centers around 13-year-old Nory Boxwood Horace (Rose) who discovers that she can flux into animals, and her best friend, and Reina Carvajal (Agudong) who can manipulate flames,...

Exclusive: Film-maker Alexandra-Therese Keining is plotting a crime drama and “a feminist Blade Runner”.

Swedish director Alexandra-Therese Keining, who was signed by ICM at Toronto International Film Festival 2015 after the premiere of Girls Lost [pictured], is attached to direct two English-languages features.

Paramour, written by Jordan Katz, is being lined up for a 2017 shoot in Europe. Amy Rapp of Meredith Vieira Productions (Tower) produces with Us TV veteran Vieira executive producing. ICM handles domestic sales and the film will likely be set up as a Us-German co-production.

The film is based on the true story of a Swiss businessman who tries to extort millions of dollars from a German heiress. An Oscar-nominated actress is attached to the project. “It dares to show a very dark side of the human behavioural structure in society,” Keining said. “It cleverly explores the depths of our emotional complexities.”

Her second English-language feature, Just Like Beauty, is adapted...

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Wondering what you’ll watch when The Hunger Games franchise is over? We’ve got some ideas…

As well as sequels, remakes, and comic book adaptations, there’s one kind of movie you can feel fairly sure is going to keep popping up at a cinema near you: young adult adaptations. Stories about teenagers are still doing big business in the book trade, and thanks to Harry Potter, Twilight, and The Hunger Games, Hollywood is convinced of the genre’s appeal, too.

A couple of new franchises have already been kicked off – there’s still at least another Divergent sequel on the way, and another Maze Runner sequel – but what’s more interesting is the list of Ya novels that have been optioned and may soon be taking over the box office. Now, not all of the adaptations on this list will see the light of day,...

Mandalay Pictures has tapped writer Nick Pustay (Ramona and Beezus, Shiver) to adapt Sophie Jordan‘s young-adult fantasy novel entitled, Firelight. The book was published in September by HarperTeen and Mandalay Pictures picked up the rights just weeks later.

THR reports that Cathy Schulman (Salvation Boulevard, Machine Man) is producing the story about Jacinda, a young girl who is a descendant of dragons.

Synopsis (via HarperCollins):

Marked as special at an early age, Jacinda knows her every move is watched. But she longs for freedom to make her own choices. When she breaks the most sacred tenet among her kind, she nearly pays with her life. Until a beautiful stranger saves her. A stranger who was sent to hunt those like her. For Jacinda is a draki—a descendant of dragons whose greatest defense is her secret ability to shift into human form.

Forced to flee into the mortal world with her family,...

Another young-adult fantasy novel is on it’s way to become the next best Hollywood project.

At least, that’s exactly what guys at Mandalay Pictures think about Sophie Jordan‘s Firelight.

So here’s the big news for today – Ramona and Beezus scribe Nick Pustay has been tapped to adapt this fantasy novel that has quite interesting description:

“….Jacinda is extraordinary–even for a draki (descendants of dragons who can shift into human form): she is a fire-breather.

Unique and invaluable to her “pride,” the 16-year-old is kept on a short leash, and it has already been ordained that she will mate with the alpha male, Cassian.

Jacinda’s determination to do things her own way finds her nearly captured by dragon hunters, but a surprisingly kind young hunter named Will allows her to escape. Rather than suffer the pride’s punishment for her daughter’s risky behavior,...

Nick Pustay has been tapped to adapt Firelight, Mandalays adaptation of the Sophie Jordan young-adult fantasy novel. The book was published by Harper Teen in September, with Mandalay picking up the rights pre-emptively just weeks after. The Twilight with dragons story centers on Jacinda, a young girl who is a draki, a descendant of dragons who can morph into human form, and who is ordained to marry another of her kind. When the girls mother moves the family to live among humans for safety reasons, Jacinda puts her family at risk when she falls for a member of a secret dragon-hunting society. For Unique Features, Pustay is writing the adaptation of "Shiver," the story of a teenage boy who becomes a wolf each winter, and his girlfriend.

