Jason Reitman flies 'Up in the Air'

'Juno' helmer to write, direct Kirn adaptation

By MICHAEL FLEMING, MICHAEL FLEMING, TATIANA SIEGEL

Jason Reitman will write and is attached to direct Walter Kirn's novel "Up in the Air" for Montecito.

The long-gestating project teams the "Juno" helmer with his father, Ivan Reitman, who heads up Montecito along with Tom Pollock.

Story centers on a ruthless human resources exec whose only joy in life comes from the prospect of notching his millionth frequent flyer mile, a goal he pursues with zeal as the rest of his life falls apart because he is constantly on the road.

In 2004, Montecito optioned the book, which had previously been in development at Fox 2000 and Jay Roach's Everyman Pictures, and the younger Reitman penned 30 pages on spec. He got halfway through writing the script when he read Diablo Cody's "Juno" screenplay and turned his attentions to helming that project. He has since resumed adapting "Up in the Air."

Project likely will land at DreamWorks, where Montecito has a first-look deal. Montecito is eyeing a fall shoot.

Serving in producing capacities on the film will be Ivan Reitman, Pollock, Joe Medjuck and Jeff Clifford for Montecito and Hard C's Daniel Dubiecki.

Jason Reitman next will produce alongside Dubiecki the cheerleader-from-hell comedy-thriller "Jennifer's Body" for Fox Atomic. Karen Kusama directs from a Cody script and Megan Fox stars. Reitman also is attached to direct the Jim Carrey starrer "Pierre Pierre" for Atomic.

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