The Definitive Spec Script Sales List (1991–2012): 2002

The Definitive Spec Script Deals List: 2002

Pretty much ever since I sold a spec script in 1987, I have been fascinated by them. The very idea that a writer could conceive a story concept, research, craft and write an original screenplay, then sell it to a Hollywood buyer is in and of itself a remarkable thing. When you consider that each year an estimated 25,000–40,000 stories filter through the studio acquisition system and only about 100 spec scripts sell annually, that makes it even more notable.

I didn’t start tracking all spec script sales until 1991, but then I tried my best to note the details whenever I learned about them. Over the years I often thought about those files and wouldn’t it be great to have a comprehensive list of all spec script sales in Hollywood? Here are some reasons why:

• To create an historical record of these special accomplishments by screenwriters in the movie business.
• To compare what spec scripts sold and got produced to those that never got made.
• To track buying trends in Hollywood [e.g., genre, high-concept].
• To create a resource for contemporary writers to brainstorm new story ideas.

And then this: With spec script sales being as high as they have been the last 18 months, can we consider this a new Golden Age of the Spec Script, or does it pale in comparison to the supposed gilded age back in the early to mid-90s? Is that collective memory true or perhaps incorrect?

I mulled over the possibility of collating all the information about spec sales I had amassed. Unfortunately the documentation takes the form of actual clippings from the Hollywood Reporter and Variety, as well as hard drives on a number of old computers stashed away somewhere, and a variety of other sources.

In step two hearty souls, Black List interns Mikal McLendon and Evelyn Yves who agreed to help assimilate all the data into a comprehensive spec script sales list from 1991–2007 [to go along with my lists from 2008 to present]. It took Mikal and Eveyln months to pull this information together and I thank them profusely for their help [I hope you will, too, in comments].

Please note, when I say ‘Definitive’ in the title, that means two things. First I am engaging in a bit of Hollywood hyperbole. I know there are some spec script sales that we will have missed. Every sale is covered nowadays through the trades and various tracking boards. That type of coverage was not the case back in the 90s. Which leads to the second point:

I want your help!

If you are a screenwriter who sold a spec script and you don’t see it on the list or you spot some details that are wrong or incomplete, please email me with updates.

If you are a studio exec, agent, manager, producer or movie fan who happens to know of a spec script sale that’s not listed, please email me.

Let’s see if we can round out this research project as best we can.

With that lengthy introduction, here is the list of spec script deals in 2002.

1. Title: Major Movie Star Logline: In order to be taken seriously and win over the studio heads for their upcoming military-themed movie, a pop singer/actress decides to enroll in the Army in order to win the role. Writer: April Blair Management Firm: Benderspink Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures Price: $300,000 against $600,000 Genre: Comedy Date Sold: 1/14/2002

2. Title: Head of State Logline: An alderman is thrust into running for the president of the US after a candidate dies. Writer: Chris Rock, Ali LeRoi Agency: ICM, Endeavor Agency Studio: DreamWorks Pictures Genre: Comedy Date Sold: 1/16/2002

3. Title: Best Shot Logline: A tough cop gets paired up with the most neurotic cop around. Writer: Jim Piddock, Margaret Oberman Agency: ICM Studio: New Line Cinema Genre: Action, Comedy Date Sold: 1/22/2002

4. Title: Three-Day Weekend Logline: When a small town learns that the world will end in three days, they go on a crazy orgiastic binge that the conservative town sheriff must try and control. Writer: Noah Laracy, Charlie Sullivan Production Co.: Catch 23 Entertainment Genre: Comedy Date Sold: 1/24/2002

5. Title: The Pleasure of Your Company Logline: After accidentally killing his girlfriend in a surprise marriage proposal, a young guy marries a complete stranger. Writer: Michael Ian Black Agency: UTA Production Co.: Magellan Filmed Entertainment Genre: Comedy Date Sold: 1/24/2002

6. Title: Next Door Logline: Set in a small town, a serial killer comes home to wreak havoc. Writer: Jake Wade Wall Agency: Diverse Talent Group Management Firm: D-No Entertainment Studio: New Line Cinema Genre: Horror Date Sold: 1/28/2002

7. Title: Alphawave Logline: A teenage boy, misguided by adult authority figures, finds love and salvation in an emotionally troubled young girl. Writer: Christopher Okum Production Co.: Cineville Genre: Comedy Date Sold: 1/31/2002

8. Title: The Kindness of Strangers Logline: A woman, whose life is getting out of control, suspects that her new best friend and co-worker might be the one behind all of her troubles. Writer: Cristi Limm Agency: Endeavor Agency Studio: Paramount Pictures Price: Mid six figures Genre: Thriller Date Sold: 1/31/2002 Add’l Info: First time writer

9. Title: Smart and Smarter Logline: Two geniuses, who have spent their lives in a think tank, venture out into the “real world” to reclaim one of the loves of their lives from childhood, all the while constantly over thinking the ways of the world. Writer: Dan Wilson, Dave Gilbreth Agent: Ryan Saul Agency: The Jim Preminger Agency Studio: New Line Cinema Genre: Comedy Date Sold: 2/4/2002

10. Title: The Adventures of Sinbad the Insurance Salesman Logline: A claims officer is unlucky in love until he meets a girl who will change his life forever. Writer: Mike Reiss Agency: Endeavor Agency Studio: Paramount Pictures Price: $500,000 against $850,000 Genre: Comedy Date Sold: 2/5/2002

