Which scripts are being sold, bought, and written as we speak? Read on...

1. The popular David Wroblewski novel, “The Story of Edgar Sawtelle” has been picked up by Universal Pictures for adaptation. The script is being written by William Broyles Jr., who also penned, “Cast Away” and, “Apollo 13”. Consequently, Tom Hanks shingle Playtone will partner in producing the film with Oprah's Harpo. The story follows a mute teenager who retreats to the wilderness with his three dogs in order to escape from a difficult family life.
    

2. Fox 2000 just bought writer Matt Stone's romantic comedy spec script tentatively titled, “Romance Writer”. Stone is no stranger to the business, having written several scripts with former writing partner Bob Ramsey, such as, “Intolerable Cruelty” and, “Soul Men”. No production details yet.
    

3. Emily Griffin's novel, “Something Borrowed” is also getting the screenplay treatment, with the script being written by Jennie Snyder Urman. The script was so well-received at 2S Films that the production is being fast-tracked, and will start lensing as early as late this spring. The fast-tracking may have something to do with Judd Apatow's upcoming film, "Bridesmaids". Films with similar subject matter typically get pushed through at rival studios in order to draw competition and audience dollars by riding the wave of the trend. In other words, studios hope that someone who will pay to see a movie about a wedding or a bridesmaid once will pay to see another one. Make sense? (It's why we always seem to get disaster movies in pairs...)

    

4. The script for the next Muppet movie is already inspiring Disney to begin the hiring process. The script, which is being kept as secret as possible as far as details go in the typical Disney tradition, was written by Jason Segel and Nicholas Stoller. The script is expected to be greenlit for production ASAP, so soon that director James Bobin has already been hired. Bobin directed the wildly popular HBO series, “Flight of the Conchords”. I don't know about anyone else, but I'm beyond ready for another Muppet movie. 

    

5. Debra Granik and Anne Rosellini won big at Sundance with their touching drama, “Winter's Bones” about the struggling daughter of a meth addict. Not only did they start a bidding war over distribution rights of their drama after it won the Grand Jury prize, but the duo also took home the Waldo Salt screenwriting award for the film's script, which they co-wrote. Sundance is renowned for its ability to launch writers and directors, so be sure to remember their names and look for news on their next projects here in the script report over the coming months.