New York Times Best Selling Thriller 'MEG' Is Back

New York Times Best Selling Thriller 'MEG' Is Back

Domestic and Foreign Rights to Steve Alten's First Novel Bought by Independent Publisher Tsunami Books

Shark Thriller to Hit Theaters in '06

CLEVELAND, April 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Independent publisher Tsunami Books has purchased the domestic and foreign rights to novelist Steve Alten's best seller "MEG" from Bantam Books. The title, about the prehistoric cousin of the great white shark, is set to be re-released in June 2005 with enhanced scenes and a newly designed cover

The fictional tale of the 70-foot, 70,000 pound "Carcharodon Megalodon" is now on the fast track at New Line Cinema using Alten's screenplay and Jan de Bont ("Twister," "Speed") attached to direct. New Line acquired the rights to "MEG" from Hollywood Pictures, which optioned the novel around the time of its first publishing in 1996. Production on the project, which has been billed as "Jurassic Shark," is slated for Fall with a target theatrical debut set for Summer 2006.

"I'm excited about this new development and look forward to working more closely with Tsunami," states Alten. "This was my first novel and it's great to be able to go back and tighten the writing. If you think you enjoyed "MEG" before, this version will turn your hair white."

"MEG" marks Tsunami's second project with Alten, the first being the debut of Alten's 7th novel, "The Loch," which will be released on May 1, 2005. Veteran producer David Foster ("The Thing" "Mask of Zorro") has already optioned the tale of the fabled Loch Ness Monster.

"At Tsunami we look for projects and authors with multiple opportunities in mind," states Bob Bellin, CEO of Tsunami Books. "Steve is such a compelling writer and both 'MEG' and 'The Loch' have feature film written all over them."

About Tsunami Books

Tsunami Books, a division of Cooperative Entertainment Services, is based in Cleveland, Ohio. As an independent publisher, Tsunami supports 'high-concept' titles written by New York Times best selling authors. Tsunami titles feature fast-paced story lines, well suited to multiple forms, including feature films. Tsunami proudly sponsors organizations and programs that promote reading among young adults, such as the American Library Association, Reading is Fundamental, and Adopt-An-Author.

Contacts: Natalie Svider Parnaz Taheri Ruder Finn Public Relations Ruder Finn Public Relations 310-479-9929 x104 310-479-9929 x125 svidern@ruderfinn.comtaherip@ruderfinn.com

Source: Tsunami Books

CONTACT: Natalie Svider, ext. 104, svidern@ruderfinn.com, or Parnaz Taheri, ext. 125, taherip@ruderfinn.com, both of Ruder Finn Public Relations, +1-310-479-9929, for Tsunami Books

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