Shadowmancer

Shadowmancer - Press

Last Update: 31 March 2004
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BBC

Vicar clinches £2.5m movie deal

26 March 2004
GP Taylor has a new book out in the summer

The Scarborough vicar who sold his motorbike to finance his first novel has

clinched a £2.5m movie deal.

The Rev Graham Taylor says a Hollywood production company is to

make a big-budget film of his best-selling children's story, Shadowmancer.

GP Taylor's tale of good versus evil is set in the 18th Century on the

Yorkshire coast.

The film will be made at the book's original locations and may feature

local actors as well as big stars.

The production company, Fortitude Films, wants Mel Gibson to direct the

film, Donald Sutherland to play evil Rev Demurral and Sheffield actor

Sean Bean has been approached to play the part of the mysterious

smuggler, Jacob Crane.

"Hopefully we will also get some local talent to play the younger

people," added Mr Taylor.

"It is a $4m deal on a $100m movie, which is a big-budget film," added

Mr Taylor.

Copies of the book have been flying off the shelves

"We have actually demanded as part of the contract that it is filmed in

Scarborough, Whitby and Robin Hood's Bay.

"I'm hopeful it will bring some added tourism when they see all the

locations shot in and around the area."

Last November, Mr Taylor, 43, relinquished his role as the vicar of

St Mary's Church in Cloughton, North Yorkshire, to work as a locum

after suffering chest pains.

He said he had had little time with his family and his church duties

coupled with his writing obligations had taken their toll on his health.

Working as a locum in the Scarborough area will ease the pressure,

but still allow him to continue his ministry.

His second book, Wormwood, is due for release in the summer.