Washington, April 24: HandMade Films have signed 9-year-old Australian actress Jordana Beatty to play the lead role in their upcoming adaptation of the children's book 'Eloise in Paris.'

The books, written by Kay Thompson and illustrated by Hilary Knight, tell the adventures of Eloise, a precocious young girl who lives at the Plaza Hotel in New York with her dog, turtle and Nanny.

Helmed by Charles Shyer, 'Eloise in Paris' is co-written by Shyer with his daughter Hallie Meyers-Shyer and Larry Spencer.

Beatty, who began her acting career in television and commercials at the age 4, was found after more than 4,000 girls from four continents auditioned for the role.

"Jordana is a unique combination of funny, feisty, sweet and soulful -- all the qualities that were so much the essence of Kay Thompson's iconic character," The Hollywood Reporter quoted Shyer, as saying.

Uma Thurman has signed on to play the role of Nanny.

Production is slated to begin in Aug. 12 in Paris, New York and the south of France. atrick Meehan, Thomas D. Adelman and Ron Rotholz are producing while hyer will executive produce.

ANI