Universal takes page out of Hill's 'Handbook' (HI, VAR)
By Nancy Tartaglione-Vialatte
In a seven-figure deal, Universal has acquired "The Adventurer's Handbook," a script by Jonah Hill and writing partners Max Winkler and Matthew Spicer. The story centers on four 20-something guys who, inspired by a book of the same name, set out overseas in search of a mysterious location described in said book. First reported by Entertainment Weekly, the script was said to have made studio rounds in super-secret fashion.
Hill and Jason Schwartzman are attached to star in the film inspired by Mick Conefrey's book. Akiva Schaffer is in negotiations to direct.
A production start is planned for later this year with Hill, Spicer and Winkler exec producing. Variety reports that three studios bid on the comedy.
Schaffer, who has directed many "Saturday Night Live" episodes, made his feature directing debut on the Andy Samberg starrer "Hot Rod."
Related Links
Jonah Hill script sells for seven figures to Universal (HI)Universal readies 'Handbook' (VAR)
SONY EYES THIRD 'DA VINCI' PIC AS BROWN'S 'LOST SYMBOL' DUE IN SEPT. (VAR)
'Twilight' finale 'Breaking Dawn' to start production in spring 2010 (TW)
Details emerge on Michael Bay's 'small' movie (/F)
Smith in 'Business' with Sci Fi (THR)
ABC BRINGS BACK 'UGLY BETTY' TO SALVAGE THURSDAY SLOT IN MAY (HF)
Potter joins Krause in 'Parenthood' pilot for NBC (THR)
3-D TV? NAB confabbers say get a move on (VAR)
SAG primetime deal expected as early as this weekend (VAR)
Horne named NBC diversity exec (VAR)
GIBSON'S DIVORCE MAY BE ONE OF HOLLYWOOD'S COSTLIEST (TW)
'Slumdog' dad denounces 'lie made up by foreign journalists' (PEO)
Murray autographs 'Caddyshack' for woman he clocked with wayward golf ball (MSNBC)
How file-sharing might actually be good for showbiz (WIRED)
Mature demographic buying trend challenges conventional advertiser wisdom (NYT)
Degeneres, 'Milk,' 'Prop 8: The Musical' honored by GLAAD (REU)
