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Katherine Paterson on the Big ScreenFile Photo by Jeb Wallace-Brodeur
Author Katherine Paterson plays with her dog, Annie, at her home in Barre.On Feb. 16, Katherine Paterson and 15 members of her family will be at the El Capitan Theater in Hollywood. Amid movie stars and directors, the acclaimed Barre author will be at the gala opening of "Bridge to Terabithia," based on her beloved Newbery Medal-winning book.
"Bridge to Terabithia" is Paterson's first book to be made into a feature film, although stage and television adaptations have been made of several of her works. The movie came about through the efforts of her playwright/screenwriter son, David Paterson.
"David's been working on it for years and years," Paterson said, "and he was intent that if it was going to the screen that it would be done right."
"Bridge to Terabithia," published in 1979, was dedicated to David. Katherine Paterson wrote the book after David's childhood best friend, an 8-year-old girl, was killed by lightning. She wrote it, she explained "to try to make sense out of a tragedy that seemed senseless."
Her book portrays the friendship of Jess Aarons, the fastest runner in fifth grade, and Leslie Burke, the tomboy who is new in town. Together, they create a fantasy kingdom that they call Terabithia where they find sanctuary and have imagined adventures until disaster separates them.
With David Paterson as a producer and screenwriter, the film was made by Walden Media, a company specializing in children's film, whose recent titles include "Charlotte's Web, "Holes," and "Chronicles of Narnia." "Bridge to Terabithia" is being distributed by Disney.
"David really worked with them to keep it the story that is loved around the world," said Paterson. "One thing that I think they have done incredibly well, is that they have managed to convey that the children created Terabithia in their minds. When they swing on the rope across to Terabithia, you get a clear understanding that it is something that they have created."
"The tale of friendship and loss is there," said Paterson about the movie.
"The child actors are wonderful, they are the stars," Paterson said. At the premiere, Paterson will meet the cast, including young stars AnnaSophia Robb ("Because of Winn Dixie" and "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory") and Josh Hutcherson. The movie was filmed in New Zealand and cast members from there will be coming to the opening, too.
Katherine Paterson has not yet seen the finished movie, but saw a nearly complete version. In October, they had a small private preview for family and friends at the Savoy Theater in Montpelier.
"The movie does have Hollywood aspects," Paterson said. "The trailer," the short clip used in advertising, "is all special effects," she said. "After they first showed the trailer to David and the lights came on, all eyes turned to him. He said, 'My mom's going to hate it." But, she added, the effects are emphasized more in the trailer than in the rest of the movie.
Is Paterson excited about the film? "As a writer it's a little hard. It is a new experience."MORE IN Central VermontBARRE — An arrest warrant has been issued for a Waterbury man accused of possessing several items... Full StoryMore than one town didn’t have enough ballots Tuesday. Full StoryBERLIN — Supervisors of the Central Vermont Solid Waste Management District this week officially... Full Story -
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