Emma Topping
Emma Topping, the owner of the Viv Loves Film literary, screen, and stage production and business affairs agency, will "executive produce all features and will co-produce all series" based on Brian Jacques' Redwall novels for Netflix, according to a release.
Topping was an executive producer for 2018 animated adventure/fantasy film Peter Rabbit, based on the Beatrix Potter character, and is currently an executive producer for its sequel, Peter Rabbit 2, which is scheduled for summer 2021.
"With its themes of tolerance, collaboration and compassion, Brian Jacques’ Redwall books resonate deeply in the current climate: what better moment to see these values reflected in a fresh new on-screen imagining," said Topping.
Topping also served as a producer for The Lost Legends of Redwall video games.
"[Topping]'s sensitivity to the original work and how it could relate to a contemporary context chimed completely with our own thoughts," said The Redwall Abbey Company. "We are hugely excited how the development is going with Netflix and look forward to her stewardship of the remaining works."
Topping spoke to Screen and Film School Brighton in the UK about how the deal came together and what an executive producer should consider.
"When the news hit last week, #Redwall was trending on Twitter in the USA and Netflix's Twitter post had over three million impressions on the day of the release, so there are a lot of vested interests out there! The key thing from my perspective, is to ensure that the best possible people are involved in the process," Topping said. "That process should be collaborative and open, but it must also respect the role and strengths that each party brings to the creative table. You have to be additive and know when someone else has a different – often better – suggestion. And listen to it! It's hard sometimes, but you have to take your ego out of the equation and do what is best for the brand."
Topping also noted that "over seventy suitors" pursued the rights to Redwall over the years, and "interest was still coming after signature."
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