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| Paramount Pictures, [[Entertainment One]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Dylan O’Brien’s ‘Monster Problems,’ ‘Clifford’ Backed by Paramount, eOne|url=https://variety.com/2019/film/news/dylan-obrien-monster-problems-clifford-paramount-eone-1203249298/amp|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|accessdate=June 20, 2019}}</ref> [[Scholastic Corporation|Scholastic Entertainment]], [[The Kerner Entertainment Company]] and Silvertongue Films<ref>{{cite web|last1=Fleming, Jr.|first1=Mike|title=‘Clifford The Big Red Dog’ Movie Unleashed At Paramount With Scribe Justin Malen|url=http://deadline.com/2016/06/clifford-the-big-red-dog-movie-paramount-justin-malen-1201781593/|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|access-date=September 6, 2016|date=June 30, 2016}}</ref><ref>"7 Days of Deals", ''The Hollywood Reporter'', 27 September 2017, page 30.</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=N'Duka|first1=Amanda|url=https://www.deadline.com/2018/05/reel-fx-jared-mass-executive-1202398950/|title=Reel FX Rehires Jared Mass As Company Aims To Ramp Up Original Content Slate|work=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|access-date=September 24, 2018|date=May 29, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=McClintock|first1=Pamela|title=‘Clifford the Big Red Dog' Movie Lands November 2020 Release Date|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/clifford-big-red-dog-movie-lands-november-2020-release-date-1191324|date=27 February 2019|website=Variety|accessdate=28 February 2019}}</ref>
| Paramount Pictures, [[Entertainment One]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Dylan O’Brien’s ‘Monster Problems,’ ‘Clifford’ Backed by Paramount, eOne|url=https://variety.com/2019/film/news/dylan-obrien-monster-problems-clifford-paramount-eone-1203249298/amp|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|accessdate=June 20, 2019}}</ref> [[Scholastic Corporation|Scholastic Entertainment]], [[The Kerner Entertainment Company]] and Silvertongue Films<ref>{{cite web|last1=Fleming, Jr.|first1=Mike|title=‘Clifford The Big Red Dog’ Movie Unleashed At Paramount With Scribe Justin Malen|url=http://deadline.com/2016/06/clifford-the-big-red-dog-movie-paramount-justin-malen-1201781593/|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|access-date=September 6, 2016|date=June 30, 2016}}</ref><ref>"7 Days of Deals", ''The Hollywood Reporter'', 27 September 2017, page 30.</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=N'Duka|first1=Amanda|url=https://www.deadline.com/2018/05/reel-fx-jared-mass-executive-1202398950/|title=Reel FX Rehires Jared Mass As Company Aims To Ramp Up Original Content Slate|work=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|access-date=September 24, 2018|date=May 29, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=McClintock|first1=Pamela|title=‘Clifford the Big Red Dog' Movie Lands November 2020 Release Date|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/clifford-big-red-dog-movie-lands-november-2020-release-date-1191324|date=27 February 2019|website=Variety|accessdate=28 February 2019}}</ref>
|-
|-
|''Rumble''<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/behind-screen/paramount-grows-animation-slate-monster-hill-luck-1105912|date=|author=Dave Mcnary|title=Paramount Grows Its Animation Slate With 'Monster on the Hill,'|access-date=April 25, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Giardina|first1=Carolyn|title='Spice Girls' Movie in the Works as Paramount Unveils Animation Slate (Exclusive)|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/behind-screen/paramount-plans-spice-girls-movie-as-part-newly-unveiled-animation-slate-1217519|date=June 12, 2019|website=The Hollywood Reporter|accessdate=June 12, 2019}}</ref>
|''[[Rumble (2021 film)|Rumble]]''<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/behind-screen/paramount-grows-animation-slate-monster-hill-luck-1105912|date=|author=Dave Mcnary|title=Paramount Grows Its Animation Slate With 'Monster on the Hill,'|access-date=April 25, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Giardina|first1=Carolyn|title='Spice Girls' Movie in the Works as Paramount Unveils Animation Slate (Exclusive)|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/behind-screen/paramount-plans-spice-girls-movie-as-part-newly-unveiled-animation-slate-1217519|date=June 12, 2019|website=The Hollywood Reporter|accessdate=June 12, 2019}}</ref>
| January 29, 2021
| January 29, 2021
| Paramount Pictures, [[Paramount Animation]], [[WWE Studios]] and [[Reel FX Creative Studios]]
| Paramount Pictures, [[Paramount Animation]], [[WWE Studios]] and [[Reel FX Creative Studios]]

