Television
February 13, 2003
The WB Is Going To The Movies With An American Girl
(February 13, 2003 – Hollywood, CA) – The WB Network will make its first foray into the original movie business with Revolution Studios, a prominent film studio. The WB and Revolution, along with Warner Bros. Television, will bring Pleasant Company’s popular American Girls characters to life, beginning with a made-for-TV movie based on the best-selling stories of Samantha, it was announced today. The agreement also marks Pleasant Company’s first television venture. The first movie is expected to be broadcast in 2004 and will be produced by Revolution Studios, Red Om Films and Pleasant Company in association with Warner Bros. Television.
“We are overjoyed to announce our entry into original film with such an esteemed franchise,” said Jordan Levin, President, Entertainment of The WB. “The American Girls Collection® is an educational and entertaining brand which has been enjoyed by daughters and parents alike for nearly two decades. This is a natural fit with The WB given our commitment to quality family entertainment.”
The American Girls Collection, Pleasant Company’s flagship product line, is designed to teach American history and reinforce positive social and moral values. Samantha, a favorite character among fans since 1986, is a 9-year-old Victorian orphan living with her grandmother in 1904, when modern ideas and inventions began to change life dramatically in America.
“From the books that engage and inspire to the beautiful dolls and playthings that spark imaginative play, The American Girls Collection has made an indelible mark on American culture,” says Ellen L. Brothers, president of Pleasant Company. “We’re thrilled to bring the American Girls to life through television, providing our legions of fans with a fabulous new way to experience the characters they’ve come to know and love.”
With more than 7 million dolls sold to date, Mattel’s American Girl® ranks second to only Barbie® as the nation’s best-selling doll brand. According to Adrienne Fontanella, president Girls Division, Mattel, "This project represents a continued focus on expanding our Brand experience for consumers via entertainment. There is extraordinary potential in the American Girl property, and we know The WB will successfully translate these compelling characters and stories into a dramatic and entertaining television movie."
The American Girl dolls and related products are available exclusively through the American Girl catalogue, at americangirl.com, and at American Girl Place®, the company’s proprietary retail store. The books are available nationally at retail locations.
"Since their inception in 1986, these unforgettable characters have become a staple with little girls across the nation," said Revolution Studios executive Rachael Horovitz. "We are very excited to bring these dolls to life with the integrity and magic American Girl has come to be associated with."
Revolution Studios partner Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas added that "we could not ask for better partners than Warner Bros. Television and The WB. With their enthusiasm and passion for the project, we look forward to a wonderful collaboration."
Ms. Goldsmith-Thomas, Ms. Horovitz, Deborah Schindler of Red Om Films and independent producer Lisa Gillan will produce along with Academy-Award winning writer Richard LaGravenese (“The Fisher King”).
About The WB
The WB Network launched on January 11, 1995 and has become a destination for teen and young adult viewers with such pop culture sensations as “SMALLVILLE,” “GILMORE GIRLS,” “DAWSON’S CREEK,” “7TH HEAVEN,” “EVERWOOD,” “BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER,” “FELICITY,” “CHARMED,” “REBA,” “HIGH SCHOOL REUNION” and “THE SURREAL LIFE.” The network has also served as the launching pad for the careers of dozens of stars including James Van Der Beek, Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson and Michelle Williams (“DAWSON’S CREEK”), Jamie Fox (“THE JAMIE FOX SHOW”), Michael Rosenbaum (“SMALLVILLE”), Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel (“GILMORE GIRLS”) and David Boreanaz (“ANGEL”).
The network’s kids’ programming, Kids’ WB! has dominated the broadcast competition for nearly three years with such hits as “POKÉMON,” “JACKIE CHAN ADVENTURES,” “STATIC SHOCK” and “YU-GI-OH!”
About Revolution Studios
Revolution Studios was formed by Joe Roth in May 2000 to independently produce and finance films in partnership with Sony Pictures, Starz Encore Group and Fox Entertainment Group. In 2003, Revolution Studios will release 10 films, starring such notable talent as Bruce Willis, Jack Nicholson, Adam Sandler, Eddie Murphy, Harrison Ford, Josh Hartnett, Jennifer Lopez, Ben Affleck, Cuba Gooding Jr., Ed Harris, Julia Roberts, Kirsten Dunst, and Julia Stiles. Revolution Television serves as producer in all areas of television production.
About Pleasant Company
Pleasant Company, creator of the American Girl brand, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mattel, Inc. (NYSE: MAT, www.mattel.com). The company was acquired by Mattel in 1998. For over 16 years, American Girl has provided beautifully made products for each stage of a girl’s development, from her preschool days of fantasy play through her tween years of self-expression and individuality. Deeply committed to its mission to educate and entertain, the American Girl brand has earned the loyal following of millions of girls and the praise and trust of parents and educators.
About Mattel
Mattel, Inc., (NYSE: MAT, www.mattel.com ) is a worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of toys and family products. With worldwide headquarters in El Segundo, Calif., Mattel employs more than 27,000 people in 36 countries and its products are sold in more than 150 nations throughout the world. Mattel’s vision is to create and market the world’s premier toy brands—for today and tomorrow. # # #