Helmer Curtis Hanson's "In Her Shoes" and Keira Knightley starrer "Pride & Prejudice" will world preem at the Toronto Film Festival. Canuck fest will also host the North American preem of helmer John Madden's "Proof." All three pics will unspool as galas, the most prestigious slots, at the fest, which runs Sept. 8-17..." (full details)
Gary Fleder has signed on to direct "The Express," the true story of football great Ernie Davis, for Universal Pictures. Davis broke college football records and racial barriers in the early 1960s, becoming the first black player to win the Heisman Trophy. The running back was drafted into the NFL, but his career was cut short when he was diagnosed with leukemia. Jeffrey Lieber adapted the screenplay from Robert Gallagher's book, "Ernie Davis: The Elmira Express"..." (full details)
Fred Kuehnert's indie production banner has acquired the rights to the story of Maurice "Termite" Watkins, a former boxer who volunteered to work as an exterminator for the U.S. military in Iraq, only to be recruited to coach Iraqi boxer Najah Ali to victory in the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens. Tyro scribe Jerry Griffin, a decorated military veteran, is penning the script. No director is yet attached..." (full details)
Thanks to 'KC'.
