July 31 2006

John Altschuler and Dave Krinsky have been hired to re-draft “Leisureworld” for New Line Cinema. The comedy originally written by Jason and Justin Heimberg and Jeff Sank, then rewritten by Casey McCabe is about a stressed-out, overachieving guy who seeks refuge from his hectic career and girlfriend by checking into a retirement community, only to discover that the retirees are like a bunch of teens caught up in sex and drugs. Bob Cooper and Paul Schiff are producing. 7/31

Rob Corddry, Jon Stewart and Ben Karlin have sold their pitch “The Donor” to Paramount Pictures. Corddry, Brian Huskey and Jason Mantzoukas are writing the comedy. The logline is being kept close to the vest. Stewart and Karlin (Bus Boy Prods.) are producing. Corddry will also star and executive produce. Gail Berman and Eben Davidson are overseeing for the studio. 7/31

Kit Whitfield* has sold the film rights to his novel “Benighted” to Warner Bros. The horror story takes place in a society where werewolves (known as “Lunes”) are the majority and the minority of non-lycanthropic humans (“Barebacks”) are subjected to the Lunes’ prejudiced abuse. Adam Adamson, who is interested in directing, is producing the project along with Graham King (Initial Entertainment Group). The project is out to writers. 7/31

*Update: Script Radar was emailed by Anonymous and informed that Kit Whitfield is a woman. Thank you, masked avenger.

David Jacobson has been hired by Columbia Pictures to pen and helm the silver screen version of the novel “Roadside Picnic” by Boris and Arkady Strugatsky. The crime thriller with a sci-fi twist is about a “Stalker” – that is, a person who plunders alien artifacts left behind on Earth in the forbidden area called “The Zone” and sells the items in the black market. Neil Moritz is producing. 7/31

July 28 2006

Happy Friday, homies!

David Diamond and David Weissman have sold an Untitled Buddy Comedy pitch to Disney Pictures. The plot is being kept under wraps, but it is reportedly in the raucous vein of “The Wedding Crashers.” Andrew Panay, Peter Abrams and Robert Levy (Tapestry Films) are producing. UTA represents the writing team. 7/28

Dean DeBlois has sold the pitch “Sightings” to Universal Pictures. The family-friendly flick involves children who stumble onto an undiscovered “thingee” hidden in the Florida Keys. Gary Ross (Larger Than Life) is producing, while DeBlois will executive produce. 7/28

Simon Pegg is in final talks to top-line “Run, Fat Boy, Run” for Gold Circle Films. Michael Ian Black wrote the romantic comedy which has a chubby guy with two goals: to train and finish a marathon; and to win back his former fiancée whom he jilted years ago. David Schwimmer is directing project. 7/28

Empire Pictures in partnering with Transcience Corp. to develop and produce an animated feature featuring the ever-popular toy line “The Amazing Live Sea Monkeys.” The project is out to writers. Michael Birnbaum is producing. 7/28

In Roc-a-Fella news: Damon Dash has announced several projects in the works. First, he's teaming up with Jane Rosenthal and Robert De Niro (Tribeca Prods.) to produce a Larry Davis Biopic, about how the African American teen got into a shoot-out with the NYPD and, after eluding authorities for more than a fortnight, surrendered to the FBI with the stipulation that the J. Edgars look into police corruption. Universal Pictures is funding development and production on the film. The producers are in talks with writers for the project.

Next, the hip-hop impresario is partnering with Kevin Misher to produce a drama exploring the dark world of Female Underground Boxing matches in Brooklyn.

Finally, Dash is in talks with First Look Studios to develop a Joe Stassi Biopic based on documentarians Marc Levin and Richard Stratton’s film about the gangster who served as aliaison between Mafia bosses Meyer Lansky and Lucky Luciano. Henry Winterstern will produce with Dash. 7/28

That's it! It's the weekend! Peace! Go out! Get drunk! Get laid! Get crack-a-lackin'!

July 27 2006

In Universal Pictures news: First, David Gordon Green* and Danny McBride have sold their pitch “Mr. Machine” to the studio. The high-concept comedy is about three braniacs who create a robot that runs amok and tries to achieve global domination. Jon, Dan and Doug Heder (Greasy Entertainment) will produce the project, but Jon will not star in the film. Brian Grazer will also produce. Scott Bernstein and David Ortiz are shepherding for the studio, while David Bernardi will do the same for Imagine. CAA represents both Greasy Entertainment and the writers.

*What?! This is the auteur who made the ultra-serious “George Washington” and “Undertow.”

Second, Barry Blaustein and Jason Hefter have sold their pitch “Magic 8 Ball” to the folks in the Black Tower. The comedy involves the titular kid’s toy. Tom Shadyac and Michael Bostick are producing, with Shadyac considering the possibility of directing. 7/27

In Paramount Pictures news: Brad Pitt has signed on to top-line “The Curious Case of Benjamin Buttons” for the Melrose-based studio. Warner Bros. is co-financing the venture. Eric Roth penned the script based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s fantasy story about a guy who starts aging backwards when he hits 50. Cate Blanchett is also starring in the film, which David Fincher is directing. Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall are producing.