With Twilight mania fading fast, Hollywood is scrambling to find the next cougar/tweener sensation. Why not look toward the warm glow of dragon siblings?

According to The Hollywood Reporter's Heat Vision Blog, Nick Pustay (Ramona and Beezus) has been tapped to adapt Firelight, Mandalay’s adaptation of the Sophie Jordan young-adult fantasy novel.

The story follows twin teenage sisters, the descendants of dragons who live in secret with their endangered pride. When their mother learns that the pride has a dark plan for one of the girls who possesses the rare talent of fire breathing, she spirits the twins away to live a normal life among humans. The Harper Teen book was one of the five selected by the Ya Editor's Buzz Panel at Book Expo America in May.

- Uncle Creepy

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Can a dragon and a human fall in love? Mandalay Vision has hired writer Nick Pustay to adapt the young adult fantasy novel “Firelight.” The Sophie Jordan novel was published last September and the company obtained the rights a few weeks later. The Hollywood Reporter described the book as “’Twilight’ with dragons.” The story is about Jacinda, a young girl who is a “draki,” a dragon who can morph into a human form. She was destined to marry one of her kind, but her mother moved the family to live with humans for safety reasons. However, Jacinda placed her dragon family at risk when she fell in love with a member of a secret dragon hunting group. Pustay has successfully adapted “Ramona and Beezus” and “Aquamarine” for movies.Source: The Hollywood Reporter...

Nick Pustay has signed on to adapt Mandalay Picture's Firelight, based on the Sophie Jordan young-adult fantasy novel, reports Heat Vision.

The story centers on Jacinda, a young girl who is a "draki," a descendant of dragons who can morph into human form, and who is ordained to marry another of her kind. When the girl's mother moves the family to live among humans for safety reasons, Jacinda puts her family at risk when she falls for a member of a secret dragon-hunting society.

No production date has been set.

Firelight is in development .

Nick Pustay ("Ramona and Beezus," "Aquamarine") is set to adapt Sophie Jordan's recently released young-adult fantasy novel "Firelight" for Mandalay Pictures says Heat Vision.

The “Twilight with dragons” story follows Jacinda, a young girl who is a “draki,” a descendant of dragons who can morph into human form, and who is ordained to marry another of her kind.

When the girl’s mother moves the family to live among humans for safety reasons, Jacinda puts her family at risk when she falls for a member of a secret dragon-hunting society.

Cathy Schulman is producing. Pustay is also working on an adaptation of the teen werewolf romance tale "Shiver" for Unique Features.

And the next young-adult fantasy novel to become a major motion picture is……Firelight! Mandalay Pictures has hired screenwriter Nick Pustay (Ramona and Beezus) to adapt Sophie Jordan’s young-adult fantasy novel Firelight. The book tells the story of a young girl who is of a race that can morph from human to dragon at will. The girl’s family moves to live among humans, but the girl falls in love with a dragon hunter. Heat Vision reports that Cathy Schulman (Crash) will produce the film. No director has been set for the project at this point. Hit the jump to read a synopsis of the novel, the last line of which should tell you what to expect from a film adapation. Here’s the synopsis for Firelight by Sophie Jordan: Jacinda is extraordinary–even for a draki (descendants of dragons who can shift into human form): she is a fire-breather.

Mandalay Pictures' recently announced adaptation of Sophie Jordan's Firelight now has a writer in the form of Ramona and Beezus scribe Nick Pustay, says an article at The Hollywood Reporter . The first part of a series of young adult fantasy novels, Firelight was released last September with the first book described as follows: With her rare ability to breathe fire, Jacinda is special even among the draki.the descendants of dragons who can shift between human and dragon forms. But when Jacinda's rebelliousness leads her family to flee into the human world, she struggles to adapt, even as her draki spirit fades. The one thing that revives it is Will, whose family hunts her kind. Jacinda can't resist getting closer to him, even though she knows she's risking not only her...

