Parachute Publishing Acquires Publishing Rights to Charmed TV Series

Posted on September 24, 1999

Parachute Publishing, L.L.C. has acquired publishing rights from Hamilton Projects for Charmed, the hit Spelling Television series that airs on The WB network, it was jointly announced by Joan Waricha and Jane Stine, Co-Chairwomen of Parachute Publishing and Debra Joester, President of Hamilton Projects, Inc. Spelling Television and Hamilton Projects are both subsidiaries of Spelling Entertainment Group Inc. Parachute has licensed the rights for a six-book publishing program to Pocket Pulse, the new Pocket Books imprint for teens.

In November 1999, the first book from the Charmed series will be an expanded novelization of the show's dramatic pilot episode. Subsequent books planned for bi-monthly release will comprise original stories based upon the characters from the television series. Charmed books will tell the story of Prue, Piper and Phoebe Halliwell, three seemingly normal sisters who discover they are witches with special powers! Prue has the ability to move objects with her mind, Piper can stop time, and Phoebe can see glimpses of the future. Inherited along with their powers is the ``Book of Shadows,'' a tome containing history and spells transcribed by Halliwells from past generations. Living together in their grandmother's house in San Francisco, the Halliwell sisters discover the excitement and mystery as they uncover their heritage, discover their hopes for the future and attempt to lead everyday lives.

The highest-rated new series on The WB during the 1998/99 season, Charmed stars Shannen Doherty (Beverly Hills, 90210), Alyssa Milano (Melrose Place, Who's the Boss), and Holly Marie Combs (Picket Fences). The series has just been renewed for a full second season (1999-2000) and will air Thursday nights at 9:00 p.m. on The WB.

``With its built-in audience and unique, supernatural story themes, Charmed has all the elements for a successful teen publishing program,'' said Waricha. ``I am pleased to be working with such top-notch partners as Spelling Television, Pocket Books and Hamilton Projects on this exciting new book series.''

``Charmed, a much sought-after property, is a wonderful addition to our best-selling media tie-in program,'' commented Nancy Pines, Vice President and Publisher of books for young readers at Pocket Books. ``It is the perfect fit for Pocket Pulse, our new teen imprint.''