News

Steven Spielberg and his DreamWorks production shingle have nabbed the screen rights to The 39 Clues, described as a multi-platform adventure series that will leap from page to web to the big screen. Spielberg will produce the project, reserving the right to direct the feature film when it comes to fruition. The search for a screenwriter is currently underway.

The first 39 Clues book will launch in September. It's a 10-book multimedia series that will hit shelves over a period of two years. The multimedia portion will include collectible cards and an online gaming portal that will help young readers try and solve the mystery for a grand prize of $10,000. The contest will run for two years.

The plot of the books revolves around the powerful Cahill Family, who claim to be descendants of both the French Emperor Napoleon and the magician Houdini. Readers will be challenged to discover the source of the family's powers by finding and deciphering 39 clues hidden all over the globe and tucked in historical events. If Spielberg's DreamWorks split with parent company Paramount finally goes through, 39 Clues would most likely go with Spielberg and DW.

—The ARTISTdirect Staff
06.26.08