New Attachments
A Better You Logline: About hypnotherapist Dr. Ron Knight who practices an unusual and jarring method. When his fragile ego and increasing isolation begin to undermine his marriage and family, he spirals into a midlife crisis, But his salvation might come from an unlikely friendship he forms with a day laborer named Hugo. Studio/Distributor: FilmBuff Producer(s): Kirk Roos Writer(s): Matt Walsh, Brian Huskey Director(s): Matt Walsh Cast: Matt Walsh, Horatio Sanz, Erinn Hayes, Brian Huskey, Morgan Walsh SSN Insight: FilmBuff will distribute the film in select theaters and on VOD beginning October 9. The film premiered at this year’s Santa Barbara Film Festival.
Logan’s Run Logline: Remake of the 1976 sci-fi futuristic tale set after a holocaust when human survivors have sealed themselves into a domed city to survive. To maintain the population balance, the computers that run the city have decreed that all people must die by the age of 21. Logan, a policeman in the city, is forced to go on a mission to find the place where humans have been escaping to live beyond 21, however, after seeing for himself that there is life beyond his dreary world, Logan begins to question his own society. Studio/Distributor: Warner Bros. Production Company(s): Silver Pictures, Genre Films Producer(s): Joel Silver, Simon Kinberg Writer(s): Simon Kinberg (story and treatment) Details: Based on the novel "Logan's Run" published by Amereon Ltd; June, 1976. SSN Insight: Bryan Singer, Skip Woods, Joseph Kosinski, Carl Rinsch, and Nicolas Winding Refn were all previously attached to direct the film which started development in 2000. Christopher McQuarrie, Michael Dougherty, Dan Harris, Bryan Singer are among those who have penned drafts of the script.
A Cure for Wellness Logline: An employee sent to rescue his boss from a European spa soon realizes he's trapped. Studio/Distributor: New Regency Productions Production Company(s): 20th Century Fox Distribution Production Company(s): BlindWink Productions Producer(s): Gore Verbinski Writer(s): Justin Haythe Director(s): Gore Verbinski Cast: Dane DeHaan, Mia Goth, Jason Isaacs, Celia Imrie SSN Insight: Production is underway in Europe. Imrie was last seen in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel films along with What We Did On Our Holiday.
Brain on Fire Logline: The film tells the story of a young woman's descent into insanity. Production Company(s): Denver & Delilah Films, Foundation Features, Broad Green Pictures Producer(s): Charlize Theron, A.J. Dix, Beth Kono, Robert Merilees, Lindsay MacAdam Writer(s): Gerard Barrett Director(s): Gerard Barrett Cast: Chloe Grace Moretz, Thomas Mann, Jenny Slate, Richard Armitage, Carrie-Anne Moss, Tyler Perry Details: Based on the memoir "Brain On Fire: My Month of Madness" written by Susannah Cahalan and published by Free Press in 2012. SSN Insight: Dakota Fanning was previously attached to the role played by Chloe Grace Moretz. Will Poulter was previously attached as a member of the cast.
Untitled Clea DuVall Film Logline: Storyline is under wraps. Production Company(s): Burn Later Productions Producer(s): Paul M. Bernon, Sam Slater, Sev Ohanian Writer(s): Clea DuVall Director(s): Clea DuVall Cast: Melanie Lynskey, Natasha Lyonne, Vincent Piazza, Jason Ritter, Ben Schwartz, Alia Shawkat, Cobie Smulders SSN Insight: Feature marks DuVall’s directorial debut whose acting credits include The Grudge, 21 Grams and Argo. Project is currently in production.
High Wire Act Logline: A CIA station chief is kidnapped. Production Company(s): Radar Pictures Producer(s): Ted Field, Mike Weber, Tony Gilroy Writer(s): Tony Gilroy Director(s): Brad Anderson Cast: Jon Hamm, Rosamund Pike SSN Insight: Good Universe is handling international sales.
LBJ Logline: Lyndon Johnson goes from powerful Senate Majority Leader, powerless Vice President to President of the United States following the assassination of John F. Kennedy. Production Company(s): Castle Rock Entertainment, Star Thrower Entertainment, Acacia Entertainment, Savvy Media Holdings Producer(s): Matthew George, Rob Reiner, Liz Glotzer, Michael Williams, Tim White Writer(s): Joey Hartstone Director(s): Rob Reiner Cast: Woody Harrelson, Richard Jenkins SSN Insight: Project was included in the 2014 Black List. Richard Jenkins was just nominated for an Emmy for his role in Olive Kitteridge.
