MOVIES & TV

Priest signs film deals after well-publicized exorcisms of Latoya Ammons

By Marisa Kwiatkowski
marisa.kwiatkowski@indystar.com

The Rev. Michael Maginot has signed a deal with Evergreen Media Holdings to bring “The exorcisms of Latoya Ammons” to the big screen.

Maginot, of St. Stephen, Martyr parish in Merrillville, declined to disclose the terms of his contract with Evergreen Executive Chairman Tony DeRosa-Grund, calling it a “standard deal.” DeRosa-Grund produced “The Conjuring,” grossing $318 million worldwide.

After The Star published an article about Ammons’ claims that she and her three children had been possessed by demons, the story received international attention. More than a dozen movie producers and countless TV shows have clamored for interviews.

Maginot, who performed a series of exorcisms on Ammons, said he signed a contract with DeRosa-Grund because he felt the producer wouldn’t sensationalize what happened.

“The story is good as it is,” Maginot said. “You don’t need to go crazy with it.”

Maginot said he also signed a contract with Zak Bagans, host and executive producer of “Ghost Adventures” on the Travel Channel, to make a documentary.

Bagans purchased the Carolina Street home where Ammons and her mother Rosa Campbell say many of the strange things happened. In addition to an on-camera interview, Maginot agreed to go back into the home and participate in another investigation for Bagans’ piece.

Call Star reporter Marisa Kwiatkowski at (317) 444-6135. Follow her on Twitter: @IndyMarisaK.