Projects In The Development Pipeline At Fox Television Pictures

A telefilm based on the novel "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn," an adaptation of Robert Penn Warren's "All the King's Men" for A&E Network and a small-screen version of Ira Levin's play "Footsteps" for CBS are among the projects in the development pipeline at Fox Television Pictures.

Fox TV Pictures, the longform division of Fox Television Studios, also is working to bring back "The White Shadow" and "Remington Steele," two drama series in the MTM library now owned by Fox, as original movies that could serve as backdoor pilots for remakes, Fox TV Pictures executive vp David Madden said.

In addition to "All the King's Men," Warren's Pulitzer Prize-winning study of Louisiana politics, Fox TV Pictures has another historical-themed telefilm in the works for A&E. "Abandon Ship" centers on the sinking of the USS Indianapolis two weeks before the end of World War II.

Since it was formed five years ago, Fox TV Pictures has shifted its focus from feeding Fox Broadcasting Co., FX and other News Corp.-owned channels into supplying a wide range of longform production to ABC, CBS, NBC and outside basic cable outlets as well.

FX has stepped up its development of original telefilms during the past two years, but Fox Broadcasting Co. last year shut down its longform unit, and the Fox Family Channel was sold to the Walt Disney Co.

An important part of Fox TV Pictures' strategy is "trying to judiciously use the Fox library and try to find titles that don't necessarily belong to the world of feature remakes but where there's some reason to think about remaking them for television," said Madden, who joined Fox TV Pictures in 2000 after a long run as a feature producer.

"A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" is a property that Fox has owned for years, since its production of the 1945 Elia Kazan feature. In 1974, 20th Century Fox TV produced a telefilm based on Betty Smith's novel for NBC. Robert Dornhelm, who directed ABC's "Anne Frank" last year, is on board to direct the latest version of the story of a girl's coming of age in turn-of-the-century Brooklyn, and Roni Weisberg ("Mermaid") will executive produce.

As part of the library revival effort, Fox TV Pictures is exploring the idea of taking a contemporary spin on such well-known Fox series as "White Shadow," "Remington Steele" and "Lost in Space," which Fox TV Pictures is developing for NBC.

"I've grown increasingly intrigued by how the world of series actually works, so I think we're gonna start to try dipping our toe in the water and get involved in a few potential series projects," Madden said.

For FX, the focus is mostly on true stories that have a provocative or controversial element, such as "Big Shot: Confessions of a Campus Bookie," which premiered Sunday, and the upcoming movie on the Enron scandal, done in association with Artisan Entertainment. Artisan, which has an overall longform deal with Fox TV Pictures, also co-produces FX's upcoming telefilm "Little Brother," about Robert F. Kennedy.

"NBC, ABC and CBS -- they're much more in the mode of trying to find things that have some sort of pop-culture slant," Madden said.

Also at NBC, Fox TV Pictures is developing in association with Merv Griffin Entertainment a TV adaptation of the musical "Hello, Dolly!" to be executive produced by Ernest Chambers ("Dream Girl, U.S.A.").

Over at CBS, Fox TV Pictures is developing an un-produced play from writer Ira Levin ("Deathtrap," "The Boys From Brazil") as a possible live presentation, following the eye network's live telecasts of "Fail Safe" in 2000 and "On Golden Pond" last year. The network's final decision on whether "Footsteps" will be live is said to hinge on the casting of the project.

Shelley Evans (CBS' "One Kill") wrote the script based on Levin's play about a Broadway playwright who plots to murder one of his students and take credit for his play. Gordon is executive producing with Ken Raskoff (CBS' "The Moving of Sophia Myles").

As part of his overall deal with Fox TV Pictures, Emmy-winning producer Larry Schiller (CBS' "Perfect Murder, Perfect Town") has eight projects in development, including "Forensic Files," a reality pilot set up at CBS that will feature forensic expert Henry Lee, who will try to crack old unsolved mysteries using modern technology.

The script for "Forensic Files" was penned by Tom Topor, who also is writing Schiller's telefilm for CBS about the first hours after the first plane hit New York's World Trade Center on Sept. 11. "Not only did they allow me to operate creatively myself, but they had the support there when I needed it, but they didn't impose it upon me," Schiller said of his work with Fox TV Pictures.

All told, Fox TV Pictures has about 20 projects set up at various networks, including the "Prince William" biopic at ABC and "Eater" at FX. Despite the contraction in original longform production at CBS and NBC, Madden is optimistic about the genre's future.

