Russell Crowe‘s latest film project is already generating buzz. Unfortunately, that buzz is happening in the legal system. Im Global and Independent Film Company have been slapped with a copyright infringement lawsuit by author Dean King, who says that the film project “In Sand and Blood” is based on his 2004 book “Skeletons on the Zahara.” “The motion picture ‘In Sand and Blood’ is undeniably, substantially, willfully and admittedly copied from and based upon King’s ‘Skeleton on the Zahara,'” the lawsuit reads. In the suit, filed in federal court in California on Tuesday, King claims that he entered into an option contract.
- 12/17/2015
- by Tim Kenneally
- The Wrap
Russell Crowe is set to star in the epic drama "In Sand and Blood" for Im Global.
Ronan Bennett wrote the script which is apparently based on Dean King's nonfiction book "Skeletons on the Zahara: A True Story of Survival." That story follows Captain James Riley, the captain of an American ship which was wrecked on the Western Sahara coast in 1815.
The few survivors were captured and sold into slavery for various owners until Riley convinced an Arab trader he would receive a far greater ransom from a European consul in a Moroccan port a thousand miles to the north - beginning a trek across the scorching desert.
It is unclear if Crowe will direct the project and reps have reportedly dodged multiple inquiries about the film. Luc Roeg will produce the film which Crowe teased in a tweet last week:
Research. #insandandblood pic.twitter.com/c5Wc4mPh...
Ronan Bennett wrote the script which is apparently based on Dean King's nonfiction book "Skeletons on the Zahara: A True Story of Survival." That story follows Captain James Riley, the captain of an American ship which was wrecked on the Western Sahara coast in 1815.
The few survivors were captured and sold into slavery for various owners until Riley convinced an Arab trader he would receive a far greater ransom from a European consul in a Moroccan port a thousand miles to the north - beginning a trek across the scorching desert.
It is unclear if Crowe will direct the project and reps have reportedly dodged multiple inquiries about the film. Luc Roeg will produce the film which Crowe teased in a tweet last week:
Research. #insandandblood pic.twitter.com/c5Wc4mPh...
- 9/30/2015
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Variety reports that Russell Crowe is set to star in the historical drama In Sand and Blood. The movie, backed by Im Global, takes place in 19th century Africa and echoes historian Dean King's Skeletons on the Zahara: A True Story of Survival. King's work seemingly retells the true story of Captain James Riley, who penned a memoir in the early 1800s after he and his crew — who'd been shipwrecked off the coast of the western Sahara — were captured and enslaved, and then ultimately resold to (read: saved by) Europeans. Ronan Bennett reportedly is writing the script and Luc Roeg is producing; other personnel and logistical details are unavailable at the moment.But ever the worker, Crowe's already getting into the role: Hopefully, he'll produce a new one of these.
- 9/30/2015
- by Sean Fitz-Gerald
- Vulture
It’s been revealed today that Academy Award winning actor Russell Crowe (Man of Steel) is going to star in the upcoming film In Sand and Blood, Im Global’s upcoming “epic drama” which is set to revolve around white slavery.
The project appears to still be in the very early stages of development, as it’s currently unknown whether or not Crowe will also direct (he recently made his directorial debut with The Water Diviner). However, we do know that the script is being written by Ronan Bennett (Public Enemies) and may be based on Dean King’s book Skeletons on the Zahara: A True Story of Survival.
Here’s the official synopsis for In Sand and Blood, including details on who Crowe will be playing:
In 1815, an American brig, the Commerce, was wrecked on the desolate coast fringing the Western Sahara. Starving and dying of thirst, its 12 man crew were captured,...
The project appears to still be in the very early stages of development, as it’s currently unknown whether or not Crowe will also direct (he recently made his directorial debut with The Water Diviner). However, we do know that the script is being written by Ronan Bennett (Public Enemies) and may be based on Dean King’s book Skeletons on the Zahara: A True Story of Survival.
Here’s the official synopsis for In Sand and Blood, including details on who Crowe will be playing:
In 1815, an American brig, the Commerce, was wrecked on the desolate coast fringing the Western Sahara. Starving and dying of thirst, its 12 man crew were captured,...
- 9/29/2015
- by Josh Wilding
- We Got This Covered
Oscar winner Russell Crowe is set to star in “In Sand and Blood” for Im Global, TheWrap has learned. It is unclear whether Crowe will direct the epic drama after recently making his directorial debut with “The Water Diviner.” Representatives for Im Global and Crowe dodged multiple inquiries regarding the project over the last several weeks. Ronan Bennett wrote the script, which may be based on Dean King’s nonfiction book “Skeletons on the Zahara: A True Story of Survival.” Luc Roeg will produce, while Im Global’s Stuart Ford will executive produce. Also Read: 'The Water Diviner'...
- 9/29/2015
- by Jeff Sneider
- The Wrap
Skeletons on the Zahara is an upcoming adaptation of the Dean King book, the true-life saga of a group of 19th century American sailors who were forced into slavery after winding up shipwrecked in Africa.
