Pete Takeda takes an "EYE" to Hollywood
Pete Takeda
Longtime Marmot Athlete Pete Takeda, author of AN EYE AT THE TOP OF THE WORLD (2006) -- which chronicles the CIA's most daring Cold War mission high in the Indian Himalaya -- sold the rights to his book after long contract tailoring and negotiation.
Hollywood Producer Steve Schwartz evaluated AN EYE AT THE TOP OF THE WORLD when the book was released. Schwartz, an avid rock and ice climber and former Board Member of the American Alpine Club was developing Cormac McCarthy's THE ROAD (release in 2009). He saw Pete's book, steeped in climbing lore and intrigue, as a great film opportunity.
AN EYE was then collectively optioned by Steve Schwartz, Paula Mae Schwartz, and Nick Wechsler. This team is the same who are bringing THE ROAD to the big screen--Steve Schwartz, Paula Mae Schwartz and Nick Wechsler. Nick Wechsler is one of Hollywood's most celebrated producers. His films include SEX, LIES AND VIDEOTAPE...THE PLAYER...NORTH COUNTRY...DRUGSTORE COWBOY, etc. The script is being penned by Ryne Douglas Pearson, who most recently co-scripted KNOWING, a thriller starring Nicolas Cage which will be released in March, 2009. Ryne was also a rock climber earlier in his life.
Pete will thus act as one of the film's co-producers, having input into many of the steps involved in story development, production and principal photography. Currently, Pete is consulting on the script development.
During pre-production and principle photography Pete will work on the actual Climbing sequences of the film. The film will be a work of fiction, set in the present. It will take off from the true story of the mysterious disappearance of the plutonium-powered spy device, and will strive for an authentic portrayal of climbing and climbing culture. Climbers will recognize this as the work of climbers.
Pete Takeda researching "An Eye at the Top of the World"