Jennifer Phang’s Good Neighbors Media has secured the film and television rights to the upcoming Todd Mitchell YA novel, The Naming Girl.P hang will direct the project under her Good Neighbors Media banner, with Robert M. Chang overseeing development on behalf of the company.
The story centers on Ash Narro, who is known in her village for her peculiar knack for naming sticks, rocks, carpet bags, and anything else that catches her fancy. But when terrible shape-shifting monsters charge out of the cloud forest to attack her village, Ash discovers that names have power. In this steampunk fairy tale, the perils of deforestation and the power of friendship are explored through a fantastical adventure involving giant mist leopards, tempestuous forest spirits, and a girl with a special gift for shaping what things become.
“Good Neighbors Media blew me away with their subtle and innovative world-building in Advantageous. Their interest in exploring vital social and environmental issues through engaging narratives aligns perfectly with my values, and the creative concerns of my work. I’m thrilled to have an opportunity to have them develop my work for film,” said Mitchell. “I’m excited to bring another fantastical world to life. The themes in The Naming Girl are particularly timely. It is a story for audiences of all ages about the power of genuine friendship, adventure, and human connection with nature,” stated Phang.
