Focus Features is getting into the animation game. The specialty arm of Universal Pictures said Thursday that it will produce the fantasy epic "9," to be directed by Shane Acker in his first animated feature project. The film has the backing of an impressive list of producers, including Tim Burton, Timur Bekmambetov (Russian director of Fox Searchlight's "Night Watch") and Jim Lemley (executive producer of DreamWorks' "Red Eye")..." (full details)
Paramount has snapped up comedy pitch "The Worst Man" from the scripting team of Michael Carnes and Josh Gilbert for $1 million against $2 million and set up the project with Mosaic Media. Story centers on a prospective groom who's forced to select a best man among his three best friends. Deal is the second this year at Par for Carnes and Gilbert, who sold the studio romantic comedy "Stalker: A Love Story"..." (full details)
Indie distrib ThinkFilm has snapped up all North American rights to Gael Garcia Bernal/William Hurt starrer "The King." Pic -- co-penned by Milo Addica ("Monster's Ball") and James Marsh, and helmed by Marsh -- recently preemed in Cannes' Un Certain Regard. Film follows the story of Elvis Sandow (Bernal), a young man just out of the Navy, who seeks out the father he never knew (Hurt). When Elvis discovers his dad is now the pastor of a church in a prosperous Texas town, with a beautiful wife (Laura Harring) and two picture-perfect kids, he sets out to destroy the man's idyllic life. ThinkFilm is planning a release in the first quarter of next year..." (full details)
Thanks to 'KC'
