Spec Script Deal: Untitled David Guggenheim Project

Sony Pictures Entertainment acquires an untitled action spec script. Via Deadline:

In the first major spec script deal of the new year, Sony Pictures has acquired an untitled action spec by Safe House scribe David Guggenheim. The writer developed it with Simon Kinberg, who’ll produce in a reteam from their work on the series Designated Survivor. I’m hearing the deal is high six figures.

They are keeping the plot line under wraps, but it has a big action concept with franchise potential, a supernatural element, and a big lead role for an actress.

“High six figures” can mean many things. For example, the deal could be something like $500K /$800K. That means the writer is guaranteed $500,000, but will only receive the additional $300,000 if the movie gets produced (and that number can be reduced depending upon whether the original writer receives sole or shared credit).

Whatever the numbers are, that’s a big spec script deal by Sony. I interviewed David Guggenheim in 2013 (you can read that conversation here) and one of the reasons I wanted to talk with him is because he had sold multiple spec scripts. And here he is again, back with another spec script deal.

Good for you, David!

He is repped by Verve and Lit Entertainment Group.

By my count, this is the 2nd spec script deal in 2021.

There were zero spec script deals year-to-date in 2020.