Scribe sells 'God' in mysterious way
Lawyer, former Geffen exec sells spec for $1 mil
While such a rich deal would be notable for any tyro scribe, it's all the more remarkable given Eisner's resume and methodology: The former business partner of record cum film magnate David Geffen, he cashed out and made millions on the sale of Geffen Records. Eisner, however, feared his past as a suit would hurt his chances with studio creative powers, so he penned the "Of God" spec under a pseudonym.
It clearly didn't hurt his chances, for reaction to the spec was overwhelmingly enthusiastic. After ICM's topper Jeff Berg personally handled the material to get it to Doug Wick and Lucy Fisher's Sony-based Red Wagon Prods., the company motioned for a quick, preemptive buy.
"He gave it to us under a pseudonym because he wanted honest criticism," Wick said. "You know, because, he feared the 'Oh, no. Not another lawyer who's a screenwriter!' response. We all said, 'We must have it.' "
Spec concerns a bad boy rapper who falls in love with golf and seeks admission to an exclusive Hamptons country club. But when the hip-hop superstar's agents try to keep their private lives separate from their business, comedic mayhem ensues.
Also leaping up to a seven-figure payday is the ICM-repped commercial helmer Dewey Nicks, who is attached to helm "Of God."
Having started out as a still photographer, Nicks recently won positive notices around town for his amusing commercials featuring "Stewart," the slacker who is caught copying his face on party invites, but whose online trading savvy keeps him in the good graces of his ultra-square boss. Nicks also helmed the Destination Films pic "The Slackers," which Sony is in discussions to acquire as a negative pick-up.
"Of God" will be produced by Fisher and Wick.
