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EXCLUSIVE: Universal Pictures has preemptively acquired Crime of the Century, a pitch that marks the first sale for Fast 5 scribe Chris Morgan since he signed a two-year first look deal at the studio. Dan Kunka will write the script and Dan Trachtenberg is attached to direct, with Morgan producing under his Chris Morgan Productions banner.
Trachtenberg created a stir recently when his short film Portal: No Escape was posted on YouTube and got close to 7 million hits. The seven-minute film is inspired by the video game series. Crime of the Century is an original idea hatched by Kunka and Trachtenberg, which revolves around a high-octane heist with a science fiction twist. Kunka notches his second big sale this year after his spec Agent Ox sold to Sony and produce Neal Moritz.
As for Morgan, he’s writing Fast & Furious 6 and is a go to guy for Universal on big films, with credits that include Wanted and 47 Ronin, the latter of which is in post production with Keanu Reeves starring. ICM repped Morgan, Kunka and Trachtenberg, and Trachtenberg’s managed by Oasis Media Group and Kunka by Madhouse Entertainment. Below is Trachtenberg’s short film:
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Chris Morgan is as good as they get, glad to see UNI buying for him, he’s smart, fun, and really understands how to collaborate and make the difft parts work on the big blockbusters…plus he’s just a super nice talented unassuming guy who LOVES movies.
Thanks for that comment, Chris Morgan. I love it when these guys come on and write fake comments about themselves.
If you knew Chris, you’d know that he’d never post on this site. Because of this, I hate you.
I also know Chris Morgan – who is everything ‘writer’ said and is far too successful and busy to post on articles.
Go Kunka! great writer. Sounds like a perfect package on this one. that short film is excellent.
Just another setback for the eagerly anticipated 13 ROUNDS. Congrats to both Dan’s though!
How often does a new director come up with a built-in fan base? Congrats to Danny! Now, don’t fuck it up!
Congrats Dan! Very excited for this, you deserve it!
DAN BECOMES A MAN!
So happy for Danny T!
Loved OX! Sickest spec of the year, hands down.
Really? I thought Agent Ox was terrible. Struggled to understand why it sold in the first place. Hardly read like “No Way Out’ in space.
weinstein does it again!! still 1997 where he comes from.
This sounds really cool. But I’m really looking forward to Kunka’s Agent Ox, you guys.
So am I, Kunka. So am I.
Jealous much?
Both Dans can kiss my ass. Cruddy, crummy, hateful tools. The Travis Bickle reference is particularly classy. Complete and utter scumbags.
You’re crazy. I’ve met both in the last year and it couldn’t happen to two nicer guys.
Go Dan! So very very deserved.
how many guys have sold a high-concept spec and a pitch this year? big kunka win.
a big congrats to dan, dan and team morgan!
Isn’t Dan Kunka a client of Mikkel Bondesen at Fuse.
Not since last year. Left Fuse and set up two projects.
Shocker . …
Why would Dan leave Fuse they crushed it for him. From oblivion to getting a TV show on network TV. Does Madhouse poach clients like an agency. Something doesn’t sound right here.
Something doesn’t sound right here because you have no idea what you’re talking about.
Ummm I think you have the wrong client. Kunka’s never done TV.
Can’t wait to see Trachtenberg’s next level!
ICM should give Chris Morgan a wing.
Seriously though… kudos to the film lit department. They’re quietly amassing a decent, albeit young, cadre of writers & directors over there…
Awesome package! And great job Emile Gladstone who finagled this whole shebang!
Harley Copen also brought Kunka & Trachtenberg together…
you can say that again. Emile Gladstone is awesome!
Danny T FTW!!!!!
Totally rad!
Portal 1 was a ground breaking revolutionary game. I was shocked and delighted to see this short film set in Apeture science labratories!
Dan Kunka is en fuego…super talented
I just don’t see it – I mean, 6.8 million hits, and the short looks like something on the SYFY Channel. Not exactly offering something I’d pay to go see, yet they want to make a feature – wtf?