Scribe duo sells animal-trainer comedy

Warner snaps up wild rivalry

By DAVE MCNARY

Warner Bros. has preemptively snapped up an untitled comedy pitch by Mike Lisbe and Nate Reger ("Space Invader") set in the world of wild animal training for mid- against high-six figures. 

Lisbe and Reger will exec produce the feature project, which centers on the rivalry between the world's greatest animal trainer and his embittered former assistant.

Deal arose from a general meeting Lisbe and Reger had with Warner exec Sarah Schechter, who had also tried to purchase "Space Invader" last month.

Fox Atomic bought that comedy spec, with Will Arnett starring and producing along with Peter Principato and Paul Young.

The writers recently closed a blind pilot deal at Sony TV. They were previously staff scribes on "Teachers," "A Minute With Stan Hooper" and "Just Shoot Me" and created the show "Random Years."

Lisbe and Reger are repped by ICM.