Next, Dito Montiel has been tapped to pen a re-draft and to helm “Runnin’” for the "P'mount." The drama originally written by Robert Munic revolves around the world of illegal gambling. Kevin Misher and Patrick Baker are producing. 7/27

Kyle MacDonald has sold his pitch “One Red Paperclip” to DreamWorks. The comedy (?) is based on MacDonald’s clever true-life scheme to ultimately acquire a house through trading with strangers, starting with the titular office product – and lo and behold - he did it in 14 swaps! Walter Parkes and Laurie MacDonald are producing. The project is out to writers. 7/27

Keith Donohue has sold the film rights to his novel “The Stolen Child” to Amazon.com’s film division. The adventure drama is about a boy who is abducted by forest creatures and the changeling that’s left for his family to take his place. Amazon.com* won’t be providing financing for the project, but will be acting as a marketer on the film. UTA brokered the deal for the author. 7/27

*Sniff-sniff. What's that smell? We could be wrong, but isn't that "vertical integration"?

Russell Gewirtz has been hired to adapt the French film “Labyrinth” for Summit Entertainment. The thriller is about an investigator who must deal with a mental patient’s many personalities in order to track down the identity of a serial killer. Hillary Swank is starring, as well as producing with Erik Feig, Patrick Wachsberger, Rachel Rothman, Victoria Wisdom, Mark Morgan and Guy Oseary. 7/27

The Broken Lizard comedy troupe has signed on to star in and to produce “The Babymaker” for Warner Bros. The ensemble comedy written by Peter Gaulke and Gerry Swallow is about an impotent guy who recruits his friends to help him steal back the sperm he donated years ago so he and his new wife can procreate. Jay Chandrasekhar is directing the film. Gerber Pictures is also producing. 7/27

William Baldwin is joining Henry Winkler, Brenda Strong, Lisa Guerrero, Chris Kelly, Morgan Flynn and Owen Pearce in “A Plumm Summer” for Home Team Prods. and Fair Play Pictures. T.J. Lynch, Frank Antonelli and Caroline Zelder wrote the drama (?) inspired by the true-life event of boys who try to solve the kidnapping of their puppet. Zelder will make her directorial debut on the film, which Scott Erickson, Guerrero, Antonelli and Zelder are producing. 7/27

July 26 2006

Joe Gazzam has sold his spec script “Straight and Narrow” to New Regency. The crime drama follows a guy who’s forced to perform a complicated caper by his fiancée’s father. Ralph Winter and Circle of Confusion will produce. 7/26

Bill Lawrence has been tapped to write and direct the silver screen version of Gregory Mcdonald’s novel “Fletch Won!” by The Weinstein Co. The mystery-comedy follows the protagonist’s salad days as a slacker and irreverent cub reporter as he and a colleague solve a murder. Lawrence is the show-runner for “Scrubs” so Zach Braff is in his sights to play the lead. David List will produce. 7/26

Lacey Chabert, Brooke Nevin, James Le Gros, Enrico Colantoni and Michael Shulman have signed on to star in “Sherman’s Way” for Starry Night Entertainment. Written by Thomas Nance, the comedy is set in the wine-growing Napa Valley region and follows an odd couple romance between a male ex-Olympic athlete-turned-epicurean and a younger pre-law Yale coed. The film is being directed by Craig Saavedra, who is also producing with Shulman. 7/26

Jason Reitman has been hired to direct “Juno” for Mandate Pictures. Diablo Cody wrote the dark comedy about the hard choices that a pregnant teen has to make regarding her unborn child. Lianne Halfon, Russell Smith and John Malkovich (Mr. Mudd) are producing, while Dan Dubiecki, Joe Drake and Nathan Kahane will executive produce. 7/26

Wallace Shawn, Alexander Chaplin, Heather Bucha, Ben Schwartz, Chris Klein, Freddie Prinze Jr. and Jamie-Lynn Sigler are in final talks to star in “New York Serenade” for Archer Entertainment. Written and to be directed by Frank Whaley, the bittersweet comedy revolves around two guy friends who realize that in order to grow up, they have to grow apart. Rachel Peters and Jim Jones are producing. 7/26

July 25 2006

Enid Zentelis has been tapped to direct “Detroit Diva” by my peoples at the Robert Cort Co. The comedy written by Stephanie Allen follows a 30-something female real estate agent who discovers that she has the talent for singing the Blues (continuing Robert’s oeuvre of white women in the black world starting with “Save the Last Dance” and “Against the Rope”). 7/25

Guy Ritchie has been hired to helm and re-draft “Static” for Columbia Pictures. The crime drama originally penned by Brad Gann follows an indicted L.A. gang boss who gets caught in a shit storm when his ass is dragged through enemy territory on his way to testifying against corrupt anti-gang cops. Neal Moritz (Original Films) is producing the project. 7/25

Eva Longoria is joining Paul Rudd and Lake Bell in “How I Met My Boyfriend’s Dead Fiancée” for Gold Circle Films. Jeff Lowell wrote and will direct the supernatural romantic comedy about the love triangle between a female clairvoyant, her doubting client and the client’s ghostly girlfriend. Paul Brook, Peter Safran, Norm Waitt and Scott Niemeyer are producing. 7/25

Emily VanCamp and Chris Pine have signed on to top-line the untitled post-Apocalyptic thriller for Paramount Vantage. Written and to be directed by brothers Alex Pastor and David Pastor, the story follows a quartet of young people who turn on each other while fleeing into the American frontier in order to survive a viral pandemic. Anthony Bregman (This and That) is producing. 7/25

Magnolia Pictures/2929 Entertainment has nabbed the domestic distribution rights to “The Hero of Color City.” The CG-animated family film written by J.P. McCormick and Rich Raczelowski tells the tale of crayons (the feisty Red, the cool Blue, etc.) that come to life in order to save their colorful homeland from an evil antagonist. John Eraklis (Exodus) is producing the project, while Max Howard is executive producing. 7/25

Walden Media has acquired the film rights to the American Girl toy franchise. The first doll’s tale to be told will be that of “Kit Kittredge.” No writer, director or cast is attached yet. Producers on the project include Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas, Marisa Yeres, Stephanie Langhoff, Julia Robertsm and Lisa Gillan. 7/25

July 24 2006

In Vertigo Films/Roy Lee News: First, Elisha Cuthbert is in final talks to star in “My Sassy Girl” for Gold Circle Films. The English-language version of a South Korean original romantic comedy was penned by Vic Levin and follows the change that a small-town guy goes through when he encounters a rambunctious city girl, and vice-versa. Yann Samuell is attached to direct the remake, which is being produced by my boy Roy, Mark Morgan (Maverick Films) and Paul Brooks. Scott Niemeyer, Norm Waitt, Doug Davison, Guy Oseary, Milton Kim and Jay Polstein will serve as executive producers.

