This week, there's exciting script news for fans of the action/adventure genre, and encouraging news for anyone who aspires to not only be a writer, but who also hopes to keep the lights on someday...

1. Kenny Golde's spec script, “Killer” has been bought by Hyde Park Entertainment and development is already underway. The script centers around a police detective sucked into a tricky game of hide and seek by a creative serial killer. Golde also has a history of directing as well as writing on his own projects and there have been no announcements about who will direct, “Killer”. Some speculate that it may be Golde.
    

2. Terry Rossio and Ted Elliot have officially returned to write the fourth Pirates of the Caribbean script. “On Stranger Tides”. In fact, they're finished and casting is already underway. News on the fourth Pirates film has been consistently quiet until recently, with rumors that the film would not happen for several reasons despite Disney's big announcement a couple of years ago that it was definitely greenlit. There was also speculation regarding Elliot and Rossio's involvement once it was announced that Gore Verbinski wasn't returning to direct and rumors that the third film was not a pleasant experience for the writers. They were rushed to finish the script during shooting, resulting in a plot that fans didn't love with a much darker tone, and virtually no time for rewrites or new drafts. Even the bonus features of the third DVD tell something of the story, with the inclusion of facts such as composer Hans Zimmer creating the opening scene (the hanging of a child) and the clear portrayal of the stress that Elliot and Rossio were under, as well as constant communication problems between them and the over-scheduled Verbinski. Even pages that Elliot and Rossio were not considering final were being used in auditions, prompting constant calls to the writers as they were trying to finish their work. Also, what isn't there makes the biggest impact of all. No commentaries from writers, actors, or director. A somewhat unheard of practice on a summer blockbuster DVD release. Needless to say, fans are hoping that the upcoming installment will make a return to the more upbeat tone of the first film and drop some of the more dramatic elements. (Okay...when I say fans, I mean me. What do you think? I always side with the writers, and Elliot and Rossio are pros when it comes to populist adventure, so I hope that Disney gave them plenty of breathing room and trusted them this time around. Rant over.)
    

3. Speaking of adventure, Shane Black, Anthony Bagarozzi and Chuck Mondry are currently working on a script based on popular pulp hero of the 1930's, Doc Savage. Columbia Pictures owns the project and Black is set direct upon approval of a completed script. In fact, Savage was one of many characters that Steven Spielberg and George Lucas used as inspiration to create Indiana Jones. Black was prolific in the 80's and 90's and is well known for his action films, “Lethal Weapon”, and, “The Long Kiss Goodnight”, among others. This one seems like a surefire bet...I know, no such thing in Hollywood. But still, I'm feeling optimistic today.
    

4. Writer Will Fetters script, an adaptation of the Nicholas Sparks novel, “The Lucky One” will soon enter production for Warner Bros. This on the heels of the financial success of yet another book-to-screen success with Sparks latest novel to appear as a film, “Dear John”.
    

5. Sheldon Turner, award winning screenwriter of, “Up In The Air” will soon produce the romantic comedy, “Kiss and Tell” for Universal Pictures. Turner has also recently adapted, “InFamous”, a video game, for Sony and he also has multiple projects in development for Fox, New Line, Warner Bros., and Disney. See kids? Writers aren't always the ones scribbling away in a dark room somewhere without rewards. Take heart, you too could be a Sheldon Turner someday.