ICM inks 'Kings' scribe Ridley

Busy writer developing 3 pilots, launching hip-hop series

By MICHAEL FLEMING

Ridley

ICM has signed John Ridley, the author and scripter whose credits include "Undercover Brother" and "Three Kings."

Ridley, who has written and produced the series "Third Watch," is developing three pilots at ABC and Touchstone and launching the hip-hop series "Platinum" for UPN, exec producing with Sofia Coppola. Ridley's recent scripting jobs include MGM's remake of "Foxy Brown" for Halle Berry and the sci-fi thriller "Species/Human" for Universal.

Ridley has also adapted his novels "A Conversation With the Mann" for MGM and director George Tillman Jr., and "Those Who Walk in Darkness" for Joel Silver and Warner Bros.