June 30 2006

Daryl Goodrich has sold the feature version of his five minute short film “Inspiration” (a.k.a. “Legend of the Rings”) to Nickelodeon Films. The sports family film is being written by Goodrich and Caroline Rowland, and will focus on kids who are inspired to do great things by the Olympics. The short was a huge factor in London winning the bid to host the 2012 Olympics. Goodrich will direct the film, while Rowland will produce. 6/30

That’s it for today, my fellow Americans! Have a safe, fun and patriotic Independence Day!

June 29 2006

Robert Nelson Jacobs has been hired to script a draft of the Untitled Hunter Scott Project (a.k.a. “U.S.S. Indianapolis” and “The Good Soldier”) at Universal Pictures. The biopic is loosely based on 12-year old student Scott Hunter, whose high school term paper led to the exoneration of Capt. Charles Butler McVay III, who was initially court-marshaled for sinking the U.S.S. Indianapolis during WWII.* J.J. Abrams is attached to direct, while Chris Moore is producing. 6/29

*Remember Quint's monologue in "Jaws"?

Shane Morris has sold his pitch “Redneck Games” to New Line Cinema. The comedy follows a disgraced Olympic athlete who competes in the real life Redneck Games, which were created as an alternate version of the ’96 Atlanta Summer games. Mike Karz is producing with Josh Weinstock. 6/29

Don Roos has been hired to pen the film version of John Grogan’s memoir “Marley & Me” for Fox 2000. The family-friendly comedy bestseller is about the author’s 13-year relationship with his incorrigible dog, Marley. Gil Netter is producing. Rodney Ferrell is shepherding the project for the studio. 6/29

Julian Goldberger has been hired to pen “The Marfa Lights” for Burnt Orange Prods. and Sunflower Prods. The coming-of-age drama loosely based on George Sand’s 18th Century French novel “Le Petite Fadette” is about twin brothers in Texas – one is a “coyote” smuggling Latino immigrants into America illegally, while the other is an Iraq War veteran who seeks help from a Mexican mystic healer. Brian Presley has signed on to star. Carlos Carrera will direct. Presley, Terrence Malick, Ed Pressman, Will Wallace, Carolyn Pfeiffer, and Tom Schatz are producing. 6/29

In drug-addiction news: First, playwright Craig Lucas and historian Michael Horowitz have been hired to pen an Untitled Timothy Leary Project for Appian Way. The biopic drama will track the counter-culture icon’s life from being a West Point cadet in the 40s to becoming the LSD-popping hippy in the 60s. Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Simpson (Appian Way) are producing, along with Hillard Elkins (Elkins Entertainment).

Next, Alan Parker has signed on to helm “Ice at the Bottom of the World” for New Line. The family drama written by Mark Richard (based on his own short story) is about a Navy captain who reluctantly retires for health reasons, only to return home to the turbulence of dealing with a heroin-addicted daughter who is the single mother of a biracial child. Charlize Theron is starring. Parker (Dirty Hands) will also produce with Theron (Denver & Delilah Films), along with Bob Berney (Picturehouse).

Finally, Marcia Gay Harden has enlisted her own daughter Eulala Grace Scheel to star with her, Marian Seldes, Michael Gaston and Candace Buckley in “Home.” The road family drama set during the 60s written and to be directed by Mary Haverstick is about a mother who takes her daughter on a road trip in order to break her family’s apparent streak of addiction. Haverstick, Michele Mercure and Chad Taylor are producing, while Paul and Judy Ware are executive producing. 6/29

Dyanne Stempel and Jennifer Robinson have sold their pitch “Frenemies” to Paramount Pictures for low- to mid-six figures. The dark comedy is about the lows two former BFFs will sink after they become arch-foes. Caitlin Scanlon (Pounce Pictures) is producing. Alli Shearmur is shepherding for the studio. 6/29

Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman have signed on to top-line “The Bucket List” for Zadan/Meron Prods. The buddy road comedy scripted by Justin Zackham follows two terminally ill old dudes who decide to bounce from their cancer ward to raise some hell in Monaco. Rob Reiner is directing. Craig Zadan, Neil Meron and Alan Greisman are producing, with Zackham and Travis Knox executive producing. 6/29

Anne Rice has sold the film rights of her novel “Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt” to Good News Holdings. The author will pen the drama adaptation herself, which dramatizes the life lived by the seven-year old Jesus as he and his Jewish mother and father trek from Egypt to Nazareth. George Barna. David Kirkpatrick, Christopher Chisholm, Martha Cotton, Thom Black, and Rich Christopher are producing. 6/29

June 28 2006

Alison Eastwood has been hired to direct “Rails and Ties” by Warner Independent Pictures. The drama written by Micky Levy is about the emotional turmoil experienced by two families after a woman commits suicide. Peer Oppenheimer and Barrett Stuart (Malpaso Prods.) will produce. Paul Federbush is shepherding for the studio. Howard Entertainment represents Eastwood. B.S. Prods. represents Micky Levy. 6/28

Auteur Brian Jun has been hired to write and direct a biopic about songwriter Jeff Buckley. Considered one of the brightest stars of musical universe by the likes of Elton John, Bob Dylan and Paul McCartney, Buckley died suddenly and tragically from an accidental drowning in 1997. Mary Guibert (Buckley’s mother) and Michelle Sy are producing. 6/28

Martin Garner has been hired to pen the film version of Sally Macleod’s novel “Passing Strange” by thesp-turned-producer Megan Mullally. The drama thriller set in the South is about a white woman who isn’t appreciated by her husband, so she embarks on an affair with a black laborer. Then things turn deadly. 6/28

Brian Sieve has sold his spec “Ambrose Fountain” to Craven/Maddalena Films. The horror thriller is about the strange occurrences experienced by the owners of a California winery that are being caused by a deep dark secret buried in the past. Magnet Management and Stone, Meyer, Genow, Smelkinson & Binder represent Sieve. 6/28

J. Michael Straczynski has sold his spec “The Changeling” to Universal Pictures. The thriller based on real events is about a woman who starts to believe that her son, who was kidnapped and then returned, is not who (or what?) he seems. Ron Howard and Brian Grazer (Imagine Entertainment) are producing, with Howard possibly directing. 6/28

Sean Bean and Tilda Swinton have signed on to top-line “Come Like Shadows” for Milk & One Sugar production company. Written by Vincent Regan, the period drama is a retelling of Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” which the filmmakers promise will be accessible to contemporary audiences. John Maybury will helm the project, while Nick Saunders will produce. Steven Sodenbergh is executive producing. 6/28

Antonio Banderas has been cast alongside Collin Hanks, Annette Bening and Ron Perlman in “Homeland Security” by Millennium Films. The action thriller (with a smidgen of comedy thrown in) written and to be directed by George Gallo is described as being in the vein Alfred Hitchcock’s “To Catch a Thief.” Avi Lerner, Julie Lott, Heidi Jo Markel, David Permut, and Richard Salvatore are producing. 6/28

