Piolo Pascual
Variety magazine has confirmed that the critically acclaimed Filipino film “On The Job” is up for a Hollywood remake.
Variety writer Justin Kroll revealed in an exclusive report that Universal Pictures has optioned the rights to the film with Baltasar Kormakur (“Contraband,” “2 Guns”) as writer and director; and Scott Stuber and XYZ Films, which handled the worldwide sales of “OTJ,” as producers.
Kormakur will also produce for his RVK Studios while Stuber will produce through his Universal-based Bluegrass Films banner.
“While some inspiration for the concept came from Erik Matti’s Filipino movie ‘On The Job,’ Kormakur actually had already begun developing a project based on the same events as ‘On The Job’ with XYZ Films before the Filipino film began production,” Kroll wrote.
The article noted that Kormakur’s action thriller “Safe House,” which could have similarities to the story of “OTJ,” hit big making more than $200 million worldwide.
In describing “On The Job,” Kroll wrote: “The pic is based on the real-life scandal where prison inmates were temporarily released from prison to work as contract killers on behalf of politicians and high ranking military officials.”
Variety is positive about the remake, noting that “Universal and Kormakur have already seen good returns with ‘Contraband’ and ‘2 Guns’ and teaming him up with one of the studio’s top producers could lead to even bigger results.”
Variety was among the first international publications to rave about the Filipino film, singling out actors Joel Torre and Gerald Anderson for their stellar performance in the film.
Produced by Star Cinema and Reality Entertainment, “OTJ,” which had its world premiere at the Directors Fortnight in this year’s Cannes Film Festival, opened to rave reviews from critics of international publications in the US late September.
“OTJ” also won a Jury Prize and the Best Actor trophy for Joel Torre at the 17th Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival.
Universal Pictures options rights to ‘OTJ’
Source: Mb.com.ph (October 19, 2013 at 02:42PM)
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