Two movies headed to Pittsburgh to film
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A pair of prominent movie projects are headed to Pittsburgh: A film version of "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" starring Logan Lerman and Emma Watson and "Still I Rise," an inspirational drama about education from the director of "Beastly."
Upper St. Clair native Stephen Chbosky, who wrote the best-selling novel "Perks ..." along with the "Rent" screenplay, will adapt his book and direct the film for Summit Entertainment, the studio behind the "Twilight" blockbusters.
Production is expected to start this summer on the coming-of-age story about a 15-year-old coping with first love, the suicide of his best friend and his own mental health.
Mr. Lerman, who will be seen as D'Artagnan in a "Three Musketeers" reboot, starred in "Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief" and delivered an impressive turn as rancher Christian Bale's son in "3:10 to Yuma."
Ms. Watson needs no introduction for "Harry Potter" fans who know her as Hermione Granger in the series that will end this summer. She recently announced she would be taking a leave from Brown University to complete the franchise and pursue other projects.
Erik Feig, Summit's president of production, said in a statement, "Every so often you read a book that reminds you what life was really like at a particular age in all its wonderful and terrible details, or if you're lucky enough to read it at the right time in your life, it can change the course you're on and make you think things are actually going to be OK."
" 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower' is that book and we are thrilled for the opportunity to turn it into that kind of movie as well."
Lianne Halfon and Russell Smith will produce it via their Mr. Mudd productions banner, and John Malkovich will executive produce. Contrary to recent reports, a spokeswoman for Oprah Winfrey said Monday she would not be part of the cast.
"Still I Rise" is an original story about two strong women, both mothers, who channel their frustration into action and join forces to transform an inner-city school. They want to make a difference in education and the lives of their children.
First Published March 15, 2011 12:00 am
