VIRAL
Original mini-series by Ron Nyswaner. Inspired by the non-fiction book, 28 STORIES OF AIDS IN AFRICA, by journalist Stephanie Nolan. Producers: Elton John, Jim Head, David Furnish, and Steven Hamilton for Rocket Productions. For HBO.
Ron and the producers will travel to Africa for research, in February, 2012.
AMERICAN WIFE
Feature film adaptation of Curtis Sittenfeld’s best-selling novel. Producers: Red Crown Productions.
Synopsis: When First Lady Alice Lundgren faces a blackmail plot to reveal a scandalous secret from her past, she is forced to review her life: the tragic incident in her youth that shaped her personality; her love affair with a charming rogue, Charlie Blackwell; and her stunning arrival in the White House when Charlie becomes a most unlikely President. A controversial roman a clef based on the life of Laura Bush.
FREEHELD
Original screenplay by Ron Nyswaner. Inspired by the Academy Award winning documentary by Cynthia Wade. To star Ellen Page. Producers: Page, Stacey Sher, and Michael Shamberg.
Synopsis: The true story of car mechanic, Stacie Andree (Page), her life partner, New Jersey detective Laurel Hester, and conservative cop Dane Wells: an unlikely trio drawn into a fight for justice when Laurel is diagnosed with terminal cancer and government officials block her attempts to leave her pension to Stacie.
WALTER REED
Original script by Ron Nyswaner. Inspired by the Pulitzer-prize winning series of articles by Washington Post writers Dana Priest and Anne Hull. Producers: Larry Lyttle, David Helpern for HBO Films.
Synopsis: Sgt. Dan Shannon, shot in the head in Iraq, is sent to Walter Reed Army Medical Center to recover. His ex-wife, Torrey, brings their three sons to visit. When Torrey realizes Dan is suffering from serious brain injury, and can’t care for himself, she moves with him into Mologne House, an on-base facility for wounded warriors. Dan and Torrey are stunned by the number of brain injured and traumatized soldiers who get lost in the system, receiving sub-standard care. When a young soldier dies of neglect, Dan realizes he has to go to battle against his beloved army, in order to win better care for his fellow soldiers.
