Spec script sale: “Born to Rock”

This is one of the commercial high-concepts I’ve seen in a long time. CBS Films buys “Born to Rock” from writers Jess Walter and Mark Steilen. Conceived by husband-and-wife team David Duchovny and Tea Leoni, here is the premise:

The project revolves around a group of struggling, aging rock musicians who, because of a mixup in their demo tape, end up catching a record exec’s attention for a children’s
song written on a lark, then find unlikely success as a Wiggles-type children’s band.

Why is that a great high-concept? Three things. First, it’s a four-quadrant story concept. Second, it’s a nice twist that fits comfortably into the “similar but different” mode. Third, when you read the concept, you immediately see the movie.

Not surprising that Duchovny and Leoni generated this concept — they’ve not only been through the child-rearing thing, they’re both very savvy and very smart.

Did you know Duchovny is Princeton grad?