Fresh off the international success of CBS Films’ comedy “Last Vegas,” Jon Turteltaub is attached to direct “The Lady in the Locker Room,” which is based on the life of Susan Fornoff.
In addition to Fornoff’s published book, CBS Films acquired a pitch from Joel Silverman, who will write the screenplay. Turteltaub will produce with Karim Zreik (“Common Law”).
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In the 1980s, Fornoff fought to secure equal rights for female sports journalists, insisting they deserved the same access to athletes as their male colleagues. At the time, most sports leagues barred women from entering the locker room, which made it difficult for writers like Fornoff to do their jobs.
Fornoff, who worked for papers including USA Today and the Sacramento Bee, finally smashed that barrier, becoming one of the first women to enter the locker room. The movie will chronicle her journey to thrive in a profession that up until that point, had been dominated by men.
CBS Films executives Maria Faillace and Alex Ginno will oversee the project for the studio.
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Turteltaub, whose “Last Vegas” has grossed $130 million to date, is represented by WME, manager David Lonner and attorney Barry Littman.
Silverman, who earned a WGA Award nomination for “Full Court Miracle,” has recently set up “Garo” with Jerry Bruckheimer producing and “Undefeated” with producer Scott Stuber.
Fornoff is represented by attorneys Melissa K. Dagodag and Larry Zerner. Silverman is represented by Original Artists.