North Yorkshire author’s book to hit Hollywood (From York Press)

Filming to start on GP Taylor's Mariah Mundi and the Midas Box

7:30am Friday 10th February 2012 in News By Kate Liptrot, kate.liptrot@thepress.co.uk

A NORTH Yorkshire author said he was “over the moon” to confirm that one of his books is being turned into a multi-million-dollar Hollywood film.

GP Taylor, the vicar of Cloughton turned best-selling Shadowmancer author, said filming was due to start on Mariah Mundi and the Midas Box in Bristol at the end of April.

Actors Sam Neill, Michael Sheen, Lena Headey and Ioan Gruffud are currently in negotiations to star in the teen fantasy thriller, based on the first of a trilogy of novels by the Scarborough-based author.

Mr Taylor said: “It’s looking extremely positive and I am absolutely over the moon. I still feel really numb.

“I have known for a while which actors they have been going after.”

The filming budget is around $25 million but the overall budget is likely to be considerably more, Mr Taylor said.

Mr Taylor shot to fame with his first book, Shadowmancer, which has sold millions of books around the world. He has just signed another deal for Tersias and Shadow-mancer and Wormwood are also due to be released as films.

The film is based on a 15-year-old boy, Mariah Mundi, whose world is torn apart by the disappearance of his parents, then the kidnapping of his younger brother by unknown assailants.

He said casting was still underway for the roles of Mariah and Sasha, and suggested that young North Yorkshire actors interested in playing the roles should get in touch with the filming company.

Casting directors will be looking for a girl, aged between 11 and 15, to play the feisty character of Sasha and a boy of the same age to play the adventurous and strong character of Mariah. Young actors, who should be familiar with the novel, should email info@entmotion.com about the possibility of auditioning for a role.