Sad News, VERY EXCITING News and Cat Update (November 17, 2009)
Robbie Kay as Sam, in Sam's bedroom.
Okay, exciting news first. There’s going to be a film of ‘Ways to Live Forever’!
It’s being shot at the moment in Newcastle - I went to visit the set yesterday, and it is scarily (excitingly) real and film-set-ish. They have built the whole ground floor of Sam’s house in a warehouse in Newcastle, with fake trees outside, and a wonderful Sam’s bedroom. There are fifty people working there every day, all with very Hollywood-ish titles like Wardrobe Mistress and Assistant Producer and Sound Man. They’ve even got those people who clap clapper boards and say things like ‘Take One!’ and a chair with DIRECTOR written on it. I also saw some of the early rushes and it looks suspiciously like a real film, and very beautiful. Sam is being played by Robbie Kay, and other actors include Emilia Fox, Ben Chaplain, Natalie Tena (Tonks from Harry Potter) and Alex Etal, who’s playing Felix.
You can follow the film on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Madrid-Spain/Ways-to-live-forever/169503934077?ref=mf&v=wall
although some of the posts are in Spanish - this is because Gustavo Ron, the director, is Spanish (but don’t worry, the film is going to be in English too).
They are hoping to have it ready in time to take to the Cannes film festival in May, which is apparently very quick in the film business, and go on general release some time after that.
I will keep you posted of more news as I hear it.
Thanks to everyone who suggested names for the cat in ‘Tell Me The Truth About Love’ - some great ideas there. I’m afraid the sad news is that Scholastic have decided that they don’t want to publish this book at this time, so you’ll have to wait a while for a book with a cat in it. However, I’m putting together some ideas for a new book as we speak, so if they say they’d like to publish that book, I will definitely add a cat somewhere.
Until I know what’s happening with the new idea, though, THE CAT COMPETITION IS CLOSED. So no new entries please.
Thanks for checking the website and I’ll put some more news up as I hear it.
Yours,
Sally
Sally - our girl-filled office has gone quite swoony over Ben Chaplin, but we’re so seriously excited about the film. The speed at which WAYS TO LIVE FOREVER has gone from page to screen is practically unprecedented in that industry. We’d better not start saving for our frocks for the Oscars yet, but if Gustavo Ron’s team tell Sam’s story with the same power that you did, then this film will be unmissible.
November 18th, 2009 at 11:32 amLove, Marion
[...] ¡A Sally le gustó tanto la visita que nos ha dedicado un post en su website! [...]
November 18th, 2009 at 3:14 pmAll I can say is WOW! you must be so pleased this is amazing! well done!
November 18th, 2009 at 5:28 pmThis is such wonderful news, Sally! Start working on your Oscars speech NOW.
November 18th, 2009 at 10:07 pmxxx
[...] ¡A Sally le gustó tanto la visita que nos ha dedicado un post en su website! [...]
November 20th, 2009 at 2:15 pmcul will it be a movie??
November 20th, 2009 at 8:30 pmHi Sally - the film looks like it will be fantastic! Just finished reading ‘Season of Secrets’ in a single evening and it’s absolutely marvellous -some beautiful, quiet little moments. The way you evoke Grandma and Grandad’s shop took me right back to being 10 years old and the shop in my grandparents’ village in Sussex. Thank you!
December 1st, 2009 at 9:37 pmSally,i love the book! When will we see the movie in theaters of Spain?
December 2nd, 2009 at 5:26 pmWhay alex etel has got glasses????
December 11th, 2009 at 5:32 pmI love your book!
Why Alex Etel has got glasses in the photos in facebook?
December 11th, 2009 at 5:33 pmthe film news is so awesome ! i have so much love your book - ways to live forever ! i even promoted it in my website
January 1st, 2010 at 3:57 pmHi Sally
Awesome news about the movie! My bro Andy mentioned that Maureen Tait told him about it, I didn’t realise it was this far along! I really hope this does well for you, I’m absolutely chuffed for you! I do hope that the screenplay stays close to your original story.
I will have to keep a look out for an old school mate come awards season!
Take care,
January 5th, 2010 at 8:54 amJohn.
Wow, a film already. Can’t wait to see it, but know it will fill me with tears, just like the book did. Well done Sally.
February 16th, 2010 at 7:03 pmHi Sally!
That’s a great news!! ‘Ways To Live Forever’ is being made into a movie!! wow!! can’t wait to see it!! Will it release over here in India??
Oh, it’s sad to hear about “Tell Me The Truth About Love” but it’s fine , I’m sure they’ll publish it sometime…..we just have to wait!! Keep on writing amazing stories like the two before.
I am a great fan of yours!!! and I loved ‘Ways to live forever’. It was awesome!!! I was actually glued to that book! And ‘Season of secrets’ was also damn good!
Take care,
May 29th, 2010 at 7:20 amGreetings from India ,
Manasi