Minecraft Logline: The film is based on the video game in which players create avatars that use cubes to make whatever environment they can imagine in a virtual world. Studio/Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures Production Company(s): Vertigo Entertainment Producer(s): Roy Lee, Jill Messick Writer(s): Kieran Mulroney, Michele Mulroney Director(s): Rob McElhenney Details: Based on the video game "Minecraft" created by Swedish programmer Markus "Notch" Persson, developed and published by Mojang and publicly released for the PC on May 17, 2009. SSN Insight: Shawn Levy was previously in discussions to direct a script written by Kieran and Michele Mulroney. McElhenney is most notable for co-creating and co-starring in the long-running FX/FXX series It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia.
Mother's Day Logline: The stories of several mothers intertwine during the day leading up to the Mother’s Day holiday. Studio/Distributor: Open Road Films 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: Open Road will release the film wide on April 29, 2016, the weekend prior to Mother’s Day. Production starts in Atlanta next month.
Rampage Logline: The film is based on the popular 1980s arcade game in which players take control of huge monsters who are trying to survive against attacks by the military. Studio/Distributor: New Line Cinema Warner Bros. Pictures Distribution Production Company(s): Flynn Picture Co., Rickard Pictures, 7 Bucks Entertainment Producer(s): Beau Flynn, Brad Peyton, John Rickard, Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia Writer(s): Ryan Engle Director(s): Brad Peyton (in talks) Cast: Dwayne Johnson Details: Based on the video arcade game "Rampage" introduced by Bally Midway in 1986. SSN Insight: Brad Peyton is in talks to direct and it would be a reteam with the producers, writers and star of San Andreas. Scarpetta Logline: Opera-loving coroner Dr. Kay Scarpetta investigates mysteries. Studio/Distributor: Fox 2000 Production Company(s): Mark Gordon Company, Media Talent Group, Tall Girls Productions Producer(s): Mark R. Gordon, Geyer Kosinski, Melissa Rosenberg Writer(s): Liz Friedman, Theresa Rebeck, Kario Salem, Kerry Williamson Details: Based on the crime novel series centering on the character of Kay Scarpetta by Patricia Cornwell; first published by Pocket Books January 1, 1990. SSN Insight: Source material was previously optioned by Columbia Pictures. Angelina Jolie previously attached to star. This would be Friedman’s first feature deals, who co-wrote the pilot to Orange Is The New Black and was a co-EP on Elementary. Spider-Man (Reboot) Logline: Storyline is under wraps, but involves a teenage Peter Parker. Studio/Distributor: Columbia Pictures, Marvel Entertainment, Sony Pictures Releasing Production Company(s): Marvel Entertainment, Pascal Pictures Producer(s): Kevin Feige, Amy Pascal Writer(s): John Francis Daley, Jonathan Goldstein Director(s): Jon Watts Cast: Tom Holland, Marisa Tomei Details: Based on the legendary Marvel comic book, Spider-Man created by writer/editor Stan Lee and writer/artist Steve Ditko, he first appeared in Amazing Fantasy #15 cover-dated August 1962. SSN Insight: Actors in contention for the role of Peter Parker/Spider-Man included Nat Wolff, Asa Butterfield, Tom Holland, Timothee Chalamet, Judah Lewis, Matthew Lintz, Charlie Plummer, Charlie Plummer and Liam Jame. They did screen tests in Atlanta and ultimately, Tom Holland got the role. Drew Goddard was previously in talks to write and direct.
Steelheart Logline: After a group of people gain extraordinary powers, they lord power over ordinary humans, but a group called the Reckoners fight back. Studio/Distributor: 20th Century Fox Production Company(s): 21 Laps Entertainment Producer(s): Shawn Levy Writer(s): Carter Blanchard Director(s): Shawn Levy (in talks) Details: Based on the first two books in the YA novel trilogy "The Reckoners" written by Brandon Sanderson and published by Delacorte Press. "Steelheart" was published in 2013, "Firefight" in 2015, and the third novel is yet to be published. SSN Insight: Project was previously in development at FilmEngine and Chair Entertainment Group with Anthony Rhulen, David McIlhargy and Donald Mustard attached to produce. Blanchard also wrote the sequel to Independence Day and Glimmer, currently in preproduction.
The Fixer Logline: A wealthy businessman gets involved with a shady drug dealer who is also employing the businessman's son. Production Company(s): Fubar Films, Gold Star Films, Rumble Entertainment Producer(s): Gregory Chou, Colin Bates, Joey Tufaro Writer(s): Bill Kennedy SSN Insight: Project was included in the 2013 Black List from House Of Cards writer Bill Kennedy.
