NEW YORK, June 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Random House Children's Books'
Bantam Books imprint has acquired the rights to publish original
novels and the official companion based on the hit ABC television
show ALIAS. Since the show's debut in September 2001, ALIAS has
gained tremendous popularity and critical support from its viewers.
It is the number one ranked show in its Sunday night time slot for
women ages 18-54, and the second ranked among teenagers and male
viewers ages 18-54. Both ALIAS: DECLASSIFIED, the official companion,
and ALIAS: RECRUITED, the first book in the fiction series will have
initial print runs of 100,000 to meet the expectations of the show's
dedicated fans. The nationwide on sale date for both titles will be
October 8, 2002, during which the highly anticipated second season of
the show will be underway.
ALIAS: DECLASSIFIED is a 224-page trade paperback that offers fans an
all-access, behind-the-scenes look at the making of the smash
television show, with reflections and anecdotes not found elsewhere.
The book, written by Mark Cotta Vaz, carries a suggested retail price
of $16.95. The first print run of the companion will also include a
DVD containing exclusive ALIAS materials, such as cast interviews and
a link to an online ALIAS game.
"Secret lives, cliffhanger endings, pulsating intrigue, non-stop
action, and the amazing Jennifer Garner as kick-ass Sydney -- what's
not to love?" said Wendy Loggia, editorial director of Media & Series
at Knopf Delacorte Dell Publishing Group. "We're thrilled to have the
ALIAS publishing program on our list here at Bantam, and to have the
opportunity to explore Sydney's early days at SD-6." Loggia acquired
the books in cooperation with Touchstone/ABC, and will edit both the
companion and the series titles.
ALIAS received a 2002 People's Choice Award for Favorite New
Television Drama, and was nominated for a 2002 Golden Globe Award in
the same category. Viewers can't get enough of this high-energy,
intelligent spy drama and its star, Jennifer Garner, who received the
2002 Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Television Drama.
Garner has received much media attention since the series debut,
gracing the covers of such publications as Seventeen, TV Guide,
Rolling Stone, Entertainment Weekly and Self, and appearing on
television talk shows and news programs.
"We're very excited about reaching ALIAS's loyal fan base via a new
outlet," said Bruce Gersh, Vice President, Business Development, ABC
Entertainment Television Group. "These books will enhance fans
enjoyment of the show."
[ from a Bantam Books Press Release]
