Escape buys 'Knowing' pitch

Pearson sells psychological thriller

By CLAUDE BRODESSER, CHARLES LYONS

Novelist-turned-screenwriter Ryne Pearson has sold his pitch "Knowing" to Sony-based Escape Artists for mid- against high-six figures.

Pitch is a psychological thriller revolving around a man who opens up a time capsule, unleashing an unexpected turn of events.

Project was brought to Escape Artists senior veepee Brian Morowitz by Aaron Kaplan and Sean Perrone of Kaplan/Perrone Entertainment; they will co-produce with Morowitz. (Kaplan/Perrone has a first-look deal with Escape Artists and manages Pearson.) Escape Artists principals Steve Tisch, Todd Black and Jason Blumenthal will produce the pic.

Pearson has written such books as "Top Ten" and "Simple Simon." The latter was made into the Universal pic "Mercury Rising," starring Bruce Willis. The author was repped by UTA and attorney Jeff Frankel.