Ovation Entertainment, the new LA company which teams former Trilogy Entertainment Group co-head Richard B Lewis with former eBay president Jeff Skoll as the lead investor, has hired Gregory Widen, the writer of Highlander and Backdraft, to rewrite action adventure movie The Rising originally written by Jeffrey Miller as well as write period actioner The Quest based on true historical events.

Ovation has also acquired Meant To Be, a romantic comedy from screenwriter Steven Christopher Young, which focuses on a man's obsessive love for one girl since childhood. Ovations's vice president of development Corey Ackerman will oversee development and Lewis will produce the film.

Widen was represented in both deals by Rima Greer of Above The Line, while Young is represented by Allen Fischer of Santos Fischer. Ovation is represented by Jon Levin and Rick Hess in all areas.

Ovation recently acquired the projects put into development by Lewis' last venture Southpaw Media Group; it also has a gaming division which has signed a multi-year strategic partnership with BAM! Entertainment.

Lewis' producing credits include Backdraft, Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves, Blown Away, Tank Girl and Larger Than Life.

The International Documentary Association (IDA) has announced the films which will vie for the prizes at the annual Distinguished Documentary Achievement Awards to be announced at the benefit gala on Dec 13 in Hollywood.

The awards are presented in four categories ' feature length films (see nominees below), short films, limited series and continuing series. The gala will also see career achievement awards go to Ken Burns and Agnes Varda.