Spec Script Sale: “Ion”
This deal is confirmed per Jason Scoggins. Fox 2000 buys sci-fi romantic epic “Ion” from writer Will Dunn. Per Deadline:
You can thank “Avatar” for Hollywood’s resurgent interest in sci-fi.
Right now Fox, through its label Fox 2000, is getting ready to bet on sci-fi again and is the lead contender to pick up an original spec script by Will Dunn titled “Ion,” which is generating interest from several studios.
Channing Tatum is attached to star in what is labeled a sci-fi romantic epic, with Ridley and Tony Scott attached to produce.
The plot revolves around a man who travels to different Earths and dimensions in order to find his reincarnated lover. Execs are using the magic word — “Avatar” — to describe the scope and otherworldly elements of the script.
And check this out:
Dunn is a British writer living in Los Angeles. His first script, “Children of the Gun,” didn’t sell but execs at Scott Free liked it and sat down with Dunn. Soon he netted representation at WME and the Safran Co.
We’ve discussed this a lot on GITS, how even if a spec script does not sell, it can benefit you as a writing sample and get you meetings — just like Dunn did with Scott Free.
By my count, this is the 27th spec script to sell in 2010.