Stephen Chbosky to Helm New Musical Family Film SANTA IS REAL

New Regency and Walden Media are partnering to develop, finance and produce the musical family film "Santa Is Real," it was announced today by Pam Abdy, New Regency's president of production and Walden Media COO Frank Smith. Stephen Chbosky ("The Perks of Being a Wallflower") is set to direct and Larry Stuckey ("Little Fockers") will write. Stacey Sher and Alexandra Milchan are producing the film alongside Walden Media.

"Santa Is Real" is based on the upcoming book Santa Claus Is For Real: A True Christmas Fable About the Magic of Believing by Charles E. Hall and Bret Witter (Random House, October 14). The film tells the story of Charles Hall, the man who plays Santa in Radio City's Christmas Spectacular. When he took the job he was just a struggling actor looking to save his career, but the role ended up saving his life. The show's success also rescued Radio City, and for the last 27 years Santa and his Christmas magic have continued to inspire everyone to believe.

Walden Media's Vice President of Development and Production, Naia Cucukov, will oversee the project on behalf of Walden.

New Regency is currently in production on Alejandro Gonzalez Iñárritu's film "The Revenant" starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hardy, scheduled for limited release December 25, 2015 through 20th Century Fox. New Regency is in theaters now with David Fincher's #1 film "Gone Girl," with 20th Century Fox, which will be followed by Iñárritu's "Birdman" with Fox Searchlight on October 17.

Walden Media most recently released "The Giver," starring Meryl Streep, Jeff Bridges, Brenton Thwaites, Alexander Skarsgård, Katie Holmes, Odeya Rush and Taylor Swift and is now in post-production on Universal Pictures' dramatic adventure/thriller "Everest" starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Josh Brolin, Jason Clarke, Keira Knightley, John Hawkes, Sam Worthington, Emily Watson and Robin Wright.

Chobsky is represented by WME and Ken Richman from Hansen Firm.

About New Regency

Founded in 1991 by renowned producer Arnon Milchan, New Regency is actively engaged in entertaining the world. The company has produced some of the most successful and critically-acclaimed films of all time with over 125 films and more than 50 television series in the company's vast library, including 2014 Academy Award®-winning Best Picture, "12 Years A Slave." New Regency is also dedicated to continuing to foster its unparalleled filmmaker relationships and today boasts partnerships with most acclaimed and sought-after creative forces in the industry.

About Walden Media:

Walden Media creates entertainment for the whole family through successful movies, award-winning books, and acclaimed television programs. A Walden Media production celebrates a great book well told, a great life well lived, or an exploration that expands present possibilities - all while inspiring and entertaining its audience. Past award-winning films include: "The Chronicles of Narnia" series, the "Journey to the Center of the Earth" series, "Nim's Island," "Charlotte's Web," "Bridge to Terabithia," "Holes," "Amazing Grace," and the Sundance Audience Prize Winning documentary "Waiting for 'Superman."

For more information please visit www.Walden.com

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