sam nazarian Tagged Articles at Cinematical

Back in August, we brought you news of a new project from night club owner-turned-real estate entrepreneur-turned movie producer Sam Nazarian called College. Nazarian had purchased the spec script from newbie scribes Dan Callahan and Adam Ellison and, now, it appears a director is attached. Sticking with the newbie theme, commercial helmer Deb Hagan has been brought onboard to make her feature directorial debut, while Lionsgate will distribute.

Unfortunately, the pic doesn't appear to have a very original premise, as it revolves around three high school seniors who find themselves right smack in the middle of some wild adventure while touring a college they're thinking about attending. I wonder how many times the screenwriters said to one another, "Man, people are going to think PCU when they read this script. We can't make this PCU." I mean, if I were writing the script, that's what would be on mind -- so, for the time being, let's give these guys the benefit of the doubt. Hopefully they went out of their way to take this familiar premise and create an entirely different story. Right off the bat, we have three main characters instead of one -- not much to go on, but it's a start.

Hagan is probably best known in the film world for her short film Pee Shy which, according to the flick's website, has played in over one billion festivals. However, it's not online yet so if anyone out there has seen Pee Shy, feel free to chime in and let us know what you think about Hagan's direction. No word yet on a cast or production schedule, but since these are first time writers and a first time director, I can't imagine any big stars will find their way onto campus.

Odds and ends from Thursday:

• Man, Josh Brolin is keeping himself busy lately. Hot off films like No Country for Old Men (Coen Brothers) and Grind House (Robert Rodriguez, Quentin Tarantino), the young actor has just been cast in Ridley Scott's American Gangster, now filming in New York. Damn, talk about a trio of directors to work with back-to-back-to-back -- someone made a birthday wish that came true. Brolin will take on the role of corrupt narcotics investigator, Detective Trupo. Also starring in the film are Russell Crowe and Denzel Washington.
• Night club owner, real estate entrepreneur and movie producer -- it's all in a day's work for Sam Nazarian. According to the Hollywood Reporter, Nazarian has purchased the spec script, College, penned by first time scribes Dan Callahan and Adam Ellison. Pic (which boasts the most original title, like, ever), is apparently about three high school seniors who enjoy one wild and crazy weekend while visiting a nearby college. So, basically, it's PCU with two additional main characters.
• Fox Searchlight has decided to push back the release date of Fast Food Nation, one of this fall's more controversial films. Instead of opening on October 20, the Richard Linklater flick (which James kind of liked when he reviewed it at Cannes) will now open on November 17. At this time, there doesn't appear to be a reason behind the move.