New Attachments
The Rising Logline: The film tells the story of the Easter Rising in 1916, in which a small rebellion sought to free Ireland from centuries of oppressive British imperial rule. Producer(s): Kevin McCann Writer(s): Kevin McCann, Colin Broderick Director(s): Kevin McCann Cast: Colin Morgan, Michael Neeson Notes: The story is a prequel to the film “Michael Collins” (1996). SSN Insight: The film marks Michael Neeson’s first major film role. He will play the same role of Michael Collins his father, Liam Neeson, played in the 1996 film. The film also had a Kickstarter and raised €57,000.
Ashley's War Logline: This is the story of CST-2, elite women soldiers who worked with Green Berets and Army Rangers in Afghanistan in 2010, and1st Lieutenant Ashley White, the first member killed in action. Studio/Distributor: Fox 2000 Production Company(s): Pacific Standard Producer(s): Reese Witherspoon, Bruna Papandrea, Natalie Krinsky Writer(s): Abi Morgan Cast: Reese Witherspoon Notes: Based on the book "Ashley’s War: The Untold Story Of A Team of Women Soldiers On The Special Ops Battlefield" written by Gayle Tzemach Lemmon and published by Harper Collins on April 21, 2015. SSN Insight: Fox 2000, headed by Elizabeth Gabler, won an auction for the rights back in March. Morgan is best known for Shame and The Iron Lady.
Lights Out Logline: When a bloodthirsty supernatural being that lurks in the shadows preys upon a family, a young woman must fight to protect herself, save her little half-brother, and uncover a mystery about her family's shadowy past. Studio/Distributor: New Line Cinema Production Company(s): Grey Matter Entertainment, Easternlight Film Productions Producer(s): James Wan, Lawrence Grey, Eric Heisserer Writer(s): Eric Heisserer Director(s): David Sandberg Cast: Teresa Palmer, Gabriel Michael Bateman Notes: Based on the short film "Lights Out" (Sweden/2013) written and directed by David F. Sandberg. SSN Insight: Brie Larson was previously attached to star. The film is currently in production with a $5 million estimated budget.
Live! Logline: With a crazed killer after him, a disgraced cop races to find the police commissioner’s kidnapped daughter who has 80 minutes to live, and an online report follows the chase on social media. Production Company(s): Sentient Entertainment, The Solution Entertainment Group, Blackmrkt Incorporated, 5B Artist Media Producer(s): Myles Nestel, Skip Williamson Writer(s): Jeremy Drysdale Director(s): Darrin Prescott, Wade Allen Cast: Aaron Eckhart SSN Insight: Solution Entertainment acquired the spec script in late 2013. Eckhart will next be seen in London Has Fallen and Bleed for This and wrapped My All American.
Pinocchio (Warner Bros.) Logline: When Pinocchio goes missing, Geppetto sets out to find him. Studio/Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures Production Company(s): The Dan Jinks Company, Team Downey Producer(s): Robert Downey Jr., Susan Downey, Dan Jinks Writer(s): Paul Thomas Anderson, Michael Mitnick, Jane Goldman, Bryan Fuller Cast: Robert Downey Jr. Notes: Based on characters from the novel "The Adventures of Pinocchio" written by Carlo Collodi, which was initially serialized between 1881 and 1883. Tim Burton was previously in discussions to direct. SSN Insight: Ben Stiller was previously in talks to direct. In addition to his Marvel sequels, Downey was cast in Perry Mason and El Presidente, both of which are in active development at WB.
Swiss Army Man Logline: In this absurdist comedy, a hopeless man stranded in the wilderness befriends a dead body and together they go on a journey to get home. Production Company(s): Cold Iron Pictures , Blackbird Films Producer(s): Miranda Bailey, Amanda Marshall, Jonathan Wang, Lawrence Inglee Writer(s): Daniel Scheinert, Daniel Kwan Director(s): Daniel Scheinert, Daniel Kwan Cast: Paul Dano, Daniel Radcliffe, Mary Elizabeth SSN Insight: Screenplay was included in 2014 Sundance Institute Screenwriters Lab. Shooting to start this month.
