Post by The Ultimate Nullifier on Nov 13, 2015 19:33:04 GMT -6
variety.com/2015/film/news/lauren-graham-rob-riggle-middle-school-1201639195/
Lauren Graham, Rob Riggle Head to ‘Middle School’
CBS Films has cast Lauren Graham and Rob Riggle opposite Griffin Gluck for CBS Films’ “Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life,” based on the James Patterson “Middle School” novels.
Thomas Barbusca, Andrew Daly, Adam Pally, Efren Ramirez, Isabela Moner and Alexa Nisenson have also been cast with production starting this month in Atlanta. Lionsgate and CBS Films will release the film on Oct. 7.
Steve Carr will direct from a screenplay by Chris Bowman, Hubbel Palmer and Kara Holden. Leopoldo Gout and Bill Robinson are producing and James Patterson and Steve Bowen are executive producing for James Patterson Entertainment. Jeff Skoll and Jonathan King of Participant Media are also serving as executive producers along with Michael Flynn.
Gluck will play Rafe Khatchadorian as he uses all of his wits to battle bullies, hormones and the tyrannical, test-obsessed principal. Graham co-stars as his mother and Riggle will play her boyfriend, Bear.
The six-book “Middle School” series has sold nearly seven million copies worldwide.
In addition to producing, James Patterson will co-finance the film with Participant Media and CBS Films. Robert Kessel is overseeing the title for Participant. Scott Shooman is overseeing the project for CBS Films.
Participant always includes a component of social involvement in its movies.
“The opportunity to partner on a film that has such a broad, built-in audience is always a thrill and, even more so, for us as we look forward to celebrating the important issues the film raises around creativity and the educational system,” Kessel said.