Regency Enterprises has locked down Mark Perez's spec script "Cellmates" and hired the scribe to make his directorial debut on the project. Mandeville Films is producing.
The high-concept comedy revolves around two college buddies who strike a deal with a tough inmate for protection after spending a weekend in the county jail. The two end up with more than they bargained for when the convict's released.
Mandeville partners David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman will produce along with Jason Filardi and Brian Lutz, the latter of whom manages Perez.
Perez is at work on another Regency project, "Twist," to be directed by Raja Gosnell, as well as "Letting Go" for Fox 2000 and the Bedford Falls Co. Perez wrote and exec produced Universal Pictures' upcoming "Accepted."
Mandeville Films produced the recent Disney hit "Eight Below" and has "The Shaggy Dog" in theaters. Next up for release from the shingle is Lionsgate Films' "Five Fingers."
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