The Weinstein Company has acquired the film rights to “A Speck in the Sea,” a recent cover story in the New York Times magazine about the rescue of lobster fisherman John Aldridge. Oscar nominee Rachael Horovitz and top horror producer Jason Blum will produce the adaptation alongside Harvey Weinstein.
Paul Tough wrote the article about Aldridge, who fell into the Atlantic Ocean this summer without a life vest. Longtime friend Anthony Sosinski, his partner on the boat, realized Aldridge was gone when he woke up, and alerted the coast guard and fishing community.
“Paul’s piece in the Times magazine last weekend was one of those that instantly struck us as film that had to be made,” Weinstein said in a statement. “Rachael and Jason are some of the best in the business, and seeing this amazing story come to life is going to be a wild ride.”
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Horovitz, producer of “Moneyball” and “Grey Gardens,” was in East Hampton as the search for Aldridge further out off Long Island.
“The East End is filled with people of integrity like John and Anthony – who risk their lives for one another on a daily basis,” she said in a statement. “I am so honored to be a part of this film and to be working with Harvey, Bob and Jason to bring to the screen this thrilling story of the triumphant spirit of human connection and the meaning of community when it joins together.”
TWC’s David Glasser made the deal with UTA’s Kassie Evashevski and McCormick & Williams’ David McCormick.