LOS ANGELES, CA May 16, 2008 -- Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures has secured the rights to Jason Carter Eaton’s children’s book “The Facttracker” and has attached David Silverman (“The Simpsons Movie,” “Monsters Inc.”) to direct the live action feature film adaptation. Carter Eaton and his writing partner Ian Lendler will adapt the book into a screenplay. The announcement was made today by Mary Parent, Chairman, Worldwide Motion Picture Group, MGM.

Shawn Levy, who directed “Night at the Museum” will partner with Legally Blonde franchise producer Marc Platt to produce “The Facttracker.” Levy will produce through his 21 Laps Entertainment Company, while Platt will produce through Marc Platt Productions. Becky Sloviter, Vice President, Production, MGM, brought the project into the studio and will oversee the development with Cale Boyter, Executive Vice President, Production, MGM.

Published by Harper Collins in January 29, 2008, “The Facttracker,” is a Roald Dahl-esque fable about Traäkerfaxx, a town that gathers all the facts in the world. When a mysterious salesman arrives in town peddling lies, chaos ensues, forcing a young orphan boy with no facts of his own to team up with the reclusive Facttracker in order to save their town. The book was written by Carter Eaton with imagery by Montreal-based illustrator Pascale Constantin.

“This is an incredibly rich family-film franchise,” said Levy. “Fact vs. fiction, battled out by a slew of dynamic, boldly drawn characters. It's exactly the kind of visual, heartfelt comedy that 21 Laps is looking to do. To pair such vivid material with superb creative partners like producer Marc Platt and filmmaker David Silverman is a thrill.”

Silverman is currently developing Walt Disney Pictures “The Pet.” In addition to directing the box-office smash hit “The Simpsons Movie” and co-directing “Monster’s Inc.,” he has worked on a number of family-themed properties for nearly two decades. He was a story consultant on Twentieth Century Fox’s “Ice Age” and has served as a director or producer on over 200 episodes of “The Simpsons” television series.

Levy and Platt have several high profile projects in development. Levy, who directed “The Pink Panther” for MGM, is executive producer on “The Pink Panther 2,” which hits theatres in February 6, 2009. Levy is currently prepping “Night at the Museum 2” for Twentieth Century Fox, which he will direct and produce. He also produced the upcoming summer comedy “The Rocker,” starring Rainn Wilson for Fox Atomic. In addition, Levy is producing “The Way Back” for Mandate Pictures. Platt who produced “Legally Blonde” and “Legally Blonde 2: Red, White and Blonde” for MGM, is the producer on Universal’s upcoming thriller “Wanted,” starring Angelina Jolie and Sony Pictures Classics’ “Rachel is Getting Married” directed by Jonathan Demme, starring Anne Hathaway. Platt is going into production on “Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World” for Universal Pictures and “Nine” for The Weinstein Co.

Tom McNulty, President, 21 Laps Entertainment, will produce “The Facttracker” with Levy. Billy Rosenberg will oversee production for 21 Laps.

Adam Siegel, President, Marc Platt Productions, will produce “The Facttracker” with Platt. Tia Maggini will oversee production for Marc Platt Productions.

Jason Carter Eaton is also the author of the children’s picture book “The Day My Runny Nose Ran Away.” He edited Professor P. S. Schackman's book “How to Keep Tuna Fish in Your Pocket for Weeks and Weeks Without it Going Bad.” He also served as a writer on “Ice Age 2 The Meltdown” and “Ice Age 3 Dawn of the Dinosaurs.”

“The Facttracker” was sold on behalf of Tanya McKinnon of Mary Evans Inc. Silverman is represented by Endeavor and manager David Greenblatt. Levy is represented by Endeavor and attorneys Ziffren, Brittenham, Branca, Fischer, Gilbert-Lurie, Stiffelman, Cook, Johnson, Lande & Wolf. Platt is represented by attorneys Jackoway, Tyerman, Wertheimer, Austen, Mandelbaum, Morris & Klein. Carter Eaton and Lendler are also represented by Endeavor and managed by managed by Angela Cheng Caplan of Cheng Caplan Company Inc.

About Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc., through its operating subsidiaries, is actively engaged in the worldwide production and distribution of motion pictures, television programming, home video, interactive media, music and licensed merchandise. The company owns the world’s largest library of modern films, comprising around 4,100 titles. Operating units include Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc., United Artists Films Inc., Ventanazul, MGM Television Entertainment Inc., MGM Networks Inc., MGM Domestic Networks LLC, MGM Distribution Co, MGM International Television Distribution In, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Home Entertainment LLC, MGM ON STAGE, MGM Music, MGM Worldwide Digital Media, MGM Consumer Products and MGM Interactive. In addition, MGM has ownership interests in international TV channels reaching nearly 120 countries. MGM ownership is as follows: Providence Equity Partners (29%), TPG (21%), Sony Corporation of America (20%), Comcast (20%), DLJ Merchant Banking Partners (7%) and Quadrangle Group (3%). For more information, visit www.mgm.com.