Second, Bryan Bertino has been hired to direct “Strangers” by Rogue Films/Focus Features. Bertino wrote the thriller about a recently-married couple who become the target of three enigmatic strangers. Roy and Doug Davison are also producing this film, along with Nathan Kahane (Mandate), while Sonny Malhi and Joe Drake are executive producing. 7/24

Lee Eisenberg and Gene Stupnitsky have sold their pitch “The Intern” to DreamWorks for low- to mid-six figures. The comedy revolves around a man who returns to work after years of being a house-husband, but has to start at the bottom rung of the corporate world. Ivan Reitman (Montecito Pictures) is producing. 7/24

Freddie Highmore and Sarah Bolger have signed on to top-line “The Spiderwick Chronicles” for Paramount Pictures/Nickelodeon Movies. John Sayles and David Berenbaum wrote drafts of the film version of the first installment of Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi children’s supernatural fantasy novel series about three children – Mallory, Jared and Simon – and their mother who move into a dilapidated manor where the kids discover a world of faeries. Mark Waters is directing. Mark Canton, Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, Julia Pistor and DiTerlizzi are producing, while Kathleen Kennedy are executive producing. 7/24

July 21 2006

Newbie Duncan Birmingham has sold his spec “Swingles” to Paramount Pictures. The anti-romantic comedy is about an AFC* who reluctantly joins forces with an acid-tongued woman he personally can’t stand because hanging around her doubles his own dating. Kevin Misher is producing the project. Pam Abdy and Ed Goemans are shepherding for the Melrose Ave.-based studio. 7/21

*Average Frustrated Chump

Ehren Kruger has been tapped to adapt Thomas Perry’s novel “Nightlife” by DreamWorks Pictures. The psychological thriller follows two female main characters – a serial-murderer who changes her identity after every kill and the police investigator who vigilantly tracks her down from one town to another. Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci, Neal Moritz and Toby Jaffe are all producing while Pete Chiarelli and Bob Wunch will executive produce. 7/21

Daniel Clowes has sold the film rights to his short comic book tale “Deathray” to the production company Black and White. Clowes will also adapt the story himself for the silver screen. The narrative revolves around a curmudgeon in his late 40s who has superpowers, but uses them for mundane reasons, like repulsing annoying neighborhood kids off his property. Mike White and Jack Black are producing, with Black eyeing a bit part in the finished product. 7/21

Charles Sturridge has signed on to pen and helm the movie version of Libby Bray’s book “A Great and Terrible Beauty” for Icon Productions and Firstsight Films. The supernatural young adult tome is the first of a trilogy which follows a rebellious teen girl named Gemma Dolye, who was raised in India, but is sent to a dour English boarding school after her mother dies. There, she befriends three other free spirited peers, discovers the world of magic, and eventually confronts the forces that doomed her mother. Bruce Davey and Sturridge are producing. Lindsay Williams and Ellen Goldsmith-Vein will executive produce. 7/21

Joseph Fiennes has been cast to top-line “The Red Baron” for Niama Film. Written and to be directed by Niki Muellerschoen, the WWI biopic follows the Canadian dogfighter Roy Brown who shot down the dreaded ace Manfred von Richthofen.** Dan Maag, Roland Pellegrino and Thomas Reisser are producing. Also starring are Matthias Schweighoefer, Lena Headey, and Til Schweiger. 7/21

**I always thought Snoopy did it in his Sopwith Camel-slash-doghouse.

It's Friday, bitches! Go out and play!

July 20 2006

In San Diego Comic Con spawned news: First, Louis Leterrier has been tapped to helm the next installment of “The Incredible Hulk” for Marvel Studios. Zak Penn is writing the sequel (originally reported on April 28th) which has the gargantuan green Gamma Ray guy battling the equally green and Gamma-infected, but scaly and more powerful Abomination. Kevin Feige and Gale Anne Hurd are producing the project, while Avi Arad and Michael Helfant are executive producing. ICM represents Leterrier.

Next, Angry Films has been hired to produce the silver screen version of the DC Comic “Deadman” by Warner Bros. The comic book created by Arnold Drake and Carmine Infantino in the 60s (and revived with aplomb by the fantastic artist Neal Adams) tells the tale of Boston Brand, a murder trapeze artist who is allowed by the Hindu goddess Rama Kushna to return to Earth as a spirit who can possess the living in order to find his killer – but he ends up helping others in need along the way. Guillermo del Toro, Don Murphy and Susan Montford are all producing. No cast, writer or director is yet attached.

