Fox Atomic sparks 'Friendship'

Film unit acquires rights to comedy pitch

By PAMELA MCCLINTOCK, TATIANA SIEGEL

Fox Atomic has acquired the comedy pitch “Harvey and Marky: A True Story of Friendship and Betrayal,” by Jarrad Paul and Andy Mogel.

Story revolves around childhood friends who hit a crossroads in their relationship when the shy Marky gets a girlfriend and becomes more independent. This devastates the very domineering Harvey, who in turn hires a fake girlfriend to compete with his old friend.

Peter Principato and Paul Young are producing. Allen Fischer exec produces.

Paul and Mogel most recently wrote “Himelfarb” for Donald De Line and Warner Bros. Pictures. Miguel Arteta is attached to direct the comedy. The writing partners also have been hired to do all the production work on Warners’ “Yes Man,” starring Jim Carrey. Peyton Reed is aboard to direct that film, which starts production in October.

Paul is also an actor who has appeared in such films as “Kicking & Screaming” and “Bewitched.” He starred in the short-lived NBC series “The Singles Table.”

Principato-Young’s producing credits include “Reno 911!: Miami.” Projects include 20th Century Fox’s Carrey starrer “Me Time,” and Atomic’s “Space Invader.” Both pics are planned for release in 2009.