Emma Stone, Viola Davis Star in The Help

Kathryn Stockett's #1 New York Times bestselling novel The Help is heading to the big screen, with Emma Stone (Zombieland) and Viola Davis (Knight and Day) cast in starring roles. Participant Media, Imagenation Abu Dhabi, and DreamWorks Studios are backing the project which is set to begin filming this summer in and around Greenwood, Mississippi. Walt Disney Studios (the new home of DreamWorks Studios) is aiming for a 2011 release.

Actor/producer/director Tate Taylor, a friend of the author, will adapt and direct The Help. Taylor's only previous feature film as director is the 2008 comedy Pretty Ugly People starring Missi Pyle and Cougar Town's Josh Hopkins.

Announcing their involvement in The Help, Imagenation Abu Dhabi CEO Ed Borgerding stated: "The Help tells a fascinating story about a piece of American history that could be part of any country's history. It is destined to be an important film and we are excited - with our partners at Participant Media - to be part of this project with DreamWorks Studios who have a history of making both creatively accomplished and financially successful films."

Set in the 1960s, The Help follows an aspiring writer (Stone) who stirs up a hornet's nest when she embarks on a project that involves interviewing the household help.

<sub>(Photo © Richard Chavez)

Join Hollywood Movies on Facebook / Follow Hollywood Movies on Twitter</sub>