LOS ANGELES (Zap2it.com) - While her latest public
persona suggests that Britney Spears in no longer in that liminal space where
she's not a girl and not yet a woman, the pop temptress is looking to
executive produce some entertainment suitable for the whole family. Spears is
close to signing on for production duties on "A Mother's Gift," a telefilm for
ABC Family.
Spears co-wrote the semi-autobiographical novel with her mother Lynne.
"Gift," published in 2001, focuses on a teenage singer who leaves her home in
the South to go to an East Coast conservatory. Lions Gate Television is
expected to produce the movie, which will start production in early 2004 for
an April airdate, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Amy Talkington adapted the book and Bobby Roth ("The Elizabeth Smart
Story") is set to direct. Britney and Lynne Spears will executive produce
along with the singer's manager, Rob Lee.
ABC Family is also at work on "I Want to Marry Ryan Banks," an original
movie starring Jason Priestley ("Beverly Hills, 90210"). The story, written by
Chad Hodge ("The Time Around"), centers on an actor who stages a reality show
to find a wife. Bradley Cooper ("Alias") and Emma Caulfield ("Buffy the
Vampire Slayer") will co-star. Sheldon Larry ("Boston Public") directs the
project, which will air in January.