Revision as of 07:01, 15 December 2019

Walden Media, LLC
Company typeFilm Financing
Publishing Company
IndustryFilm
Founded2000; 24 years ago (2000)
FounderMicheal Flaherty
Cary Granat
Headquarters
Key people
Frank Smith
(President & CEO)
Naia Cucukov
(SVP, Development & Production)
Owner
DivisionsWalden Pond Press
Websitewalden.com

Walden Media, LLC or Walden Media is an American film investor, distributor, and publishing company. Its films are based on notable classic or award-winning children's literature, compelling biographies or historical events, as well as documentaries and some original screenplays.

The corporate headquarters of Walden Media are located in Los Angeles, California. The company is owned by the Christian conservative Philip Anschutz, who has said he expects their movies "to be entertaining, but also to be life affirming and to carry a moral message."[1]

Walden Media's publishing enterprise, Walden Pond Press, publishes the next generation of middle grade books—fast paced, funny, engaging, compulsively readable stories by well-established authors and new talent.[2] The two marked characteristics of the imprint are its high quality titles and its embrace of a multi-platform approach to storytelling. From 2004-2008, Walden Media published books in partnership with Penguin Books for Young Readers.

Company history

Walden Media was founded in 2000 by Micheal Flaherty and Cary Granat.[3] Granat was president of Miramax's Dimension Films division,[3][4] and Flaherty came from the world of education. The two were housemates at Tufts University before following different paths and then reuniting to form Walden Media as a movie, television, publishing and Internet enterprise whose goal is to teach and entertain kids.

In late 2001, Anschutz Entertainment Group purchased a majority stake in the company leaving the founders minority shareholders.[3]

The company's notable releases include Holes in 2003, Because of Winn-Dixie in 2005,[4] Charlotte's Web in 2006, Bridge to Terabithia, in 2007, three adaptations of The Chronicles of Narnia in 2005, 2008 and 2010, Ramona and Beezus in 2010, and both A Dog's Purpose and Wonder in 2017.[5] All of these films are adaptations of popular children's books.

Walden agreed to a marketing partnership with Fox in 2006 under the Fox Walden name. Several movies flopped under the partnership, so in October 2008, Fox Walden shrunk its staffing.[3]

In March 2008, Michael Bostick, formerly from Imagine Films, was hired on as creative officer then added co-CEO title. Co-CEO Cary Granat was released from the job effective December 1, 2008. He was replaced by Bostick.[3] Also in 2008, Walden Media entered into a join publishing venture called Walden Pond Press with HarperCollins.[6]

Education program

Walden Media is unique among film production and distribution companies in that it works with teachers, museums, and national organizations to develop supplemental educational programs and materials associated with its films and the original events and/or novels that inspire the films.[7]

Walden Media offers in-class teaching tools like educational guides and teacher kits[8] and sponsors seminars and forums for teachers to discuss their craft and to trade ideas on using media in the classroom. Directors, writers, and stars of the productions participate in these events.

In 2006, Walden Media sponsored the "Break the World Reading Record with Charlotte's Web". At noon on Wednesday, December 13, 547,826 readers in 2,451 locations, 50 states and 28 countries read an excerpt from Charlotte's Web, breaking the world record of 155,528 students from 737 schools in the United Kingdom who read William Wordsworth's poem, "Daffodils" in 2004.[9]

The company is named after Walden Pond in Concord, Massachusetts. Its logo is a rock skipping across a pond.

