MySpace in tie up with Brazilian author Coelho

by Darren Davidson Brand Republic 11-Jun-08, 11:00

LONDON - Paulo Coelho, the best selling Brazilian author of 'The Alchemist', is teaming up with MySpace to create his first feature film, based on his most recent book, 'The Witch of Portobello'.

The film, called 'The Experimental Witch', will use the "mash-up" video concept, a style that incorporates original videos and music created and submitted by users from the MySpace community.

Coelho will personally select up to 15 videos and 16 songs to be included in the final film.

The initiative also has a competition element that invites members to select one of the 15 main characters from 'The Witch of Portobello' and create a short film based on one of the book's narratives.

The film's soundtrack will also feature entries submitted by members, which can be uploaded onto their own MySpace page and as well as Coelho's profile.

Coelho said: "I'm an avid MySpace user and have been connecting with my fans there for the past three years. When I decided to create my first movie together with my readers, MySpace quickly came to mind as the ideal partner.

"The site's ability to connect people -- artists, musicians and filmmakers -- around the world is unmatched. I am excited to see how this truly unique and innovative project develops."

Chris DeWolfe, the chief executive of MySpace, said: "We hope that through amazing opportunities like this we can continue to inspire thousands of people and make the art of making movies even more accessible."

Submissions for the competition will begin on 16 June and close on 25 July, with the winners announced on Coelho's birthday, August 24.

His novel 'The Alchemist', a film version of which is mired in development hell, is an international bestseller. First published in Brazil in 1988 it has sold more than 41m copies worldwide.