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Disney's keen on teen 'Girl' submitted by: Lisa D. source: Daily Variety Date: August 30, 2001 By CHARLES LYONS and CATHY DUNKLEY The Mouse House has a crush on teenage girls. The Walt Disney Co. has outbid other suitors for the film rights to "Princess Diaries" author Meg Cabot's next young adult novel, "All-American Girl." Project, which could lead to a substantial six-figure payday for Cabot, will be produced by Debra Martin Chase via her newly established Disney-based Martin Chase Prods. In the comedic "All-American," a 15-year old girl instinctively saves the president's life during an assassination attempt, heroism that shoots the lass into the limelight. Her bravery is subsequently tested when she stands up to the chief exec while judging an international art exhibition. With "Princess Diaries' " domestic gross already north of $ 82 million, studio plans to fast-track "All-American." Book will be published by HarperCollins late next year, the first in another young adult series by Cabot. The "Princess" series has been a New York Times bestseller for HarperCollins. Royal team Buena Vista Motion Picture Group prexy Nina Jacobson will oversee the film along with veep Karen Glass and director of development Doug Short --- all of whom where involved in "The Princess Diaries." Chase produced "Princess" with Whitney Houston via their Brownhouse Prods. Though Chase has established a shingle, she and Houston are attached to produce a sequel for Disney, currently being penned by scribe Gina Wendkos, who adapted the first "Princess." Familiar partner "Meg was very pleased with how Disney developed and marketed 'Princess Diaries,' " said the William Morris Agency's Bill Contardi, who handled film rights for Cabot's lit agent, Laura Langlie. "She is extremely happy to have her next book with the studio." Chase, who is repped by WMA, added: "Like 'Princess Diaries,' Disney seems to be absolutely the perfect home for 'All-American Girl.' This is another charming tale of girl wish fulfillment and empowerment, and nobody does these stories better than Disney." Site design by: Dolphin Webpage Designs © 1996-2001