BIG FISH's John August Tapped to Adapt SCARY STORIES TO TELL IN THE DARK for CBS

Deadline reports that CBS Films has turned to writer John August (Broadway's BIG FISH) to pen a script based on Alvin Schwartz's iconic book series "Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark."

The spooky children's book series, popular in the 80's and 90's, sold over 7 million copies worldwide and includes Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark, followed by More Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark (1984) and Scary Stories 3: More Tales To Chill Your Bones (1991). Award-winning artist Stephen Gammell illustrated the haunting tales.

Sean Daniel and Jason Brown of Sean Daniel Company and Elizabeth Grave of 1212 Entertainment are set to produce the project with Roberto Grande and Joshua Long on board to executive produce.

August's debut film was 1999's critically acclaimed Go, for which he also served as co-producer and second unit director. In 1998, he acquired the film rights to Daniel Wallace's Big Fish. His adaptation became the 2003 Tim Burton film of the same name and earned August a 2003 BAFTA Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay. He wrote the book for the Broadway musical adaptation of Big Fish, with music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa, directed and choreographed by Susan Stroman.

Since 2003, August has written the screenplay for several Tim Burton films, including Corpse Bride, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (an adaptation of Roald Dahl's classic children's book), andFrankenweenie. August also shared story credit with Seth Grahame-Smith on Burton's Dark Shadows.

The Nines, his writing/directing debut starring Ryan Reynolds, Melissa McCarthy, Hope Davis and Elle Fanning, premiered at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival and Venice Film Festival's Critics' Week.

August earned a 2006 Grammy nomination for lyrics for "Wonka's Welcome Song" from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride / WM Photos

[Bio: John August/Wiki]