Also from DC Comics, Adam Turner has been hired to adapt the quirky superhero team comic book “The Doom Patrol” by Warner Bros. The series created by Bob Haney in the 60s (the Silver Age to you non-geeks, by the way) follows a wheelchair-bound genius named The Chief who assembles marginalized meta-humans Elasti-Girl (who can shrink and grow to abnormal proportions), Negative Man (who can project a radioactive essence from his corporeal self) and Robotman (a human whose brain is encased in a mechanical body). Akiva Goldsman and Kerry Foster (Weed Road) is producing.

Finally, Benderspink is joining Andrew Prowse and Sophie Patrick in developing a movie version of Bryan Talbot’s comic “The Adventures of Luther Arkwright.” The comic book series follows an adventurer (duh) who can bounce around alternate universes, working with a group of do-gooders known as “zero-zero” and battling bad guys who call themselves “Disruptors.” 7/20

Adam Brooks has sold his spec “Definitely, Maybe” to Universal Pictures. The romantic comedy is about a politico who finds himself having to explain his past relationships to his pre-teen daughter. Ryan Reynold, Derek Luke and Isla Fisher are top-lining the film, which Brooks is also directing. Tim Bevans and Eric Fellner (Working Title) are producing. 7/20

Wes Bentley and Rachel Nichols have been cast in “P2” by Summit Entertainment. Written by Alexandre Aja, Gregory Levasseur and Franck Khalfoun, the psychological thriller is about a strong female executive who stays late at the office on Christmas Eve to catch up on work, only to fall prey to a maniacal security guard. Aja and Levasseur are producing the project, while Khalfoun is directing. 7/20

Danny Glover is joining musicians Keb' Mo', Ruth Brown and Gary Clark Jr. in “Honeydripper” for Anarchist’s Convention Films. Auteur John Sayles’ musical drama set in 50s Alabama is about a blues club owner whose establishment is failing, so to shake things up, he hires an edgy, young electric guitarist to perform – introducing the world to rock ‘n’ roll. Sayles and Maggie Renzi are producing. 7/20

Christian Slater, Steve Buscemi and John Cleese are lending their voice talent to The Weinstein Co’s “Igor.” The CG-animated family comedy written by Chris McKenna follows the titular hunchback as he and his sidekick (a cynical lab rabbit) defy his mad-scientist master in order to enter the Evil Science Fair. John Eraklis and Max Howard (Exodus Film Group) are producing. 7/20

Bob Hilgenberg and Rob Muir have been tapped to write a contempo version of “I Love You Again” by New Line Cinema. The original 40s screwball comedy follows a gentleman whose world is upended when he discovers that before he got amnesia seven years ago, he was a common crook. Sara Risher, Jerry Leider and Richard Walter are producing the project. 7/20

July 19 2006

Frank Miller has signed on to direct and pen a silver screen version of legend Will Eisner's Golden Age comic book “The Spirit.” The “noirish” comic book which was launched in the 1940s follows Denny Colt, a young detective whom the public believes died after being poisoned by the evil Dr. Cobra, but actually survived and has become a masked crime-fighter. Deborah Del Prete and Gigi Pritzker (Odd Lot Entertainment) are producing, along with Michael Uslan (Batfilm Productions). Benjamin Melniker will executive produce. 7/19

Rapper T.I. and Jason Geter have sold their pitch “For Sale” to New Line Cinema. The ensemble comedy set in Atlanta will follow the exploits of used-car salesmen. T.I. will star, as well as produce with Geter for their Grand Hustle Entertainment banner. Toby Emmerich, Sam Brown and Jeff Katz will shepherd the project for the studio. 7/19

Martin Kihn has sold the film rights of his yet-to-be-published memoir “A$$hole!: How I Got Rich & Happy by Not Giving a F#@% About You" to Warner Bros. for $500,000 against $1 million. The comedy tome tells the story of how the author realized that being a well-like pushover wasn’t getting him anywhere in his career, so he decided to become a pushy jerk instead – but he eventually saw that while his professional life was flourishing, his personal life was falling apart. Paula Weinstein (Spring Creek) will produce. 7/19

Jada Toys has signed a pact with State Street Pictures to produce a feature film based on the toy company’s brand Chub City. The movie will focus on the line’s group of six multicultural hip-hop young characters called the Chub Dubs. Bob Teitel and George Tillman will produce the project, with Rene Rigal overseeing development for the entertainment shingle. 7/19

July 18 2006

Ving Rhames, Mena Suvari and Nick Cannon have all signed on to top-line the “Day of the Dead” remake for Millenium Films and Emmett/Furla Films. The contempo version penned by Jeffrey Reddick follows the same plot as the 1985 George Romero classic horror film, with humans facing off against zombies in a bunker. Steve Miner is tackling directing duties, while Avi Lerner, Boaz Davidson, Randall Emmett, George Furla, and James Dudelson (Taurus Entertainment) are producing. Paul Mason and Jordan Rush are serving as executive producers. 7/18

Gabriele Muccino has been hired to direct the English-language version of "A Little Game without Consequence" for Focus Features. Based on the play by Gerard Siblevras and adapted for the silver screen by Allan Loeb, the romantic comedy follows a couple whose practical joke of pretending to break up backfires on them when their friends admit that they’ve always thought that the man and woman be better off with other people. 7/18

Writer-director Doug Atchison has signed a three-film, first-look production pact with The Weinstein Co. The first two projects under the deal will be the romantic comedy “Outspoken” and the WWI romantic drama “The Last Caravan.” Lou Pitt (his manager) will serve as producer. Michael Cole, Kelly Carmichael, and Carla Gardini will shepherd the films for TWC. 7/18

