Pitch sale: “Cover Your Assets”

Lionsgate picks up a project in turnaround from New Line called “Cover Your Assets”:

Described as a reverse “Working Girl,” McCloud’s pitch explores modern gender-role complications in a story about a wealthy and powerful female executive who gets involved with a new guy. “Assets” had been in turnaround at New Line when Lionsgate picked it up.

Interesting bit of business: Studio hired a ‘rookie’ to write the script:

Lionsgate has hired newbie screenwriter Andrea McCloud to pen its workplace comedy “Cover Your Assets.”

McCloud, who is repped by Endeavor and Energy Entertainment, wrote a spec titled “Abbie & Weber 4ever” while studying screenwriting at UCLA that garnered buzz and helped her get the “Assets” gig.

Something to remember about writing a spec script. Sure, you hope it sells, but if it doesn’t, it can serve as a great writing example and calling card — just like it did for Ms. McCloud.