Tribeca ups Epstein to prod'n prez
Epstein joined Tribeca in January 1995 as senior VP of production and development after a stint at Working Title Films, where he had the same title. Before that, Epstein was a producer at Longview Entertainment and a VP of production at Renny Harlin's Midnight Sun Pictures.
"Brad has been an enormous factor in the recent growth of the company, and we are very confident that in this new position he will continue to bring his dynamic energy and extraordinary taste to the company," Rosenthal said.
Epstein is overseeing pre-production and development on several projects, including "Affirmative Action," which will be helmed by Thaddeus O'Sullivan ("Nothing Personal") and distributed by New Line Cinema. "Action" is the story of a white cop working in a black neighborhood who gets caught between local gangs and a neo-Nazi militia group.
Also on the Tribeca slate:
"Analyze This," a co-production with Spring Creek Prods. that will star De Niro as a Mafia don who seeks help from a psychiatrist played by Billy Crystal.
"Legion of Arms," a co-production with New Line based on the true story of an American who wants to return to normal life after spending five years in the French Foreign Legion. It was written by Patty Meyer.
"Full Moon," a co-production with MTV Films and Paramount from Ian LaFrenais and Dick Clement's screenplay about Keith Moon, the late drummer for the Who.
"Killing for Laughs," based on Seth Greenland's script about a down-and-out comedian who gains notoriety after being wrongly accused of murder. Tony Scott is attached to direct.
Tribeca has also teamed with the rock group Queen to develop a musical for a 1998 Broadway run that will be directed by Christopher Renshaw ("The King and I") from a book by Craig Lucas ("Prelude to a Kiss," "Longtime Companion"). Tribeca and neighbor Miramax Films are also collaborating on a screen adaptation of the Broadway musical "Rent."