The Journey Logline: After three decades of not speaking, Ian Paisley, staunch evangelical Protestant and advocate for Northern Ireland, and Martin McGuinness, a former leader of the IRA are forced to ride in a car together. Will their proximity help in the quest for peace? Production Company(s): Tempo Productions, Generator Entertainment, Greenroom Entertainment Producer(s): Nick Hamm, Mark Huffam, Piers Tempest Writer(s): Colin Bateman Director(s): Nick Hamm Cast: Timothy Spall SSN Insight: CAA and Bloom are selling the project on a promo reel at Cannes. Liam Neeson and Kenneth Branagh were previously attached to star.
The Rendezvous Logline: Follows an unlikely pair who find themselves swept up in a deadly race to find a sacred Dead Sea Scroll hidden in the ancient city of Petra. Producer(s): Dan Halsted, Tricia Gibbs Writer(s): Terrel Seltzer Director(s): Amin Matalqa Cast: Stana Katic, Raza Jaffrey, Alfonso Bassave, Ron Guttman, Glenn Fleshler, Darby Stanchfield, Nadim Sawalha Details: Based on Sarah Isaias’ book “A New Song”. SSN Insight: Shot on location in Jordan, the film recently wrapped. After winning the World Cinema Audience Award at Sundance for Captain Abu Raed, Matalqa directed the Disney feature, The United in 2012.
I Am Thor Logline: John Mikl Thor was a bodybuilding, steel-bending, brick-smashing rock star in the 1970s and '80s whose band, Thor, never quite made it big. Years later he attempts a comeback that nearly kills him. Studio/Distributor: MPI Media Group Production Company(s): Circus Road Films Producer(s): Ryan Wise, Al Higbee, Glen Reynolds Director: Ryan Wise Cast: Jon Mikl Thor, Rusty Hamilton, Mike Favata, Steve Price, Keith Zazzi SSN Insight: MPI acquired all distribution rights to the documentary about the heavy metal rocker and will release it in late fall.
Triple Frontier Logline: Storyline under wraps, but set in the organized crime haven in the border zone between Paraguay, Argentina and Brazil. Studio/Distributor: Paramount Pictures Production Company(s): Atlas Entertainment Producer(s): Charles Roven, Alex Gartner, Grant Hill Writer(s): Mark Boal Director(s): J.C. Chandor (in discussions) SSN Insight: Tom Hanks was previously attached to star. Kathryn Bigelow, previously attached to direct and EP and Mark Boal, previously attached to EP, both left the project to focus on an untitled film about Bowe Bergdahl.
Untitled (Bruce Willis Detective Film) Logline: When a Los Angeles private investigator’s dog Buddy is stolen by a notorious gang, he has to deal with vicious gang leaders and various goons and crooked characters to get his dog back. Production Company(s): Voltage Pictures Producer(s): Nicolas Chartier, Zev Foreman, Lauren Ford, Mark Cullen, Robb Cullen Director(s): Mark Cullen, Robb Cullen Cast: Bruce Willis, Jason Momoa, Thomas Middleditch, Famke Janssen, John Goodman, Stephanie Sigman, Adrian Martinez, Kal Penn, Emily Robinson SSN Insight: Voltage Pictures launched international sales of the comedy at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival.
Wilson Logline: A disaffected loner goes on a quest for human connection with his ex-wife and discovers he has a teenage daughter. Studio/Distributor: Fox Searchlight Pictures Production Company(s): Stars Road Entertainment, Ad Hominem Enterprises Producer(s): Jim Burke, Jim Taylor, Sam Raimi, Alexander Payne, Josh Donen Writer(s): Daniel Clowes Director(s): Craig Johnson Cast: Woody Harrelson, Laura Dern, Judy Greer, Cheryl Hines, Isabella Amara Notes: Based on the graphic novel "Wilson" written and drawn by Dan Clowes and published by Drawn and Quarterly in May 2010. SSN Insight: Alexander Payne was previously attached to direct.
