Interestingly, this isn’t the first newsprint to silver screen deal involving “Modern Love.” Sony Pictures TV and producers Gail Berman and Lloyd Braun are working on an HBO pilot based around a fictionalized male editor of the column who is working through a messy divorce. This pilot sounds more like it borrows from the idea of the column itself, while the Columbia deal levers rights to its content.
The Times, managed by ICM, has optioned story ideas in the past, (“north of 20″ reports Variety) and with this latest deal, they take a stake in optioning out love to Hollywood.
So this latest indulgence of their Gatekeeper status should result with a few dollars in the Gray Lady’s pocket, and perhaps a couple of jobs saved. These are all nice stories that people like, and apparently, are willing to pay for. If we can learn where to capitalize, there just might be money to be made in the papers after all. And if someone quick and options David Rohde’s story? Holiday bonuses all around!