GLOBAL SCREEN picks up big-budget live-action family adventure JIM BUTTON AND THE WILD 13 – an adaptation of Michael Ende’s internationally successful book classic

Feb 11th, 2021

The Munich-based sales unit Global Screen, a brand of Telepool, has picked up global distribution rights to JIM BUTTON AND THE WILD 13. The live-action adaptation of Michael Ende's internationally best-selling novel was translated into 25 languages and is the second most expensive German movie of all times.

The opulent, visually impressive and exciting adventure for the whole family tells the story of twelve-year old Jim and his best friend, the engine driver Luke. In order to protect their home of Morrowland from the notorious pirate gang “The Wild 13”, the two set off with their steam engines Emma and Molly on a dangerous journey where Jim's most fervent wish might also come true: he wants at last to find out the truth about his mysterious origins.

With a budget of more than 24 million USD and the main roles shot in the English language, it is one of the most spectacular and expensive feature film productions in the history of German cinema. Hit producer Christian Becker („Vicky The Viking“, „Hui Buh – The Goofy Ghost“) and director Dennis Gansel („Mechanic: Resurrection“, „The Wave“) have not spared on special effects and have also paid great attention to detail when translating the timeless story of friendship, loyalty and courage into fascinating images as a great fantasy adventure for every generation.

“With the pandemic continuing to turn our lives upside down, buyers are more eager than ever to find entertaining movies for all kinds of distribution,“ says Julia Weber, Head of International Acquisition and Distribution at Global Screen. „JIM BUTTON AND THE WILD 13 looks fantastic on the big screen, but with its fast-paced editing, the underlying world-renowned novel and its great dose of humour, it is also exactly what the platforms are currently looking for.”

Christian Becker adds: "We are delighted to have found our perfect sales agent in Global Screen. With Jim Button, Michael Ende wrote a fantastic story and created adventurous worlds. We were allowed to film this story and now hope to be able to take the film as well as Michael Ende's legacy out into the wider world and be an inspiration for many children!”

JIM BUTTON AND THE WILD 13 is a production of Rat Pack Filmproduktion, in co-production with Warner Bros. Film Productions Germany, JM Filmproduktionsgesellschaft, Michael Ende Productions and Malao Film as well as Moonlighting Films as a service producer in South Africa.