The first two books (there will be a total of four) were bestsellers. The third arrives in a couple of months.
But what is interesting is the series is pretty much owned by Disney. Miramax (Disney owned) snapped up the movie rights BEFORE THE FIRST BOOK WAS EVEN PUBLISHED! In the U.S., the AF series is published by Talk Miramax and Hyperion (both owned by Disney).
Production on the first AF film is slated to begin in June of 2003. It will be produced by Robert De Niro and directed by Larry Guterman ('Cats and Dogs').
Beyond the books and film, the AF series presents Disney with a couple of fantastic theme park opportunities. The fairies live in the center of the Earth and travel to the planet's surface via an Armada of rollicking shuttles racing through volcanic fissures (simulator). The stories themselves have plenty of explosions and shoot 'em up battles (live action/3D theatre).
But what is REALLY INTRIGUING is the way the AF series positions a Disney product in a competitive market for young adult entertainment franchises. Warner Brothers has the 'Harry Potter' series. Paramount will soon begin production on the filmed version of the popular 'A Series of Unfortunate Events' books (starring Jim Carry). For Disney, AF represents a portentially lucrative multi-film franchise.
In terms of theme parks, Warner has only made marginal use of the Potter series. A recreation of Potter's Diagon Alley has appeared at a Movie World theme park (I believe in Australia). Beyond that there is no indication that any Potter-themed attractions are in development.
With the release of the first AF film slated for August 2004, Disney could begin development of an attraction that would open in 2005 or 2006. The combination fairy/high-tech themes would fit neatly in a space between Walt Disney World's Fantasyland and Tomorrowland (good-bye 'Grand Prix Raceway'). The "anti-hero" personality of the title character would give the park an edge that has made attractions like 'Alien Encounter' so popular.
Fairies with tactical weapons?
NAMBLA vs Middle Earth.
KANNi8L KL0wN
-I Taste Funny
A film industry analyst named Raul Burrier described the series as "Harry Potter meets Spy Kids" and added this assessment: "It's gonna be HUGE."
Again, De Niro is producing. The movie rights were sold BEFORE the first book was published.
I will post updates as they become available. In the meantime, if those of you who have never heard of AF have any other comments or questions you can find me sitting right here: AHEAD OF THE CURVE.
Warmest Regards,
Timothy
(former employee - WDI and Universal Creative)
Of the few who have actually heard of Artemis, they said, "Yeah, I heard of him, but I've never read the book."
I RESPOND: No. I am a former employee of Disney Imagineering and Universal Creative who has been intrigued by a book/film property that is owned by Disney and has potential as a theme park attraction. That seems to have been made pretty clear in my original post. I suggested visiting the site to give people some background on the series.
YOU WRITE: I did a little research and asked a bunch
of twelve (and eleven and ten) year olds who I teach (I'm a teacher),
"Who is Artemis Fowl?" They all looked at me with blank faces.
I RESPOND (with a chuckle): perhaps your students are not as well-read as they could be. Books #1 and #2 each sold well over 600,000 copies. Both have held a spot on the NYT bestseller's list. Last Monday, a guest was on the 'Today Show,' discussing books that kids might enjoy reading while waiting for Potter #5 to come out. The AF series was the first one she suggested.
My last post quotes an industry analyst who claimed the film series "will be HUGE." Harvey Weinstein of Miramax calls AF his company's "best book acquisition to date."
Now you can respond to my post in any manner you choose, but the fundamental facts here are irrefutable.
1. Disney owns the book and film rights.
2. Disney may produce as many as four AF films.
3. Disney has no other multi-film franchises to compete with Warner's Potter series.
4. Disney build attractions based upon their films. My original post suggests that AF has the potential to be one such attraction.
Just because you have not heard of the series does not mean any of these FACTS are inaccurate.
I RESPOND (Laughing -- Slightly embarassed) I'm 40, actually. And I guess I shouldn't be surprised you have not heard of the series. I have posted messages at other sites complaining that Disney has done FAR TOO LITTLE to promote 'Artemis Fowl.' The book reads like a screenplay. A film may not be as big as Potter, but I would estimate it would earn Miramax (defacto: Disney) at least 20% more than the 'Spy Kids' films -- and those flicks combined to generate about $200 million. The first book is in paperback and costs only $6.99. I encourage you guys to pick it up as it is a fun read. The film is slated to be released in 2004.