Martyrs Logline: A revenge thriller that follows a woman and her childhood friend who team up to exact payback from people who once victimized and abused them. Studio/Distributor: Anchor Bay Entertainment Production Company(s): Wild Bunch Producer(s): Peter Safran Director(s): Kevin Goetz, Michael Goetz Cast: Troian Bellisario, Caitlin Carmichael, Kate Burton, Bailey Nobel, Taylor John Smith SSN Insight: Anchor Bay Entertainment has acquired all North American rights in a deal negotiated by Carole Baraton of Wild Bunch and Josh Thomashow, head of acquisitions for Anchor Bay, after the film’s screening during Cannes.
Monopoly Logline: A boy from rugged Baltic Avenue uses Chance and Community in a quest to make his fortune, taking him on a fun, adventure-filled journey during which he must create his own luck while avoiding going to jail. Studio/Distributor: Lionsgate Production Company(s): Hasbro’s Allspark Pictures Writer(s): Andrew Niccol, Scott Alexander, Larry Karaszewski, Pamela Pettler Notes: Based on the board game "Monopoly" published by Hasbro, Inc. SSN Insight: Project was previously put into turnaround by Universal Pictures. Previously in development with Ridley Scott Films. Lionsgate will finance the movie and co-produce alongside Hasbro’s Allspark Pictures.
Slash Logline: Coming of age drama about a teenage erotic fan fic author. Production Company(s): Washington Square Arts & Films, Boxcar Films, Arts+Labor Producer(s): Melissa Breaux, Brock Williams, Jason Wehling Writer(s): Clay Liford Director(s): Clay Liford Cast: Michael Ian Black, Missi Plye, Sarah Ramos, Peter Vack, Jessie Ennis, Matt Peters, Michael Johnston, Hannah Marks SSN Insight: Currently shooting in Austin. Traci Carlson is co-producing. Clay Liford previously wrote and directed the features Earthling and Wuss.
NEW Projects
Greenglass House Logline: 12-year-old innkeeper’s son Milo realizes that all the guests in the inn have a connection with the place, so he and the cook’s daughter try to unravel the mystery of Greenglass House. Studio/Distributor: Paramount Pictures Production Company(s): Ian Bryce Productions Producer(s): Ian Bryce Writer(s): Joe Ballarini Notes: Based on the novel "Greenglass House" written by Kate Milford and published by Clarion Books, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt in August, 2014. SSN Insight: Paramount acquired the property for mid-six figure deal after a pre-emptive bid, and is considering it as a possible new franchise. Ray and Molly After the Apocalypse Logline: Thrown together in a post-apocalyptic world, the last two standing put aside their differences and challenge the rules of love. Production Company(s): The Muraviov Company, Over the Fence Films Producer(s): Susan Simnett Writer(s): Mark Simberg Director(s): Clare Kilner SSN Insight: Clare Kilner previously directed Janice Beard (which she also wrote), How to Deal, The Wedding Date and American Virgin.
Hearts Made of Black Logline: Storyline is under wraps. Studio/Distributor: 20th Century Fox Production Company(s): New Leaf Literary & Media Producer(s): Pouya Shahbazian Notes: Based on the upcoming novel "Hearts Made of Black" written by Stephanie Garber. SSN Insight: Publishing house Flatiron Books won the rights to Garber’s book during an intense auction for the major two-book deal. Fox secured the film rights within ten hours after the auction’s close.
House of Deceit Logline: The true story of American FIFA executive Chuck Blazer and his role in the biggest sports and public corruption scandal in history is chronicled. Studio/Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures Production Company(s): Management 360, Pearl Street Films Producer(s): Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Guymon Casady, Darin Friedman Writer(s): Anthony Tambakis Director(s): Gavin O'Connor Notes: Based on the upcoming book "House of Deceit" to be written by Ken Bensinger and based on his article "Mr. Ten Percent" posted on BuzzFeed on June 6, 2014. SSN Insight: Affleck/Damon shingle Pearl Street Films is also in active development on Apostle Paul, Bunker Hill, Race to the South Pole, Sleeper and an Untitled WB Africa thriller project.