Duane Adler has been hired to pen an untitled dance film for Mayhem Project. The story will follow a young woman who discovers brand new choreography that helps her realize her dream of becoming a superstar dancer. Billie Woodruff is in final talks to helm the film. Anthony Mosawi and Brad Luff are producing. Jennifer Rogers is shepherding the project for the company. 6/28

June 27 2006

Actors Chow Yun-Fat and Gong Li, and writer-director Zhang Yimou are teaming up to bring Cao Yu’s play "Curse of the Golden Flower" to the silver screen. The romantic martial-arts drama is a Chinese Middle Age tale about the familial, yet epic conflict between a king, his queen and their three sons. William Kong, Weiping Zhang and Zhang Yimou are producing. Sony Pictures Classics will distribute domestically. 6/27

Writer Aline Brosh McKenna has been hired to adapt Allison Pearson’s bestselling book “I Don’t Know How She Does It” by the Weinstein Co. The slice-of-life drama-comedy in the vein of “Bridget Jones’ Diary” follows a driven female hedge-fund manager who balances her hectic business life with being the “perfect” wife and mother. David Frankel is attached to helm. Sydney Pollack and Anthony Minghella (Mirage Enterprises) are producing. 6/27

Real-life sweeties (eww) Orlando Bloom and Kate Bosworth have signed on to star in “Seasons of Dust” for writer-director (and actor) Tim Blake Nelson. The drama thriller takes place during the Great Depression, with the pair playing a female rape victim and a male escaped convict who must elude hired killers out to exact vengeance on the girl. Christopher Eberts, Eric Gitter, Kia Jam, Anthony Rhulen, Chris Roberts and Peter Schwerin are all producing. Ethan and Joel Coen, and Sue Jett are executive producing. 6/27

Writer-director Rawson Marshall Thurber has signed on to adapt Michael Chabon’s novel “The Mysteries of Pittsburgh” for Groundswell Productions. The coming-of-age drama-comedy set during the mid-80s follows a recent college graduate who is befriended by a small group of quirky big city hispsters who affect and influence the protagonist’s transition into adulthood. Peter Sarsgarrd, Sienna Miller and Max Minghella are starring. Michael London, Jason Ajax Mercer and Pete Chiarelli are producing the project. 6/27

June 26 2006

Gerard Butler and Steven Strait have signed on to top-line “Priest” for Screen Gems. The post-Apocalyptic horror film adapted by Cory Goodman from the Tokyopop graphic novel by Min-Woo Hyung is about a priest, young sheriff and priestess who track down vampires who have abducted the priest’s niece. Andrew Douglas is directing. Michael De Luca, Sam Raimi, Josh Donen and Mitchell Peck are producing. 6/26

Scott Westerfeld has sold the film rights to his novel “Uglies” to 20th Century Fox. The young adult fantasy is the first of a trilogy about a 16-year old girl who is denied an operation to make her “pretty” unless she infiltrates an anti-social group of peers who reject the operation themselves. The follow-up titles are “Pretties” and “Specials.” The project is out to writers. John and Jordan Davis will produce. 6/26

June 23 2006

In Warner Bros. news: First, Zach Snyder has been hired to helm the big screen adaptation of the DC Comics graphic novels “Watchmen” by the Burbank studio. Created by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons, and adapted by Alex Tse, the post-Apocalyptic series follows the ultra-violent superhero Rorschach as he investigates the murders of his former Crimebusters teammates. Larry Gordon and Lloyd Levin are producing.

Second, Shane Morris has sold his pitch “Committed to Life” to WB. The romantic action comedy is based on true events in which the FBI invites mobsters to a wedding as part of an elaborate sting operation, but in this instance two opposite-sex undercover agents start to fall for each other, compromising their mission. Bob Cooper (Landscape Entertainment) is producing. 6/23

Matthew McConaughey is circling two comedies at New Line to star in: the first is the supernatural romantic comedy (which was in turn-around from Disney) "Ghosts of Girlfriends Past" written by Scott Moore and John Lucas about a committed bachelor who gets visited by the spirits of his ex-girlfriends. Jon Shestack will produce.

The second project is “The Grackle” written by Mike Arnold and Chris Poole. The raucous laffer is about a New Orleans barroom brawler who hires himself out for $250-a-pop to settle disputes for his clients. McConaughey is producing with Gus and Mark Gustawes (j.k. livin’ productions). 6/23

Michael Caleo has been hired to pen the film version of Tonino Benacquista’s book “Malavita” by EuropaCorp. The fish-out-of-water crime drama is about an American mafia chief who is sequestered to Normandy, France by the FBI’s Witness Protection Program, but instead of lying low he starts to impose himself on the locals and starts causing problems. Luc Besson and Pierre-Ange la Pogam are producing. 6/23

Tornasol Films has acquired Spanish-region distribution rights to writer-director Paul Auster’s “The Inner Life of Martin Frost.” Based on a character from the auteur’s own novel “The Book of Illusion,” the magical realism drama is about an accomplished novelist on a countryside retreat who wakes up next to a beautiful woman whom he doesn’t know. Irene Jacob and David Thewlis are starring. Gerardo Herrero will produce, while Paolo Branco and Mariela Besuievsky will serve as executive producers. 6/23

It's the weekend, fools! Go out and eat Dim Sum...

June 22 2006

Susannah Grant has been hired to write a drama tentatively titled “Imagining Beethoven” by DreamWorks. Based on a series of LA Times articles by Steve Lopez, the biopic will be about Nathaniel Anthony Ayers, a Julliard-trained violinist whose mental illness drove him to homelessness in Los Angeles’ skid row. Lopez helped Ayers rise from his life of despair. Gary Foster will produce the project. Mark Sourian is shepherding for the studio. CAA represents Grant. 6/22

Tony Jordan has been hired to pen the big screen of the BBC TV show “Hustle” by Fox 2000. The ensemble crime series follows the elaborate and audacious exploits of a colorful British con artist crew. Bharat Nalluri, Paul Webster, Jane Featherstone and Simon Crawford-Collins are producing. 6/22

Andrea Berloff has been hired to write a biopic about the Gucci clan by Paramount Pictures. The drama will probably show the scandalous soap-operatic plots by the fashionista family members against one another, including tax fraud and skullduggery. Ridley Scott is attached to direct. Giannina Facio will produce with Scott. 6/22

Gary Cole has been tapped to star in “The American Pastime.” The indie drama written by Desmond Nakano tells the story of two American families – one Japanese, the other Anglo – that turn to baseball and jazz to help cope with life at a Utah internment camp during WWII. Nakano will helm the film. David Skinner, Barry Rosenbush and Tom Gorai (Shadowcatcher Prods.) are producing. 6/22

Mike Petzhold has sold his script “Only Ever You” to NALA Films. The Latino romantic comedy is about a widower who finds love. Emilio Diez Barroso and Darlene Caamano are producing. 6/22