No, Artemis Fowl hasn't become as much a part of the popular culture as Harry Potter. But what has? If Disney wants to consider some fresh theme park attractions based on a new literary character, I'd think we'd be all for that.
Aren't we getting a little tired of Aladdin and Pooh?
And, by the way, wouldn't you just love to see Disney trash Innoventions in favor of a "Spy Kids" dark ride? You could even keep some of the better corporate stuff at the exit, as part of a "Spy Gadgets" exhibit/store. Anyway, I'm rambling....
By the way, for those who have not read the book, you might get a kick out of this short exerpt from the first book. The passage involves the activities of fairy Captain Holly Short of Lower Element Police Reconnaissance Operations (Get it? "LEP Recon Ops"). The exerpt descibes her as she is flying over Europe:
"Holly followed the Italian coast up to Monaco, and from there across the Alps to France...(she) toyed with the idea of visiting Disneyland Paris. The LEP had several undercover operatives stationed there, most of them working in the Snow White exhibit. It was one of the few places on earth where The People (fairies) could pass unnoticed. But if some tourist got a photo of her and it ended up on the Internet, Root (her commander) would have her badge for sure. With a sigh of regret, she passed over the shower of multicolored fireworks below."
While many may not be familiar with the AF series, look for its visibility to rise rapidly in the coming weeks. The third AF book is slated for release in the US on May 1st. Further, the most recent news regarding the film reports that production will begin in June -- although no specific casting info has been released.
It's a great book with real theme park potetial.
Gotta give the posts a little "flava."
One more thing...Timothy, it's not that I doubt your age or previous job experiences, but I would just like to see some proof of your previous jobs. A web site or e-mail would be nice. If you cannot come up with either one, that is fine. Thank you.
The movie MAY change that, and with Miramax behind it there is a good chance it will, pretending "Gangs of New York" doesn't exist.
BUT the "Artemis Fowl" books are nowhere near as well-known as "Harry Potter" was before that movie was made. And they are far more popular in the UK. Here, the Lemony Snicket books are kicking Artemis's ass. Right now the bestseller list holds four Lemony Snicket books, one of which is "The Bad Beginning" which was like nine books ago. In fact, "TBB" has been on the chart for 128 weeks, the same length the last Harry Potter book has been on it, but it is currently higher on the list.
So I think this very well may be a case where the movie makes the books popular which will then make the next movies more popular. Then maybe we will see some theme park attractions. In fact, with the rumored addition of Journey to the Center of the Earth to the Animal Kingdom, wouldn't THC's synopsis fit perfectly with that? From Beastly Kingdom to, well, wherever Artemis Fowl lives. Not a bad idea. Though I would much prefer to see a Series of Unfortunate Events land, where all the adults are allowed to do mean things to the kids there. Bwa-ha-ha!
Perhaps if they converted the Lemony Snicket series over to film, the series would become popular enough for some bright themepark execs to pick up for their parks.
Personally, I prefer Neil Gaiman's "Coraline" to all this Artemis Fowl and Harry Potter crap--it's too bad more people haven't heard of this young writer who also wrote "Neverwhere" and the popular comic book series, "The Sandman."
(By the by, Harry Potter is basically a kid version of Neil Gaiman's "Books of Magic"...just some trivia you might like to know)...
As for theme park attractions. The whole thing is kind of dark for that, wouldn't you think? But, I guess you could do a whole haunted-house like atmosphere, but not too scary, and it could work.
Speaking as a minor, I strongly want to dissuade this. The books are wonderful - some of my favorites - but really! Isn't this going too far?
The quality of the books excels a lot of standard work for youth. I for one appreciated the stories' richness and believably realistic characters. A pleasant change from the perfections that star in many children's novels.
Which was why, upon hearing that there would be a Disney attraction, my initial reaction was - what?? Apart from the fact that I connected Disney with animation (who doesn't??) its unwaveringly perfected characters are a revolting contrast to Artemis Fowl's indecisiveness and flaws.
And an animated Artemis Fowl?
Please.
The entirety of the children who read Artemis Fowl - I speak as one of them - are drawn to them mainly because of their idealism that a realistic teenaged male could actually be involved in magic.