Micro Logline: A mysterious biotech company lures some graduate students to Hawaii where they find themselves miniaturized and out in the rain forest, relying on their wits and scientific expertise. Studio/Distributor: DreamWorks Studios Production Company(s): Kennedy/Marshall Company, CrichtonSun LLC Producer(s): Frank Marshall Notes: Based on the novel "Micro" written by Michael Crichton and Richard Preston, and published by Harper in 2011. SSN Insight: In addition to this project, Crichton’s book Prey is currently in development at Fox with Rob Bowman attached to direct and Pirate Latitudes at Dreamworks with Steven Spielberg producing and possibly directing.
Mother's Day Logline: The stories of several mothers intertwine during the day leading up to the Mother’s Day holiday. Production Company(s): PalmStar Entertainment, Gulfstream Pictures Producer(s): Wayne Rice, Mike Karz, Kevin Scott Frakes Writer(s): Anya Kochoff, Lily Hollander Director(s): Garry Marshall Cast: Julia Roberts, Jennifer Aniston, Kate Hudson, Jason Sudeikis SSN Insight: The film is slated to begin production in August. CAA, which reps Roberts, Aniston, Hudson, and Sudeikis, will handle the film’s domestic distribution rights.
The Last Race Logline: After devout Scottish Christian Eric Liddell competed in the 1924 Olympics, he worked as a teacher and missionary in China and was interned in a prison camp by the Japanese in 1943. Studio/Distributor: Alibaba Pictures Production Company(s): Goodland Pictures, Innowave Limited Producer(s): Jim Green, Mark Bacino Stephen Lam,Stephen Shin Writer(s): Stephen Shin Director(s): Stephen Shin Cast: Joseph Fiennes, Shawn Dou, Elizabeth Arends Notes: The project serves as an un-official sequel to "Chariots of Fire" (UK/1981) as it tells the story of runner Eric Liddell after his participation in the 1924 Olympics. SSN Insight: The film will shoot in China and Alibaba Pictures will try for a China release, subject to it clearing censorship.
Sleight Logline: About a young street magician who is left to take care of his little sister after his mother’s death and turns to drug dealing in the Los Angeles party scene to keep a roof over their heads. When he gets into trouble with his supplier, his sister is kidnapped and he is forced to rely on both his sleight of hand and brilliant mind to save her. Production Company(s): Diablo Entertainment Producer(s): Eric B. Fleischman, Sean Tabibian Writer(s): JD Dillard, Alex Theurer Director(s): JD Dillard Cast: Dulé Hill, Jacob Latimore, Tyga, Storm Reid SSN Insight: Set to begin shooting this summer in LA. The project marks the feature directing debut of music video helmer JD Dillard. Charnel House Logline: An accomplished British architect finally achieves his dream of converting the long-abandoned Fairmont Meat Company slaughterhouse into ultramodern lofts, but he, his family, and his tenants become exposed to a decades-long mystery that cannot be hidden under the building’s high-tech makeover. Production Company(s): MJ Films, The Siegal Company Producer(s): Mark B. Johnson, Sandra Siegal Writer(s): Chad Israel, Emanuel Isler Director(s): Craig Moss Cast: Callum Blue, Erik LaRay Harvey, Makenzie Moss, Nadine Velazquez SSN Insight: Callum Blue can be seen in the new TNT series Proof as Peter Van Owen. He has also had a recurring role on USA’s Royal Pains and appeared on ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy.
Things The Grandchildren Should Know Logline: Tells the story of a young man who survived an unsteady upbringing, the deaths of his entire family, and yet, created a worthwhile life for himself and found success as a musician, founding the group the Eels. Production Company(s): The Lost Ones, Troika Producer(s): Anthony Ernest Garth, Cort Johns, Luke Jaden Writer(s): Cort Johns, Luke Jaden, Mark Oliver Everett Director(s): Anthony Ernest Garth Notes: Based on the autobiographical novel “Things the Grandchildren Should Know” written by Mark Oliver Everett and published via Picador in 2009. SSN Insight: Filmmaker Anthony Ernest Garth has previously helmed music videos for the White Stripes, Von Bondies, D12 and Jim Jones among others and helmed commercials for Chevy, Harley Davidson, Ford, Lincoln, GM and others.