Unbranded Logline: A documentary following four friends on a 3000 mile journey on recently trained wild mustangs across the great American West. Production Company(s): Gravitas Ventures, Cedar Creek Productions, Implement Productions Producer(s): Phillip Baribeau, Ben Masters, Dennis Aig Director(s): Phillip Baribeau SSN Insight: Gravitas Ventures has acquired all U.S. rights to the documentary which premiered at the Hot Docs Film Festival in Toronto. As part of the deal, the film will be released September 25 in more than 25 theaters, with a simultaneous VOD release.
Untitled (Woody Allen 2015 Feature Film) Logline: Logline under wraps. Production Company(s): Gravier Productions Producer(s): Letty Aronson, Stephen Tenenbaum, Edward Walson Writer(s): Woody Allen Director(s): Woody Allen Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Bruce Willis, Kristen Stewart, Blake Lively, Parker Posey (final talks) SSN Insight: Parker Posey was in Woody Allen’s previous film, Irrational Man. Passengers Logline: A spaceship passenger is prematurely thawed from a cryogenic slumber a century before anyone else. Studio/ Distributor: Sony, Columbia Pictures Production Company: Company Films, Start Media, Keep Your Head Productions, Original Film Producers: Stephen Hamel, Keanu Reeves, Michael Maher, Neal Moritz, Ori Marmur, Anthony Katagas Writer: Jon Spaihts Director: Morten Tyldum Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Chris Pratt, Michael Sheen SSN Insight: The project was initially scheduled to be released by the Weinstein Company on April 3, 2015 until its star, Rachel McAdams, dropped out. The project has many previous high-profile attachments such as, Marc Forster, Emily Blunt, Keanu Reeves and Reese Witherspoon.
New Projects
Untitled (Columbia Pictures/ Animated Emoji Project) Logline: This animated feature centers on the round-headed images of social media correspondence fame, the Emoji. Studio/Distributor: Columbia Pictures Production Company(s): Sony Pictures Animation, MRK Productions Producer(s): Kristine Belson, Michelle Raimo Kouyate Writer(s): Eric Siegel Director(s): Tony Leondis SSN Insight: Sony Pictures Animation won a three-studio auction for the animated movie pitch in a deal near seven figures. The project was pitched by director Anthony Leondis.
Untitled Basketball Comedy Project Logline: A woman who was once a promising basketball coach is asked to lead an NBA team and finds herself under scrutiny by the reluctant organization. Studio/Distributor: Universal Pictures Production Company(s): Bluegrass Films, Paper Kite Productions Producer(s): Amy Poehler, Scott Stuber Writer(s): Ike Barinholtz, Dave Stassen Cast: Amy Poehler, Ike Barinholtz SSN Insight: Poehler and Barinholtz will next be seen in Universal’s upcoming Sisters.
Way Down Dark Logline: In the vein of Alien and The Hunger Games, centers on a 17-year-old living on a giant spaceship that is a maze of gangs, violence and a struggle to survive. Studio/Distributor: Studio 8 Producer(s): Chris Goldberg Details: Based on the first book in a planned trilogy, released in the UK and awaiting release in the U.S. by award-winning author James Smythe. SSN Insight: The sequel to the book, published by Hodder & Stoughton, will be released in the UK in April 2016. The U.S. rights are being overseen by Jason Bartholomew at H&S.
Happy Krampus! Logline: Follows Santa’s forgotten helper and giver of coal to naughty children who lost his job at the North Pole due to modern parents spoiling their children. To prove that he is still needed, he travels to NYC to replace Christmas with Krampus Day. Production Company(s): Jim Henson Prods., Walden Media Producer(s): Blanca Lista, Naia Cucukov Writer(s): Kealan O’Rourke SSN Insight: Jim Henson Co. recently joined STX Entertainment to produce a live-action, as yet untitled puppet film with a twist.
Untitled Urban Explorers Logline: A young-adult adventure set in New York City’s Lower East Side. Production Company(s): End Cue Producer(s): Andrew Kortschak, Walter Kortschak Writer(s): Christopher Ford, Jon Watts Director(s): Jon Watts SSN Insight: Watts and Ford previously joined forces on the Sundance film Cop Car, acquired by Focus Features.
Sword in the Stone Logline: A live-action retelling of Disney’s animated tale of King Arthur as a boy. Studio/Distributor: Disney Producer(s): Brigham Taylor Writer(s): Bryan Cogman Details: Based on the Disney animated film, The Sword in the Stone. SSN Insight: Adds to the long list of animated films Disney is revamping for live action including Pinocchio, Dumbo and Aladdin.
Untitled Presidential Debate Dramedy Logline: Months of planning and millions of dollars culminate in 270 minutes of highly scrutinized debate. Production Company(s): Team Downey Producer(s): David Gambino, Mark Williams, Robert Downey Jr., Susan Downey Writer(s): Bill Dubuque SSN Insight: This marks a re-team for Dubuque and Robert and Susan Downey who previously worked together on The Judge.