11. Title: Underdogs Logline: A group of misfits enter a Las Vegas dodge ball tournament in order to save their beloved gym. Writer: Rawson Marshall Thurber Agency: Paradigm Studio: DreamWorks Pictures Genre: Comedy Date Sold: 2/5/2002

12. Title: Mr. Mysterious Logline: Set in the 1880’s, a blind carnival magician and his troupe of performers must return to London in order to prevent an evil sorcerer from plaguing the world with black magic. Writer: Brandon Bodie Beaver Production Co.: RAW Entertainment Price: Low against mid six figures Genre: Action, Fantasy Date Sold: 2/6/2002 Add’l Info: First time writer

13. Title: Blackout Logline: A female cop, who happens to be the daughter of a serial killer, is scared that she may be a suspect in a killing spree that she is investigating. Writer: Sarah Thorp Management Firm: The Radmin Company Studio: Paramount Pictures Production Co.: Intertainment AG Price: $1M against $1.2M Genre: Thriller Date Sold: 2/7/2002 Add’l Info: Preemptive pick-up

14. Title: Nothing But the Truth Logline: A compulsive liar and womanizer’s life is turned upside down once his lies actually do come true. Writer: Yoni Berkovits, Tony Dreannan Management Firm: Benderspink Production Co.: Artists Production Group Price: $500,000 Genre: Comedy Date Sold: 2/7/2002

15. Title: Rapid Logline: Taking place in “real time,” story revolves around the closure of a major bank and the transfer of $22 million in cash via an armored car that is met by a group of thieves who attempt to steal the cash in the middle of a hurricane. Writer: John Sullivan Manager: Brooklyn Weaver Management Firm: Energy Studio: Columbia Pictures Price: $275,000 against $575,000 Genre: Action Date Sold: 2/12/2002 Add’l Info: Preemptive pick-up

16. Title: Searching for Jordan Logline: Two NBA scouts on the hunt for the next superstar. Writer: Josh Goldstein Agency: Genesis, A Literary Agency Production Co.: Edward R. Pressman Film Corp. Price: Mid six figures Genre: Comedy Date Sold: 2/12/2002

17. Title: The Number 23 Logline: A man, obsessed with an obscure book titled” The Number 23,” begins to believe that this book is actually based on his own life. Writer: Fernley Phillips Manager: Brooklyn Weaver Management Firm: Energy Studio: New Line Cinema Price: Low against mid six figures Genre: Psychological Thriller Date Sold: 2/12/2002

18. Title: Buddy List Logline: A group of high school freshman, via an e-mail account and Internet smarts, get themselves invited to the hottest party of the year where they will be able to hang with the most popular kids in school. Writer: Mark Loughlin Management Firm: Zide/Perry Management Studio: MGM Price: Low against mid six figures Genre: Teen Comedy Date Sold: 2/12/2002

19. Title: NYPD Nanny Logline: Storyline under wraps. Described as a cross between “Kindergarten Cop” and “Mrs. Doubtfire.” Writer: Greg Ostrin Agent: Jordan Bayer, Matt Leipzig Agency: Original Artists Studio: Twentieth Century Fox Price: Low against mid six figures Genre: Comedy Date Sold: 2/13/2002 Add’l Info: Preemptive pick-up

20. Title: Silver Strike Logline: Centers on a troop of werewolf hunters. Described as “Black Hawk Down” with werewolves. Writer: J. Barton Mitchell Agency: Paradigm Manager: Kevin Jones Management Firm: Concrete Entertainment Studio: Fox 2000 Price: Mid six figures Genre: Supernatural Thriller Date Sold: 2/19/2002

21. Title: Matchmutts Logline: Two dogs fall in love in Central Park and make it their mission to unite their warring owners so all four can live happily ever after. Writer: Shaina Carol Agent: David Saunders Agency: APA Studio: Columbia Pictures Price: Mid six against high six figures Genre: Comedy, Romance Date Sold: 2/21/2002

22. Title: A Fallen Angel Logline: Set in 16th century Italy, the story revolves around the events leading up to the trial of Beatrice Cenci, a woman accused of murdering her nobleman father. Writer: Fred Chiaventone Production Co.: First Carrier Pictures Genre: Murder Mystery Date Sold: 2/26/2002

23. Title: Trouble in Toyland Logline: Five 12-year old kids are accidentally locked in a toy store overnight. When a group of thieves break into the store, the kids use toys and gadgets off the shelves to stop the criminals and save the day. Writer: Richard Nathanson Agent: Brian Sher Agency: ICM Manager: Chris Ryan, Marisa Johnston Management Firm: Overview Studio: Columbia Pictures Price: Mid six figures Genre: Action Adventure, Comedy Date Sold: 2/27/2002

24. Title: Allegiance Logline: Centers on a spy who is leading a double life. Writer: Patrick Lee Agent: Mickey Freiberg Agency: Acme Talent and Production Co.: Radar Pictures Price: Mid six figures Genre: Action, Thriler Date Sold: 2/28/2002 Add’l Info: Preemptive pick-up

25. Title: Bobby Ewing Logline: A relentless immigrant tries and tries to cross the U.S. border without success, but does gain love as his perseverance leads to a romance with an INS agent. Writer: Linda Bloodworth Agency: CAA Studio: Columbia Pictures Genre: Romantic Comedy Date Sold: 3/5/2002

