Co-authors Kelly Tabor and Richard Rossi bring beloved children’s book to the big screen.
Co-authors Kelly Tabor and Richard Rossi, the visionary creators behind the indie children’s book phenomenon “Lucy and the Lake Monster,” are delighted to announce the imminent completion of the film adaptation, marking the final stages of post-production. The bestselling book is renowned for both instilling positivity in children’s storytelling, and long lines of children around the block at bookstores waiting to meet the authors and get their copies signed. The beloved children’s novel is poised to captivate audiences cinematically and globally with the enchanting narrative of Lucy, her Papa, and the enigmatic Champ.
Director Rossi edited an initial rough cut to visualize the story and film editor Colin Tracy is polishing the film. “Colin has spent countless hours perfecting each scene with exceptional colorist work,” Rossi said. “He is focusing now on audio sound design work, blending the elements together and immersing viewers into the heart of the story.”
Colin Tracy, like Rossi, is a licensed minister. “Like Jesus who communicated through parables, Colin communicates through storytelling as an editor,” Rossi said. Tracy recently nabbed the honor of being chosen for Warner Brothers’ prestigious post-production program.
Amid post-production, Tabor and Rossi express heartfelt gratitude for the widespread support from children worldwide. Richard Rossi commented, “We are grateful for the children all over the world that have written to us, telling us they like the book and sending us their drawings of Champ.”
As a retired public school teacher with 32 years of experience, Kelly Tabor reflected on the joy of sharing stories. Tabor remarked, “I loved seeing the faces of my students light up when I told them stories of my looking for Champ when I grew up in Crown Point. I’m blown away that these stories have gone to the next level, as a book and film.”
The upcoming film is set for a worldwide release, ensuring its accessibility to children and families wherever they may be with its universal message of hope. This global reach aims to share Lucy’s inspiring journey with diverse audiences.
Co-authors Kelly Tabor and Richard Rossi are not only the creative minds behind the first book, but are also now crafting the second and third installments, promising an extended adventure for Lucy, her Papa, and their beloved friend Champ. The first book is available at major retailers such as Walmart, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble. It won the Red Letter Award for Best Christian Children’s Authors at Nashville’s Capitol Theater last September.
A prevailing theme of the first book and film centers around faith, imparting the truth from Mark 9:23 that all things are possible to those who believe. This core principle resonates throughout Lucy’s heartwarming quest, offering valuable lessons for young and old alike.
The film features an outstanding cast, with Emma Pearson portraying Lucy, Richard Rossi as Papa, and surprise cameos that will leave audiences smiling. Three actors from the Great Lakes Christian Film Festival, Shawn Patrick Greene, and Dave and Lori Peltan play key roles. Kelly Tabor plays Lucy’s schoolteacher, a role for which she says she had a lot of “real life preparation in public schools.” This ensemble enhances the magical world of “Lucy and the Lake Monster” and helps ensure it is delivered in a way that stays true to the book.
The co-authors invite fans to stay engaged for updates on the film’s release and they express their heartfelt appreciation for the ongoing support of Lucy and Champ’s inspiring adventures.
Watch the CBS TV report live from the film set:
For more information about “Lucy and the Lake Monster,” please visit www.lucyandthelakemonster.com.
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About Kelly Tabor:
Kelly Tabor, a retired Greenville County Schools teacher, is the co-author of the beloved children’s book “Lucy and the Lake Monster.”
About Richard Rossi:
Richard Rossi, an Academy-Award-considered filmmaker and co-author of “Lucy and the Lake Monster,” serves as the director of the upcoming children’s indie film adaptation.
Contact:
Co-authors Kelly Tabor & Richard Rossi
Eternal Grace
818 221 5899
[email protected]
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Religion News Service or Religion News Foundation.
