Mayhem inks with Mouse
Principals Ciardi, Gray pact with Disney
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The Disney deal moves them from their former production base at Revolution Studios where they previously inked a two-year deal and produced "The New Guy" and where they will continue to develop a number of other projects including the feature version of "Knight Rider," which is on the fast track.
At Disney, Ciardi and Gray are also in pre-production on two other movies for the Mouse House -- "Miracle," written by "Rookie" scribe Mike Rich and to be helmed by Gavin O'Connor tells the origins of the 1980 gold-medal-winning U.S. Olympic hockey team, being produced by Disney-based producer Debra Martin Chase; "The Jane Plan," written by Ed Decter and John Strauss will be directed by Griffin Dunne.
Ciardi and Gray teamed with producer Mark Johnson on the studio's spring hit "The Rookie," which has grossed almost $75 million domestically to date and won the sports film trophy at this year's ESPY Awards.
"Gordon and Mark are exceptional producers and we're really excited that Mayhem has become part of the Disney family," Buena Vista Motion Pictures Group president Nina Jacobson said.
"We all had a great time making 'The Rookie.' And with two more fantastic projects in the works together, we're all determined to keep the momentum going."
Added Ciardi and Gray: "We already feel very at home at Disney having had a tremendous experience working on 'The Rookie.' The opportunity to make movies that receive the highest level of support, from development, marketing and distribution cannot be equaled."
Ciardi and Gray were repped in their Disney deal by CAA and attorney David Weber.
