LIKELY STORY ACQUIRES “THE AMATEUR AMERICAN”
Attaches Ross Katz To Write and Direct

New York, NY – 2008 – Likely Story announced today the acquisition of the upcoming political thriller novel “The Amateur American” by J. Saunders Elmore. Ross Katz will write the screenplay and direct. Katz recently wrote and directed HBO's upcoming "Taking Chance," starring Kevin Bacon, which will premiere in February 2009. He is also a producer of award-winning films, including “Lost in Translation” and “In the Bedroom.” “The Amateur American” is a thriller about a young American expatriate in France who is drawn into a web of violent political intrigue, corruption and murder when he takes a job translating for a shadowy powerbroker. Likely Story will produce the film with top French Producer Bruno Levy, whose credits include the international hit “L’Auberge Espagnole,” “Russian Dolls” and the highly anticipated “Persecution,” by acclaimed filmmaker Patrice Cheraux. The project will be shot primarily in France.

Likely Story’s Anthony Bregman stated, "The Amateur American" is this generation's "Three Days Of The Condor" -- a swift, smart, complex novel of a young man stumbling into a murky world of contemporary terrorism/counter-terrorism, where the mechanics of deception override the politics. Right around the time we read the novel we had the good fortune of seeing an early print of Ross Katz's "Taking Chance," a movie which blends politics and emotions so powerfully, we knew right away that Ross would be our guide from book to screen."

"This is such an exciting time for me. It's been an honor to make "Taking Chance" as my first foray into writing and directing, and I can't wait to share it with the world this February," said Katz. "After many years working with Anthony and Stefanie as a producer, it's wonderful to be reunited with them, now as a writer and director. It's especially gratifying because their experience and good taste make them some of the best in the business and they're entrusting me with J. Saunders Elmore’s extraordinary novel. It represents a radical departure for me, and I'm ecstatic to be diving into the world of his riveting thriller."

Stefanie Azpiazu, Likely Story's head of development, negotiated the film rights to Mr. Elmore’s debut novel with Nick Harris at RSWH Agency on behalf of Chris Parris-Lamb at The Gernert Company.

Likely Story is a New York-based production company founded by Anthony Bregman in October 2006. The company has produced four films being released in the next 12 months: Charlie Kaufman’s directorial debut “Synecdoche, New York” (Sony Pictures Classics), Alex Rivera’s "Sleep Dealer" (Maya Releasing), David and Alex Pastor's "Carriers" (Paramount Vantage), and an untitled Nicole Holofcener film (Sony Pictures Classics). Bregman’s previous producing credits include “Friends with Money,” “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,” “Lovely & Amazing,” "Thumbsucker," “The Tao of Steve,” “The Savages,” “Trick,” “The Ice Storm,” “The Brothers McMullen," and "Human Nature."