Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures (MGM) has assembled its production team for a new installment of the classic movie RED DAWN, it was announced today by Mary Parent, Chairman, Worldwide Motion Pictures Group, MGM.
Carl Ellsworth will write a script for the new RED DAWN installment. Ellsworth is moving forward with a draft based on a story by Jeremy Passmore. Meanwhile, MGM has signed Dan Bradley to direct the feature film. Bradley, who was 2nd Unit Director and Stunt Coordinator on The Bourne Supremacy, and The Bourne Ultimatum, is the 2nd Unit Director of MGM and Columbia Pictures’ Quantum of Solace, which hits theatres in the U.S. November 7, 2008.
Contrafilm’s Tripp Vinson and Beau Flynn, who are currently producing MGM’s Bobism, are attached to produce RED DAWN. Producer Vince Newman, whose credits include A Man Apart for New Line Cinema, is also attached to produce. Cale Boyter, Executive Vice President, Production and Becky Sloviter, Vice President, Production will oversee the project for MGM.
“RED DAWN’s story covers a big canvas but ultimately it’s a very personal story about the lengths you’ll go through to protect your hometown,” said Vinson.
Commented Boyter: “I’m a huge fan of the original RED DAWN. I actually had the movie poster on my wall growing up, and it remains a great concept to this day as it represents an opportunity to make an emotionally charged action movie.”
“Carl Ellsworth’s great character writing mixed with Dan Bradley’s innovative action will take RED DAWN to a whole new level,” said Flynn. “We look forward to partnering with MGM on the new installment of this cult classic.”
Ellsworth, who wrote Disturbia for Paramount Pictures and Red Eye for Dreamworks SKG, is currently writing Y: The Last Man for New Line. Ellsworth began his career as a writer on the popular television series “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” for Warner Bros. Before he began writing screenplays, Ellsworth worked below the line, working in the production departments of various television series such as NBC Entertainment’s “Pride & Joy” for NBC Entertainment, ABC Television’s “Boy Meets World” and Warner Bros. “Unhappily Ever After.”
Passmore is currently writing The Prince, for Circle of Confusion, and Summer’s End, for Rogue Pictures. He co-wrote and co-directed Special, starring Michael Rapaport.
Bradley is one of Hollywood’s most sought after 2nd Unit Director and Stunt Coordinator, working on such high profile projects as: Spiderman 2, Spiderman 3, Panic Room, Crank, Swordfish, Being John Malkovich, Seabiscuit, and Three Kings.
Carl Ellsworth is represented by ICM and Larry Shuman of the Schuman Company. Jeremy Passmore is represented by Paradigm, attorney Robert Szymanski of Eclipse Law Corporation and Adam Goldworm of Industry Entertainment. Dan Bradley is represented by ICM.
The original RED DAWN was released by MGM in 1984 and gained a cult following due to its dramatic depiction of teenagers forced to defend their home.
About Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.:
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc., through its operating subsidiaries, is actively engaged in the worldwide production and distribution of motion pictures, television programming, home video, interactive media, music and licensed merchandise. The company owns the world’s largest library of modern films, comprising around 4,100 titles. Operating units include Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc., United Artists Films Inc., Ventanazul, MGM Television Entertainment Inc., MGM Networks Inc., MGM Domestic Networks LLC, MGM Distribution Co., MGM International Television Distribution Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Home Entertainment LLC, MGM ON STAGE, MGM Music, MGM Worldwide Digital Media, MGM Consumer Products and MGM Interactive. In addition, MGM has ownership interests in international TV channels reaching nearly 120 countries. MGM ownership is as follows: Providence Equity Partners (29%), TPG (21%), Sony Corporation of America (20%), Comcast (20%), DLJ Merchant Banking Partners (7%) and Quadrangle Group (3%). For more information, visit www.mgm.com.
