Writer-director Nick Cassavetes ("The Notebook", "John Q") will be the artist behind A-Mark Entertainment, a new venture from entrepreneur Steve Markoff reports Variety. A-Mark launches with "Alpha Dog," a Cassavetes-directed murder mystery that's almost complete. Bruce Willis, Sharon Stone, Justin Timberlake and Emile Hirsch star in the fact-based story of a drug dealer who masterminded the kidnapping and murder of his rival's teen brother.
Cassavetes got involved so he could direct more than one picture a year. He has set "One Tree Hill" cast member Paul Johansson to direct Ashley Judd in "Unless That Someone Is You," a script Cassavetes wrote with his late father. Johansson previously directed "The Incredible Mrs. Ritchie." A-Mark has optioned Richard Zacks' book "The Pirate Hunter," to be used as a template for a period epic about Captain Kidd that Cassavetes will write and direct.
Cassavetes has enlisted gaming expert Steve Forte for "Crossroaders," a pic about illegal ways to beat casinos, with Cassavetes writing and directing. Cassavetes also hopes A-Mark will allow him to realize a 10-year dream to direct his adaptation of the Tim O'Brien novel "Going After Cacciato." Finally, A-Mark is involved in "Rehab," the HBO series toplining Courteney Cox Arquette; Cassavetes, who wrote and will direct the pilot, exec produces.
Thanks to 'Pen'