July 17 2006

Nick Thune has sold his pitch “Community College” to Warner Bros. The comedy, which will be co-written by Thune, Kevin Flynn and Kyle Flynn, follows two 20-something underachievers who have dragged their asses for seven years to get a two year degree. Thune will also star in the project which his managers Dave Becky and Michael Rotenberg (3 Arts Entertainment) are producing. 7/17

Chris Downey has sold his spec “My Beautiful Coma” to New Line Cinema. The comedy takes place in a married, but comatose, guy’s dreamscape, in which he successfully seduces every woman he’s ever fantasized about – that is, until his wife enters his psyche to “save him.” Brett Ratner and Jay Stern (Rat Entertainment) are producing. 7/17

Roger Michell is in talks to helm the next installment of the James Bond series (currently known as “Bond 22”). Michael Wilson (Eon Prods.) is producing and is currently looking for a writer to help develop the story. CAA represents Michell. 7/17

July 14 2006

Kevin and Dan Hageman have been hired to adapt the book “The Lies of Locke Lamora” by Scott Lynch for Warner Bros. The yet-to-be-released sci-fi fantasy epic is the first in a seven book series and follows the (mis)adventures of a likeable conman and his merry band called Gentlemen Bastards. Michael De Luca and Julie Yorn are producing. 7/14

In Marc Platt/Universal news: First, Jamie Foxx and Jaime Rucker King have signed on to produce “The Power of Duff” with Platt for Uni. The drama written by Stephen Belber* is about a TV news anchor whose prayers on the air miraculously start happening, igniting a public firestorm between believers and skeptics. Foxx might possibly star. Abby Wolf-Weiss is shepherding the project for Platt, while Donna Langley and Kristin Lowe are doing the same for the studio.

*The script sold last year for $900,000 against $1.25 million, and has attracted the likes of Tom Hanks and Russell Crowe to star, and Ron Howard to direct.

Second, Uni has also nabbed the film rights to the comic book “Tag” for the uber-producer. The horror title follows a dude who is walking down the street minding his own bid-ness when some other dude with an ancient curse tags him, causing our dude to start to decompose right then and there – our dude now has to either accept death or find another victim.** Ross Richie and Andrew Cosby (Boom! Entertainment) are also producing. 7/14

**What about finding a way to stop the curse? Fools!

Judd Apatow has signed on to produce “Super Bad” for Columbia Pictures. The teen comedy being written by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg is about two nerds who try to score booze for a party with the intent of scoring with chicks – but then complications and hilarity ensue. Jonah Hill and Michael Cera are starring, while Greg Mottola is directing. Matt Tolmach and Jonathan Kadin are overseeing for the studio. Shauna Robertson will also produce, while Rogen and Goldberg are executive producing. Paradigm, Thruline Entertainment and attorney James Feldman represent Mottola. UTA, Principato-Young and attorney Karl Austen represent Hill. UTA, Marsha McManus and attorney Fred Toczek represent Rogen. UTA and attorney Toczek represent Goldberg. UTA, Jimmy Miller and attorneys Bryan Wolf and Sam Fischer represents Apatow. 7/14

Martin Sheen is joining Don Cheadle, Cedric the Entertainer, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Mike Epps and Keith Sweat in “Talk to Me” for Sidney Kimmel Entertainment. The biopic written by Michael Genet, with rewrites by Rich Famuyiwa and Kasi Lemmons tells the story of the controversial 60s Washington D.C.-area DJ named Ralph Waldo “Petey” Green whose outspokenness on social issues sparked consternation and admiration amongst his listeners. Joe Fries, Mark Gordon, Josh McLaughlin and Sidney Kimmel are producing, with Cheadle, J. Miles Dale, Joe Rappa and Bruce Toll are executive producing. 7/14

Alicia Keys and Jeff Robinson have agreed to a first-look production pact with Disney, with their first company Big Pita/Little Pita’s*** endeavor being a remake of the classic “Bell Book and Candle.” Keys will top-line the film. The original is about a witch living in NY whose love spell backfires on her. 7/14

***Pita = “Pain in The Ass.” Cute, right?

Dan Fogler has signed on to star in “Number Thirteen” for Union Square Entertainment. Written and to be directed by Chase Palmer, the drama about director Alfred Hitchcock’s true-life first directorial effort on the film “Number 13” (a.k.a. “Mrs. Peabody”) in 1922 surmises that the project’s sudden and unexplained collapse was caused by Hitch getting ensnared into a love triangle with two other crewmembers, and then becoming the prime suspect of the lead actor’s... muhhhh-duhhhhh. Ewan McGregor and Geoffrey Rush are also circling the project. Jason Berk and Matt Lane, and Gail Mutrux are producing. 7/14

Yoshimitsu Morita has signed on to helm a (gasp!) remake of the Akira Kurosawa samurai action comedy classic “Sanjuro” for producer Haruki Kadokawa. Yuji Oda will star in the role (made famous by Toshiro Mifune) of an awkward, yet heroic katana-for-hire who helps locals thwart corrupt government officials. 7/14

That’s it, bitches! Peace out! It’s the weekend – go out and play! If you’re in L.A.-area, here’s a post for something to do:

UPDATE: THIS BBQ IS AT THE NIGHTCLUB "THE SCENE" IN THE GLENDALE/EAGLE ROCK AREA

We are having Sunday BBQ's every Sunday this summer!

Last week was our first one and it was a blast! Food is free, guest DJ's and guest BBQ chef's! Great drink specials and we'll have the games on!

This week we have DJ Kevin Fitzgerald and BBQ chef Calixto cooking up some mexican style carne asada!

There is an optional $2 donation and all the food you can eat!

Keep your eye on the calendar on our website and our calendar on myspace for future guests.