At this moment, we have no word about the possible director, or cast, but we definitely know that this project could be something awesome, especially with one of the Public Enemies writers Ronan Bennett on board for penning the script!
We’ll pay good attention on this project in the future, but until then, check out the description of Skeletons on the Zahara: A True Story of Survival book:
“…the book begins with a seeming false start: tracing the lives of two merchants from North Africa, Seid and Sidi Hamet, who lose their fortunes—and almost their lives—when their massive camel caravan arrives at a desiccated oasis. King then jumps to the voyage of...
At this moment, we have no word about the possible director, or cast, but we definitely know that this project could be something awesome, especially with one of the Public Enemies writers Ronan Bennett on board for penning the script!
We’ll pay good attention on this project in the future, but until then, check out the description of Skeletons on the Zahara: A True Story of Survival book:
“…the book begins with a seeming false start: tracing the lives of two merchants from North Africa, Seid and Sidi Hamet, who lose their fortunes—and almost their lives—when their massive camel caravan arrives at a desiccated oasis. King then jumps to the voyage of...
- 9/7/2010
- by Fiona
- Filmofilia
Ronan Bennett ("Public Enemies") will pen an adaptation of Dean King’s non-fiction bestseller "Skeletons on the Zahara" for Independent reports Deadline.
The story follows a dozen American sailors forced into slavery in Africa when they were shipwrecked in 1815 and endured a punishing trek across the Sahara before being taken prisoner.
The ship captain's account of their ordeal became a literary sensation and it was said to be one of Abraham Lincoln's favourite books. For those wondering, the title is not a misspelling but rather the original name for the Sahara in the early 19th century.
The story follows a dozen American sailors forced into slavery in Africa when they were shipwrecked in 1815 and endured a punishing trek across the Sahara before being taken prisoner.
The ship captain's account of their ordeal became a literary sensation and it was said to be one of Abraham Lincoln's favourite books. For those wondering, the title is not a misspelling but rather the original name for the Sahara in the early 19th century.
- 9/3/2010
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Public Enemies screenwriter Ronan Bennett is taking on a potentially loaded project. He'll adapt Dean King's book Skeletons on the Zahara, which tells the story of twelve American sailors who into submit themselves into slavery in Africa after being shipwrecked, hoping that as slaves they'll be given enough sustenance to survive. The story is based in part on the account of the ordeal written by one of the men, Captain James Riley. Riley's account told of an arduous trek across the Sahara Desert and subsequently being taken captive and enslaved. (Abraham Lincoln reportedly said Riley's book was one of the books that most influenced him.) It's classic adventure stuff, made rather more compelling by being true. There are excellent parts in here for a couple of actors -- certainly an American to play Captain Riley, and then the North African merchant Hamet, who buys the men out of slavery...
- 9/2/2010
- by Russ Fischer
- Slash Film
A true story of riches to rags, the book Skeletons On The Zahara will be adapted into a screenplay by Public Enemies scribe Ronan Bennet [Deadline]. The book, written by Dean King tells the true story of a merchant vessel captained by James Riley that was shipwrecked in Africa. The crew then trials through the Sahara, before they are captured and made slaves. Riley eventually wrote a memoir of the event, republished with a new title: Sufferings in Africa.
The film is being produced by London based Independent (Moon). The company is also reportedly seeking a prominent American actor to play Captain Riley. Though no one is tipped, I have to think Sam Rockwell is high on their list, after turning Moon into a one-man powerhouse. With one of the most memorable performances of the last 10 years and a host of other really stellar roles, Rockwell would seemingly be a perfect choice,...
The film is being produced by London based Independent (Moon). The company is also reportedly seeking a prominent American actor to play Captain Riley. Though no one is tipped, I have to think Sam Rockwell is high on their list, after turning Moon into a one-man powerhouse. With one of the most memorable performances of the last 10 years and a host of other really stellar roles, Rockwell would seemingly be a perfect choice,...
- 9/2/2010
- by Eric Seemiller
- The Film Stage
Exclusive: Ronan Bennett is writing the screenplay for this adaptation of Dean King’s true-life bestseller about 12 American sailors forced into slavery in Africa when they were shipwrecked in 1815. The sailors endured a punishing trek across the Sahara before they were taken prisoner. Captain James Riley’s account of their ordeal caused a sensation when it was published two years later. Abraham Lincoln said it was one of the books that had most influenced him alongside the Bible. Independent, the London-based sales company, is developing and producing. The sales house, whose previous credits include Moon, wants to make two of its own features a year in addition to projects it’s selling for others such as We Need to Talk About Kevin for BBC Films. “Skeletons On the Zahara is going to be a really fantastic project for the right American star to play Captain Riley,” Independent CEO Luc Roeg tells me.
- 9/2/2010
- by TIM ADLER
- Deadline London
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