IN THE CROSSHAIRS

It looks like Jay's 1997 novel, THE KILLER'S GAME — in development at several studios over the years — is finally making its way to the big screen! Paramount Pictures has picked up the hit man extravaganza from Intermedia, with Andrew Lazar of Mad Chance Inc. producing, and Paramount Executive VP Brian Witten shepherding the project for the studio. Simon Kinberg, who wrote the screenplays “Fantastic Four” and “Mr. And Mrs. Smith” for Fox, wrote the most recent screenplay draft for THE KILLER'S GAME, polishing an earlier draft by Rand Ravich (“The Astronaut's Wife”). Scott Kroepf and Alex Litvack will oversee the project for Intermedia. This is a real milestone for Jay, who has seen a virtual who's-who of heavy hitters flirt with the project over the years...including Renny Harlin, Michael Douglas, John Woo, Wesley Snipes, Alex Proyas, and Wolfgang Petersen.

WAKE UP CALL

THE SLEEP POLICE, Jay's 2001 police procedural from Signet, is going in front of the cameras in the Spring of 2005, under the sure hand of veteran TV and feature director Michael Oblowitz, the man who brought us one of the great, underrated Jim Thompson noir films, “This World Then the Fireworks.” The project is being spearheaded and produced by indie stalwarts (and Dogma vets) Kimberly O'Hara and Eric Klein. O'Hara co-wrote the screenplay with Jay, and will shoot the film on the gritty streets of Chicago, including locations in Police Area 24 where much of the novel THE SLEEP POLICE was set.

VERY COOL

Jay is entering into negotiations with Humble Journey Films for the rights to two of his novels, 1999's BLOODHOUND and the forthcoming FROZEN (August '05). The principal at Humble Journey — who is set to either direct or star in the adaptations — is none other than the brilliant actor Eriq LaSalle, best known for his work as “Dr. Benton” in the TV series ER. LaSalle's partner, Terri Lubaroff, is set to executive produce, with Jay adapting the screenplays.