Hot Topics:

Par abuzz over 'H.I.V.E.'

Studio scores screen rights to super story

By MICHAEL FLEMING

Paramount Pictures has acquired screen rights to 'H.I.V.E.,' a young-adult novel by Mark Walden.

Sans helmer, 'Dallas' breaks date

Benderspink looks awash in 'Torrente'

ABC halts 'FlashForward'(2068 views)

'It' is 3D's lost opportunity(1727 views)

Fox unveils its midseason lineup(1492 views)

Swiss OK Polanski move to chalet(1287 views)

'Ninja,' 'Dogs' take on 'New Moon'(1212 views)

Paramount Pictures has acquired screen rights to "H.I.V.E.," a young-adult novel by Mark Walden that will be produced by Lynda Obst.

Title is an acronym for the Higher Institute of Villainous Education, a venue where kids with off-the-charts criminal acumen are educated to become super-villains.

Book by the British writer is set up at Bloomsbury U.K., and the domestic and other world territorial publishing rights are being auctioned this week at the Bologna Book Fair. Book was scored by Par exec Ben Cosgrove, his first deal since leaving Section Eight to join the studio.

"Ben and I were attracted by the opportunity to turn this into a big family movie with franchise potential, one that is intricate and funny and told from an unusual vantage point," said Obst.