The kids’ content producer is teaming up with Andrews McMeel Entertainment to transform the popular books into animated films; the stories follow 12-year-old Jesse Rigsby, who discovers the dangers of video games and the people that make them.
Kids’ content producer, distributor, and licensor Nelvana is collaborating with Andrews McMeel Entertainment to develop a Trapped in a Video Game 3DCG animated movie series based on the popular books created and written by Dustin Brady. The film series promises to deliver non-stop action, plot twists, and humor that the books’ fans know and love.
“The energetic, edge-of-your-seat adventures that Dustin Brady has created aligns so well with Nelvana’s brand of world-class storytelling,” said Nelvana Studios vice president Athena Georgaklis. “Books have the power to transcend pages, and when those stories are extended to new platforms, we can give fans another way to experience their favorite characters. It’s a pleasure working with Andrews McMeel Entertainment to build upon the ‘Trapped in a Video Game’ fandom.”
Getting sucked into a video game is not as much fun as you’d think. Sure, there are jetpacks, hover tanks, and infinite lives, but what happens when the game starts to turn on you? The book series follows 12-year-old Jesse Rigsby, who finds out just how dangerous video games and those that make them can be.
“Dustin Brady enthralled readers with the first ‘Trapped in a Video Game,’ and fans have eagerly anticipated (and subsequently delighted in) each book that followed,” said Andrews McMeel Entertainment head of development Matt Sheppo. “The vibrant and imaginative adventures lend themselves perfectly to screens, and we’re confident viewers will be just as thrilled with each film. Nelvana is an ideal partner to bring the popular series to life.”
The five-book series, which published its first installment in 2018, has, according to Andrews McMeel Publishing, sold nearly 2.5 million copies worldwide. Independent Artist Group (IAG) represents Andrews McMeel Entertainment.
While development is underway on the first movie, Nelvana and Andrews McMeel Entertainment are looking for international partners.
Source: Nelvana
Debbie Diamond Sarto is news editor at Animation World Network.
