Twentieth Century Fox and Weekly Reader Announce Marley & Me Creative Writing Contest

Today, Twentieth Century Fox in conjunction with Weekly Reader Custom Publishing announced its Marley & Me Creative Writing Contest for grades seven through nine.

Pleasantville, New York (PRWEB) December 15, 2008 -- What can the world's worst dog possibly be thinking? Weekly Reader Custom Publishing wants to hear it. Today, Twentieth Century Fox in conjunction with Weekly Reader Custom Publishing announced its Marley & Me Creative Writing Contest for grades seven through nine.

Marley & Me, opening December 25, is about life, love, family - and the world's most rambunctious dog. The film stars Owen Wilson, Jennifer Aniston, Eric Dane and Alan Arkin. It was directed by David Frankel, from the screenplay by Scott Frank and Don Roos, based upon the best-selling book by John Grogan.

This original classroom program builds on the appeal of the movie to encourage students to write a story up to 300 words from the point of view of an animal. Entrants 13 years or older are encouraged to log onto www.weeklyreader.com/marley to submit their entry online. Entries can also be mailed.

"We are excited to host the Marley & Me Writing Contest," said Elizabeth Gabler, President, Fox 2000 Pictures. "The contest will give children the opportunity to express themselves by showing their literary creativity. I'm looking forward to seeing all of the imaginative and original ideas coming from entrants. Who knows, maybe there is a budding screenwriter out there."

The contest's grand prize winner will receive a $2,000 Best Buy gift card and have a $500 donation made in their name to the animal charity of his or her choice. One first prize winner will receive an $800 Best Buy gift card and one second prize winner will receive a $500 Best Buy gift card. Five Runner Up Winners will receive $50 Best Buy gift cards. Teachers who encourage their students to enter are also eligible to win prizes.

This original writing contest, coordinated by Weekly Reader Custom Publishing, meets national language arts standards for grades seven through nine.

Submissions will be judged on creativity and originality; relevance to contest theme; language mechanics (grammar and spelling); and adherence to contest rules.

Stories may be up to 300 words and must be submitted by January 30, 2009. Children under age 13 must submit entries by mail, while children age 13 may submit entries online at www.weeklyreader.com/marley. Winners will be notified on or around April 3, 2009.

Marley & Me debuts in theaters December 25, 2008. For a contest entry form and complete list of rules visit www.weeklyreader.com/marley.

About MARLEY & ME:
MARLEY & ME, is about life, love, family -- and the world's most rambunctious dog. The film stars Owen Wilson, Jennifer Aniston, Eric Dane and Alan Arkin. It was directed by David Frankel, from the screenplay by Scott Frank and Don Roos, based upon the best-selling book by John Grogan. The producers are Karen Rosenfelt and Gil Netter. Twentieth Century Fox releases the film everywhere on December 25.
www.marleyandmemovie.com

About Fox Filmed Entertainment:
One of the world's largest producers and distributors of motion pictures, Fox Filmed Entertainment produces, acquires and distributes motion pictures throughout the world. These motion pictures are produced or acquired by the following units of FFE: Twentieth Century Fox, Fox 2000 Pictures, Fox Searchlight Pictures, Fox Atomic, and Twentieth Century Fox Animation.

About Weekly Reader:
Weekly Reader Custom Publishing is the recognized leader in developing unique educational programs sponsored by corporations, nonprofit associations and government agencies.

Weekly Reader Publishing Group, founded in 1902, is a leader in educational publishing. Weekly Reader® publishes 15 magazines and a variety of other supplemental products that reinforce curriculum, help teachers meet standards, and engage students. Every one of the magazines has won awards for excellence in educational journalism. Weekly Reader Publishing Group is part of the Reader's Digest Association, Inc.

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