Jeff Robinov’s Studio 8 has acquired the TV/film rights to Hugh Howey’s sci-fi adventure “Beacon 23” and tapped Josh Friedman to write and executive produce a TV series, Variety has learned.
The project is currently in early development for Studio 8’s TV division.
In the series of five novellas set in the 23rd Century, a shell-shocked former soldier mans a lighthouse beacon for spaceships and must face his demons when the beacon fails endangering thousands of lives.
Friedman created the TV series “Terminator: Sarah Connor Chronicles” and is co-writing “Avatar 3.” Bryan Unkeless will serve as an associate producer.
Variety first reported last June that Studio 8 had hired former Chernin Co. TV president Katherine Pope to run the studio’s new TV division. Pope oversees Studio 8’s TV development slate, which covers a broad range of comedy and drama projects for network and cable television.
Studio 8 is funded in partnership with the Chinese investment management firm Fosun Group and with Sony Pictures Entertainment, which will distribute up to six films worldwide annually. Studio 8 has secured $1 billion in financing.
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The company’s initial film projects include “Solutrean,” which is currently in production, and Ang Lee’s “Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk” in partnership with Sony’s TriStar Pictures.
Howey and Friedman are both represented by United Talent Agency. Friedman is also represented by Karl Austen.