26. Title: Win a Date with Tad Hamilton!!! Logline: Two guys go into battle over a sweet-small town girl. One of the guys is the hottest movie star in Hollywood while the other is a grocery bagger at the local market. Writer: Vic Levin Studio: DreamWorks Pictures Price: $800,000 against $1.5M Genre: Romantic Comedy Date Sold: 3/7/2002

27. Title: Operation: Spy Girl Logline: Although completely unqualified, a girl rises to the high ranks of an international field operative for the CIA. Writer: April Blair Agency: Endeavor Agency Management Firm: Benderspink Studio: Universal Pictures Price: Low against mid six figures Genre: Action, Comedy Date Sold: 3/7/2002

28. Title: Daddy Day Care Logline: A dad loses his job and decides to turn his own home into a day care. Writer: Geoff Rodkey Management Firm: Principato-Young Entertainment Studio: Twentieth Century Fox Price: Mid against high six figures Genre: Comedy Date Sold: 3/12/2002

29. Title: Man on a Ledge Logline: A guy checks into a New York hotel to commit suicide, so the police shut down the entire block while the town watches. But, what the man is actually up to is a jewelry store heist across the street from the hotel. Writer: Pablo Fenjvez Studio: MGM Price: Low against mid six figures Genre: Thriller Date Sold: 3/12/2002

30. Title: Hal Buckley Logline: A high school’s “Big Man on Campus” loves abusing his power until he has an existential crisis that throws his school’s social order out of whack. Writer: Christian Papierniak, Deena Berezin Studio: New Line Cinema Genre: Comedy Date Sold: 3/14/2002 Add’l Info: Feature-length version of a short film the writers co-wrote at the American Film Institute.

31. Title: King’s Ransom Logline: A rich man plans on divorcing his wife until he realizes that she will get half of his money. In order to avoid this, he arranges his own kidnapping to wipe him out, but soon finds out that several other parties have organized real plans of kidnapping him themselves so they can get the ransom money. Writer: Wayne Conley Studio: New Line Cinema Price: Low against mid six figures Genre: Comedy Date Sold: 3/15/2002

32. Title: The Prom Logline: A boy, who is in love with the girl next door, wants to take her to prom. The only problem is she already has a date, and plans on deflowering that date to make her prom that much more of a night to remember. Writer: Stephen Falk Agency: Broder Kurland Webb Uffner Manager: Brooklyn Weaver Management Firm: Energy Production Co.: Artisan Entertainment Price: Low against mid six figures Genre: Romantic Comdedy Date Sold: 3/18/2002

33. Title: Topsiders Logline: Four kids find a treasure map which sends them on a wild hunt through the New York subway system. Writer: Jonathan Rosenbloom, Justin Merz Manager: Brad Kaplan Studio: DreamWorks Pictures Price: $300,000 against $600,000 Genre: Action Adventure, Childrens Date Sold: 3/18/2002 Add’l Info: first time writers

34. Title: The Spy Next Door Logline: Upon realizing his next door neighbor is a spy, a regular suburban accountant must team up with him to save the world. Writer: Joe Ballarini Agent: Dan Rabinow Agency: ICM Management Firm: Foursight Entertainment Production Co.: Dimension Films Price: $600,000 against $800,000 Genre: Comedy Date Sold: 3/22/2002 Add’l Info: First time writer

35. Title: In Vitro Logline: An infertile couple turn to in vitro fertilization in order to conceive. Once the woman is pregnant, the couple begins to question the true origin of their baby when the woman starts acting very strangely. Writer: Ben Ripley Agency: Hohman Maybank Lieb Management Firm: Talent Entertainment Group Studio: Twentieth Century Fox Genre: Horror Date Sold: 3/27/

36. Title: Green Hell Logline: A group of extreme sports enthusiasts get involved in a treasure hunt in a rain forest. The hunt turns dangerous when the group is chased down by a brutal gang looking for the same thing. Writer: Elwood Reid Agency: Genesis, A Literary Agency Production Co.: Singer/Jensen Entertainment Price: Six figures Genre: Drama Date Sold: 3/28/2002

37. Title: The Deceiver Logline: A team of archeologists unwittingly unleash a pair of monstrous creatures that ultimately threaten the future of mankind. Writer: Keith Davidson Agent: David Warden Agency: Warden, White & Associates Studio: Universal Pictures Genre: Horror, Thriller Date Sold: 4/5/2002

38. Title: Alone Logline: An agoraphobic high school girl discovers that her house is haunted and must either overcome her fears or die. Writer: Kevin Taft Agency: William Morris Agency Management Firm: The Mayhem Group Studio: New Line Cinema Price: Mid six against seven figures Genre: Horror Date Sold: 4/11/2002 Add’l Info: Preemptive pick-up

39. Title: No Place Like Home Logline: Set in New York, a cocky guy has everything going his way, except his relationship with his parents. When his life falls apart and he breaks up with his girlfriend, he has to move into his parent’s house in Long Island and deal with their rules. Writer: Margaret Heidenry Studio: New Line Cinema Genre: Comedy Date Sold: 4/15/2002

