MGM Finds ‘The How-To Guide for Saving the World’ Taps Sonnenfeld to Bring to Screen

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 18 /PRNewswire/ — Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures has attached Barry Sonnenfeld (Men In Black, Get Shorty, ‘Pushing Daises’) to direct and produce the action comedy THE HOW-TO GUIDE FOR SAVING THE WORLD, from writer BenDavid Grabinski. The announcement was made today by Mary Parent, Chairman, Worldwide Motion Picture Group, MGM.

Sonnenfeld on THE HOW-TO GUIDE FOR SAVING THE WORLD, “One of the first things I read when I joined the manly William Morris Agency was BenDavid Grabinski’s script. I loved the writing, and the concept: what would happen if one afternoon, the secret group that protects Earth from alien invaders was wiped out? Fortunately, they left behind an instruction manual for saving Earth. Unfortunately, a non-action-hero guy not unlike me, in terms of manliness, and a woman who hates him, find the book, and have to save the planet from an impending attack.” Sonnenfeld continued, “I had a great experience making Get Shorty with MGM/UA and could not be more excited to be working with them again.”

Executive Vice President of Production Cale Boyter and Vice President of Production Luke Ryan will oversee the project for MGM.

Barry Sonnenfeld is represented by William Morris and attorney Melanie Cook of Ziffren, Brittenham, Branca, Fischer, Gilbert-Lurie, Stiffelman & Cook.

BenDavid Grabinski is represented by William Morris, managers Sean Perrone and Justin Killion of Kaplan/Perrone Entertainment and attorney Lindsey Strasberg of Sloane, Offer, Weber & Dern.

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc., through its operating subsidiaries, is actively engaged in the worldwide production and distribution of motion pictures, television programming, home video, interactive media, music and licensed merchandise. The company owns the world’s largest library of modern films, comprising around 4,100 titles. Operating units include Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc., United Artists Films Inc., Ventanazul, MGM Television Entertainment Inc., MGM Networks Inc., MGM Domestic Networks LLC, MGM Distribution Co, MGM International Television Distribution Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Home Entertainment LLC, MGM ON STAGE, MGM Music, MGM Worldwide Digital Media, MGM Consumer Products and MGM Interactive. In addition, MGM has ownership interests in international TV channels reaching nearly 120 countries. MGM ownership is as follows: Providence Equity Partners (29%), TPG (21%), Sony Corporation of America (20%), Comcast (20%), DLJ Merchant Banking Partners (7%) and Quadrangle Group (3%). For more information, visit http://www.mgm.com/.

SOURCE Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures