Wright, Granger right for Working Title

Head of prod'n, acquisitions exec join film co.

By ADAM DAWTREY

LONDON -- Working Title Films has tapped Michelle Wright as head of production and promoted Amelia Granger to the new post of literary acquisitions exec.

Wright is moving to London from Los Angeles, where she was exec in charge of physical production at Interscope Communications.

She will replace Jane Frazer, a longtime WT staffer who is ankling the company.

"Michelle's experience in physical production is world class, and unparalleled in the U.K.," commented Working Title co-chairmen Eric Fellner and Tim Bevan.

Wright is already working on Working Title's new Coen brothers movie "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" which is currently shooting.

When she takes up her post in London on Monday, she will also take responsibility for Stephen Frears' "High Fidelity" and a slate of upcoming productions including "Bridget Jones' Diary" "Captain Corelli's Mandolin" and "Hippie Hippie Shake."

Getting literal

Those four projects are all literary adaptations, which marks a considerable departure for Working Title. In its 15-year history, the company has filmed just one book -- "Moonlight and Valentino."

This new emphasis on acquired material lies behind the decision to create a new post devoted to literary acquisitions. Granger will source material for both Working Title and its new low-budget subsid WT2, reporting to head of film Debra Heyward.

Granger joined Working Title five years ago as Fellner's assistant, and has risen through the ranks, most recently working as marketing coordinator for the company's recent releases, including "Notting Hill" and "Elizabeth."