June 21 2006 - Part II

More Natalie Portman news: The “object-of-my-undying-affection” is in talks to star in “The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay” for Paramount Pictures. Written by Michael Chabon and based on his own Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, the drama is set in pre-WWII NY as two Jewish cousins use the “real life” people and events that surround them to create the Golden Age comic superhero The Escapist. Stephen Daldry is directing, while Scott Rudin is producing. 6/21

Jorge Olguin has been hired (because of his own persistence) to direct the film version of the video game “Clock Tower” for Mayhem Project. The adaptation was written by Jake Wade Wall and is about a young woman who discovers a horrific supernatural truth in her family’s past when she goes home, despite her mother’s warning not to return. Anthony Mosawi and Brad Luff are producing. Tim Kwok is executive producing. Jennifer Rogers is overseeing the project for the company. 6/21

June 21 2006 - Part I

Natalie Portman and Eric Bana are in talks to star in “The Other Boleyn Girl” for Columbia Pictures. Based on Philippa Gregory’s historical novel and adapted by Peter Morgan, the drama set in 16th century England shows the fierce rivalry between sisters Mary and Anne Boleyn as they both try win Henry VIII’s heart to become his queen. Justin Chadwick is set to helm. David Thompson (BBC Films) and Alison Owen (Ruby Films) are producing, while Scott Rudin is executive producing. Amy Baer and Rachel O’Connor are shepherding for the studio. CAA, Brillstein-Grey and attorney George Sheanshang represent Portman. WMA and attorney Robert Offer represent Bana. UTA and ICM London represent Chadwick. 6/21

Thom Jones has been hired to adapt Larry Brown’s novel “The Rabbit Factory” by Lionsgate. The depression-era drama that takes place in Memphis and northern Mississippi follows the passionate and brutal lives of gangsters, hookers and other wretched characters. Vondie Curtis-Hall is directing, while Braxton Pope and Andrew Weiner (Ithaka Entertainment) are producing. 6/21

Franc Reyes has sold his spec “Illegal Tender” to Universal Pictures. The crime drama thriller is set in Puerto Rico and follows a young Latino and his mother as they go on the run from the criminals who killed his father. Reyes is also going to direct. Rick Gonzalez, Wanda De Jesus and Zoe Saldana are starring. John Singleton is producing. 6/21

John Romano has been hired to pen a draft of the film version of Jack Greenberg’s autobiography “Crusaders in the Court” by New Line Cinema and Participant Productions. Previous versions were written by Paul Redford and Lawrence O’Donnell. The drama follows the 1954 courtroom battle Brown v. Board of Education fought by Greenberg and a young Thurgood Marshall to end racial segregation in schools. Bob Cooper and Ricky Strauss are producing. 6/21

Ryan Jaffe has sold his pitch “Change” to Fox. The comedy involves a selfish man who is forced by supernatural circumstances to become more generous (of course, against his will). Jon Berg and Todd Komarnicki (Guy Walks into a Bar) are producing, while Matt Weinberg is executive producing. 6/21

In “Bygones-Are-Bygone” news: Billy Bob Thornton has signed on to top-line “Peace Is Like A River” for Warner Brothers. Kathy McWorter adapted Leif Enger’s drama novel which follows a Midwestern boy who flees after he kills two bullies and is convicted by the law -- and the boy's father, who is torn between turning his child in or helping him escape. Brad Pitt (got it?), Kit Golden and David Brown are producing. 6/21

June 20 2006

Today's "shout out" goes to Zipporah P. who is moving to Chicago to focus on writing her plays. Script Radar wishes her the best of luck on her venture and looks forward to reading about her artistic success soon!

Now on with the news...

In Regency Enterprise news: First, Adam Grossman has sold his spec “Wardogs” to the Fox-based financier. The action adventure is about a quartet of Vietnam vets who reunite for a search-and-rescue mission when their former platoon leader becomes missing-in-action in Turkey. Andrew Lazar will produce.

Second, Joe Ballarini has been hired to pen “Witch Hunters” by Arnon Milchan’s shingle. The supernatural adventure film will be in the vein of “Pirates of the Caribbean” with the world of sorcery as its milieu. Dave Meyers is attached to direct. Arnold and Anne Kopelson are producing, while Sherryl Clark will executive produce. 6/20

Joe D'Ambrosia and Tom Teves have sold their spec “Mother of Invention” to Walt Disney Pictures. The family comedy is loosely based on a real single mother from San Francisco, whose children don’t know is a secret agent (the writers met her at a party). Andrew Gunn and Stacey Attanasio-Gonsalves are producing. 6/20

Silicon Valley giant Larry Ellison has committed to provide financing for the WWI aviation epic “Flyboys.” Written by Phil Sears & Blake T. Evans, and David S. Ward, the action war film chronicles the experiences of the Lafayette Escadrille squadron, which was made up of daring American flyers who volunteered for the French military before the U.S. entered the European conflict. The project is being directed* and produced by Dean Devlin (Electric Entertainment), along with Kearie Peak and Marc Roskin. Among those starring are James Franco, Tcheky Karyo, Jean Reno and Ellison's son David (sweet). 6/20

*Correction: Tony Bill is directing this. Je suis désolé .

Josh Lucas has agreed to top-line “Smart” for Nash Entertainment. Charlie Peters wrote the script for the biopic about David Smart, the germ-phobic and eccentric lothario who founded GQ and Esquire magazines. Lucas will also produce with his brother Devon Maurer (2 Bridges Prods.), along with Bruce Nash and Bob Kosberg. 6/20

Sony Pictures Classics has acquired the U.S. and Canadian rights to the French hit “The Valet” (“La Doublure”). Written and directed by Francis Veber (and soon to be remade by the Farrelly brothers), the comedy is about a mogul who is caught kissing his lover on camera -- so in order to avoid an expensive divorce, he bribes a valet to pretend to be his mistress’ lover. The Gaelic version stars Daniel Auteuil, Alice Taglioni, Kristin Scott Thomas, and Gad Elmaleh. Gaumont produced the project. 6/20

In Paramount Pictures news: First, Owen Wilson has signed on to star in “Drillbit Taylor” for the Melrose Ave. studio. The action comedy was written by Chris Brown and Seth Rogen (based on an original 70-page "script-ment" by John Hughes) and is about two wimpy high school freshmen whose effort to repel a bully backfires on them when they hire a bumbling bargain-basement mercenary. Steven Brill is in talks to direct. Judd Apatow, Susan Arnold and Donna Roth are producing.