"I think that there's going to be a small resurgence of movie for TV," he said. "It was feeling like very doom-laden time last year, but this year we've really come around, and I feel like we're going to be OK."

Dangerous Liaisons For Catherine Deneuve, Rupert Everett and Leelee Sobieski

Catherine Deneuve, Rupert Everett and Leelee Sobieski will star in the French miniseries "Les Liaisons Dangereuses" (Dangerous Liaisons), based on Choderlos de Laclos' classic 18th century novel. French helmer Josee Dayan will direct. The project, which will shoot simultaneously in English and French, will begin filming this month in the south of France, Paris, Montreal and Scotland.

"Liaisons," adapted by Eric-Emmanuel Schmitt, will see Sobieski portray Cecile Volanges, an innocent young girl who becomes a pawn and later a participant in the Machiavellian sexual games of her elders, Madame de Merteuil (Deneuve) and Valmont (Everett).

JLA Prods, Hamster Prods. and Les Productions Dangereuses Inc. in France are producing "Liaisons." Distribution and airdates have yet to be announced.

The project marks Sobieski's second French-language project, having recently wrapped shooting the French feature "L'Idole" (The Idol). The actress recently signed to star in George Hickenlooper's indie feature "A Whale in Montana," opposite Susan Sarandon, which shoots at the end of the month (HR 4/1). The two-time Golden Globe nominee, repped by CAA, Malatier Artists and Current Entertainment, next stars in the indie feature "Max" opposite John Cusack.

Everett, repped by ICM and ICM London, has several upcoming projects, including New Line Cinema's "Who Shot Victor Fox," Miramax Films' "The Importance of Being Ernest" and IAC Films' "Cromwell & Fairfax." Deneuve is repped by UTA and her French reps at Art Media.

Dayan directed the French miniseries "Les Miserables" and "The Count of Monte Cristo," among numerous other projects.

De Laclos' novel has been adapted for the big screen in Roger Vadim's 1956 French feature, Stephen Frears' 1988 English-language feature and the teen version "Cruel Intentions" in 1999. The project also was adapted as a French-language made-for-television movie in 1988.

Sony Hopes To Tread New Ground In Product Placement For Animated Comedy "8 Crazy Nights

Linking product placement in films to backend promotion is nothing new. But Sony hopes to tread new ground with the Adam Sandler animated comedy "8 Crazy Nights," set largely in a shopping mall. The studio is talking to retailers featured in the movie about promoting the film, and in at least some cases offering in exchange to add verbal mentions of the companies to the film.

Both Sony and the Endeavor agency's marketing solutions unit, which is working on the project, declined comment. But sources said the companies were in discussions with such chain stores as Foot Locker and Cinnabon about promoting the Happy Madison-produced film when it comes out Thanksgiving weekend.

According to a source who has seen the film, such chains as Victoria's Secret, the Sharper Image, KB Toys and Spencer Gifts are shown. Some have prominent placement: the panda character from the Panda Express restaurant chain's logo is reportedly animated. Sony also has reportedly been in discussions with credit card firm Capital One and leading mall operator Simon Malls, which are not explicitly featured in the movie, about film tie-ins.

A promotion linked to "Nights" might not be for every company -- it is not traditional Disney-style family fare. The film has been rated PG-13 by the MPAA for "frequent crude and sexual humor, drinking and brief drug references." It's expected to appeal strongly to the teen and young adult males who frequent live-action Sandler movies in droves.

The film centers on several characters voiced by Sandler (other characters are voiced by fellow "Saturday Night Live" alums Rob Schneider and Jon Lovitz). One of those characters, Davey, is a party animal sentenced to doing referee work on a school basketball team. He clashes with a kindly older referee, Whitey, who he has to work with. Described by co-writer Allen Covert as a "Hanukkah musical," the movie is set during the holidays.

Placement in animated films could be part of a mini-trend if "Nights" and at least one other project are successful. Larry Kasanoff's Threshold Entertainment is prepping an animated family comedy called "Foodfight!" featuring cameo roles for such well-known packaged-goods brands as Mr. Clean, Uncle Ben, Starkist's Charlie the Tuna and Hostess' Twinkie the Kid. According to a Threshold spokeswoman, the company is in discussions with several studios about distributing the film in summer 2003.

Kasanoff said none of these companies paid for placement in the film -- set in a supermarket, with brands as the characters -- and the characters were chosen solely because "they creatively fit the film." Kasanoff claims that Threshold expects marketing support valued at close to $100 million from these partners for the movie, expected to carry a PG rating.

