American Girl is heading to video via TV
Movie deal involves Mattel dolls, Julia Roberts and WB network.
By Cindy Spielvogel -- Video Business, 1/16/2004
JAN. 16 | The American Girl doll franchise is coming to video, the result of a made-for-TV movie deal made by the WB network and Julia Roberts' production company with Mattel Inc.-owned American Girl.
The first title is expected to be released after it debuts on the WB in November. An American Girl spokeswoman said that while her company will retain "protective control" of the movie line, it is being handled by Warner Bros. She believed this would include video distribution by Warner Home Video; calls to the studio were not returned by press time.
The first movie will be live action, holiday-themed, set around the beginning of the 20th century and based on the doll Samantha.
WB plans an additional four to five American Girl TV movies each year. Roberts will serve as an executive producer.
The American Girl brand consists of high-end dolls, historical fiction books and other products for girls ages 3-12. Founded as direct marketer Pleasant Co. in 1986 and purchased by Mattel in 1998, American Girl is based in Middleton, Wis. American Girl Place retail and entertainment sites are located in Chicago and New York.
Originating as period dolls, the American Girl line has branched into modern and customized versions along with a variety of accessories and other lines.
In other WB news, the network plans to broadcast the first movie in The Lord of the Rings trilogy in November, probably around the same time the extended edition of the third film reaches video stores.
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