Matt & Ben back together (VUL, THR)
By Nancy Tartaglione
BFFs Ben Affleck and Matt Damon are forming a new production company and negotiating a first-look deal at Warner Bros. The Vulture blog reports that an official announcement could be forthcoming by the end of the week.
The duo's previous production shingle, LivePlanet, started with Chris Moore and Sean Bailey, was based at Disney. Bailey is now president of production at Disney but as Vulture noted yesterday, that studio is entering a merchandise-driven, franchise-intensive era not conducive to grown-up films like "The Town," a film which Affleck recently directed at Warners. It is not yet clear if the new company will resurrect the LivePlanet moniker or create a new entity.
Vulture notes that Damon, who has been concentrating on his acting career since he and Affleck won an Oscar for writing "Good Will Hunting," has told close associates that he intends to direct films someday.
He has also often worked with Warners in recent years including in such pics as "Invictus," "The Informant!," "The Departed," "Syriana" and the "Ocean's" films.
Related Links
Exclusive: Matt Damon and Ben Affleck Partnering to Produce Movies Again (VUL)Affleck, Damon reuniting at Warners (THR)
Costner, Reynolds teaming on 'Learning Italian' (VAR)
Cooper drops out of McG's 'This Means War' (HI)
'Men' withdrawal symptoms: Sheen contracts could mean costly exit (THRE)
NBC shelves 'Prime Suspect' remake (THR)
Ole Miss wants to make Admiral Ackbar its mascot (SF)
Former CBS Interactive president hangs investment bank shingle (VAR)
Media vets Wolf and Dash launch Activate