If you want to DJ or BBQ, drop a line at thescenebarbooking@yahoo.com or hit us on myspace.

thank you and come on out! fun starts @ 2!

-the scene bar

July 13 2006

Dave Kalstein has sold the film rights to his novel “Prodigy” to Intrepid Pictures and Rogue Films. The sci-fi thriller, which the author is himself adapting, is set in the near future at an ultra-elite prep school where kids are turned into geniuses with the help of pharmaceuticals. Some of the graduates turn up dead, so the school’s valedictorian is assigned to investigate the mystery. Trevor Macy and Marc Evan are producing. 7/13

Eric Gravning has sold his spec “Mr. Burnout” to NALA Films. The comedy is about a worn out English teacher who accepts a bet from an attractive colleague that he can’t turn three of his worst students into college bound graduates - hilarity and mischief ensue. 7/13

Angelina Jolie has signed on to play the lead role in the film version of the autobiography “A Mighty Heart” by Mariane Pearl. The drama adapted by Laurence Coriat and Michael Winterbottom follows the emotional roller-coaster experienced by the widow of Daniel Pearl, the journalist who was kidnapped and slain in Pakistan by Al Qaeda. Winterbottom will helm the film. Jolie’s baby daddy Brad Pitt and Andrew Eaton (Plan B) will produce the project for Paramount Vantage. 7/13

David Klass has sold the film rights to his book “Firestorm” to Warner Bros. The young adult sci-fi novel is the first in the “Caretaker” trilogy and follows a high school senior who suddenly finds himself the hero of an interplanetary war. Basil Iwanyk (Thunder Road) is producing. 7/13

Michael McGowan has signed on to direct “Unforgettable” for Gold Circle Films. The romantic drama written by Richard Finney and re-drafted by Todd Stein revolves around a couple whose marriage has lost its luster. However, the duo rediscovers the origin of their love for one another when the husband suffers a disease that robs him of his short term memory and the wife is forced to care for him. Paul Brooks and Michael Taylor are producing. 7/13

July 12 2006

Roadside Attractions has nabbed the domestic distribution rights to “Come Early Morning.” The drama written and directed by former “Married with Children” hottie Joey Lauren Adams is about an alcoholic and promiscuous female construction supervisor who is forced to face her inner demons when she falls in love. Ashley Judd stars in the project, which was produced by Bold Films. 7/12

Bradley Whitford is joining James Franco and Catherine Keener in “An American Crime” for First Look Features. Written by Tommy O’Haver and Irene Turner and based on true events, the crime drama follows the 1965 trial to prosecute Gertrude Baniszewski, after 16-year old Sylvia Likens died while under her foster care. O’Haver is directing the project. Jocelyn Hayes-Simpson, Katie Roumel, Kevin Turin, Christine Vachon and Henry Winterstein are all producing. 7/12

Jeff Goldblum has signed on to star in “Adam Resurrected” for Bleiberg Entertainment and EMS/3L. Paul Schrader and Noah Stollman co-adapted the Yoram Kaniuk Holocaust drama novel about a clown (i.e. as in the Bozzo kind, not the Joe Pesci kind) whose life is spared so he can entertain the thousands of Jews who were going to die. Schrader will direct, while Ehud Bleiberg and Werner Wirsing are producing. Ulf Israel is executive producing. 7/12*

*Sounds like Jerry Lewis’ 60s buried film “The Day The Crown Cried.”

Jessica Alba is in talks to star in “The Eye” remake for Lionsgate. The English-language remake of the Pang Brothers’ Thai original horror film is about a young woman who starts having disturbing visions after receiving an eye transplant. David Moreau and Xavier Palud are being considered for co-directing duties. Tom Cruise and Paula Wagner are producing. 7/12**

** This sucks for a friend of mine who works with Hideo Nakata, who was attached to direct when Renee Zellweger and Paramount were involved with this project.

Midnight Movies Entertainment has acquired the distribution rights for “Night of the Living Dead 3-D.” Based on the George A. Romero classic zombie film, this contempo version was written by Robert Valding and directed by Jeff Broadstreet. Brianna Brown, Joshua DesRoches and Sid Haig all star. Broadstreet produced the film, while Ingo Jucht executive produced. 7/12

Anand Tucker has been hired to helm “And When Did You Last See Your Father?” by Number 9 Films and FilmFour. David Nicholls wrote the drama adaptation based on Blake Morrison’s memoir about the author’s recollection of his beloved father, whose spark of life was dimmed quickly by a terminal illness. Jim Broadbent and Collin Firth are starring. Elizabeth Karlsen is producing. 7/12

Jason Long has been cast in “Patriotville” by Two Roads Entertainment. Talmage Cooley wrote and will direct the comedy about two young adults who band together to stop an Indian casino from being built on an historic battlefield, drawing the ire of locals who want the jobs promised by the new business. 7/12

July 11 2006

Matt Sazama and Burk Sharpless have sold their spec “Dracula Year Zero” to Universal Pictures. The horror drama interweaves the true biography of Prince Vlad the Impaler and vampire mythology, while casting the tale more as a tragic love story involving magic and war rather than as a pure monster tale. Michael De Luca is producing. Donna Langley and Jeffrey Kirschenbaum will shepherd for the studio. 7/11

Adam Alleca has optioned his spec “The Drowning Man” to Intermedia. The sci-fi action-thriller based on the manga “Living Corpse” by Hidesho Hino is about a man who wakes up in a cemetery as a z-z-z-z-zombie?!? – and soon he becomes the prey of government officials and scientists who want to discover the secret of his undead state. Scott Kroopf and Steven Schneider are producing. WMA represents Alleca. 7/11