One of the bonus points of Harry Potter, too, although the Boy Who Lived is somewhat less believable.
Animation would completely ruin the high points of these books.
Look what happened to the Lord of the Rings!
Of course, I realise that animation isn't the decided course of action. Seeing as Larry Guterman and Eoin Colfer are looking for an Irish Artemis, it probably isn't.
Although I cringe to think what direction Disney producers might take this...
I realize that moviegoing could only contribute to the publicity of the novels, and while I am dubious of Mirama's ability to capture their essence, I am perfectly fine with their ambitions.
But Disney attractions?
Am I the only one who thinks this is a little extreme?
I picture a AF ride to be a simulator that would have guests sitting in seats that face outward -- like the seats on 20K -- and give them the feeling they are being propelled to the surface.
That, my friends, would be an "E" ticket attraction.
Since AF mixes fantasy with high tech -- the attraction would fit nicely in between Fantasyland and Tomorrowland.
So long (again) Indy Raceway.
Disney has a franchise that would be every bit as successful as the 'Spy Kids' series -- if not more so.
Why are they dropping this ball?
I have to agree here, though. Artemis Fowl would make an incredible ride. It's like what would happen if Harry Potter was given a "cool" factor, rather than being a jumble of public school stereotypes. Boring!
And yet there is no news about the status of the production on the first film. Potter #3 (Warner Bros.) hits the theatres next summer. Spider Man #2 (Universal) will follow. In December 2004, the first 'Lemony Snicket' film will be released (Paramount/Dreamworks).
The first AF movie was said to be released in August 2004. But there has been no news regarding casting or the status of the production.
Disney is making a massive mistake ignoring this film. The characters, effects and stories are fantastic. A reviewer commenting on the first book says "it reads like a screenplay."
However, if Disney gets moving and ponies up the dough, it could accomplish two things for current management. First it gives Mr. Eisner and his attending flacks something to hang their hats on. This is a multi-film franchise. By starting production and pumping up the hype, the film could be released in the summer of 2005 -- the same period when the fourth and final book of the series is due to be released. By creating some buzz it could make shareholders meeting 2005 a little easier to take.
Second, it's a Miramax production, which could help heal wounds between Mr. Eisner and Mr. Weinstein. Not a bad thing.
AF is truly an extraordinary series with great, well-defined characters.
Disney would do well to take advantage of the opportunity and let the cameras roll.
And, again, if the film is made in time for summer 2005, it would dove-tail nicely with the fourth book of the series.
Review of Book 1:
"Fantastic stuff from beginning to end Artemis Fowl is a rip-roaring, 21st-century romp of the highest order."
Review of Book 2:
"The thrilling sequel to Artemis Fowl is action-packed as the first!"
Review of Book 3:
"Though one might have expected that the formula might have grown old by the time that this series became a trilogy, the quality and wry humour of Eoin Colfer's writing really sets it apart from the competition. It is consistently hilarious and exciting, and the ending really leaves the series open for more instalments, in a genuinely original way that could see the next book written from a very different angle. Exciting stuff."
With a product this creative and exciting the timing is right for Disney to launch the film.
As for Mr. Smeltzer's question, I regard the AF series as a Disney property with HUGE potential. In my opinion the company is making a mistake by leaving it on the shelf.
And, again, the timing is right to launch the film version of the franchise.
Indeed, its failure to cultivate potential has become the company's defining fault over the past decade. What Disney seems to be looking for is a property with such an immense, built-in audience that not even they can screw it up.
Harry Potter brings that audience. Heck, I think "A Wrinkle in Time" brings it. Perhaps Narnia does as well. But I doubt Artemis Foul will.
How delightful it would be for Disney to develop this project in the hands of a visionary director would could see its full potential to the screen. But that's as likely as a slew of original, innovative E-tickets in the Disney theme parks over the next four years.
Remember this is a Miramax production -- so they will be handling the productions development. Harvey Weinstein has said that AF is their company's best book acquisition to date.
The reason I believe AF has so much potential is because the author uses a healthy chunk of dialouge to tell the story. One very positive review said the books read like a screenplay.
And while I agree that AF's revenues would not compete with the Potter franchise, I blame the Disney company for not hyping the books enough. They started with so much heat -- to the point where Colfer's advance was bigger than Rowlings' and that the movie rights were sold before the first book was published.
