The Alchemyst, based on Michael Scott's popular fantasy novel, is set to be filmed in Australia and New Zealand in early-2013.
Adelaide-based AMPCO Films has acquired the rights to the book, which was originally published in 2007 and is the first in The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel six-part series. The film was previously set up with New Line before it was absorbed by Warner Bros, prompting the rights to revert back to Scott. Producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura then picked up the rights in 2009 before the latest deal.
The Alchemyst centers on the legendary 14th-century French alchemist, Nicholas Flamel, who is said to have discovered the secret of eternal life and is still alive today. The secret of eternal life is hidden within the book of Abraham the Mage which, Dr. John Dee plans to steal to use against the world. If the prophecy is right, teenage twins Sophie and Josh Newman will be the only ones with the power to save the world.
AMPCO's Mario Andreacchio (Napoleon, The Dragon Pearl) and Konstantin Thoeren (Peter The Great, Lili Marlene) will produce the film while former COO of Imagenation Abu Dhabi, Stefan Brunner (Ghostrider: Spirit of Vengeance, The Double), is packaging the project and executive producing alongside Scott and Barry Krost. Scott will also write the screenplay before a planned February 2013 shoot. The deal was brokered and negotiated by Lawless Entertainment’s CEO Cathy Malatesta who will be co-executive producing.
Producer Mario Andreacchio said: “Michael Scott has an incredible gift to combine his amazing story telling skills to entertain the heavily sought after young adult audience, while at the same time drawing on his very sophisticated and deep knowledge of mythology and history. He stunningly creates a modern world connected to the universe of creatures and monsters in an exciting tale for young adults.”
Michael Scott added: “I immediately responded to the producer’s vision in bringing the first book in the series to life. We’ve assembled a wonderfully creative team, whom I know will bring The Alchemyst to the big screen.”
Contact this reporter at bswift@www.if.com.au or on Twitter at @bcswift.