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“Murder Mysteries” movie

Kit,Zorianna, “Goyer reteams with Dimension on ‘Mysteries'”, Hollywood Reporter, 11 May 2001, 368(13), p.1

Filmmaker David Goyer will write and direct Dimension Films’ supernatural thriller “Murder Mysteries” for producers Don Murphy and Alessandro Camon. The project is the first of a two-picture writing and directing deal Goyer has signed with the studio. The second project has yet to be determined.

The project reteams Goyer with Dimension, which is developing the Goyer-written feature “Ghost Rider,” based on the Marvel Comic that Steve Norrington is attached to helm in the fall.

Based on a short story by author and comic book scribe Neil Gaiman, “Murder” is described as being in the vein of “Wings of Desire.” The story is a film noir set in heaven during the last days of Earth’s creation. It follows the angel of vengeance as he sets out to solve the first murder ever committed, which occurs among the angels in heaven.

“Neil Gaiman is a great writer,” Goyer said. “I’ve been a fan of his ever since his days on (the Gaiman-created comic book series) ‘Sandman, and this has always been my favorite short story of his. It should make for a very provocative and frightening film. I am excited that Dimension sees the same potential in the story that I do.”

Dimension co-head of production Andrew Rona brought the project to the studio and will oversee. Dimension parent company Miramax Pictures has worked with Gaiman on “Princess Mononoke,” the English-language script Gaiman penned for the studio. Miramax also is adapting Gaiman’s bestselling novel “Stardust.” Gaiman is repped by CAA.

Goyer, repped by WMA, recently wrapping shooting his feature directorial debut on Franchise Pictures’ “Zigzag,” which he also wrote. He is in Europe executive producing New Line Cinema’s “Blade 2: Bloodlust,” the sequel to the original, both of which he wrote.

Murphy next produces Columbia Pictures’ “From Hell” and Lions Gate Films’ “Bully.” He is developing Gaiman’s three-part book series “Death: The High Cost of Living” at Warner Bros. and Village Roadshow.

Camon worked with Dimension on “The Crow: Salvation” and “The Crow: City of Angels,” the latter of which Goyer wrote.

Dimension senior vp business and legal affairs Brian Burkin negotiated the deals on behalf of the studio. Attorney Craig Emmanuel negotiated Murphy and Camon’s deals.