MGM Acquires and Greenlights CABIN IN THE WOODS - New Spec Script From Joss Whedon and Drew Goddard - First Film to Be Green Lit By New MGM Motion Pictures Group

MGM Acquires and Greenlights CABIN IN THE WOODS - New Spec Script From Joss Whedon and Drew Goddard - First Film to Be Green Lit By New MGM Motion Pictures Group

LOS ANGELES, July 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures (MGM) has acquired and green lit THE CABIN IN THE WOODS, written by Joss Whedon and Drew Goddard, on which Goddard will also make his directorial debut and Whedon will produce. The project is the studio's first movie to get the green light from Mary Parent, Chairman, Worldwide Motion Picture Group, MGM, who is aggressively rebuilding MGM's theatrical production and marketing divisions.

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In making the announcement, Parent said: "We couldn't be more excited to green light our first film with Joss and Drew and for Drew to be making his directorial debut at MGM. Not surprisingly, 'Cabin' is one of the most original and clever scripts I've ever read. It's a visceral thrill ride and I'll leave it at that."

"This couldn't have turned out better for me," said Whedon. "I'm goofy with the love for this script, and with Drew at the helm and Mary at the ... other part of the helm ... it'll be great! Mary has been a terrific collaborator and mentor, and for her to respond so passionately -- and decisively -- to our project means a great deal. The new MGM is the perfect place for Drew to do the kind of work I know he can do except for when I'm subtly sabotaging him because I'm jealous of his talent and height."

Goddard added: "Honestly, this is a dream come true for me. I get to work with Mary and everyone at MGM, who have shown us nothing but love and support from page one. And I get to keep working with Joss, which is nice 'cause he's the best writer I've ever met and as a producer he gets discounts at local ethnic eateries around town."

Goddard, who is under an overall deal at ABC Television Studios and who has served as writer/producer on the JJ Abrams "Lost" series for the past two seasons, recently wrote the original screenplay for Cloverfield, the sci-fi thriller from Abrams' Bad Robot, produced in association with Paramount Studios which earned a $170 million worldwide box office earlier this year.

Goddard and Whedon first teamed on the "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" television series, which Whedon created. The duo also worked on the Buffy spin-off, "Angel." Goddard additionally was a writer on the television series "Alias."

Whedon, who began his career writing the feature films Speed and Toy Story, for which he received an Oscar nomination, went on to create Emmy award winning series, "Buffy," "Angel" as well as "Firefly." Whedon's highly anticipated television project, "Dollhouse," will be launched on the Fox Network in 2009.

Whedon's recent feature film credits include writing and directing Serenity for Universal Pictures, and writing the screenplays for 20th Century Fox's X-Men and Alien Resurrection.

Joss Whedon is represented by Creative Artists Agency and attorney Sam Fischer of Ziffren, Brittenham, Branca, Fischer, Gilbert-Lurie, Stiffelman, Cook, Johnson, Lande & Wolf. Drew Goddard is represented by UTA and attorney Jeanne Newman at Hansen, Jacobson, Teller, Hoberman, Newman, Warren & Richman.

About Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc., through its operating subsidiaries, is actively engaged in the worldwide production and distribution of motion pictures, television programming, home video, interactive media, music and licensed merchandise. The company owns the world's largest library of modern films, comprising around 4,100 titles. Operating units include Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc., United Artists Films Inc., Ventanazul, MGM Television Entertainment Inc., MGM Networks Inc., MGM Domestic Networks LLC, MGM Distribution Co., MGM International Television Distribution Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Home Entertainment LLC, MGM ON STAGE, MGM Music, MGM Worldwide Digital Media, MGM Consumer Products and MGM Interactive. In addition, MGM has ownership interests in international TV channels reaching nearly 120 countries. MGM ownership is as follows: Providence Equity Partners (29%), TPG (21%), Sony Corporation of America (20%), Comcast (20%), DLJ Merchant Banking Partners (7%) and Quadrangle Group (3%). For more information, visit http://www.mgm.com/.

    CONTACT:   Jeff Pryor               Executive Vice President/Corporate Communications               Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.               jpryor@mgm.com; o. 310-449-3446  

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Source: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc.

CONTACT: Jeff Pryor, Executive Vice President-Corporate Communications
of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc., +1-310-449-3446, jpryor@mgm.com

Web site: http://www.mgm.com/

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Profile: International Entertainment