Summit Entertainment picks up comedy spec “Ricky Stanicki” from writer Jeff Bushell:
The story, which aims to be R-rated, is described as an ensemble comedy in the vein of “The Hangover,” and begins when three teens pull a prank and burn down a house in their neighborhood. They create a fake person to take the blame — Ricky Stanicky did it! Twenty years later, we see that the three guys have been using this alibi to get out of every uncomfortable situation in life. When their wives force them to set up a meeting with Stanicky, they hire an actor.
James Franco attached to star as the Stanicky character.
How many scripts / pitches are out nowadays described as “in the vein of ‘The Hangover’”? Success breeds imitators.
Bushell is repped by WME.
By my count, this is the 17th spec script to sell in 2010 and the first since April 27th.
Great concept! Congrats on the sale!
I don't see much of a similarity to The Hangover, but I agree with Maurice — that's a damn fine concept.
I was actually going to ask the exact same thing, Darren. Interesting concept. Not really sure how it's like "The Hangover."
Are people just pitching everything as THE HANGOVER now?
If GONE WITH THE WIND were pitched today would it be pitched as The Hangover meets the Civil War?
This is taken from a This American Life story. But, kudos to the writers. They got across the "sale" line first.