40. Title: The Crossing Logline: A female-driven action story in the vein of “Breakdown.” Writer: Phil DeBlasi, Byron Willinger Agency: Genesis, A Literary Agency Studio: New Line Cinema Price: Mid six against low-seven figures Genre: Action Date Sold: 4/15/2002

41. Title: Untitled Uganda Project Logline: In Uganda in 1972, an American ex-pat and his close Indian friend find themselves engulfed in the ethnic cleansing of East Indians from Uganda by Idi Amin. Writer: Aslam Amlani Production Co.: Viva Films Ltd, Dreyfuss/James Productions Price: Low against mid six figures Genre: Political Drama Date Sold: 4/17/2002

42. Title: Bittersweet16 Logline: Set in the world of the ridiculously lavish Manhattan private school Sweet 16 party circuit. Writer: Caroline Doyle-Karasyov, Jill Kargman Agency: Don Buchwald & Associates Studio: Paramount Pictures Price: Low against mid six figures Genre: Teen Comedy Date Sold: 4/17/2002

43. Title: Jake and Monica’s Panic Attack Logline: Two neurotic, mismatched therapy patients spend a chaotic day in Manhattan searching for their missing therapist. Writer: Gary Goldstein Manager: Mark Kaplan Management Firm: Tandem Entertainment Management Production Co.: Fast Carrier Genre: Romantic Comedy Date Sold: 4/19/2002

44. Title: Accidentally Yours Logline: The clumsiest man alive falls in love with a woman who works in a fine China shop. In order to keep a promising relationship from shattering, the man decides he’ll learn grace by taking dancing lessons. Writer: Leslie Dixon Agent: William Morris Agency Studio: Miramax Films Price: $500,000 against $1M Genre: Comedy Date Sold: 4/22/2002

45. Title: Bankrobber Logline: Revolves around a charming bank robber and the female FBI agent who is hunting him down. Writer: Richard Regen Agency: William Morris Agency Production Co.: Constantin Films Price: Low against mid six figures Genre: Romantic Caper Date Sold: 4/26/2002

46. Title: Trails of the Warlock Logline: An incompetent man attempts to earn his legacy as a serial killer. Writer: Christopher Dean Johnston Agent: Mickey Freiberg Agency: Acme Talent and Literary Production Co.: Leadville Pictures Genre: Comedy Date Sold: 4/29/2002

47. Title: Diesel Debutantes Logline: A twenty-something debutante inherits a losing race car team only to become the lead driver and turn the team’s winning chances around. Writer: Gregg Rossen, Brian Sawyer Agency: Preferred Artists Manager: Jonathan Hung Management Firm: MBST Entertainment Studio: New Line Cinema Genre: Comedy Date Sold: 5/2/2002

48. Title: Indigo Logline: Being kept under wraps, but described as being along the line of “Flatliners.” Writer: Alex Torres Agent: Sou-Yun Kim Agency: Genesis, A Literary Agency Management Firm: Benderspink Production Co.: Myriad Pictures Price: Low against mid six figures Genre: Supernatural Thriller Date Sold: 5/2/2002

49. Title: Tulip Logline: “Tootsie”-esque story that involves mistaken identity. Writer: Gina Wendkos, Jerry Stahl Agency: CAA, UTA Management Firm: Industry Entertainment Production Co.: De Line Pictures Genre: Romantic Comedy Date Sold: 5/7/2002

50. Title: Snow and the Seven Logline: “Snow White”-inspired story in which a young aristocratic Englishwoman flees her home in Hong Kong after her stepmother threatens her life. The girl takes refuge at a Shaolin temple, where seven Shaolin monks keep her safe from the supernatural forces that seek her. Writer: Josh Harmon, Scott Elder Agency: CAA Studio: Walt Disney Company Genre: Action Adventure Date Sold: 5/10/2002

51. Title: Hardcourt Logline: A prominent young criminal attorney must defend his old mentor, a college basketball coach, who is under suspicion of having murdered his mistress. Writer: Mark L. Smith Management Firm: Benderspink Production Co.: Phoenix Pictures Price: Low six against mid six figures Genre: Legal Thriller Date Sold: 5/31/2002 Add’l Info: Writer was discovered via ScriptShark.com

52. Title: Don’t Get It Twisted Logline: Twin brothers, separated at birth and raised at opposite ends of the socioeconomic ladder, meet for the first time as adults, and decide to trade places. Writer: D.J. Pooh, Marcus Morton Production Co.: Artisan Entertainment Genre: Urban Comedy Date Sold: 6/6/2002

53. Title: By Virtue Fall Logline: A young DEA operative finds himself framed and is sent to prison, while his corrupt partner gets away with his misdeeds. In prison, the clean partner becomes toughened and loses all his scruples, while the corrupt cop — anguished over the loss of his partner — straightens out. Writer: Sheldon Turner Agency: Endeavor Agency Management Firm: Benderspink Studio: Paramount Pictures Genre: Drama Date Sold: 6/7/2002

54. Title: The Reaping Logline: A myth debunker tries to prove that a young boy is not the supernatural force behind the devastation of a small, religious Texas town. Writer: Brian Rousso Agency: APA Production Co.: Dark Castle Entertainment Genre: Horror Date Sold: 6/7/2002

