Time Inc. Studios Will Transform SI Articles Into Films

Time Inc. Studios To Produce Films Based On SI Articles

Time Inc. Studios, along with XYZ Films and management-production company Collective, will "produce features and documentaries based on articles published in Time Inc. publications such as Time, Sports Illustrated, Fortune and Life," according to Michael Fleming of DAILY VARIETY. Time Inc. Studios has "identified its first project, optioning the April 14 Sports Illustrated article 'Breaking the Bank'" by L. Jon Wertheim. The feature covers the "alleged criminal exploits of [UFC] competitor 'Lightning' Lee Murray, who is suspected of masterminding the largest cash heist in history in 2006." XYZ Films said that it will "contribute a seven-figure development fund that will option articles, hire screenwriters and tie talent to packages that can then be shopped to studios." The deal does not cover TV projects. The venture is "being spearheaded" by Time Inc. Studios President Paul Speaker. Time Inc. will be a "proactive partner because of the fund supplied by XYZ, which will house three staffers who will pore over the magazines' archives to find movie properties" (DAILY VARIETY, 8/5).