Second, Steven Schneider (Room 101) has signed a first-look deal with Blumhouse Prods., which is based at Paramount. The company will focus on horror and thriller films. Among those already being developed by Schneider are: “Home” written by Adam Alleca about a criminal who suffers from terrifying visions while under house arrest in a cabin in the middle of the woods (a Craven/Maddalena Films co-production ); and “Fantastic Planet” which is a CG/live-action adaptation of the surreal animated classic (along with Circle of Confusion and Di Bonaventura Pictures). 6/20

June 19 2006

First, Script Radar would like to give a "shout out" to Ellen H. for inviting us to the cool-as-hell party last Saturday night - where we had a chance to chat with Andrew Cohen who recently sold the feature version pitch to his short comedy film "American Storage" starring Steve Carell (click here for a flashback). The celebrities on-hand included "Freaks and Geeks" alum John Francis Daley and Samm Levine, and "Numb3rs" star David Krumholtz. More from Andrew on Script Radar soon.

Now on with the news...

Don Handfield has sold his pitch “Valentine’s Day” to DreamWorks Pictures for low- to mid-six figures. The romantic comedy is basically like “Groundhog’s Day” – except this version has a dueling couple who get stuck in a time loop. David Beaubaire and Chloe Dan are shepherding for the studio. 6/19

Nora and Delia Ephron have been hired to write the film version of Wendelin Van Draanen’s book “Flipped.” The young adult romance/coming-of-age novel follows two separate and distinct perspectives – that of a teen girl who’s smitten with the boy-next-door ever since his family moved to her neighborhood, and the boy who thinks the girl is kind of weird. Nora is attached to direct the film. Tracy Trench and Kelly Gonda (East of Doheny) are producing. 6/19

Video director Jamie Thraves has signed on to helm the film version of the biography “Torn Apart: The Life of Ian Curtis” by Mick Middles and Lindsay Reade. The book has been adapted by Tom Browne and chronicles the life of Joy Division’s trouble and inevitably suicidal lead singer – in particular his efforts before hitting it big in the music industry. Amy Hobby and Neal Weisman are producing the project. 6/19

Taraji P Henson, Cedric the Entertainer, and Mike Epps are joining Don Cheadle and Chiwetel Ejiofor in “Talk To Me” for Pelagius Films. Kasi Lemmon, Rick Famuyiwa and Michael Genet all did versions of the drama biopic script that follows the life of Ralph Waldo “Petey” Green, an African American ex-con who turns his life around and becomes a controversial 60s Washington D.C. radio talk show host. Lemmons is directing the film. Sidney Kimmel and Mark Gordon are producing the project. 6/19

June 16 2006

Tiffany Zehnal has sold her spec “Shotgun Wedding” to DreamWorks for mid-six figures. The romantic comedy is about a woman who forces her boyfriend into marrying her in Las Vegas. My girl Kira Goldberg is shepherding the project for the studio. CAA and Relevant Entertainment Group represent Zehnal. 6/16

Josh Hartnett is in talks to star in “30 Days of Night” for Columbia Pictures. The horror-thriller is based on a comic book created by writer Steve Niles and artist Ben Templesmith, and has been adapted by Stuart Beattie and Brian Nelson. The story takes place in Alaska during the dead of winter, when the sun rarely comes out, making it the perfect habitat for vampires. The protagonists are a small town sheriff and his wife, who have to save the lives of the locals. Sam Raimi and Rob Tapert (Ghost House Pictures) are producing. Mike Richardson (Dark Horse Entertainment), Joe Drake and Nathan Kahane are executive producing. Shannon Gaulding and Adam Milano are shepherding for the studio. CAA and attorney David Webber represent Hartnett. 6/16

Cyan Pictures has acquired North American distribution rights to “The Oh in Ohio.” Adam Wierzbianski wrote the sex comedy (from a story by Billy Kent and Sarah Bird) that follows a woman who leaves her perfect life and husband in pursuit of the thing that she’s always wanted but never had – and orga-nasm. Kent directed the film that stars Parker Posey, Paul Rudd, Mischa Barton, Liza Minnelli, Heather Graham and Danny DeVito – and my next door neighbor John Sloan (big props!). The project was produced by Miranda Bailey, Francey Grace, and Amy Salko Robertson, with Debra Grieco, Matthew Leutwyler and Jun Tan executive producing. 6/16

Oscar™ winner Philip Seymour Hoffman is joining Oscar™ winner Tom Hanks and Oscar™ winner Julia Roberts in “Charlie Wilson’s War” for Universal Pictures. Adapted by Emmy™ winner Aaron Sorkin from the book by George Crile, the based-on-true-events drama follows two rabid Cold Warriors – a Texas congressman and a CIA agent – who armed the anti-Soviet Mujahideen in Afghanistan during the 80s. Oscar™ winner Mike Nichols is directing. Hanks and Emmy™ winner Gary Goetzman (Playtone) are producing. 6/16

Lucy Liu and Cillian Murphy have signed on to top-line “Watching the Detectives” for Plum Pictures. Script Radar doesn’t know what the romantic comedy written and to be directed by Paul Soter is about, but we’re sure it’s a hoot. Daniela Taplin Lundberg, Galt Niederhoffer, Celine Rattray and Reagan Silber are producing. 6/16

It's Friday -- enjoy the World Cup, bitches. Go U.S.A.! Go Korea!

June 15 2006

Best. News. Ever.: Hong Kong animation company Imagi has optioned the big screen rights to the classic Japanese cartoon series “Gatchaman” (which as all you fellow nerds out there know was called “Battle of the Planets” stateside). The CG-animated sci-fi action adventure will be penned and helmed by Kevin Monroe, and will follow the heroic avian-inspired G-Force quintet (Mark! Princess! Tiny! Keyop! and Jason!) and their trusty robot 7-Zark-7, as they battle the evil Galactor. 6/15

In Paramount Pictures news: Max Brooks has sold the film rights for his upcoming novel “World War Z” to the Melrose Ave. studio for high six figures. The post-Apocalyptic sci-fi drama thriller is set 10 years after a war between virus-infected zombies and non-infected humans, with its protagonists recounting their tales of survival during the cataclysmic conflict. Brad Pitt (Plan B) is going to produce the project, and possibly star [beating out Leonardo DiCaprio’s Appian Way in a fierce bidding war]. The project is out to writers.

