Jones dives into 'Pool'

New book finds way to silver screen

By NICOLE LAPORTE

Mike Jones is adapting Michael Simmons' young-adult novel "Pool Boy" for theater and film production shingle East of Doheny. Michael Schultz ("Woman Thou Art Loosed") will direct.

Story is about a rich, arrogant 15-year-old named Brett Gerson. When his dad is jailed for insider trading, Brett's forced to take a summer job assisting the old guy who used to clean his swimming pool.

Book was published this spring by Random House.

East of Doheny founder Kelly Gonda will produce. Kitty Olisky will oversee the project for the shingle.

Jones wrote a segment for HBO and Forensic Films' "I Thought My Father Was God," the adaptation of a collection of stories by Paul Auster. He also adapted the book "Tough Guy," based on the life of heistman Eddie Maloney. Matt Dillon stars for MGM.

Besides Magnolia Pictures' "Woman Thou Art Loosed," which has grossed $5 million in its second week, Schultz's extensive TV credits include directing and producing "Everwood" and directing episodes of "Ally McBeal" and "The Practice."

East of Doheny was founded in 1997. Its first film, "A Time for Dancing," premiered as a Showtime original movie in January.

The company's legit production's this month include " 'Night Mother" and Eve Ensler's "The Good Body." Its most recent Broadway productions were the acclaimed musical "Big River" and "Match," with Tony-nommed thesp Frank Langella.

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