The reason AF is flying under the radar is because Disney's marketing machine failed to pump up the volume.
Nonetheless, the franchise could make 'Spy Kids' revenues -- a trilogy that generated over $500 million in movie -- and that was without the support of a best selling book.
Artemis Fowl might be a good project, but we are living in a time when marketing makes the movie. Would a trailer have enough material to make an adult interested? Spy Kids had a great adult cast to help encourage parents to bring their kids. The Harry Potter movies have great adults in them too. Does Artemis? The whole project is a bit too iffy, at least if they spend the money it sounds like they need to. If they could get this film out there for under $50M, I'd say, do it now! But if the budget is closer to $100M, I don't think I would touch it unless I knew a hell of a lot more about it.
This is a great franchise. And as I have said, Disney has nothing else quite like this series.
I really like the Artemis Fowl books because of Artemis. A theme park ride would be fun. Depending on how the movie is made.
I am a teenager and last year I called Tribeca Film with my mother. I asked for contact information for Artemis Fowl which he said was in "developing". The guy on the phone gave me a fake e-mail to get rid of me (I bet). I want to contact them to reccomend a really perfect song for the conflict between Artemis and Holly a.k.a The People. (Go read the book if you don't understand me) http://www.smartgroups.com/vault/artemisfowl? (to listen to it)
I seriously think that Tribeca Film or whoever(??) is producing it, needs to get my advice as I understand Artemis Fowl better than 99% of the readers (from what I see on message boards, fan fic, etc.)
Really, Artemis Fowl could be a big hit. It just needs to be elegant and less targeted towards family. And more to teens and pre-teens and their parents.
I have loads of opinions. If you really want to hear them you can e-mail me at blue_bottle_of_fluff@hotmail.com
I have just finished reading each of your contributions to the topic and appreciate the time you have afforded Eoin Colfer's series.
My younger brother owns all three and enjoys reading them, as well as the aforementioned Harry Potter and A Series of Unfortunate Events. All are worthwhile, but on different levels.
I agree that Artemis Fowl would make a good theme park attraction due to its exhausting content of science-dictated magic and its targeted age group. I believe this themed ride would be based on general methods of fairy travel rather than following the actual plotline, which is too complex to follow from the seat of some roller coaster or virtual reality contraption. Characters and weapons would be fun to portray for visual design techs. The ample action scenes within the books provide a reasonable amount of inspiration for sets.
I do, however, have to disagree with any ideas of turning Lemony Snicket's (aka Daniel Handler of the adult novel Watch Your Mouth)into a theme park of any kind. The books will simply not work on this level. In fact, I am not sure they will work on the big screen either. The true strength in these books lies in Snicket's wordplay and subtle humor. I actually cringed watching the trailer: http://www.apple.com/trailers/paramount/lemony_snickets/. I believe the true stars of the book, Violet, Klaus, and Sunny Baudelaire, say no more than ten words throughout the trailer, while Count Olaf (played by Jim Carrey) steals the show. The movie is obviously playing off of Carrey's A-list status, especially when the background voice introduces Jim Carrey three times in a row.
On making Rowling's Harry Potter into a theme attaction, I am actually quite surprised (and glad) it hasn't happened already. There's something about making a book even more commercial than it already is that makes me cringe. Knowing that Harry Potter summer camps actually exist is enough to make me recoil from the possibility of a Potterland. Too bad the major media giants that control most of what entertains us have gotten their hands into so much. There's something special about reading a book that makes its story more personal and I don't think a theme park would really be appropriate.
You are probably wondering why I agreed with Artemis Fowl and not Harry Potter and ASOUE. I suppose the answer would have to lie in the personality of the books. Both HP an ASOUE focus more on the growth of their characters than on action. Yes, Harry Potter has adventures, but it is how he reacts to them that is really important. The character of Artemis may be held at arms length as one progresses through an all-stops-have-been-removed plot. The interest in Colfer's books are in his quips and fast-paced action hijinks, not in any qualities it may have as a Bildungsroman.
When it all comes down to it, I hope that those responsible for making the decisions at Disney's Miramax are conservative in their choices. Reality is interesting enough; the entire world does not need to resemble one big theme park.