55. Title: Class Clowns Logline: Two best buddies think they’ve found the ultimate in teaching jobs until they end up at their old grammar school, which is still ruled by the same principal who swore revenge on them as kids. Writer: Grant Calof, Greg Lee Agent: Brad Rosenfeld Agency: Preferred Artists Manager: Jonathan Hung Management Firm: MBST Entertainment Studio: Columbia Pictures Genre: Comedy Date Sold: 6/11/2002

56. Title: Straight Up Logline: Centers on the extreme sport of urban climbing. Writer: Rod Spence Studio: Paramount Pictures Genre: Action, Thriller Date Sold: 6/17/2002 Add’l Info: First time writer

57. Title: Again Logline: A man comes home from a business trip to discover his wife and child murdered. Against the advice of all those around him, he decides to investigate the murders and makes a shocking discovery. Writer: Karl Bakke Agent: Broder Kurland Webb Uffner Agency Production Co.: Escape Artists Price: Mid six figures Genre: Thriller Date Sold: 6/19/2002

58. Title: The Golden Tux Logline: Centers on the preparations for a wedding in which the groom has hired a professional best man to stand up for him. Writer: Jeremy Garelick, Jay Lavender Agent: Mike Sheresky, Ramses IsHak Agency: William Morris Agency Manager: Allen Fischer Management Firm: Santos-Fischer Management Production Co.: Dimension Films Price: Mid six-figure Genre: Comedy Date Sold: 6/21/2002 Add’l Info: Preemptive pick-up

59. Title: S.P.O.O.K.S. Logline: S.P.O.O.K.S. (Special Paranormal Organization of Kids), a group of junior high school misfits empowered chiefly by their imagination and youthful but nerdish techniques, work together to save their town from evil spirits. Writer: Kirby Atkins Studio: Miramax Films Price: Six figures Genre: Adventure Date Sold: 6/21/2002

60. Title: Nevermore Logline: A sexy, young agent engages in international espionage. Writer: Michael Kingston Agency: Endeavor Agency Management Firm: Benderspink Studio: New Line Cinema Price: Low six figures Genre: Action, Thriller Date Sold: 6/24/2002

61. Title: After the Sunset Logline: After a master thief’s big score, and as he is retiring in paradise, he soon realizes he is bored stiff. When his lifelong nemesis, an FBI agent, shows up to make sure that he is really retired, a new cat-and-mouse game of friendship, suspicion and thievery begins. Writer: Paul Zbyszewski Management Firm: CL Productions & Management Studio: New Line Cinema Genre: Drama, Heist Date Sold: 6/26/2002 Add’l Info: Preemptive pick-up

62. Title: Untitled Snowden-White Spec Logline: A woman, who recently lost her child, is visited by the spirit of another deceased child, whom she believes to be her own. But when the woman tells her husband, he thinks she’s going mad. But this “harmless” ghost has an evil agenda all its own. Writer: Juliet Snowden, Stiles Eliot White Agency: ICM Management Firm: Kaplan/Perrone Entertainment Production Co.: Craven/Maddalena Films Price: Low six figures against mid six figures Genre: Suspense Thriller Date Sold: 6/28/2002

63. Title: The Lost Logline: While evaluating a woman who’s been diagnosed with multiple personalities, a psychiatrist becomes obsessed with her case once he realizes that her multiple “personalities” are actually murder victims. Writer: Dan Dworkin, Jay Beattie Agency: Broder Kurland Webb Uffner Manager: Darby Parker Management Firm: Benderspink Production Co.: Artisan Entertainment Price: Low six figures Genre: Thriller Date Sold: 7/1/2002

64. Title: The Time of Our Lives Logline: Set in the arena of women’s basketball, an independent team tours the Midwest in the early 1960s. Writer: Rod Spence Production Co.: Marca-Relli Productions Genre: Comedy Date Sold: 7/8/2002

65. Title: Tonight, He Comes Logline: Dark tale about the relationship between a troubled 12-year-old and a fallen superhero. Writer: Vincent Ngo Production Co.: Artisan Entertainment Genre: Drama Date Sold: 7/18/2002

66. Title: Shrinking Violet Logline: A girl in her twenties lies to her family and pretends she actually has a wonderful relationship with a new boyfriend, who is actually just her shrink. Things get complicated for her when she can’t decide what would be worse news for her straitlaced family: to learn she’s in therapy or that her relationship is a fraud. Writer: Julie Rotenberg, Elisa Zuritsky Production Co.: Revolution Studios Price: Low against mid six figures Genre: Comedy Date Sold: 7/22/2002

67. Title: Wrecked Logline: Set against a treasure hunt in Bermuda, a couple accidentally discover a sunken treasure that leads to betrayal, deception and jeopardy. Writer: Steven Gilder Studio: Paramount Pictures Genre: Thriller Date Sold: 7/26/2002 Add’l Info: First time writer

68. Title: A College Sex Comedy Logline: Set in a college dorm just before Christmas break, one student hires a prostitute for his virgin brother, while another student waits for the arrival of a foreign exchange student. Writer: Patrick Casey, Worm Miller Production Co.: Hill & Brand Entertainment Genre: Comedy Date Sold: 7/26/2002

69. Title: Blind Spot Logline: Set in Washington D.C., a man is wrongfully accused of a crime. Writer: Evan Katz Agency: Endeavor Agency Studio: MGM Price: Mid six figures Genre: Thriller Date Sold: 7/29/2002