Eugene Levy, In the Houze For Dis

Eugene Levy has joined the cast of the Adam Shenkman- directed comedy "In the Houze" for the Walt Disney Co. The project begins shooting this month.

Written by Jason Filardi, the project centers on a man (Steve Martin) who uses the Internet to find a date. He strikes up an online relationship with a woman in jail (Queen Latifah) who has multiple stories about her background. When she gets out of jail, she proceeds to wreak havoc on the man's orderly upper-middle-class life. Levy will play Howie, the man's best friend who is always trying to get him to commit to crazy schemes.

Hyde Park partners David Hoberman and Ashok Amritraj, whose company has a second-look deal at Disney, are producing. Hyde Park senior vp Todd Lieberman also will receive producing credit. Production executives Jason Reed and Kristen Burr are overseeing the project for Disney.

Following the completion of the project, Levy will segue into a feature film about the world of folk music tentatively titled "A Mighty Wind," which he co-wrote with Christopher Guest. The duo will star with Guest directing.

Levy, repped by UTA, Power Entertainment and Jared Levin, currently stars in the Fox sitcom "Greg the Bunny." His other credits include the "American Pie" feature franchise, "Serendipity" and "Best in Show," the latter of which he co-wrote with Guest.

Emmett/Furla Options Three New Action Films

Emmett/Furla Films Productions Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of Family Room Entertainment Corporation is pleased to announce they have acquired the exclusive option to acquire all rights to three new high concept action screenplays.

Last month, Emmett/Furla Films Productions extended its option agreement with Kingman Films International for the motion picture screenplay ``Gentlemen of the Hunt.'' Millennium Films has also greenlit, as part of Millennium Pictures' ten picture distribution/financing arrangement with Emmett/Furla Films, ``Gentlemen of the Hunt'' by Andrew Withman based on a story by Dennis Lefevre & Ken Young. Randall Emmett and George Furla along with Kingman Films' Arthur Chang will produce the picture. The screenplay is a high-concept, high-action picture. ``Gentlemen of the Hunt'' is the story of a young CIA agent who first hunts and then comes to the rescue of his estranged father, who has been framed as an international assassin.

In the second quarter of fiscal 2002, Emmett/Furla Films Productions Corporation optioned ``Point Risk'' by John Sheppard. Randall Emmett and George Furla of Emmett/Furla Films will produce with Larry Abramson of Incognito Entertainment. Barry Perelman will executive produce. The screenplay is a fast-paced action-er in the vein of ``Die Hard.'' ``Point Risk'' is the story of an L.A. cop on vacation with his estranged family on an idyllic island in the Pacific Northwest, only to find that the movie crew on the island is not actually filming a big budget action picture, but they are taking over the island and starting their own sovereign nation.

Most recently, Emmett/Furla Films Productions Corporation optioned ``Exchange of Power'' by Kim Delgado. Randall Emmett and George Furla of Emmett/Furla Films will produce with Larry Abramson of Incognito Entertainment. Barry Perelman will executive produce. The screenplay, which is based on actual events, is a fast-paced smart thriller in the vein of ``Traffic.'' ``Exchange of Power'' is the story of a renegade DEA agent who must avoid being double-crossed while trying to bring down the latest in a string of well-connected and violent cartels.

The Struggle To Save German Media Empire Kirch Group

The struggle to save German media empire Kirch Group from teetering into bankruptcy moves from Europe to Los Angeles this week.

Time is running out after creditor banks and partners in core television unit KirchMedia on Thursday rejected a $750 million rescue package to keep Kirch from sinking under nearly $5.7 billion in debt.

"Investors and banks have had intensive conversations in Munich over the last seven to 10 days. The next phase is going to be in Los Angeles later this week," said P.J. Shoucair, an adviser to Kirch investor Kingdom Holdings, owned by Saudi Prince Al-Waleed Bin Talal.

It is likely that talks will include renegotiating expensive movie rights deals that Kirch struck with the Hollywood majors for its struggling paybox, Premiere World.

Meanwhile, the German government continues to fight a possible grab by Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi or media mogul Rupert Murdoch for Leo Kirch's crumbling empire.

BOUNDARY LINES

On Monday, Justice Minister Herta Daeubler-Gmelin backed German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder and other politicos who have warned against allowing Berlusconi to gain influence in Germany by rescuing the financially troubled Kirch Group.

Berlusconi and Murdoch are expected Tuesday to present their plans for a takeover of KirchMedia, the group's core division.

"I think concentrating electronic media with a few individuals is a threat to every democracy. And we see in Italy the kind of damage a politician like Berlusconi can do with it," Daeubler-Gmelin said.

