Red Arrow International has sold “Roald Dahl’s Esio Trot” to German public broadcaster ARD Degeto / Das Erste. The family movie stars Academy Award Winners Dame Dame Judi Dench (“Shakespeare in Love”; “Skyfall”) and Dustin Hoffman (“Rain Man”; “Kramer vs. Kramer”).
The screen adaptation of the Roald Dahl classic for BBC One is a heart-warming love story written by Oscar nominee Richard Curtis (“Four Weddings and a Funeral”, “Love Actually”) and Paul Mayhew-Archer. Produced by Emmy Award-winner Hilary Bevan Jones (“The Escape Artist”) of Endor Productions and directed by Emmy Award-winner Dearbhla Walsh (“Little Dorrit”), “Roald Dahl’s Esio Trot” is set to begin shooting in May 2014.
Roald Dahl (“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”, “Matilda”) is one of the most successful children’s authors ever. To date, his books have sold over 100 million copies worldwide.
Irina Ignatiew, Managing Director, Global Scripted Distribution at Red Arrow International: “It’s a rare opportunity for us all to work with Dame Judi Dench, Dustin Hoffman and the hugely talented creative team behind ‘Roald Dahl’s Esio Trot’, and we are delighted that ARD Degeto/Das Erste has joined us for what promises to be truly outstanding production.”
About “Roald Dahl’s Esio Trot”
Mr. Hoppy, played by Dustin Hoffman, is a retired bachelor, who harbors a secret passion for his neighbor, the lovely Mrs. Silver (Dame Judi Dench). Unfortunately she lavishes all her affection on another – Alfie, her pet tortoise. Mr. Hoppy yearns to talk to Mrs. Silver but tongue-tied and shy, his attempts always end in disaster. Mrs. Silver’s greatest wish is for her tortoise, Alfie, to grow a little bigger. All seems lost for Mr. Hoppy until he has the brightest, most devious of ideas. Will Mr. Hoppy’s wildly ingenious plot win the love of his lady?