Caltech physicist Kip Thorne has also sold a project to Paramount, an untitled pitch involving his theories about gravity fields and worm holes. The sci-fi adventure film will be about a group of explorers who venture into unexplored regions of space, using worm holes as their mode of travel. Steven Spielberg is attached to direct, while Lynda Obst is going to produce. This project is also out to writers. 6/15

Boaz Yakin has signed on to write and direct a fresh version of the comic hero “Conan the Barbarian” for Warner Bros. Created by Robert E. Howard, the Hyborian Age fantasy adventure follows the titular hero as he vanquishes evil wizards, terrifying monsters, and numerous interlopers -- as well as finding time to ravish comely (and busty) maidens. Irving Azoff, Jon Jashni, Richard Alexander and Akiva Goldsman are producing, while Peter Sederowsky and Fredrik Malmberg (Paradox Entertainment) are executive producing. 6/15

Sony Pictures Classics has acquired the domestic distribution rights to “The Quiet” (formerly known as “Dot”). The dark, sex-tinged comedy drama written by Adbi Nazemian and Micah Schraft follows a mute/deaf orphan teenage girl named Dot who moves in with her godparents, and discovers disturbing secrets hidden in the shadows of the seemingly normal suburbs. Jamie Babbit directed the film. Camilla Belle, Edie Falco, Martin Donovan, Elisha Cuthbert and Shawn Ashmore all star. Joel Michaely, Carolyn Pfeiffer, Tom Schatz, Andrea Sperling and Holly Wiersma produced the project. 6/15

Kevin Pollak has signed on to adapt the novel “3 Nights in August” by Buzz Bissinger for the big screen. The slice-of-life sports comedy reveals the quirky side of baseball and takes place during a 2003 three-game series between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Chicago Cubs. Pollak will also produce, along with John Loar (Red Bird Cinema), and Kevin Frakes (Palm-Star Entertainment). Bissinger will executive produce with Tony La Russa, Sriram Das and Stephan Paternot. 6/15

Rutger Hauer has been hired to direct “Changing Fortunes” for Alba Films. The drama biopic written by Annie Perkins and Russ Haan reveals the untold good deeds done by Dutch banker Wally van Hall, who helped 80,000 families survive during World War II. 6/15

June 14 2006

Markus Zusak has optioned his novel “The Book Thief” to Fox 2000. The coming-of-age young adult bestseller set in WWII is narrated by Death as he follows the life of an orphaned German girl who steals and reads books to cope with the pandemonium of life during wartime. Karen Rosenfeld is producing. The project is out to writers. 6/14

Dianne Houston has sold her biopic pitch about Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliot to Universal Pictures. It follows the supa dupa fly rapper’s ascent up to the hip-hop world’s stratosphere. Robert De Niro and Jane Rosenthal (Tribeca Films) are producing, along with Mona Scott. 6/14

In sex movie news: First, The Works has snapped up the U.K. distribution rights to “Shortbus.” The controversial drama written and directed by John Cameron Mitchell follows an eclectic mix of characters/actors having hot steamy sex. The project was produced by Howard Gertler and Tim Perell – with an original score by Yo La Tengo*!

*Sweet!

Second, Roadside Attractions and Samuel Goldwyn Films have acquired “Boynton Beach Club.” The not-so-controversial comedy written by Susan Seidelman and Shelly Gitlow (from an original story by Florence, Susan’s mother) follows an eclectic mix of senior-aged characters having hot steamy sex (though not as explicitly as in “Shortbus”*). The project was produced by the Seidelman girls, and executive produced by Deborah Van Eck and Blair Rosenfeld. 6/14

**Script Radar hopes.

Christian Slater, Stella Arroyave, Lisa Pepper, Kevin McCarthy, Gavin Grazer, Aaron Tucker, Lana Antonova John Turturro, Camryn Manheim, Jeffrey Tambor, S. Epatha Merkerson, Fionnula Flanagan, Christopher Lawford and Michael Clarke Duncan have all signed on to top-line “Slipstream,” Anthony Hopkin’s directorial bow. The dark comedy also penned, starring and to be produced by Hopkins is about a screenwriter who enters a vortex where space, time and reality take a tumble. Also producing are Arroyave and Robert Katz. 6/14

Roselyn Sanchez is joining Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson in “The Game Plan” for Walt Disney Pictures. The comedy written by Nichole Millard, Kathryn Price and Audrey Wells is about an NFL quarterback whose bachelor high-life is interrupted by the arrival of the 7-year old daughter he never knew he had. Andy Finkman is attached to direct. Mark Ciardi and Gordon Gray (natch) are producing. 6/14

June 13 2006

In Paramount News: First, Tim Burton has signed on to helm “Sweeney Todd” for the Melrose Ave. studio. Based on Stephen Sondheim’s Broadway musical and adapted for the big screen by John Logan with a musical libretto by Hugh Wheeler, the thriller is about a demoniacal barber in London’s Fleet Street who slits the throats of his customers/victims, while his partner-in-crime Mrs. Lovett cuts them up and uses them as pie-filling. Johnny Depp is in talks to star. Sam Mendes is producing.

Second, Eminem (a.k.a. Marshall Bruce Mathers III) has signed on to star in and to produce a big screen, contempo version of the TV series “Have Gun – Will Travel” also for Paramount. The action drama will follow the same path as the CBS original, but instead of taking place in the Western frontier, the adaptation will probably be set in Detroit’s mean streets and have the rapper/thespian be a do-gooder bounty hunter. Jimmy Iovine, Paul Rosenberg, Stuart Parr and Gene Kirkwood are also producing. 6/13

Matthew Ryan Hoge has been hired by Universal Pictures to adapt the short story “The Moment They Were Waiting For” by Ken Kalfus. The horror story is set into motion by a murderer’s execution, which causes people to get visions of their own horrible and inevitable demise. David Heyman is producing. Donna Langley and Kristin Lowe are shepherding for the studio. 6/13

Paul McGuigan has been hired by The Weinstein Co. to direct “Four Knights,” a dark comedy set in Medieval England. Paul Webb is scripting the project based on his own play “Four Knights in Knaresboro,” which is about the titular noble retainers who were sent by King Henry II to broker a truce with his rival Thomas Beckett (the Archbishop of Canterbury). Unfortunately, the bumbling quartet instead accidentally killed the powerful religious leader and ended up going on the run. Laurence Bowen (Feelgood Fiction) is producing, while Colin Vaines is executive producing. Rhodri Thomas is shepherding for TWC. 6/13

June 12 2006

Angela Robinson and Alex Martinez Kondracke have sold their pitch “Mi Casa, Su Casa” to Walt Disney Pictures. The Latino comedy is about a family that has to deal with culture clash. Kondracke will direct, as well as produce with Robinson and Mario Iscovich. LouAnne Brickhouse and Josh Simon are shepherding for the studio. 6/12

In animation news: First, Lionsgate has acquired the North American distribution rights to the CG family comedy film “Happily N’Ever After.” Robert Moreland wrote the script for the revisionist take on a familiar fable that has Cinderella (“Ella” in this version) leading a resistance force against evil-doers being marshaled by her evil stepmother. Sarah Michelle Gellar, Sigourney Weaver, Freddie Prinze Jr., George Carlin, Wallace Shawn and Andy Dick lend their voice talent to the project. Paul J. Bolger directed. John H. Williams produced, while Ralph Kamp and Louise Goodsil (Odyssey Entertainment) executive produced with Rainer Soehnlein (BFC Berliner Film Companie).

