Bob Berney’s re-launched Picturehouse has inked a deal for US rights to Stephen Herek’s The Great Gilly Hopkins with Oscar winner Kathy Bates and Danny Glover attached to star.
Gilly is an adaptation of Katherine Paterson's young adult Newbery Award winning novel, tells the story of a wisecracking, gum-chewing 11-year old who is moved from foster home to foster home, outwitting them all.
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When she is placed in the home of Maime Trotter, the weirdest foster mom yet (Kathy Bates), she fights her way out but her plan doesn't go as intended.
Berney’s US deal, struck with producer William Teitler, marks a return to the front lines for the veteran marketing and distribution executive.
Berney re-launched Picturehouse, the company he founded in 2005 as a joint venture with HBO Films and New Line and which lasted through 2008, when it was closed by Warner Bros in January 2013.
In Berlin, the familiar face at the markets arrives with a company now boasting an exclusive, multiyear output deal with Netflix.
U.K. sales and finance banner WestEnd Films has also come aboard Hopkins to shop rights to international buyers.
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"Stephen Herek and Bill Teitler understand the importance and success of the Katherine Paterson pedigree around the world," said Berney. "The story is heartwarming and true, funny and touching. The film will register with young audiences and families because of its authentic approach to the material. We look forward to working with the creative team and West End Films to make this movie a break-out success."
Paterson has recently been awarded the 2013 Laura Ingalls Wilder Award, a US prize which honors authors and illustrators whose books have made a lasting contribution to children's literature.