22/10/2014 - Enid Blyton’s popular series to become live action films

Neal Street Productions, set up in 2003 by Sam Mendes, Pippa Harris and Caro Newling, has announced live action feature film adaptations of Enid Blyton’s Magic Faraway Tree books. Written between 1939 and 1951, the series comprises four novels: The Enchanted Wood, The Magic Faraway Tree, The Folk Of The Faraway Tree and Up The Faraway Tree, all of which have been optioned by Neal Street Productions for development. The stories take place in the enchanted forest in which The Magic Faraway Tree grows – tall enough to reach the clouds and large enough to contain small houses.

Harris said, “The Magic Faraway Tree is one of the most loved children’s books series from an iconic author whose work has been adored by generations. To be able to adapt these for the big screen is incredibly exciting.”

Marlene Johnson, Head of the Enid Blyton Estate, said, “Enid Blyton was a passionate advocate of children's storytelling, and The Magic Faraway Tree is a fantastic example of her creative imagination. Many generations have grown up with The Magic Faraway Tree and today’s news provides a great chance to share the wonder of these stories through a new medium.” 

Blyton is one of the world’s best-selling children’s authors having sold 500 million copies of her books, translated into over 40 languages. Neal Street Productions’ film slate includes Starter For Ten and Jarhead.