Second, Leon Benvenuti and Steve Rudnick have sold their CG animation pitch “Mayfly” to Paramount Pictures/Nickelodeon Films. The family film will be about the unlikely friendship between the titular insect – that has a very short lifespan – and a tortoise – which can live up to a century. Julia Pistor will produce the project. 6/12

Stephen Herek has been hired to write and direct “Einstein’s Children” by Gold Circle Films and Thunder Road Films. Based on the autobiographical book “A Smile as Big as the Moon” by Mike Kersjes, the drama is about a teacher of "special needs" kids who gets his students into NASA’s Space Camp, despite the fact that the program is normally for gifted students. Paul Brooks and Basil Iwanyk are producing, while Scott Niemeyer and Norm Waitt are executive producing. 6/12

June 9 2006

In 2929 Productions news: First, Mark Cuban’s company has set up the thriller “Turistas” with Fox Atomic. Written by Michael Ross and directed by John Stockwell, the film is about college-age American adventurers whose dream vacation of “roughing it” in Brazil turns into nightmare when they find two of their group kidnapped. Josh Duhamel, Melissa George, and Olivia Wilde star in the film. Marc Butan, Scott Steindorff and Bo Zenga are all producing, with Cuban executive producing.

2929 Prods. is also financing another thriller titled “Bloom.” Based on the novel "The Life Before Her Eyes" by Laura Kasischke and adapted for the screen by Emil Stern, the story focuses on a woman who deals with the horrific flashbacks of a Columbine-style massacre from her teen years. Uma Thurman is starring, while Vadim Perelman is directing. Mark Butan, Aimee Peyronnet, Pereleman and Anthony Katagas are producing, while Cuban is executive producing. 6/9

In sibling harmony news: First, Colin and Greg Strause have been hired to direct “Alien vs. Predator 2” by Twentieth Century Fox. Shane Salerno wrote the sci-fi action thriller (with just a sprig of comedy thrown in for good measure) rematch script about a bad-ass alien who goes “all mental” on a predator who was just “walking down the street, totally minding his own business.” John Davis and Robbie Brenner are producing.

Second, Tom and Charlie Guard are in final negotiations to co-helm the English language version of the Korean horror film “A Tale of Two Sisters” for DreamWorks. Craig Rosenberg is adapting the story of two teenage sisters who are tormented by a malicious stepmother and a restless ghost. And guess who’s producing – Roy Lee* and Doug Davison. 6/9

*Slam that soju, bitches!

Universal Pictures has acquired the movie rights to the action thriller comic mini-series “Talent.” Created by writers Christopher Golden and Tom Sneigoski, and artist Paul Azaceta, the graphic serial novels focus on a university professor who survives a plane crash, then discovers that he has absorbed the talents of those who perished. Marc Platt, Ross Richie and Andrew Cosby are producing. Donna Langley, Jeffrey Kirschenbaum and David Ortiz are shepherding the project for the studio. 6/9

John Fusco has been hired by the Weinstein Company to pen the remake of the Japanese classic “The Seven Samurai.” As reported previously by Script Radar, Zhang Ziyi is circling the project to be its star and producer. Michael Cole, Ben Famiglatti and Colin Vaines are shepherding the project for TWC. 6/9

Warner Bros. has acquired the film rights to the novel “Thieves of Baghdad” by Matthew Bogdanos. The autobiographical drama thriller follows the author’s adventures set in the early days of the current Iraq conflict, when the New York Assistant District Attorney was called in to fulfill his Marine reservist duties and ordered to recover Iraqi antiquities looted from the national museum while trying to survive the war. Gale Anne Hurd (Valhalla Motion Pictures) and Legendary are producing the project. 6/9

Q'Orianka Kilcher has signed on to star and produce “The Power of Few” for Steelyard Pictures. Written and to be directed by Leone Marucci, the thriller involves cloning and terrorism. Marucci will also serve as producer, along with Kelly Martin Wagner. 6/9

June 8 2006

Lionel Chetwynd has been hired to write “Resurrection” by Screen Gems. The New Testament biblical drama tells the story of what happened the moment right after Jesus was crucified and his ascension into heaven 40 days later. 6/8

Robert Cochran, Joel Surnow and Howard Gordon have agreed to draft a big screen version of the popular TV show “24” for Twentieth Century Fox. The trio executive produces the action series. The film will not only take the hero Jack Bauer to foreign locations, and will diverge from the “real time” chronology of the series. Brian Grazer and Keifer Sutherland will also produce. 6/8

Zak Penn has set up his improvisational project “The Grand” with Insomnia Media Group and Eleven Eleven Films. The comedy outlined by and to be directed by Penn takes place at Las Vegas’ Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino and revolves around an international high-stakes no-limit poker tournament. The ad-libberators* are Woody Harrelson, Ray Liotta, Ray Romano, Jason Alexander, Cheryl Hines and Werner Herzog. Jeff Bowler, Bret Saxon, Bobby Schwartz and Ross M. Dinerstein are producing the project, while Matt Bierman and Ari Palitz are executive producing. 6/8

* Not a real word.

Sean Anders and John Morris have sold their spec “She’s out of My League” to DreamWorks for low- to mid-six figures. The romantic comedy is about an AFC† who lands an HB‡ – but his family and friends’ skepticism negŦ the protagonists’ relationship. Jimmy Miller and Eric Gold (Mosaic Media Group) are producing the project. Jeremy Kramer is shepherding the project for DreamWorks. 6/8

† n. “Average Frustrated Chump”
‡ n. “Hot Babe”
Ŧ v. To make someone feel like a chump – orig. “negative”

Walter Mosley has signed a deal to adapt his own novel “Little Scarlet” for HBO Films and Picturehouse. The noire crime thriller that takes place after the 1965 Watts Riots is about the janitor/unlicensed private eye Easy Rawlins and his murderous sidekick Mouse as the duo is hired by the LAPD to solve the murder of a black woman who cohabitated with a White man. Rosalie Swedlin, Debra Martin Chase and Mosley are producing the project. 6/8

Mike Wilson has been hired to rewrite “Bad Dogs” for Level 1 Entertainment. The live action/CG animal comedy was original drafted by Drew Fellman and Mark Pressman and is about an odd couple of dogs who have a series of adventures after playing hooky from obedience school. Rob Minkoff is attached to direct, as well as produce with Jason Clark, Bill Todman Jr., Edward Milstein and Paul Schwake. 6/8

Weirdest. News. Ever.: New Line has committed to remaking the Japanese gonzo film “Battle Royale.” The controversial original was set in a post-apocalyptic future in which extremely violent high school students are sent to an island by the government to literally fight for their lives. Roy Lee± and Neal Moritz are producing the project. 6/8

± Slam the soju, bitches!

June 7 2006

Hugh Jackman is joining Nicole Kidman in an untitled period epic for Twentieth Century Fox. The romantic-action-adventure set in WWII Australia was written by Stuart Beatty, Ronald Harwood and Baz Luhrmann, and is about a female British aristocrat who hires a rough-and-tumble cattle driver to help her protect her ranch from evil land barons and to drive her cattle across the inhospitable Outback. Luhrmann is directing and producing the project. 6/7

In wine movie news: First, producers Clark Peterson and Elizabeth Fowler have optioned the film rights to journalist George M. Taber’s book “Judgment at Paris,” as well the life rights of British wine connoisseur Steven Spurrier. Peterson and Fowler are planning a movie set in 1976 Paris, when Spurrier arranged for a blind taste test with snobby French experts to see how California wine stacked up against French wine – with the shocking results being that Napa’s 1973 Stag's Leap Cabernet Sauvignon (red) and 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay (white) kicking the French wines' derrières. The project is out to writers, and is being financed by an undisclosed Napa-based wine company.

