Tube titans stage 'Prison' break with first pic
Carsey, Werner greenlight laffer 2½ years after launching banner
The latest test will come with sitcom mavens Marcy Carsey and Tom Werner greenlighting their first feature, 2½ years after launching their film banner.
Carsey and Werner are venturing into the much slower pace of features, where TV titans such as John Wells and David E. Kelley have seen mixed results.
The duo's decided to fully finance the dark comedy "You Are Going to Prison," starring Dax Shepard and Will Arnett, with Strike Entertainment co-producing. Shooting starts this month at Illinois' Joliet Prison with Bob Odenkirk directing.
The project's been a long time in the making. The book -- an irreverent look at avoiding legal hassles -- was optioned in 1998 and scripted soon after by Robert Ben Garant & Thomas Lennon and Michael Patrick Jann.
The script's a revenge-tinged tale of a career criminal and rich guy in prison together. It's acquired near-cult status in Hollywood circles as one of the town's best unproduced screenplays.
There was some surprise when Paramount -- where Carsey-Werner has a first-look deal -- passed, particularly given the studio's mandate to shift toward younger fare.
"It's a perfect way for Carsey-Werner to get into features since it's not going to cost a lot," one producer notes. "They didn't get rich by not taking chances."
Carsey-Werner Intl. can be found at stand number 24.01 and can be reached at 33 (0) 492 99 8015 during Mip.
