From Brit List To Hollywood - A spec script by a twentysomething British actor with one produced episodic writing credit triggered a heated bidding war among top TV producers, networks and streamers, landing at A24 in a seven-figure deal with Nicole Kidman among A-listers in talks to star. >>> Bidding War S.W.A.T. Spotlight - Filming is slated to wrap today on S.W.A.T. Exiles, Sony Pictures Television’s spinoff of its long-running crime drama that aired on CBS for eight seasons. The offshoot, which is headlined by S.W.A.T. star Shemar Moore, has yet to lock in a network or platform in the U.S. and most of the world. The recent success of Heated Rivalry and The Hunting Wives , acquired after their first seasons were in the can, offer plenty of reason for optimism. >>> Pool Of Buyers Growing Google Backs Down - Google appears to have backed down in its AI dispute with Disney. The Hollywood studio issued Google with a cease and desist letter in December, complaining that the tech giant’s AI products were behaving like a “virtual vending machine” for the Mouse House’s IP. >>> Prompts Now Blocked Sony Taps Comms Exec - Veteran communications executive Stephanie Clark has been named SVP, Corporate Communications at Sony Pictures. In her new role, she will work with Sony Pictures Television's U.S. scripted, nonfiction, and kids businesses. >>> Moves From Paramount Mackintosh Fits - Fremantle’s Red Planet Pictures has beaten out competition to land the option for ‘It’s Not What You Think’, the upcoming novel from bestselling author Clare Mackintosh. Kam Odedra, whose writing credits include Hijack, will adapt the novel for TV. We hear there was a lot of competition for this one, with Mackintosh’s books hot property after her seven previous Sunday Times bestsellers. >>> Book Publishes Next Month To The Point BAFTA-winning comedy writer James Menzies and ad agency creative director Rob Bovington are launching a studio focused on comedy-led entertainment. Based out of the UK, Pointy Stick will make content for brands, broadcasters and streaming services. The founders say the company will operate “where advertising and entertainment now increasingly collide.” >>> Plans For Film & TV |