Chicago – With junk like “Marmaduke” and “Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore” pitching themselves to children like bad fast food, it can be hard for an honestly-good and genuine family film to find an audience. “Ramona and Beezus” is the kind of family offering that will hopefully find a large audience on Blu-ray and DVD. It’s no classic and far from perfect but it’s definitely a success for its target audience that could surprisingly appeal to people outside of its demographic as well.

Blu-Ray Rating: 3.5/5.0

A film like “Ramona and Beezus” must satisfy two major requirements for this critic. One, unlike most Hollywood family films, don’t talk down to your audience. Writer Beverly Cleary, the author of this film’s source material, is a multi-generational icon because she refused to write fart jokes, simple moral messages, and slapstick. She knew her readers were smarter than most...

It was hard enough reaching the end of the “Harry Potter” series in book form. Knowing that the end is nigh for the movies just leaves us feeling a little empty inside.

Well, empty and extremely curious about what big, magical franchise will come out on top in a post-”Potter,” post-”Twilight” world.

As we dry our tears – in some cases, literally – we look into our office crystal ball, consult a few aurors and shuffle our Tarot cards to conjure up seven possible book franchises on the cusp of taking the world by storm.

“Hunger Games,” by Suzanne Collins

The Gist: From the bottom of NextMovie’s collective heart, “Hunger Games” is the heir apparent to Harry Potter’s vacant throne — we haven’t been this passionate about a series since the first Hogwarts acceptance letter appeared in Harry’s fireplace. Suzanne Collins’ terrifying page-turner takes place in a post-revolution future,...

The Ramona Quimby series have been childhood favorites since the first book, Beezus and Ramona, came out in 1955. Although plenty of those children grew up to be adults who wanted to make these books into movies, author Beverly Cleary wouldn't give up the rights -- until now. Director Elizabeth Allen (Aquamarine), screenplay writers Laurie Craig and Nick Pustay, and producers Denise Di Novi and Alison Greenspan are finally bringing Ramona and her hijinks to the big screen in Ramona and Beezus, which opens Friday, July 23rd, nationwide.

Ramona and Beezus stars Joey King as Ramona, Selena Gomez as Beezus, John Corbett and Bridget Moynahan as their parents, Ginnifer Goodwin as their beloved Aunt Bea, and Sandra Oh as Ramona's teacher Mrs. Meacham.

Allen and I talked over the phone about meeting Beverly Cleary, the appeal of the Ramona books to each generation, and going viral with Ramona and Beezus.

Chicago – “Ramona and Beezus” may not be the perfect film that Beverly Cleary fans hoped for when they fell in love with these characters but it is successful on its own terms in its refusal to talk down to its pre-teen audience and through the massive future star-power of its talented young stars. I admittedly have a soft spot for any film that places teachers on a higher pedestal than businessman and effectively teaches young viewers to stick to their creative visions. It’s flawed, but “Ramona and Beezus” works.

Rating: 3.5/5.0

2010 has not been an easy year for the Quimby family. Robert Quimby (John Corbett) has lost his job right in the middle of a massive house-remodeling project that has left the family a little strapped financially. Wife Dorothy (Bridget Moynahan) has had to go back to work and even precocious Ramona (Joey King) has taken to selling lemonade and...

See new clips as well as interviews from 20th Century Fox's "Ramona and Beezus' family comedy. The film helmed by Elizabeth Allen from the writing by Laurie Craig and Nick Pustay based on the books by Beverly Cleary, opens on July 23rd. Starring are Selena Gomez, Joey King, John Corbett, Bridget Moynahan, Ginnifer Goodwin, Josh Duhamel and Sandra Oh. The adventures of young Ramona Quimby (newcomer Joey King) and her big sister Beezus (Selena Gomez) come to life in this all new film based on the best-selling books (over 30 million...and counting) by Beverly Cleary. Ramona's vivid imagination, boundless energy, and accident-prone antics keep everyone she meets on their toes. But her irrepressible sense of fun, adventure and mischief come in handy when she puts her mind to helping save her family's home.

