Valley Independent Sentinel

High Expectations For ‘Prisoners’

by Eugene Driscoll | Dec 16, 2009 1:04 pm

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Posted to: Derby, Shelton

The script for “Prisoners,” the major-motion picture scheduled to film soon in Derby and Shelton, has been picked as one of the best unproduced screenplays of 2009.

“Risky Business,” a blog on the Hollywood Reporter’s Web site, reported that the script is number four on Universal executive Franklin Leonard’s annual “Black List.”

Leonard’s top 10 countdown is a list of yet-to-be filmed screenplays with the most potential. His list has apparently become quite the crystal ball, as Leonard’s past picks included solid flicks such as “Juno” and “Lars and the Real Girl,” according to Entertainment Weekly.

Leonard e-mails his list to just 260 people, EW reported, but it spreads like wildfire. The Valley Independent Sentinel was not included on this year’s cc list.

Here’s what Leonard wrote about “Prisoners,” according to EW:

4. Prisoners

(Screenplay by Aaron Guzikowski)

What it’s about: When his young daughter and her best friend vanish on Thanksgiving Day, a Christian survivalist named Keller Dover takes matters into his own hands, imprisoning and torturing a suspect whom the police have set free. But does Dover have the wrong man? And if he does, who really has his little girl?

What’s it like: Silence of the Lambs meets Mystic River. A terrifying, riveting read. Vivid, unforgettable characters, a bullet-fast plot, and scenes that mine our deepest psychological fears. Lock the doors and windows (and go to the bathroom) before turning the first page.

Status: Antoine Fuqua (Training Day) directing for Alcon Entertainment and Warner Bros.

According to reports from residents in Derby and Shelton, Fuqua, who directed Denzel Washington to an Academy Award in “Training Day,” and his crew have been scouting chosen locations on both sides of the Housatonic. At least two single-family homes in Shelton have been chosed and two area garages are in the running for a scene as well.

Mayor Anthony Staffieri told the Valley Indy that Derby City Hall will be used as a locale, too.

Derby is apparently getting a big shout out in the film, according to an item on Thursday’s agenda for the city’s Board of Aldermen meeting.

Agenda item no. 13, calls for a discussion on a request from Warner Brothers and Captive Productions to use “City of Derby seals, logos, insignias, etc., Derby police vehicles and uniforms” for the movie and any sequels.

Thursday’s meeting starts at 7 p.m.

The production is using offices on Progress Drive in Shelton as a home base.

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