Columbia picks up 'Supermax' spec

Source: Hollywoodreporter.com

Columbia has picked up the spec script "Supermax" from actors-turned-writers Mitch Rouse and Christopher Nelson. Todd Garner will produce via his Broken Road Productions banner.

The spec is an action horror tale set in a maximum-security prison for the supernatural. The story centers on a skilled prison guard who is re-assigned to Supermax. After a riot erupts, he must join forces with one of the prison's monstrous inmates in order to survive and fight his way out.

Sony's Doug Belgrad and Devon Franklin will oversee for the studio. Sean Robbins is executive producing for Broken Road.

The deal was in the mid-six-figures.



Garner has the Nicolas Cage starrer "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" coming from Disney next year and is about to begin shooting "Wichita," starring Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz.

Rouse has appeared as an actor in "Reno 911!" and "According to Jim." He co-created "Strangers With Candy" and written on several movies, including "Without a Paddle." He is repped by Gersh and 3 Arts Entertainment.

Nelson, repped by Lighthouse Entertainment and Stone Manners, appeared as Uma Thurman's groom in "Kill Bill-Vol. 1" and had bit parts in "Bicentennial Man" and "Batman & Robin."

The project is unrelated to Warners' "Super Max," which is based on DC Comics hero Green Arrow.