Momentum has nabbed the Blighty distribution rights to “Control.” The biopic drama written by Matt Greenhalgh and partially based on Curtis’ wife Deborah’s memoirs "Touching from a Distance" follows the tragic life of Ian Curtis, the epileptic and clinically-depressed lead singer of the New Wave band Joy Division who committed suicide just as the combo’s popularity was rising. Sam Riley, Samantha Morton and Alexandra Maria Lara are starring. Anton Corbijn is helming the project. Orian Williams, Corbijn and Todd Eckert (Northsee) are producing, while Peter Heslop, Deborah Curtis, Tony Wilson and Helena Danielsson are serving as co-producers. Becker Intl., EM Media, Warner Bros. Music U.K., Film I Vast, Cinema Investment Japan, Three Dogs and a Pony, and Kate Ogborn are all executive producing. 7/11

Freddie Prinze Jr. and Taryn Manning have signed on to star in “Jack and Jill vs. the World” for My Own Worst Enemy LLC. The romantic satire written by Vanessa Parise and Peter Stebbings is about a cynical guy whose romance with a secretive girl touches off a cultural revolution. Parise will also direct, produce and top-line the indie film. Roger Spottiswoode and Nicholas Tabarrok are sharing producing duties, while Jordan Gertner and Michael Jaffe are executive producing. 7/11

July 10 2006

Brad Furman has been hired to direct “The Take” for Ithaka Films. The indie drama thriller set in East L.A. and written by Josh and Jonas Pate is about the lengths an armored-car driver goes through in order to avenge himself after being shot by crooks during a heist. John Leguizamo, Tyrese Gibson, Rosie Perez, Bobby Cannavale, RZA and Meagan Good are all starring. 7/10

P.J. Hogan will helm “Chasing Vermeer” for Warner Bros. The teen mystery based on the book of the same name by Blue Balliett takes place in Chicago and follows two gifted middle-school aged boy and girl who use their intellect to track down a stolen 17th century painting by Johannes Vermeer. Plan B is producing. 7/10

Terry Zwigoff and Jerry Stahl have been tapped by Initial Entertainment Group to write the film version of Laurent Graff's French novel “Happy Days.” The drama comedy is about a 35-year old man who decides to give up all worldly possessions (including leaving his family) to live in a nursing home, but instead of succumbing to morbidity, he finds “joie de vivre” when a terminally-ill elderly woman befriends him and shows him to embrace life. Zwigoff will direct. Johnny Depp (Infinitum Nihil) and Graham King are producing. 7/10

Angelina Jolie will be lending her voice talent to “Kung Fu Panda” for DreamWorks Animation, joining Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman, Jackie Chan, Lucy Liu and Ian McShane. The martial-arts CGI comedy is about a slacker Panda named Po who discovers that he is the “Chosen One” and is trained by other animals called the Furious Five to vanquish his town’s enemies. Mark Osborne and John Stevenson are directing, with Melissa Cobb producing. 7/10

July 7 2006

Derek Guiley and David Schneiderman have sold an Untitled Comedy pitch to 20th Century Fox. The story based on real events involves a quartet of un-hip advertising executives who enroll into a seminar about what’s “cool” to today’s kids, then suddenly find themselves reverting to the roles they each had as teenagers. Dean Georgaris and Michael Aguilar (Penn Station Entertainment) are producing. 7/7

Sanaa Hamri has been hired to helm “Dreams of a Dying Heart” by Focus Features. Written by Shawn Otto, the drama thriller set in the current Iraq War follows a female American helicopter pilot who is shot down during combat and uses the hope of reuniting with her 18-year old daughter to survive. Kristin Harms (Harms Way Entertainment) and Larry Kennar (Code Entertainment) are producing. ICM represents Hamri. 7/7

ThinkFilm has nabbed domestic distribution rights to “10th & Wolf.” The crime drama based on real events was written by Bobby Moreseco and Chazz Palmiteri, and is about an American soldier who returns home to Philadelphia and finds out that he can’t distance himself from his family’s Mafia ties. Moresco directed the film. James Marsden, Giovanni Ribisi, Brad Renfro, Piper Perabo, Brian Dennehy, Lesley Ann Warren, Dennis Hopper and Val Kilmer all star. Suzanne De Laurentiis, Leo Rossi and Joseph Murphy produced, while Jeffrey W. Tott executive produced. 7/7

Doug Liman has signed on to produce “Vaporetto 13” along with Denise Di Novi. The supernatural thriller based on Robert Girardi’s novel and penned for the silver screen by Greg Pruss is about an American diver who discovers a sunken, long-lost church which contains a horrific secret while he is swimming around in a Venice canal. Gregor von Bismarck is directing. The project, which was recently put into turn-around by Warner Bros., is being represented by CAA. 7/7

Kind-of weird news: “Faith-based” film company Good News Holdings and Bible publisher Tyndale House are teaming up to produce a series of teen-skewed horror films based on author Bodie Ingelvie’s soon-to-be published books “Dudleytown.” The anthology is set in the haunted Connecticut woods and real-life events that inspired “The Blair Witch Project.” Ingelvie will pen the film versions, launching the series with “Dudleytown: Voice” which follows the journal entries of 17-year old protagonist. Red Barn Films is also producing. 7/7

Thank G-d it's Friday! Dinner with my nieces tonight... Pub crawl in Redondo Beach with sexy Helen and her gal pals tomorrow... World Cup action in Santa Monica on Sunday.... Life is swell!