We've just added some new images from 20th Century Fox's family film "Ramona and Beezus" with Selena Gomez, Joey King, John Corbett, Bridget Moynahan, Ginnifer Goodwin, Josh Duhamel and Sandra Oh. The film opens July 23rd and is helmed by Elizabeth Allen ("Aquamarine"). Flick marks Allen's second feasture-length attempt. Laurie Craig and Nick Pustay wrote the screenplay based on the novels by Beverly Cleary. Produced by Denise Di Novi and Alison Greenspan. The adventures of young Ramona Quimby (newcomer Joey King) and her big sister Beezus (Selena Gomez) come to life in this all new film based on the best-selling books (over 30 million...and counting) by Beverly Cleary. Ramona's vivid imagination, boundless energy, and accident-prone antics keep everyone she meets on their toes... Laurie Craig and Nick Pustay wrote the screenplay based on the novels by Beverly Cleary.

Selena Gomez has given fans a sneak peek of her upcoming movie "Ramona and Beezus". On her Facebook page, the 17-year-old Disney star posted the clip which shows crew of the project and also a shot where she tried to scare Joey King's Ramona Quimby.

The upcoming comedy movie follows the adventures of Ramona, portrayed by young newcomer Joey, and her big sister Beezus, played by Selena. Selena and Joey will be seen starring opposite Josh Duhamel, Hutch Dano, Ginnifer Goodwin, John Corbett, Bridget Moynahan and Sandra Oh.

"Ramona and Beezus" is based on Beverly Clearly's book with the same name. The big screen project is helmed by Elizabeth Allen, who also directed "Aquamarine" and its screenplay is written by Laurie Craig and Nick Pustay. The movie will hit U.S. theaters on July 23.

Behind the Scene of "Ramona and Beezus":...

First treailer is in for 20th Century Fox's "Ramon and Beezus" starring Selena Gomez, Joey King, John Corbett, Bridget Moynahan, Ginnifer Goodwin, Josh Duhamel and Sandra Oh. The family comedy opens on. Elizabeth Allen directs from the writing by Laurie Craig and Nick Pustay based on the novels by Beverly Cleary. Denis Di Novi produces with Alison Greenspan. The story follows the exploits of rambunctious, accident-prone child Ramona Quimby and her older sister Beezus. See it in theaters from July 23rd this year.

Upcoming Ya book-to-movie adaptation Shiver, based on Maggie Stiefvater's New York Times bestselling novel, has landed a screenwriter in the form of Nick Pustay (Ramona and Beezus).

Of the movie, Pustay said: "At the core is this heartbreaking love story, between two people who know that their time together is slipping away." Sound familiar?

Tipped to be a rival for The Twilight Saga, Shiver focuses on a teen werewolf romance between human Grace and wolf Sam. Rising temperatures play a big part in the plot, and are sure to be a source of endless shirtless scenes in the movie, a-la Taylor Lautner in New Moon. Whoever is cast as Sam in this movie better say goodbye to his private life, as Shiver already has a dedicated fanbase ready to do its promotional duty.

Next Showing:

Link | Posted 2/28/2010 by Jenny

Nick Pustay | Shiver...

Twilight fans, eat your hearts out. Variety reported today that Unique Features has hired Nick Pustay (Ramona and Beezus) to adapt the Maggie Stiefvater novel Shiver, a supernatural romance about a girl who falls for a boy…who turns into a wolf every winter.

Though the deal is only for one film, the recently released novel is already due a follow-up, entitled Linger, and due this August.

The Scholastic Press title is described as follows:

For years, Grace has watched the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf—her wolf—is a chilling presence she can’t seem to live without. Meanwhile, Sam has lived two lives: In winter, the frozen woods, the protection of the pack, and the silent company of a fearless girl. In summer, a few precious months of being human… until the cold makes him shift back again.

