The Foundation, Zodiak Kids UK production company, has optioned the TV rights from Capel & Land Ltd. for the children’s fantasy adventure book Hollow Earth written by John Barrowman (Dr Who, Torchwood) and his sister Carole Barrowman. The Foundation will work with Barrowman Barker Productions to develop a children’s drama series for the first in the trilogy of this adventure story. Barrowman Barker Productions was formed by John Barrowman and Gavin Barker.
Hollow Earth tells the story of 12-year-old twins, Matt and Emily Calder are able to bring art to life, or enter paintings at will. Their abilities are sought by villains trying to access the terrors of Hollow Earth—a place where all the demons, devils and creatures lie trapped for eternity. The twins flee with their mother to the security of an island, off the west coast of Scotland, where their grandfather has certain protective powers of his own.
“We are very excited about a co-production partnership with Barrowman Barker Productions,” said Vanessa Hill, Foundation’s joint managing director. “Hollow Earth promises to be an action packed children’s drama series.”
John and Carole Barrowman added, “We are so thrilled to have our TV rights in such good hands. We can’t wait to see all of Matt and Em’s wild adventures and all their art come to life for viewers.”
In the U.K., Hollow Earth was published in February by Buster Books (an imprint of Michael O’Mara Books) and has sold over 28,000 copies to date. Capel & Land have recently secured a deal with US publisher Aladdin (an imprint at Simon & Schuster) to publish the books in the U.S. this fall.
 and his sister Carole Barrowman.){kind=link}