70. Title: Charlie Logline: A mute man from Texas moves to Manhattan to pursue his dream of being an orchestra conductor. Writer: Rob Perez Agency: William Morris Agency Studio: New Line Cinema Price: Mid against high six figures Genre: Romantic Fable Date Sold: 7/30/2002

71. Title: Mile Zero Logline: A young woman tries to clear her father’s name in a string of gruesome murders at a remote Alaskan oil facility. In doing so, she gets a job at the station, hoping to prove that the place is haunted. Writer: Holly Brix Management Firm: Benderspink Production Co.: Phoenix Pictures Genre: Horror, Thriller Date Sold: 8/8/2002

72. Title: Kool Herc’s Breakbeat Logline: Two, odd-ball DJs search for a prized hop-hop record titled, “Kool Herc’s Breakbeat,” the record known to be real life catalyst for the hip-hop movement. On the record, Herc mixed back and forth between the two copies of the identical records to indefinitely extend the “break,” and in doing so, he introduced the turntable as a musical instrument in and of itself, and gave rise to the hip-hop DJ. Writer: Paul Hirsch Manager: Brooklyn Weaver Management Firm: Energy Production Co.: Maverick Films Price: Low six figures Genre: Comedy, Drama Date Sold: 8/13/2002

73. Title: The Killing Floor Logline: A young man is drawn into an FBI investigation to track down his brother, a suspect in a serial murder case, before he can kill again. Writer: Jay Beattie Agency: Broder Kurland Webb Uffner Agency Manager: Darby Parker Management Firm: Benderspink Production Co.: Millenium Films Price: N/A Genre: Thriller Date Sold: 8/14/2002

74. Title: The Governor’s Wife Logline: The wife of the Idaho governor dreams of becoming the first lady of the United States and stops at nothing, including manipulating her husband’s political career, to achieve her goal. Writer: Pablo Zachai Agency: UTA Studio: Touchstone Pictures Price: Low against mid six figures Genre: Comedy Date Sold: 8/16/2002 Add’l Info: First time writer

75. Title: Inside Man Logline: A tough cop matches wits with a clever robber during a hostage situation at a bank. Writer: Russell Gewirtz Agency: CAA Studio: Universal Pictures Production Co.: Imagine Entertainment Price: $400,000 against $1M Genre: Crime Thriller Date Sold: 8/21/2002 Add’l Info: First time writer

76. Title: Wait Listing Wally Logline: A regular, albeit unbalanced, Midwestern dad begins systematically taking down the families ahead of his 5-year-oldson on the waiting list for a top-notch private school. Writer: Marty Scott, Toni Kotite Agency: Genesis, A Literary Agency Studio: Walt Disney Pictures Price: Low six figures Genre: Comedy Date Sold: 9/5/2002

77. Title: Man Alive Logline: Over a few hours, a fugitive tries to save the life of her alleged murder victim. Writer: Larry Cohen Agency: CAA Production Co.: Morgan Creek Productions Price: Mid six figures Genre: Thriller Date Sold: 9/16/2002

78. Title: A Penny Earned Logline: Centers on a Manhattan debutante who has exhausted her trust fund. Writer: Andy Bellin Agency: Gersh Management Firm: The Firm Production Co.: Spyglass Entertainment Group Genre: Romantic Comedy Date Sold: 9/16/2002

79. Title: The Whole Pemberton Thing Logline: Centers around the explosive relationship between a young executive and his conniving, oddball office mate. Writer: Mike Samonek Agency: Genesis, A Literary Agency Production Co.: Alcon Entertainment Genre: Comedy Date Sold: 9/18/2002

80. Title: The Conspirator Logline: A psychologist suddenly realizes that his patients aren’t really the people he thought them to be, and he must go on the run from some bad people. Writer: Gary Horn Agency: Innovative Artists Management Firm: Untitled Entertainment Studio: Fox 2000 Price: Mid six figures Genre: Drama Date Sold: 9/25/2002 Add’l Info: Preemptive pick-up

81. Title: Three Gun Blues Logline: Set in Los Angeles, three seasoned, street smart cops are joined by a rookie officer Writer: Josh Olson Studio: Paramount Pictures Price: Mid six figures Genre: Action, Comedy Date Sold: 9/26/2002 Add’l Info: Preemptive pick-up

82. Title: A Quarterback’s Tale Logline: A young sports fan lands a PR job with the NFL and discovers that his hero, a quarterback, has major flaws on and off the field. Writer: Jim Burnstein, Garrett Schiff Agency: ICM Manager: Doug Johnson, Michael Goldman Management Firm: Tollin/Robbins Management Studio: MGM Production Co.: N/A Price: $500,000 against $800,000 Genre: Comedy Date Sold: 9/30/2002 Add’l Info: Part of a bidding war

83. Title: Jack Hood Logline: A young man discovers a treasure map to a lost city and embarks on a quest to find his fortune. Writer: Wayne Mogilefsky Production Co.: RKO Pictures Genre: Action Adventure Date Sold: 10/1/2002

84. Title: New Sensation Logline: A high school girl dropout out from the wrong side of the tracks ends up working at a gentleman’s club. She runs away and hides out at a prep school, where she takes on a new identity and begins a new life. Writer: Chris Hauty Agency: Original Artists Studio: New Line Cinema Price: High six figures Genre: Drama Date Sold: 10/2/2002 Add’l Info: Preemptive pick-up