July 6 2006

Tom Pabst has signed on to write the film version of Joe Hill’s book “Heart-Shaped Box” for Warner Bros. As first reported in Script Radar on 4/6/06, the supernatural thriller is about a collector of occult artifacts who acquires a haunted object that makes him confront his terrifying past. Akiva Goldsman (Weed Road) is producing. Kevin McCormick is shepherding for the studio. 7/6

Suzanne Francis and Gabe Grifoni have been hired to write an Untitled Tech School Project for Bristol Bay Productions. The campus comedy is about a group of engineers who join a college scavenger hunt that requires them not only to use their heads, but also their hearts. Lenny Kornberg will produce, while Jackie Levine and Bonnie Solomon will shepherd the project for the company. HML, Evolution and Morris, Klein, Mark & Yorn represent the writing duo. 7/6

The Weinstein Co. has nabbed the domestic distribution rights to “Like Minds.” The drama thriller written and directed by Gregory J. Read follows detectives who suspect that the serial killer they’re hunting is a teenager. Toni Collette, Richard Roxburgh, Tom Sturridge and Eddie Redmayne star in the film. Jonathan Shteinman, Richard Johns and Piers Tempest produced the film. 7/6

Tartan Films has acquired the U.K./Ireland distribution rights to “The Lives of Saints.” The supernatural thriller written by Tony Grisoni is about a street urchin who possesses magical powers. Rankin and Chris Cottam co-directed the film which stars David Leon, Emma Pierson, Bronson Webb and Daon Broni. Laura Hastings Smith produced, while Augusto Romano executive produced. 7/6

Aidan Quinn has signed on to top-line “Dark Matter,”* joining Meryl Streep, Blair Brown and Liu Yi. The biopic drama thriller co-written by Chen Shi-Zheng and Billy Shebar is about a brilliant Chinese college pupil who goes postal when his professor does not accept his thesis for political reason, thus preventing the student from acquiring his degree and moving on with his life. Chen is directing. Sister-soldier Janet Yang (American Sterling Prods.) is producing, along with Mary Salter and Andrea Miller (Saltmill LLC). Kirk D'Amico and Linda Chiu (Myriad Pictures) are executive producing. 7/6

*Script Radar first encountered this project couple of years ago when it lost its initial financing, but it seems the scribes persevered and the film is now being funded. Kudos!

July 5 2006

First, Script Radar gives mad props to my friends Lorena David and Mark Roberts whose comedy "Strangers With Candy" received "two thumbs up" from Ebert & Roeper's "At The Movies." Its run has been expanded and if you live in L.A., you can catch the film at Sunset Laemmle 5. Go now!

While we're on the subject, Script Radar would also like to wish Roger Ebert a hasty recovery from his recent health worries. Get well soon, my brother!

Now, on with the news...

Newby Brandon Murphy has sold his spec “Pony Bush” to Dimension Films. The broad comedy follows an amiable slacker named Chucky “The Poodle” Fife who gets a job at the snotty Pony Bush country club where he – with the help of his “Man Friday” Honey Comb Love – tries to woo a sexy young heiress away from her jerk-off boyfriend, while at the same time teaching the kids at the club that winning isn't everything. Broken Lizard is in talks to produce. 7/5

Xenon Pictures has picked up domestic rights to the anthology film “Snoop Dogg’s Hood of Horror.” With episodes written by Jacob Hair, Chris Kobin, Jonathan McHugh and Tim Sullivan, the horror/comedy follows the afterlife suffered by denizens of an urban neighborhood as determined by their behavior while alive. The film was directed by Stacy Title and stars Snoop Dogg, Ernie Hudson, Danny Trejo, Method Man, Jason Alexander and Billy Dee Williams, as well as star athletes Lamar Odom, Tayshaun Prince, Teyo Johnson, Justin Fargas and Glenn Cadrez. The project’s producers are Ted Chung, Jonathan McHugh, Martin Shore, Tim Sullivan and Christopher Tuffin. Snoop executive produced. 7/5

Michelle Monaghan is joining Ben Stiller in “Seven Day Itch” for Dreamworks. The comedy inspired by Neil Simon’s “The Heartbreak Kid” was written and will be directed by Peter and Bobby Farrelly, and is about a guy who suddenly has doubts about being married while on his honeymoon with the woman he impulsively wed in a quickie ceremony. Bradley Thomas (Conundrum Entertainment) and Ted Field (Radar) are producing, while John Davis and Joe Rosenberg are executive producing. 7/5

America Ferrera is reprising/expanding her role in “Hacia La Oscuridad” (“Toward Darkness”) for multi-hyphenate Antonio Negret. Based on the writer-director’s USC 12-minute student film, the real-time bilingual action-thriller takes place in Colombia and is about a SNAFU* that occurs between the kidnappers, the victim, and the cops during the last 90 minutes of hostage-ransom swap. Negret is producing along with Craig Anderson, Luiza Ricupero and Brett Etre. Ferrera is executive producing with Daniel Negret, Randy Holleschau, Justin Goodman and Alex Yanev. 7/5

*For those who haven’t seen “Saving Private Ryan” – “SNAFU” is Army-speak for “Situation normal, all f*cked up.”

Jeffrey Wright, Zoe Saldana, Melvin Van Peebles, Latanya Richardson, Anthony Chisholm, Saul Rubinek, Jamie Hector, and Sean Blakemore have signed on to star in “Blackout” for Caswell Communications, Inc. and Uptown Movie Network. The drama written and directed by Jerry LaMothe is about how the massive 2003 New York power outage affected the people who live in a particular Brooklyn neighborhood. Lamothe is also producing, along with Judith Aidoo. 7/5