lodgelady
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 7, 2001
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Found this link on Save Disney today. 
Enjoy!
http://datelinehollywood.com/archives/2005/02/14/disney-options-disneywar-for-film/
Full Text of the Article:
DISNEY OPTIONS DISNEYWAR FOR FILM
Movie will tell story of heroic CEOs victory over evil foes
Hollywood In a surprising move, Walt Disney Pictures has optioned the book DisneyWar with plans to adapt it into a feature film. We felt it was extremely important that we get this book, since its a story only Disney can tell, said Walt Disney CEO Michael Eisner. Im certain this will be an inspiring film about a top executive at a media company who overcame many who opposed him to build the most beloved corporation on Earth.
DisneyWar has created immense controversy in recent weeks as excerpts were printed in newspapers and magazines. The book paints an unflattering picture of several Disney executives, most notably Eisner and his top deputy Robert Iger. The book portrays in vivid detail the vicious internal politics that led to former President Michael Ovitz being hired and then fired with a $144 million severance package, as well as the recent turmoil at ABC, where Eisner and Iger discouraged this years biggest hits, Lost and Desperate Housewives.
Executives at Disneys film studio are confident a smart film adaptation will bring out the core of the book, which they say fits the classic story of good conquering evil.
This is a sprawling book and will require some tweaks to turn it into a story with a hero audiences can root for, noted Disney Studios Chairman Dick Cook. We have already hired writers who are shaping a story in which the chief executive at a company called Disney save it from the brink of bankruptcy, despite sleazy senior executives who try to undermine them at every turn.
Cook added that casting will also be key to making the film version of DisneyWar a success.
We already have an offer out to Will Smith for the character of Michael Eisner, Cook admitted. For Robert Iger, were currently courting veteran supporting performer, Paul Giamatti. And for Michael Ovitz, theres no doubt that well cast James Woods, who can play sinister better than anyone else.
Insiders say that rather than casting an actor to play former Disney studio chief Jeffrey Katzenberg, special effects experts will be called on to create a hideous, four-foot tall dwarf.
They want audiences to walk out of the movie saying I hate that little midget, said a member of the visual effects team.
Cook added that Martin Scorsese will likely be tapped to direct the film, with hopes of turning it into an Oscar-winning epic.
Enjoy!http://datelinehollywood.com/archives/2005/02/14/disney-options-disneywar-for-film/
Full Text of the Article:
DISNEY OPTIONS DISNEYWAR FOR FILM
Movie will tell story of heroic CEOs victory over evil foes
Hollywood In a surprising move, Walt Disney Pictures has optioned the book DisneyWar with plans to adapt it into a feature film. We felt it was extremely important that we get this book, since its a story only Disney can tell, said Walt Disney CEO Michael Eisner. Im certain this will be an inspiring film about a top executive at a media company who overcame many who opposed him to build the most beloved corporation on Earth.
DisneyWar has created immense controversy in recent weeks as excerpts were printed in newspapers and magazines. The book paints an unflattering picture of several Disney executives, most notably Eisner and his top deputy Robert Iger. The book portrays in vivid detail the vicious internal politics that led to former President Michael Ovitz being hired and then fired with a $144 million severance package, as well as the recent turmoil at ABC, where Eisner and Iger discouraged this years biggest hits, Lost and Desperate Housewives.
Executives at Disneys film studio are confident a smart film adaptation will bring out the core of the book, which they say fits the classic story of good conquering evil.
This is a sprawling book and will require some tweaks to turn it into a story with a hero audiences can root for, noted Disney Studios Chairman Dick Cook. We have already hired writers who are shaping a story in which the chief executive at a company called Disney save it from the brink of bankruptcy, despite sleazy senior executives who try to undermine them at every turn.
Cook added that casting will also be key to making the film version of DisneyWar a success.
We already have an offer out to Will Smith for the character of Michael Eisner, Cook admitted. For Robert Iger, were currently courting veteran supporting performer, Paul Giamatti. And for Michael Ovitz, theres no doubt that well cast James Woods, who can play sinister better than anyone else.
Insiders say that rather than casting an actor to play former Disney studio chief Jeffrey Katzenberg, special effects experts will be called on to create a hideous, four-foot tall dwarf.
They want audiences to walk out of the movie saying I hate that little midget, said a member of the visual effects team.
Cook added that Martin Scorsese will likely be tapped to direct the film, with hopes of turning it into an Oscar-winning epic.
