Myriad finds 'Genuine' project

Thriller similar to 'Crown Affair,' to lens in 2003

By CATHY DUNKLEY

Myriad Pictures has paid low-six figures for "Genuine Article" from screenwriter Eric Harlacher.

Pic will be produced by Cindy Cowan of Cowan Entertainment with Myriad Pictures' prexy of production Lucas Foster.

"Article," is a sophisticated thriller in a similar vein to "The Thomas Crown Affair" and marks the first movie deal for Harlacher, whose TV credits include "What We Did That Night" and "Body Language."

Myriad will be the main financier of the pic and retain worldwide distribution rights. Myriad Pictures co-prexy Kirk D'Amico will serve as exec producer. There is no director currently attached to pic, which is expected to start shooting in early 2003.

"We are very excited about this project," said Foster. "It's 'To Catch a Thief' for a new generation."

David Miercort, senior VP of business affairs at Myriad, brokered deal with Montiero Rose repping Harlacher.