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Sports scribe Kriegel will bat for Miramax

By CHARLES LYONS, JONATHAN BING

Mark Kriegel, sports writer and columnist for the New York Daily News, has inked a deal with Miramax-owned Talk magazine to serve as a contributing writer while also signing with the film company to write and develop original screenplays or ones based on his magazine pieces.

For Talk, Kriegel has written profiles of Philadelphia 76ers guard Allen Iverson, British boxer Prince Naseem Hamed and WWF female wrestler China. Though some of his writing has generated film and television interest, no feature film has yet been made from his work.

“I am going to be in the movie business,” said Kriegel. “I’m happy they gave me a shot.”

Talk’s Tina Brown suggested that Kriegel sign a contract with the magazine, while Andrew Stengel, Miramax director of acquisitions, suggested Kriegel pen screenplays at Miramax Films. Rick Schwartz, the mini-major’s creative executive, will oversee the film component of the contract.

Kriegel has worked some 12 years at the New York Daily News and several years at the New York Post. He also has contributed to Esquire.

Deal was negotiated by Dev Chatillon, veep and general counsel of Talk, and Charles Layton, exec VP for the office of the co-chairman for Miramax.

Kriegel’s deal was negotiated by Eric Brown and Mike Rudell of Franklin, Weinrib, Rudell and Vassallo.