WB Plans Movie Based on American Girls Series

Posted on February 28, 2003

The WB Network will make its first foray into the original movie business with Revolution Studios. The WB and Revolution, along with Warner Bros. Television, will bring Pleasant Company's American Girls characters to life, beginning with a made-for-TV movie based on the bestselling stories of Samantha. 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, features Samantha a 9-year-old Victorian orphan living with her grandmother in 1904, when modern ideas and inventions began to change life dramatically in America. The American Girls characters are popular as dolls, books and other products. With more than 7 million dolls sold to date, Mattel's American Girl ranks second to only Barbie as the nation's bestselling doll brand. The American Girl dolls and related products are available through the American Girl catalogue, at americangirl.com, and at American Girl Place, the company's retail store. The books are available nationally at retail locations.

Revolution Studios executive Rachael Horovitz, Revolution Studios partner Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas, Deborah Schindler of Red Om Films and independent producer Lisa Gillan will produce along with Academy-Award winning writer Richard LaGravenese (The Fisher King). Rachael Horovitz said, "We are very excited to bring these dolls to life with the integrity and magic American Girl has come to be associated with."

The WB Network launched on January 11, 1995 and has become a popular destination for teen and young adult viewers. Some of the WB's most popular shows includes 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 helped launch the careers of dozens of stars including James Van Der Beek, Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson and Michelle Williams, Jamie Fox, Michael Rosenbaum, Lauren Graham, Alexis Bledel and David Boreanaz.