AMC Orders Unscripted Pilot With 'Fanboys' Writer as Host
AMC is targeting obsessive fans with a pilot order for an unscripted show, which will be executive produced and co-hosted by "Fanboy" screenwriter Ernest Cline (pictured above).
The project, with the working title, "Geek Out," will take ultimate fans through adventures that connect them with the objects of their obsession.
"'Geek Out' is really a wish fulfillment show that features touching stories with stakes so real to the person involved that the audience will become engrossed in their journey and want to see their dream come true," said Joel Stillerman, AMC's executive vice president of original programming, production and digital content.
Also read: Ernest Cline's profile on TheWrap's Powergrid
"Conceptually, 'Geek Out' is right in AMC's wheelhouse of appealing to the fanboy community and ultimately creating an indelible moment in one lucky person's life," continues Stillerman.
The project will follow Cline and his co-host (who has yet to be cast) as they cross the country to surprise obsessed fans with a fantasy adventure.
Cline, who also wrote the bestselling novel "Ready Player One," will executive produce the series along with Thinkfactory Media's ("Gene Simmons Family Jewels," "Hatfields & McCoys") Leslie Greif, Adam Freeman, Adam Reed, and Dan Farah ("The Crow" remake) under his Farah Films banner.
AMC's Stillerman, vice president of non-scripted original programming Mary Conlon, senior vice president of production Jason Fisher, and director of development Ari Mark will oversee the development and production for "Geek Out."
"Geek Out" feels like a good fit for the cable network, which has made some incredibly unique choices when it comes to their growing unscripted slate, which includes Kevin Smith's "Comic Book Men," "Small Town Security," and "Freakshow."
Warner Bros. is currently developing a movie based on Cline's "Ready Player One." His second novel, "Amanda," is being published by Random House with a release date to be announced later this year. And, Universal is already developing a film on the book.
Cline is represented by Farah, Paradigm, and Greenberg Glusker. Thinkfactory is represented by UTA.
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