Black Brothers, Inc. film update

2009-12-06T12:37:00.000-08:00

Perhaps the one bit of "news" I can share regarding the film adaptation of Black Brothers, Inc.: The Violent Rise and Fall of Philadelphia's Black Mafia (Milo, 2005/2007) is that the second draft of the script was accepted by Appian Way Productions (Leonardo DiCaprio's firm) in April of 2009. As has been previously reported, actor/writer Vondie Curtis Hall penned the script for the Black Mafia's early years (film I). Every non-fiction author should have someone as serious as Vondie adapting their work, particularly something as complex and controversial as Black Brothers, Inc. "BBI" was certainly not written with a film in mind, and I can't imagine writing a script based on the (labor-intensive) book! Though it is assumed the script will be edited as the process moves forward, I think the foundation he has laid is impressive. Obviously, I am aware of what characters are featured in the script, and have been fairly apprised re: what talent is being/has been considered for which roles, and so on. I have also seen the published speculation re: DiCaprio being slated to star in the first film as former investigative journalist Jim Nicholson. As I have consistently said, however, I can't comment on these sorts of things. Lastly, on substantive matters at least, I am told that Hollywood types would say the film as in "active development".

While I am posting about the BBI film project (I say "project" because our deal is technically for three films, by time period, given the roughly 40 years of history and the dozens of characters involved), I must thank Norbert Pickett for his undying efforts promoting the book to Rick Yorn (the manager-producer who represents, among others, DiCaprio and Martin Scorsese [pictured with him below]) and ultimately to Appian Way (where Mike Ireland has been nothing but gracious in dealing with a novice's annoying phone calls and emails!).

DiCaprio, Yorn, and Scorcese

Welcome

2008-04-13T03:52:00.000-07:00

In time, this is most likely where you'll be able to find ongoing information re: the Black Brothers, Inc. film project.

In January of 2008, Philadelphia's City Paper dug into the Black Brothers, Inc. film project. The article's author, Mary Patel, wrote that writer/director Vondie Curtis-Hall appeared on local television in L.A. and mentioned he was writing the Black Brothers, Inc. script for "Warner Brothers for Leonardo DiCaprio". She recently added a few more details about the project.

Patel correctly notes that I am not currently in a position to speak publicly about the behind-the-scenes action taking place with the film project.

Please consult my other blog for related information.

Thanks for your interest and support.

spg

Black Brothers, Inc.: The Film Project

Black Brothers, Inc. film update

Welcome