NEWS
Hammer to film Susan Hill's ghost story "The Woman In Black"
1 Feb 2010
Hammer President and CEO Simon Oakes announced today that it has optioned the rights to produce a feature film based on Susan Hill's best-selling ghost story, "The Woman In Black." Jane Goldman ("Stardust", "Kick-Ass") is writing the screenplay with James Watkins ("Eden Lake", "Methuselah") directing.
"The Woman In Black" has become a modern classic since its print debut in 1983, having been adapted into a successful stage play in 1987, with the adaptation still running today in London's West End. The novel even appears in the UK's National Curriculum.
Commented Oakes, “’The Woman in Black’ is an iconic British horror story, and so makes a perfect match for Hammer. Jane Goldman has written a terrific screenplay and with James Watkins at the helm, we feel that this feature adaptation of Susan Hill’s classic novel will be both dynamic and terrifying.”
For more information read the press release.
The story follows a young lawyer, Arthur Kipps, who is ordered to travel to a remote village and sort out a recently deceased client’s papers. As he works alone in the client’s isolated house, Kipps begins to uncover tragic secrets, his unease growing when he glimpses a mysterious woman dressed only in black. Receiving only silence from the locals, Kipps is forced to uncover the true identity of the Woman in Black on his own, leading to a desperate race against time when he discovers her true intent.
Hammer is producing the film adaptation with Talisman Films. Simon Oakes of Hammer Films and Richard Jackson of Talisman Films with produce; Nigel Sinclair and Guy East will Executive Produce for Hammer. Roy Lee and Doug Davison's Vertigo Entertainment ("The Grudge", "The Ring") are also attached with Roy Lee serving as an Executive Producer. Worldwide sales and distribution are being handled by Exclusive Film Distribution.
For more information read the press release.
