Phoenix Pictures (upcoming Shutter Island) has bought Troy Nixey’s family fantasy Simple Machines for Nixey to direct after he has finished shooting Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark this summer.
Variety says Mike Medavoy, Arnie Messer and Brad Fischer will produce, with CHUD.com creator Nick Nunziata co-producing.
The story centers on a reclusive young inventor who must save his beloved creation from an evil industrialist before he uses it to corrupt the world.
The deal marks the second collaboration between Phoenix and Nixey. Phoenix previously acquired Nixey’s graphic novel “Trout,” which Laeta Kalogridis is adapting for the screen.
