Spec Script Deal: “The Aeronauts”

Amazon Studios acquires action adventure spec script “The Aeronauts” written by Jack Thorne. From Deadline:

This has been one of the hottest UK projects floating around, and we’re hearing there were at least six companies vying for the project. But Amazon came out on top with what is believed to be a potential seven-figure deal. The script is based on the true story of balloon pilot Amelia Wren and scientist James Glaisher who, in 1862, embark on an extraordinary journey to discover the secrets of the heavens. In the process, they fly higher in an open balloon than anyone ever has — either before or since. They make breathtaking discoveries, but as they ascend to the highest reaches of the atmosphere, they are forced into an epic fight for survival.

The interest in real life, based on a true story projects continues, and this one has the benefit of being both fantastical and relatively unknown.

Thorne is repped by WME.

By my count, this is the 72nd spec script deal in 2016.

There were 55 spec script deals year-to-date in 2015.

Spec script deals are up 24% this year over last.