By Sheigh Crabtree
October 6, 2006
Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies are set to co-produce “The Game of Sunken Places,” based on a pitch by screenwriter Matt Nix and inspired by the Scholastic Press book by M.T. Anderson. Producer Jason Blum assembled the project.
Nix is writing the action-adventure that follows two boys who discover that the housing development where they live is in fact a gigantic game, and that the mysterious developer is a representative of a supernatural race that is testing humanity’s worth.
Blum, who has a three-year, first-look deal at Paramount, will produce through his shingle Blumhouse Prods. “The title has been floating around, but when Matt came in and pitched it, I loved it,” Blum said. “It’s hard to find big, smart action ideas, and Matt’s a great writer.”
“Game” is the first title Blum has set up at Nickelodeon, where Scott Aversano recently was named president. Blum also is developing “Five Men Who Broke My Heart” and “Rex Mex” at Paramount and “Details” at Paramount Vantage.
Damon Ross is overseeing development for Nickelodeon. Elizabeth Raposo and Ben Cosgrove are overseeing for Paramount. Nix also is writing the Warners comedy “Boss Go Home” based on his pitch. Jonathan Shestack and Danica Radovanov are producing, and Jessica Goodman is the studio exec.
On the TV side, Nix is exec producing the pilot “Burn Notice” for USA Network. He is also working on the indie “Cock & Bull,” which he will direct from his screenplay.
Chris O’Donnell and Sarah Polley are attached to star.
Nix is repped by Endeavor, Fuse Entertainment and attorney Robert Szymanski.