AI Thriller Spec Script Sold for $3M

In a remarkable turn of events in Hollywood, the preemptive acquisition of the spec script titled Alignment has generated a buzz among industry insiders. This deal, valued at $3 million between Fifth Season and Brad Weston’s Makeready banner, marks a significant milestone for an emerging writer, Natan Dotan, who until recently had no representation.

The excitement surrounding this script reflects a resurgence in interest for high-stakes narratives concerning artificial intelligence, a topic that has drawn both fascination and concern in the film industry. The sale competes with notable past deals, such as Julia Cox’s sale of Love of Your Life to Amazon for a low seven figures, emphasizing the changing dynamics of the spec script market.

Natan Dotan’s professional background is as varied as it is impressive; he holds a PhD in sociology from Columbia University and has experience across multiple fields, including biology and analytics, as well as producing an investigative segment with ProPublica. His diverse expertise in mass media and data science likely informs the narrative depth found in Alignment.

Having authored the script, Dotan leveraged a limited network to initiate his journey into Hollywood. His connection led him to Untitled Entertainment, where he secured representation. The urgency for the project was palpable, as the appeal of stories focused on AI is fleeting—hence the swift action to package the script and bring it to market.

Alignment is crafted in a concise format akin to thrilling contemporaries such as Margin Call and Contagion, centered around a tumultuous 36-hour timeline. The story unfolds as a board member at a thriving AI company grapples with corporate machinations and ethical dilemmas, racing against time to avert a potential global disaster caused by his colleagues’ negligence.

The script quickly gained traction within Hollywood, with reports highlighting that Dotan engaged in over 20 meetings within a week following its introduction to producers. His meetings included high-profile directors, including Damien Chazelle and potential actors like Matt Damon expressing interest, further validating the script’s perceived value.

A sudden shift occurred when Fifth Season stepped in with a substantial offer, prompting immediate negotiations that unfolded partially during a Hollywood Reporter event. Ultimately, the arrangement concluded with Fifth Season committing to purchase the script for $1.25 million upfront, with additional compensation contingent on the film’s production.

This unprecedented deal for an unknown writer represents both a rejuvenation of the spec script landscape and an acknowledgment of the narrative potential embedded in AI-themed stories. Fifth Season, typically recognized for independent projects, aims to showcase its ambition to compete for noteworthy cinematic endeavors, as seen with its involvement in films like 80 for Brady and Flora and Son.

As Dotan embarks on this promising journey in Hollywood, his experience highlights not only the evolving landscape for screenwriters but also the broader cultural conversation surrounding artificial intelligence that continues to captivate audiences and industry players alike.