Second, Here! Films has picked up the worldwide distribution rights to “Race You To The Bottom.” The romantic dramedy written and directed by Russell Brown is about a bisexual male travel writer who invites a female friend to Napa Valley when he is assigned to report on wine country hot spots – but (natch) romance and complications soon ensue between the two. Amber Benson and Cole Williams star. Brown and Ronnie Deitz produced. 6/7

Teton Films has acquired the North American distribution rights to “Shadowboxer.” The action-thriller written by William Lipz and directed by Lee Daniels is about a couple of assassins who are hired to snuff a pregnant target, but decide to protect her instead. Cuba Gooding, Jr., Helen Mirren, Vanessa Ferlito, Macy Gray, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Mo’Nique and Stephen Dorff are all starring in the film. Daniels, Lisa Cortes, Damon Dash, Brook Lenfest, and Dave Robinson all produced. 6/7

Jay Lavender and Jeremy Garelick have sold two undisclosed high-concept comedy pitches to Universal Studios for $2 million against $5 million. The writing duo will also serve as producers on the projects, teaming with Mary Parent and Scott Stuber. 6/7

Now to return my unused asbestos-lined underwear (stupid no-show Apocalypse)...

6-6-6

In Paramount News: Todd Rosenberg has sold his pitch “Odd Todd” to the Melrose Ave. studio and Comedy Central Films. The comedy is about a loser who goes about trying to change his bad luck after he gets locked out of his apartment on the day his unemployment checks run out. Jonathan Kesselman will direct, with Mike Karz producing.

Also, Chris Pine is in talks to top-line an untitled post-apocalyptic thriller for the studio’s specialty label Paramount Vantage. The project is being co-written and co-directed by Alex and David Pastor and is about a group of friends who try to survive an extremely deadly viral epidemic. Anthony Bregman (This and That) and Ray Angelic are producing. SDB Partners, John Carrabino Management and attorney Stuart Berton represent Pine. 6/6

Dana Fox has sold her “Untitled Vegas Comedy” pitch to Twentieth Century Fox for high six against seven figures. The plot is being kept close to the vest, but it is reportedly in the vein of “Wedding Crashers.” Michael Aguilar and Dean Georgaris (Penn Station) are producing. 6/6

Former Onion editor Robert Siegel has sold his spec “Homeland Insecurity” to Miramax Films. The satirical comedy follows a couple of hapless Arab-American businessmen who are mistaken as terrorists. David Miner (3 Arts Entertainment) is producing the project. David Greenbaum, Keri Putnam and Kristin Jones will shepherd the project for the studio. Siegel is represented by CAA and Loeb & Loeb. 6/6

Screen Gems has acquired the remake rights to the psychological thriller “The Stepfather.” The project is out to writers. The 1987 original was about a psychotic man who terrorizes his new wife and her kids when they don’t act like the “perfect family” he wants. Greg Mooradian is producing the new version, along with Mark Morgan and Guy Oseary (Maverick Films). Robert Green (Granada) will executive produce. 6/6

Nicolas Cage has signed on to star in the U.S. version of “Bangkok Dangerous” for Initial Entertainment Group. The action-thriller being adapted by Jason Richman is about a contract killer who goes to Bangkok to eliminate four targets, but begins to rethink his line of work when he becomes smitten with a young woman. The original film’s Oxide Pang Chun and Danny Pang are co-directing the remake. William Sherak and Jason Shuman (Blue Star Pictures) are producing, along with Norm Golightly and Graham King. 6/6

Dakota Fanning, Robin Wright Penn and David Morse have all been cast in “Hounddog” for Muse Productions. Deborah Kampmeier is writing and will direct the drama set in 1961 about a bright little girl who copes with the abuse inflicted on her by emulating Elvis Presley. Kampmeier, Kelly Thomas, Raye Dowell and Terry Leonard are all producing, with Wright Penn executive producing. 6/6

Robert Downey, Jr. is joining Anton Yelchin, Hope Davis, Kat Dennings and Tyler Hilton in “Charlie Bartlett” for Sidney Kimmel Entertainment. Gustin Nash wrote the dark comedy about a rich teen who transfers to a public school and uses his charm and listening skills to win his classmates over. Jon Poll is helming the project, with David Permut, Barron Kidd, Jay Roach and Sidney Kimmel producing. William Horberg, Bruce Toll, Trish Hofmann and Jennifer Perini are executive producing. 6/6

Amy Poehler, Rachel Dratch and Parker Posey have all signed on to “Spring Breakdown” for Warner Bros. The comedy co-written by Dratch and Ryan Shiraki is about a U.S. senator’s 30-something assistant who agrees to chaperone the lawmaker’s nerdy college-aged daughter to Spring Break, dragging her other 30-something gal pals with her. Larry Kennar and Rick Berg (Code Entertainment) are producing, while Michael Rachmil, Shiraki and Dratch are executive producing. 6/6

New Line has signed Amanda Bynes to star alongside John Travolta and Queen Latifah in the musical-comedy remake of “Hairspray.” Leslie Dixon wrote the script based on the John Waters original film set in the 1960s about a chubby White girl who uses a local Baltimore dance TV show to fight for desegregation. Adam Shankman is directing the redo, which is being produced by Craig Zadan and Neil Meron. 6/6

Zhang Ziyi has signed a three-picture/English-language deal with The Weinstein Co. for the Asian sistah to star in and to co-produce with her brother Zhang Zian. The first is the remake of the martial arts Akira Kurosawa classic “The Seven Samuria” – about a group of lowly farmers who hire ronin (master-less swordsmen) to protect their village against a ruthless warlord. No word yet on who is penning the new version.

The second project is a live-action project about Hua Mulan – based on a Chinese legend about a girl disguised as a boy who joins the Imperial Army to fight against invading barbarians. The brothers Weinstein and the Zhang siblings are still considering whether they will use the script about the subject written by Wang Hui-Ling, which is controlled by actress-producer Michelle Yeoh, and producers Terence Chang and David Dong (Meridian Pictures Group) – or if they will develop their own version.

The third project is yet to be determined. 6/6

June 5 2006

In Columbia Pictures news: Deborah Kaplan and Harry Elfont have sold their pitch “99 Problems” to the Culver City studio for a reported $1.25 million against $2 million. The “be-careful-what-you-wish-for” comedy is about a man whose life becomes a romantic rollercoaster when his fantasy of dating a multitude of women suddenly comes true. Joe Roth is producing, along with Suzanne and Jennifer Todd (Team Todd), as well as Chris Bender, JC Spink and Jake Weiner (Benderspink).