Filmography

Films Release date Co-produced with
Ghosts of the Abyss April 11, 2003 co-production with Walt Disney Pictures, Earthship Productions, Ascot Elite Entertainment Group, Golden Village, Telepool and UGC PH
Holes April 18, 2003 co-production with Walt Disney Pictures, Phoenix Pictures and Chicago Pacific Entertainment
Around the World in 80 Days June 16, 2004 co-production with Walt Disney Pictures, Spanknyce Films, and Mostow/Lieberman Productions
I Am David December 3, 2004 co-production with Lions Gate Films and Film and General
Because of Winn-Dixie February 18, 2005 co-production with 20th Century Fox
Aliens of the Deep January 28, 2005 co-production with Walt Disney Pictures and Earthship Productions
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe December 9, 2005 co-production with Walt Disney Pictures
Hoot May 5, 2006 co-produced by New Line Cinema and The Kennedy/Marshall Company
How to Eat Fried Worms August 25, 2006 co-production with New Line Cinema and Gran Via Productions
Charlotte's Web December 15, 2006 co-production with Paramount Pictures, The K Entertainment Company, and Nickelodeon Movies
Bridge to Terabithia February 16, 2007 co-production with Walt Disney Pictures
The Seeker: The Dark is Rising October 5, 2007 co-production with 20th Century Fox
Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium November 16, 2007 co-production with 20th Century Fox, Mandate Pictures and FilmColony
The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep December 25, 2007 co-production with Columbia Pictures, Revolution Studios, Strike Entertainment, Ecosse Films, Weta Workshop and Beacon Pictures
Nim's Island April 4, 2008 co-production with 20th Century Fox
The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian May 16, 2008 co-production with Walt Disney Pictures
Journey to the Center of the Earth July 11, 2008 co-production with New Line Cinema
City of Ember October 10, 2008 co-production with 20th Century Fox and Playtone
Bandslam August 14, 2009 co-produced by Summit Entertainment
Tooth Fairy January 22, 2010 co-production with 20th Century Fox, Mayhem Pictures, Blumhouse Productions and Dune Entertainment
Ramona and Beezus July 23, 2010 co-production with 20th Century Fox, Di Novi Pictures and Dune Entertainment
Waiting for "Superman" September 24, 2010 co-production with Paramount Vantage and Participant Media
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader December 10, 2010 co-production with 20th Century Fox and Dune Entertainment
Journey 2: The Mysterious Island February 10, 2012 co-production with Warner Bros. Pictures, New Line Cinema and Contrafilm
Tooth Fairy 2 March 6, 2012 Direct-to-video; co-production with 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
Won't Back Down September 28, 2012 co-production with 20th Century Fox and Gran Via Productions
Chasing Mavericks October 26, 2012 co-production with 20th Century Fox
Parental Guidance December 25, 2012 co-production with 20th Century Fox, Chernin Entertainment, Face Productions and Dune Entertainment
Return to Nim's Island March 15, 2013 Direct-to-video; co-production with ARC Entertainment
The Giver August 15, 2014 co-production with The Weinstein Company
Everest September 18, 2015 co-production with Universal Pictures, Cross Creek Pictures, and Working Title Films
The BFG July 1, 2016 co-production with Walt Disney Pictures, Amblin Entertainment, Reliance Entertainment and The Kennedy/Marshall Company
The Resurrection of Gavin Stone January 20, 2017 co-production with Blumhouse Tilt, WWE Studios, and Vertical Church Films
A Dog's Purpose January 27, 2017 co-production with Universal Pictures, Amblin Entertainment, Reliance Entertainment, and Pariah Entertainment Group
Wonder November 17, 2017 co-production with Lionsgate, Participant Media, and Mandeville Films
The Star co-production with Columbia Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Affirm Films, Franklin Entertainment, and The Jim Henson Company[10]
A Dog's Journey May 17, 2019 co-production with Universal Pictures, Amblin Entertainment and Alibaba Pictures
Dora and the Lost City of Gold August 9, 2019 co-production with Paramount Pictures, Paramount Players, Nickelodeon Movies and Media Rights Capital
Playing with Fire November 8, 2019 co-production with Paramount Pictures, Paramount Players, Nickelodeon Movies and Broken Road Productions

Upcoming

Films Release date Co-produced with
Clifford the Big Red Dog November 13, 2020 Paramount Pictures, Entertainment One,[11] Scholastic Entertainment, The Kerner Entertainment Company and Silvertongue Films[12][13][14][15]
Rumble[16][17] January 29, 2021 Paramount Pictures, Paramount Animation, WWE Studios and Reel FX Creative Studios
Spirit Riding Free May 14, 2021 Universal Pictures and DreamWorks Animation
How the Girl Guides Won the War[18] TBA Lionsgate
Billion Dollar Spy[19] Weed Road Pictures
Atlantis 7 21 Laps Entertainment and The Gotham Group
Simon Bloom: The Gravity Keeper The Gotham Group

