MGM Options Digital Graphic Novel ‘Jonas Moore’ for TV

By Vlada Gelman

MGM Domestic Television Distribution has optioned Factory Publishing’s online graphic novel “The Many Worlds of Jonas Moore” for a possible television series.

The graphic novels, which are designed for iPod and PC download, are set in a time where the British Empire never ended and America is one of thousands of virtual worlds hosted on a global game network. When Jonas Moore, a character created by the network’s founder, becomes self-aware, he is tagged as a virus and forced to go on the run. Jonas is portrayed online by Colin Salmon.

The digital graphic novel was written, produced and directed by Howard Webster. Ruth Vitale, who brought the project to MGM and has worked for four years with Mr. Webster on Factory Magazine, is attached as an executive producer.

“‘The Many Worlds of Jonas Moore’ is an exciting digital graphic novel that's creating quite a sensation abroad. We see this as a great concept that will make an exciting series for worldwide audiences,” said Chris Ottinger, executive VP of worldwide television for MGM.

“There has never been a black British action hero before, and what appealed to me was that MGM understood this from the outset,” said Mr. Webster. “Jonas Moore is sophisticated, educated, tough and uber-cool. He represents the next generation of intelligent action heroes of international sci-fi drama.”

“The Many Worlds of Jonas Moore” was nominated for best short-form mobile/Internet drama at Mipcom 2007’s Mobile and Internet TV Awards. It also was an official honoree at this year’s Webby Awards.