Matt Christopher loved sports when he was growing up in Lansing. He played baseball, football and soccer at Ludlowville High School, and then radiated his love for sports to millions of children with more than 130 books totaling more than 36 million copies sold that he wrote over his lifetime. Since he passed away several more books have been released by other authors under the Matt Christopher brand. That legacy will move to a new medium next year when the first movie based on his books is released on DVD.
The deal between publisher Little, Brown and Company, NEHST Studios, and the Christopher family is the culmination of years of negotiating, at first by Christopher, and after his death by sons Dale and Duane. "After Dad passed away and the four kids got together," says his oldest son Marty. "Dale and Duane in particular talked about following up and continuing the legacy."
Dale has been particularly active, taking a presentation to schools and libraries , performing in a classic Yankees uniform, and with an old typewriter, promoting his father's books. He presented this program at a ribbon cutting ceremony and reception in Lansing Town Hall when Marty donated a complete set of their father's books to the Lansing Community Library in 2005. In October 2004 Little, Brown published 'Behind the Desk With… Matt Christopher,' a biography of the author penned by Dale.
Matt Christopher's Four Children (Left to right)
Dale, Pamela and Marty (Duane not pictured)
In the 1990s there was much interest in purchasing the movie options, but only one book, 'The Kid Who Only Hit Homers,' was actually optioned. After six years that option expired, freeing the book for future deals. Meanwhile there was activity, but nothing panned out. "I remember Dad calling and saying, 'Son, we're almost there. I think we might have gotten a book to the movies,'" Marty recalls. "And then something would happen."
The Nehst Studios deal was facilitated by screenwriter/producer Wayne Chesler. A childhood fan of the books, Chesler called Dale in 2005 to ask about the rights, and he maintained a relationship with the brothers that eventually led to the movie contract. "He came to us with credentials," Dale says. "He came to us to ask permission to keep the Matt Christopher legacy going. We wanted this kind of relationship, and we wanted someone who communicated their reasons and dreams."
The agreement calls for the making of a minimum of 15 films over the next ten years. It allows for the creation of up to 40 films in that period. Initially they will be released on DVD, with the possibility that they may be picked up by television or for theater distribution.
Nehst Studios' Ari Friedman and Larry Meistrich will produce the films with Chesler writing and directing. Dale and Duane will be listed as executive producers and will be present during the filming. The decision on which book to film first is still being made, but the plan is to start production on the first film at the beginning of 2010 with the aim of releasing it next summer. Chesler plans to cast unknowns, at least for the first few films.
Chesler has produced series and specials for Televison, and wrote, produced and directed the film 'The Hotel Manor Inn' in 1996. Meistrich has worked on over 100 films, commercials, and music videos including 'Sling Blade' and 'You Can
Count on Me.' Friedman is a technology-oriented entrepreneur who has worked on Web ventures, real estate, Wall Street, and founded the 'Chemical Music' label.
The New York City-based company plans to build a studio in Cleveland, and to use sports arenas there as the backdrop for the films. "I'd like to be around in Cleveland while some of this is happening," says Marty, an enthusiastic Cleveland Browns fan. "The excitement of being at the Jake (Progressive Field), or to see a football production going on at Browns Stadium where my Cleveland Browns play and have them filming a book that Dad has written there -- I get goose bumps thinking about that."
The Nehst Studios deal was facilitated by screenwriter/producer Wayne Chesler. A childhood fan of the books, Chesler called Dale in 2005 to ask about the rights, and he maintained a relationship with the brothers that eventually led to the movie contract. "He came to us with credentials," Dale says. "He came to us to ask permission to keep the Matt Christopher legacy going. We wanted this kind of relationship, and we wanted someone who communicated their reasons and dreams."