Now, Grace meets a yellow-eyed...

Brace yourselves, Edward and Bella -- you might soon have more to worry about than what China pattern to register for your wedding. Variety reports that plans are moving forward on the film adaptation of Shiver, based on the young adult novel by Maggie Stiefvater about a romance between a teenage girl and a werewolf. Nick Pustay (who's scripted Scarecrow for Laika, the folks behind Colaline and 9) has been hired by producers Michael Lynne and Bob Shaye (who, when in charge of New Line, first brought Freddy Krueger to the screen) to write the film's screenplay. Read more after the jump. Shiver, according to Variety, "centers on a bittersweet romance between a teen girl and a boy who becomes a wolf...

Oh, you kids and your love affair with all things hairy and teenage-y. The big-screen adaptation of novelist Maggie Stiefvate’s ill-fated tale of teenage love, “Shiver” moves forward with the announcement that a screenwriter has been assigned to take a crack at adapting the book to screen. Nick Pustay (whose past credits include the family comedy “Ramona and Beezus”) will get the gig for producers Michael Lynne and Bob Shaye. “Shiver” centers on a bittersweet romance between a teen girl and a boy who becomes a wolf each winter. “Shiver” is the first installment in the young adult series, with the second, “Linger” due out in August. ———*——— Also in the Writers Roundtable, uber producer Jerry Bruckheimer’s take on “The Lone Ranger” shows the first signs of life since Johnny Depp was attached to the project as Tonto all those many years ago. (Okay, so it wasn’t that long ago,...

Former New Line toppers Michael Lynne and Bob Shaye are moving forward on a film adaptation of Maggie Stiefvater's supernatural romance novel Shiver for their production company Unique Features. Nick Pustay has been tapped to pen the script. Shiver penned by Maggie Stiefvater, centers on a bittersweet romance between a teen girl and a boy who becomes a wolf each winter. As the temperature drops, the race to keep him human begins. The first installment was published by Scholastic Press in August and has been on the bestseller lists for 31 weeks. It's sequel Linger will be published in August. "At the core is this heartbreaking love story, between two people who know that their time together is slipping away," Pustay said.

Scribe Nick Pustay ("Ramona and Beezus") has been hired to adapt Maggie Stiefvater's supernatural romance novel "Shiver" for Unique Features says Variety.

The first in a trilogy, the story covers a bittersweet paranormal romance between a teen who becomes a wolf each winter and his girlfriend, who helps him find the secret to staying human.

Bob Shaye and Michael Lynne will produce. The second novel in the series, "Linger", is scheduled to be released next August.

I get it. Chicks like romance. So do some guys. But for god's sake when will these attempts to capture the Twilight crowd cease? Not happening! It was lightning in a bottle, guys! In any event get ready for more supernatural themed sap to be splooged into your laps.

Variety reports that former New Line toppers Michael Lynne and Bob Shaye are moving ahead on the supernatural romance Shiver, hiring Nick Pustay (Ramona and Beezus) to adapt the novel for their Unique Features shingle.

Shiver, penned by Maggie Stiefvater, centers on a bittersweet romance between a teen girl and a boy who becomes a wolf each winter. As the temperature drops, the race to keep him human begins. The first installment was published by Scholastic Press in August and has been on the bestseller lists for 31 weeks. A sequel Linger, will be published in August.

"At the core is this...

Shiver gets a little beastly Former New Line execs Michael Lynne and Bob Shaye have signed on Nick Pustay (Ramona and Beezus) to adapt supernatural romancer Shiver, for their Unique Features shingle.

According to Variety, Shiver was penned by Maggie Stiefvater, and centers on a bittersweet romance between a teen girl and a boy who becomes a wolf each winter. As the temperature drops, the race to keep him human begins. First installment was published by Scholastic Press in August and has been on the bestseller lists for 31 weeks.

"At the core is this heartbreaking love story, between two people who know that their time together is slipping away," Pustay said.