Grant Nieporte has also sold his script “Seven Pounds” to Columbia. The drama is about a guy who, in a weird twist of fate, meets the woman of his dreams just as he’s about to commit suicide. Will Smith is starring, as well as producing with James Lassiter. Also producing are Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal and Steve Tisch (Escape Artists). 6/4

Rogue Pictures has committed to remaking the Spanish thriller “Ausentes” (“The Absent”). The original was about a woman who moves to a quiet town to recuperate from a nervous breakdown, but instead starts to think that the neighbors and her own family are involved in a terrible conspiracy. The project is out to writers. The original’s Daniel Calparsoro is attached to direct. Roy Lee* and Doug Davison (natch) are producing, with Sonny Mallhi executive producing. Alex Heineman is shepherding for the studio. UTA represents the director. 6/5

*New drinking game: a shot of Soju whenever my homie Roy’s name pops up in the trades.

John Leguizamo and Vilmer Valderrama have signed on to star in “Something Blue” for Disney. Danielle Sanchez-Wtizel wrote the family comedy about a father whose life takes a drastic turn after his first-born daughter tells him that she’s going marry a cop. Matthew Weaver, Carl Levin and Marcos Siega (Prospect Pictures) are producing, along with Michael Greene, Michael Goldman and Jeff Golenberg (The Collective). The project was packaged by Endeavor Independent and Traction Media. 6/5

John McTiernan has been hired to direct “Deadly Exchange” by Film Bridge International. Ron Shussett and Ian Rabin wrote the action-thriller about a terrorist who swears revenge on the FBI agent who killed his father a decade ago. Anthony J. Ridio is producing, while Ellen Wander is executive producing. 6/5

Miramax Films and Dimension Films* have hired Rob Zombie to write, direct and produce a new installment of the “Halloween” franchise. The new film will be a “re-imagining” of the Michael Myers horror saga. Malek Akkad (Trancas Intl. Films) and Zombie’s manager Andy Gould (Vision Entertainment Group) are also producing. Richard Saperstein, Matthew Stein and Alex Franklin are shepherding for Dimension, while Bret McCartney will do the same for Trancas. Paradigm and the law offices of Greenspan & Light also represent Zombie. 6/5

*Didn’t they just go through a nasty divorce?

June 2 2006

Brendan Hood has sold his spec “The Deaths of Ian” to Odyssey Entertainment. The horror story is about a guy who has nightmares every night about getting killed by terrifying creatures, then waking the next day changed from the experience. Commercial helmer Dario Piana is making his big screen directorial debut on the project, which is being produced by Stan Winston and my boy Brian Gilbert. 6/2

Casey Affleck has sold his spec “Aardvark Art’s Ark” to Warner Bros. The family film is about an aardvark on Noah’s ark. Affleck will executive produce the project. 6/2

Paul Cuschieri has been hired to write “Cut Throat City” for Animus Films. The thriller is described as a heist film that begins in post-Katrina New Orleans’ Ninth Ward then becomes a road movie. Hip hop artists Lil Wayne and Baby are starring in the film. Aaron Courseault is directing the film, while Jim Young is producing. 6/2

Naveen Andrews and Mary Steenburgen are joining Jodi Foster and Terrence Howard in “The Brave One” for Warner Bros. and Village Roadshow. Written by Cynthia Mort, and Bruce and Roderick Taylor, the psychological thriller is about a woman who gets revenge on the men who brutally attacked her. Neil Jordan is directing, while Joel Silver is producing. 6/2

Magnolia Pictures has acquired the North American distribution rights to “Severance.” The horror-comedy written by James Moran and Christopher Smith is about a small group of international arms dealers who go on a corporate-style retreat -- but instead of having time to reflect, they are terrorized by demented soldiers hell-bent on revenge. Smith directed the film, which was produced by Jason Newmark, and executive produced by Steve Christian and Michael Kuhn. 6/2

Heath Ledger and Rachel Weisz are in final negotiations to star in the big screen version of Tim Winton’s novel “Dirt Music.” The drama was adapted by Justin Monjo and Pip Karmel. Set in a remote Australian fishing village, the story focuses on a man and a woman in an empty relationship who find redemption when they rescue another man who is tormented by the locals. Phillip Noyce is directing, as well as producing with Miranda Culley. 6/2

June 1 2006

Sahara Lotti has sold her (third) spec “A Family Affair” to New Line Cinema. The comedy is about how a young woman and an older guy -- who once had a fling -- are reunited after she unknowingly gets engaged to his son. Sarah Jessica Parker is attached to star. Jennifer Klein (Apartment 3B) is producing. 6/1

Franklin Martin has sold his pitch “Hurricane Season” to Universal Pictures. The drama will be based on a documentary which he just finished about Hurricane Katrina – focusing on New Orleans high school teens who were at odds with each other before the disaster, but band together to rebuild their shattered communities. Mark Gordon is producing. 6/1

Andrew Jay Cohen and Brendan O'Brien have been hired to adapt Will Clarke’s soon-to-be published book "The Worthy: A Ghost's Story" for Columbia Pictures. The supernatural comedy is about a college guy who doesn’t let his own death get in the way of his obsession with a coed. Doug Wick and Lucy Fisher (Red Wagon) are producing. 6/1

Newbie writer-director Taika Waititi has set up his debut film “Eagle vs. Shark” with Miramax Films. The New Zealand comedy is about two oddballs who are just looking to “fit in.” The project stars Loren Horsley and Jemaine Clement. Ainsley Gardiner and Cliff Curtis (Whenua Films) are producing. 6/1

Michael Dowse has been hired to write and direct “Kids In America” by Imagine Entertainment. The coming-of-age dramedy takes place on one night during Labor Day weekend, when a guy who just graduated from college deals with his future, while also trying to pursue his females soul mate. Topher Grace is starring, as well as executive producing with Gordon Kaywin - the duo developed the pitch for the project. Brian Grazer is producing. 6/1

In “Sh*t-Or-Get-Off-The-Pot” News: Lionsgate is talks to acquire “Good Luck, Chuck” in turn-around from New Line Cinema. Josh Stolberg wrote the comedy about a bachelor who happily remains commitment-free since the women with whom he’s had sex always seem to find their “dream guys” right after his trysts with said ladies – unfortunately his “gift” becomes a curse when he meets his true love. Dane Cook is attached to star, while Mark Helfrich is going to helm. Mike Karz is producing the project. 6/1

Sean Bean and Sophia Bush have been cast in the remake of “The Hitcher” by Platinum Dunes. The thriller written by Eric Bernt follows the premise of the 80s original, with a young couple on a cross country drive who become the target of a serial killer. Michael Bay, Andrew Form, Brad Fuller, Charles Meeker and Alfred Haber are all producing. 6/1