Rosario Dawson to Headline Occult Crimes

This sounds interesting, and The Weinstein’s have been getting some hot properties. I wonder where this project will go, or how it might change over time. We’ll see. Here is the release…

Dimension Films is proud to announce that it has acquired the rights to produce O.C.T. – Occult Crimes Taskforce, based on Rosario Dawson’s (Sin City, Clerks II, upcoming Grindhouse, upcoming Killshot)new comic book series of the same name which she co-created with David Atchison and Tony Shasteen.Dawson is set to star in and produce the film. Ford Lytle Gilmore is executive producing the film, with Atchison and Shasteen serving as co-producers and Gus Vasquez serving as associate producer. The announcement was made today by Bob Weinstein, co-chairman of The Weinstein Company.

When N.Y.P.D. detective Sophia Ortiz (Dawson) stumbles upon a bizarre murder scene, she’s quickly brushed aside by the Occult Crimes Taskforce. Versed in the black arts and equipped with mystical weaponry, the O.C.T. keeps the streets safe from unholy creatures of the night.

Bob Weinstein stated, “We are thrilled to be involved with Rosario again. O.C.T. is extremely inventive and this project will showcase her talent both as star and producer.”

Rosario Dawson stated, “I’m excited to develop and produce a film that comes from a comic book where the protagonist is based on the likeness of a real person. I have loved comic books since I was a child and I am thrilled to have created a project that joins my love for films as well. Dimension is the perfect partner in this endeavor, as they truly understand the creation and marketing of this genre. I have worked with them in many projects over the years and they have always been fantastic partners.” 

In June 2006 at Comic-Con International, Dawson announced plans to create a television miniseries and video game based on her comic book. The first issue of Dawson’s comic book miniseries was published in July 2006 by Image Comics and 12 Gauge Comics. The comic book series was co-created by Dawson, David Atchison, and Tony Shasteen, was written by Atchison, and illustrated by Shasteen. 

Richard Saperstein, president of production, Matthew Stein, senior vice president of production, and Alex Franklin, director of development and production, and Brendan Deneen, director of production and development, will oversee the project on behalf of Dimension Films.

Andrew Kramer, executive vice president of business and legal affairs, and Lumumba Mosquera, senior vice president of business and legal affairs, negotiated the deal on behalf of Dimension Films. Eddy Yablans and Carlos Goodman negotiated on behalf of Rosario Dawson, and Harris Millernegotiated for David Atchison and Tony Shasteen.