No production date was announced.

Unique Features' Michael Lynne and Bob Shaye are moving forward with supernatural romance Shiver , hiring Nick Pustay ( Ramona and Beezus ) to adapt the Maggie Stiefvater novel. The Scholastic Press title is described as follows: For years, Grace has watched the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf.her wolf.is a chilling presence she can't seem to live without. Meanwhile, Sam has lived two lives: In winter, the frozen woods, the protection of the pack, and the silent company of a fearless girl. In summer, a few precious months of being human... until the cold makes him shift back again. Now, Grace meets a yellow-eyed boy whose familiarity takes her breath away. It's her wolf. It has to be. But as winter nears, Sam must fight to stay human.or risk...

"Beezus and Ramona", a movie adaptation of Beverly Cleary's book series of the same name, will see the joining of rising star Selena Gomez. In the feature film project, the "Wizards of Waverly Place" star has been reported to be tapped to play Beezus, the older sister to the energetic, accident-prone Ramona.

By nailing the role, 16-year-old Gomez will be paired up with 9-year-old Joey King since the latter has been signed to portray Ramona following a nationwide casting call done by Fox 2000 Pictures. She will also work under the direction of "Aquamarine" helmer Elizabeth Allen.

Selena Gomez's shot to stardom came after she lands the role of Alex Russo in Disney Channel series "Wizards of Waverly Place". Prior to that she has been seen as guest star in two other Disney's series, "The Suite Life of Zack & Cody" and "Hannah Montana". In 2008, the actress/singer has lent...

Once again I bring you the best round-up of all the movie updates announced in this past week's trade reports. Why read a Ton of articles when you can read just one? This week we get new cast members added to films such as Law Abiding Citizen and Carmel. An unlikely trio may team up for a DreamWorks Animated feature. John Carpenter returns to the director's chair with Amber Heard who will also join Johnny Depp in Rum Diary. Jennifer Lopez may be in another movie and that Judy Garland biopic may be quite good. Oh, and Jennifer Aniston and Jason Bateman are teaming for a new film and check out the casting on Mary, Mother of Christ, that could potentially be a decent little flick. Check out the full list and links are available if the film is in the database already. Enjoy! Title: Law Abiding Citizen

Studio: Overture...

In a pairing designed to get tweens texting each other the news, teen stars Selena Gomez and Joey King have been cast as sisters in "Beezus and Ramona," a film adaptation of the "Ramona" book series by Beverly Cleary.

Gomez will play Beezus, the older sister to the energetic, accident-prone Ramona, who will be played by King.

Elizabeth Allen ("Aquamarine") will direct a screenplay by Laurie Craig and Nick Pustay. Denise Di Novi and Alison Greenspan are producing for Fox 2000 Pictures and Walden Media.

Fox has scheduled a March 19, 2010, release for the film.

Fox 2000 conducted a nationwide casting call for Ramona, and the role ultimately went to the 9-year-old King after she successfully completed a screen test. The young actress, who has been working since age 4 and is repped by Coast to Coast Talent, has already collected credits that include "CSI," "Medium," "Jericho" and "Entourage."

Gomez, repped by CAA, stars...

• Brad Pitt’s production house Plan B and Paramount have acquired the rights to develop a big-screen version of “Miki Falls,” a manga series created by Mark Crilley. The story centers on a high school senior who tries everything in his power to befriend a new student. (Variety)

• Variety reports producer Oren Segal has acquired Lisa Lerner's debut novel "Just Like Beauty" for screenwriter Nick Pustay to adapt. The story of the book is set in the future and focuses on a young girl who competes in a beauty pageant to please her mother.

• Steve Railsback will develop a film based on a script by his late brother Philip Railsback, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The project is entitled "Barstow," a drama that follows three characters who live in a small town. Railsback also wrote Universal's upcoming drama "Flash of Genius," which stars Greg Kinnear and Lauren Graham.

• Joblo (via...