85. Title: Dinner for Two Logline: A man takes a job as an advice columnist for a teen magazine, only to find out that one of his advice seekers happens to be his illegitimate daughter. Keeping the girl a secret from his wife becomes a problem after the man begins spending too much time with girl, raising suspicions of infidelity. Writer: Christine Scowley, Adam Kleid Manager: Mason Novick Management Firm: Benderspink Production Co.: Revolution Studios Price: Low six figures Genre: Romantic Comedy Date Sold: 10/2/2002 Add’l Info: First time writers

86. Title: Darkhorse Logline: A tough driver is blackmailed into a new world of organized street racing. Writer: Sean Jacques Agency: Paul Kohner Agency Production Co.: Maverick Films Price: Low six figures Genre: Action Date Sold: 10/2/2002

87. Title: Don Cornelius Logline: A straight laced African American accountant traces his family roots and discovers that his father is a mob boss Writer: Nick Guthe Studio: MGM Price: Mid six figures Genre: Comedy Date Sold: 10/14/2002

88. Title: Temping Fate Logline: A marketing executive’s life is turned upside down when he’s downsized. Writer: Lisa Mohan, Alex Stayden Studio: Walt Disney Pictures Genre: Comedy Date Sold: 10/15/2002

89. Title: Earthbound Logline: A woman finds out she’s dying of cancer, then talks to God, who grants her three wishes, one of which is to fall in love. Writer: Gren Wells Agent: Nicole Clemens Agency: ICM Management Firm: Immortal Entertainment Production Co.: Davis Entertainment Price: Mid six figures Genre: Comedy Date Sold: 10/17/2002

90. Title: Six Shooters Logline: Set against the Civil War, a couple of Union soldiers try to steal the Confederate’s entire supply of gold that is aboard trains. Writer: John Enbom Agency: CAA Studio: Columbia Pictures Price: High six figures against seven-figures Genre: Action Adventure Date Sold: 10/18/2002 Add’l Info: Preemptive pick-up

91. Title: Messengers Logline: The death of her estranged father forces a Manhattan doctor back to her small-town roots, where she uncovers a dark secret. Writer: Charles Hall, Adam MacLean, Ryan Neil Agent: Geoff Brooks Agency: The Characters Talent Agency Production Co.: WorkShop Productions, LLC Genre: Thriller Date Sold: 10/21/2002

92. Title: A Private’s Life Logline: An Army psychiatrist is brought in to perform a psychological autopsy on an Army private who was found dead. The powers that be seem to think it’s an open and shut case until the psychiatrist goes beyond the call of duty to get to the bottom of it. Writer: Andy Stern, Samantha Goodman Agent: Steve Fisher Agency: APA Manager: Allen Fischer Management Firm: Santos-Fischer Management Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures Price: High six figures Genre: Military Thriller Date Sold: 10/21/2002

93. Title: Skeleton Key Logline: Set in New Orleans, a young caretaker works for an elderly couple in their home where strange things happen Writer: Ehren Kruger Agency: Paradigm Studio: Universal Pictures Price: Seven figures Genre: Horror Date Sold: 10/22/2002

94. Title: Five Dollars a Day Logline: A son is forced to reunite with his con artist father during a cross-country odyssey. Writer: Neal H. Dobrofsky, Tippi Dobrofsky Manager: Wendi Niad Management Firm: Niad Management Production Co.: Fine Line Features Price: Low against mid six figures Genre: Drama Date Sold: 10/22/2002 Add’l Info: Optioned

95. Title: RPM Logline: A pair of outlaw racers tool around in Maseratis, Aston-Martins, Lamborghini’s and Ferraris. They take part in an underground road rally in London, Monaco, Paris and Germany that is wrapped around a heist. Writer: Joel Wyman Agency: Endeavor Agency Studio: Columbia Pictures Price: $1.8M against $3M Genre: Action Date Sold: 10/23/2002

96. Title: Shake It Logline: A female-driven fish-out-of-water story. Writer: Elizabeth Hackett, Hilary Galanoy Manager: Jennie Frankel Management Firm: Zide/Perry Management Studio: MGM Genre: Comedy Date Sold: 10/23/2002

97. Title: Parental Guidance Logline: Adults emotionally revert to teenagers and rediscover their friendships, rivalries and dreams of that time in their lives. Writer: Kelly Bowe Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures Price: Mid six against high six figures Genre: Drama, Fantasy Date Sold: 10/24/2002

98. Title: Friends Who Kiss Logline: N/A Writer: Chris MacEwan Production Co.: Raw/Progressive Films Genre: Romantic Comedy Date Sold: 10/25/2002

99. Title: Wheels of Fury Logline: An ’80s cop, whose partner is a talking car, falls into a coma and wakes up sixteen years later. Writer: Ron Anderson Management Firm: Bondesen/Graup Studio: MGM Genre: Comedy Date Sold: 10/28/2002

100. Title: Horsemen Logline: While hunting down a vicious serial killer, a cop discovers a shocking connection with the prime suspect. Writer: David Callaham Agency: UTA Manager: Guymon Casady Management Firm: Industry Entertainment Production Co.: Radar Pictures Genre: Psychological Thriller Date Sold: 10/31/2002