Published books

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PENGUIN BOOKS FOR YOUNG READERS

  • The White Giraffe by Lauren St John
  • Paddywhack Lane by Bob Fuller
  • Jim Thorpe: Original All American by Joseph Bruchac
  • Simon Bloom, the Gravity Keeper by Michael Reisman
  • Simon Bloom: The Octopus Effect by Michael Reisman
  • Savvy by Ingrid Law
  • Scumble by Ingrid Law
  • Dolphin Song by Lauren St. John
  • Mike Lupica's Comeback Kid Book Series: Two-Minute Drill by Mike Lupica
  • Mike Lupica's Comeback Kid Book Series: Safe at Home by Mike Lupica
  • Mike Lupica's Comeback Kid Book Series: Hot Hand by Mike Lupica
  • Mike Lupica's Comeback Kid Book Series: Shoot Out by Mike Lupica
  • Dolphin Song Lauren St. John
  • The Last Leopard by Lauren St. John
  • The Elephant's Tale by Lauren St. John
  • Raspberries by Jay O'Callahan
  • Cosmic by Frank Cottrell Boyce
  • Max Cassidy: Escape from Shadow Island by Paul Adam

References

  1. ^ Berkowitz, Bill. "The movie, the media, and the conservative politics of Philip Anschutz". Media Transparency, 2 December 2005.
  2. ^ HarperCollins Children's Imprints
  3. ^ a b c d e Eller, Claudia (November 14, 2008). "Granat out at Walden Media". LA Times Blogs - Company Town. Retrieved June 13, 2019.
  4. ^ a b Jensen, Jeff. "The Family Business". Entertainment Weekly, 28 April 2006: 58–61.
  5. ^ Between Hollywood and Godlywood: the Case of Walden Media by Nathalie Dupont, Peter Lang, 2015
  6. ^ "Walden Media partners with HarperCollins". Los Angeles Times. 2008-05-13. Retrieved 2019-08-22.
  7. ^ ""Our Company"". Walden Media. Archived from the original on February 20, 2007.
  8. ^ Deahl, Rachel. "Walden Media Works to Make Moviegoers Readers". Publishers Weekly, 16 January 2006.
  9. ^ Toomey, Shamus. "I've Never Broken a World Record". Chicago Sun-Times, 14 December 2006.
  10. ^ "The Star - Official Site - Sony Pictures".
  11. ^ "Dylan O'Brien's 'Monster Problems,' 'Clifford' Backed by Paramount, eOne". Variety. Retrieved June 20, 2019.
  12. ^ Fleming, Jr., Mike (June 30, 2016). "'Clifford The Big Red Dog' Movie Unleashed At Paramount With Scribe Justin Malen". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved September 6, 2016.
  13. ^ "7 Days of Deals", The Hollywood Reporter, 27 September 2017, page 30.
  14. ^ N'Duka, Amanda (May 29, 2018). "Reel FX Rehires Jared Mass As Company Aims To Ramp Up Original Content Slate". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved September 24, 2018.
  15. ^ McClintock, Pamela (27 February 2019). "'Clifford the Big Red Dog' Movie Lands November 2020 Release Date". Variety. Retrieved 28 February 2019.
  16. ^ Dave Mcnary. "Paramount Grows Its Animation Slate With 'Monster on the Hill,'". Retrieved April 25, 2018.
  17. ^ Giardina, Carolyn (June 12, 2019). "'Spice Girls' Movie in the Works as Paramount Unveils Animation Slate (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved June 12, 2019.
  18. ^ Anita Busch (March 13, 2018). "Lionsgate Options 'Girl Guides' Book For Producer Marc Platt & Walden Media; Screenwriter Hired To Adapt". Retrieved May 9, 2018.
  19. ^ Dave Mcnary (March 15, 2018). "Amma Asante to Direct 'Billion Dollar Spy' Film Adaptation". Retrieved May 9, 2018.