Hill rises with Warner pitch

Studio, De Line pact with 'Footfist' scribe

By MICHAEL FLEMING

Hill

Warner Bros. and De Line Pictures have acquired an untitled pitch from Jody Hill, who will pen the script and direct.

Hill's Sundance martial arts comedy "Footfist Way" was a hit on the midnight screening circuit. The 29-year-old from North Carolina, maxxed out his credit cards to make his first comedy, and it has proven to be a strong calling card. CAA has been screening "Footfist Way" at its headquarters while the agency works on a distribution deal for the film.

The filmmaker has been taking a lot of meetings. He pitched his new idea to De Line and WB execs, and they bought the project in the room. They're keeping the plot under wraps.