101. Title: The Gardener of Eden Logline: A college dropout returns to his hometown and receives unexpected honors when he accidentally saves a local’s life. This motivates him to set up more would-be disasters so he can again benefit from saving the day. Writer: Adam “Tex” Davis Agency: Major Artists Management Firm: Benderspink Production Co.: Appian Way Genre: Comedy Date Sold: 11/11/2002

102. Title: Postmortem Logline: A coroner uncovers a mystery while working on a John Doe cadaver. Writer: Sam Montgomery Agency: The Lynn Pleshette Literary Agency Production Co.: Summit Entertainment Genre: Thriller Date Sold: 11/11/2002

103. Title: The Fool Logline: Revolves around the richest man in California and his seven wives and 12 daughters. Writer: Barry Fanaro Agency: UTA Studio: DreamWorks Pictures Price: Mid six against low seven figures Genre: Romantic Comedy Date Sold: 11/12/2002 Add’l Info: Based on an unpublished novel of the same name by Susan Trott. Fanaro optioned the novel out of his own pocket and wrote the screenplay on spec.

104. Title: The Recipe Logline: An aspiring chef inherits her grandmother’s “infamous aphrodisiac recipe” and travels to Italy to track down the origins of the concoction. Writer: Ruth Graham-Black Production Co.: Fine Line Features Genre: Comedy Date Sold: 11/18/2002

105. Title: Game of Life Logline: N/A Writer: Jon Lucas, Scott Moore Agency: William Morris Agency Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures Price: Six figures Genre: Drama Date Sold: 11/19/2002

106. Title: The Last Measure Logline: A young Pentagon staff member learns the true meaning of heroism when fighting for a medal of honor for a brave Air Force offer who was killed in Vietnam. Writer: Todd Robinson Agency: Paradigm Management Firm: Margaret Riley Management Studio: New Line Cinema Genre: Drama Date Sold: 11/20/2002

107. Title: Hide and Seek Logline: A father discovers that his nine-year-old daughter has come up with an unexpected and terrifying way of dealing with her mother’s death. Writer: Ari Schlossberg Agency: William Morris Agency Manager: Michael Sugar Studio: Fox 2000 Price: Low six figures Genre: Psychological Thriller Date Sold: 11/21/2002

108. Title: Starring Vic Logline: An out-of-work actor helps a young kid capture the girl of his dreams. Writer: Fred Lebow, Dan Sullivan Studio: New Line Cinema Genre: Comedy Date Sold: 11/21/2002

109. Title: Seniors Logline: A hard-partying eighth-year college senior develops a friendship with an eccentric older woman after accidentally crashing his car into her property. Forced to do repair work on her house, he ends up developing a rapport with her that changes their lives. Writer: Jon Zack Agency: William Morris Agency Production Co.: Focus Features Genre: Comedy Date Sold: 12/2/2002

110. Title: The Woods Logline: A young girl is left by her parents at remote boarding school in the forest. After her classmates begin disappearing, she tries to discover the root of the problem and finds it’s related to a mysterious dwelling in the woods. Writer: David Ross Studio: United Artists Pictures Genre: Psychological Horror Date Sold: 12/3/2002

111. Title: Zillion Logline: A dashing billionaire named Matthew Zillion teams up with a tough female detective in New York to crush an international drug ring. Writer: Dwayne Alexander Smith Management Firm: Circle of Confusion Production Co.: Pandemonium Genre: Comedy Date Sold: 12/5/2002

112. Title: The College Experience Logline: A Brentwood socialite gets a rude awakening when she finds herself newly divorced & broke and is forced to return to college. Writer: Dax Shelby, Robert Stevens Agency: Preferred Artists Manager: Geri Robert Management Firm: Fearless Entertainment Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures Price: Mid against high six figures Genre: Comedy Date Sold: 12/10/2002 Add’l Info: Preemptive pick-up

113. Title: Snakeskin Logline: A man, who specializes in “acquiring” specialty items for the highest bidder, seeks revenge when he’s double-crossed and must recover a priceless relic. Writer: Caesar Luisi Management Firm: Immortal Entertainment Production Co.: Emmett/Furla Films Genre: Action Date Sold: 12/20/2002

114. Title: WXYZ Logline: A late night talk show host at a small town radio station encounters supernatural warnings involving a series of murders that he may or may not be responsible for. Writer: Andrew Klavan Agency: Endeavor Agency Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures Genre: Thriller Date Sold: 12/30/2002

Analysis:

• This is a really interesting year. A jump in spec script sales. It seems like a lot more specs got produced than in previous years. Will the totals bear that out?
• Some notable sales: Inside Man and Head of State.
• Talk about ‘similar but different’! Smart and Smarter [Dumb and Dumber], NYPD Nanny [Kindergarten Cop / Mrs. Doubtfire], Snow and the Seven [Snow White].
• Talk about high concept! Daddy Day Care, Man on a Ledge, The Spy Next Door, Matchmutts.

The sales totals took a nice bump upward in 2002. Here is that trendline:

1991: 28
1992: 40
1993: 89
1994: 101
1995: 173
1996: 155
1997: 141
1998: 110
1999: 83
2000: 92
2001: 101
2002: 114

Finally your opinions: Which one of these loglines strikes you as the strongest and why?

For the rest of The Definitive Spec Script Deals List, go here.

Special thanks: Sales details are included with permission from Done Deal Pro (www.donedealpro.com).

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