Myriad Pictures and RKO Pictures’ genre division The Roseblood Movie Company are co-financing and producing a film based on an original screenplay by Bret Easton Ellis

Brad Furman is preparing to begin shooting in late summer on the untitled project, the first of a series of projects to stem from Myriad and RKO.

The script tells the story of an awkward social outcast who, after being humiliated by a group of peers, takesrevenge by taking them hostage.

Ted Hartley, CEO and chairman of RKO Pictures, Myriad president and CEO Kirk D’Amico, and Braxton Pope of Ithaka Films will produce. Zanne Devine and Michael Helfant will serve as executive producers.

Ellis’ recent adaptation of The Informers, directed by Gregor Jordan, is currently in release in the US and adaptations of his novels include American Psycho and Less Than Zero.

D’Amico said: “We really support Brad’s vision of the film, and Bret has written a smart, funny and terrifying script,” D’Amico said. “We’re excited to be in business with RKO and look forward to doing more projects together.”

Hartley describes the project as “joyously scary film, typical of the best of the genre”.

Amanda Blue, vice-president of production is the executive in charge of production for Myriad. Kevin Cornish, RKO’s vice-president, will oversee production for RKO/Roseblood.