Norbert Schneider, head of the national board of media regulators, also expressed doubts about the Italian leader and media titan's ability to operate a TV broadcasting company in Germany while in power in Italy. He warned that media watchdogs would step in if Berlusconi or Murdoch used their power to spread one-sided political propaganda.

Last week, Schroeder and Wolfgang Clement, state minister for North Rhine-Westphalia, expressed concern about the possibility of a foreign leader and media monopolist such as Berlusconi expanding his influence in Germany. Clement said it would be incompatible with Germany's constitution and "monstrous."

BANKING ON BIG NAMES

Kirch's creditor banks are looking to rescue the beleaguered group by inviting minority shareholders, including Berlusconi and Murdoch, to take a majority stake in Kirch's core TV and rights business.

While banks were looking at a roughly equal split of the group between creditors and shareholders, Berlusconi and Murdoch want a majority stake.

Banks are ready to provide an emergency $150 million injection to cover immediate liabilities only if investors present a detailed and mutually acceptable plan, along with Leo Kirch's sign of approval. Otherwise, company will have to file for bankruptcy.

LOSING THEIR SHIRTS

Meanwhile, the justice minister has condemned plans by Georg Kofler, head of financially wracked pay-TV network Premiere, to save the broadcaster by introducing pornographic content.

"What we see at the moment is a clash of giants over the partitioning of the Kirch Group. Within this context, Kofler says he wants to concentrate more on porno films. That is damaging to society. I also think that a regional state-owned bank, even in Bavaria, should not support that financially."

Premiere, which is losing an estimated $2 million a day, has been financed via loans from the state-owned BayernLB and has been largely responsible for Kirch's debt.

Legal; It's Getting Harder To Say No In Hollywood.

Just ask director Tony Kaye, who was sued for $10 million by Larry Jenkins, producer of a script that Kaye declined to direct.

Last week, a federal judge dismissed Jenkins' claims, tossing the case without a trial.

But at a time when studio executives won't even open a package containing an unsolicited script for fear of a lawsuit charging copyright infringement, Kaye's legal odyssey may serve as a cautionary tale.

More than a year ago, Jenkins , who also has appeared as an actor in various films, approached Kaye and asked him to direct a screenplay, "Victim of Deceit," via Jenkins' production shingle, Flashworks Prods. Kaye declined.

But Jenkins persisted in telling financiers and prospective talent that Kaye was attached to direct it. He scheduled meetings Kaye refused to attend, and brought two producers to the set of an indie feature Kaye was directing.

After Kaye told the producers he wasn't interested, Jenkins asked Kaye to document his opinion of the script.

Kaye obliged. As he tells it, he gave Jenkins a videotape stating emphatically he would not direct the film. The tape, says Kaye, was "seasoned with profanity here and there."

Jenkins then slapped Kaye with a lawsuit charging that Kaye had made an oral agreement to direct his film, abandoned the project and embarked on a campaign to discredit him.

When the lawsuit hit the press, said Kaye, the negative publicity proved harmful, derailing a deal Kaye was negotiating for $2 million in financing for his own work.

Kaye is a successful commercial director, but he's had his share of legal trouble.

Two years ago, he lost a $200 million lawsuit against New Line and the Directors Guild of America over their refusal to remove his name as director of "American History X." Kaye rejected the traditional Alan Smithee pseudonym, asking that the film be credited instead to Humpty Dumpty.

Kaye's response to Jenkins was more successful. He filed a countersuit alleging that Jenkins violated his publicity rights, as well as a federal law pertaining to the use of misleading descriptions for goods and services.

Kaye's lawyer, Gerry Singleton of the Gotham law firm Frankfurt Garbus Kurnit Klein & Selz, called the verdict "a huge victory for Tony."

Keys Happy With Album's Success

Alicia Keys says she's amazed at how quickly her debut album, "Songs in A Minor," became a hit.

 "It did surprise me, shall I say, that it was accepted in such a wide form so fast from when the album was released," the 21-year-old singer told reporters. "I did kind of more expect it to be a longer process."

Keys' classically influenced soul debut was one of last year's biggest albums. It has sold nearly 5 million copies.

Her song "Fallin" won song of the year, and she was named best new artist at this year's Grammy Awards. She also won three awards in rhythm 'n' blues categories, tying Lauryn Hill's 1999 record of five awards.

Keys said she'll perform April 9 at the Urban Aid benefit concert in New York City and will headline her own tour beginning July 2 in Milwaukee