Paul Giamatti, Billy Bob Thornton and Jacki Weaver have signed on to the JFK feature Parkland. Exclusive Media will finance, jointly produce with Playtone and handle world sales.

Exclusive Media has optioned Vincent Bugliosi’s book Reclaiming History: The Assassination Of President John F Kennedy. Peter Landesman adapted the screenplay and will make his feature directorial debut on the true account of events at the Parkland Hospital in Dallas on the day of the assassination in Nov 22, 1963.

Production is lined up for Austin, Texas, in time for a 2013 release around the time of the 50th anniversary of the tragedy.

Exclusive Media is producing with Playtone partners Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman. Exclusive Media head of US production Matt Jackson will oversee.

“Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman are two exceptional producers with great taste so we are delighted to be collaborating with them on this fascinating film about such a significant chapter in American history,” said Exclusive Media co-chairman Nigel Sinclair and Guy East.

“Paul, Billy Bob and Jacki are perfectly cast to bring Vincent’s book to life. It’s the definitive account of the untold events that took place in Parkland Hospital on that infamous day – it’s a unique and compelling story and Peter’s adaptation is remarkable.” 

Exclusive Media evp of business and legal affairs Dan Stutz negotiated the book rights deal with Vincent Bugliosi’s literary manager Peter Miller, the president and CEO of Global Lion Intellectual Property Management.

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