Proerty Rights

Just nine months ago, some Hollywood insiders were predicting the career demise of rogue screenwriter Joe Eszterhas. But for a few brief hours last Friday, Eszterhas emerged as the hottest personality in town. After an intense bidding war among at least 10 major and independent studios, Eszterhas sold his latest screenplay, "Basic Instinct," to Carolco Pictures for $3 million--setting a record for so-called "spec" movie scripts.

Just nine months ago, some Hollywood insiders were predicting the career demise of rogue screenwriter Joe Eszterhas. But for a few brief hours last Friday, Eszterhas emerged as the hottest personality in town. After an intense bidding war among at least 10 major and independent studios, Eszterhas sold his latest screenplay, "Basic Instinct," to Carolco Pictures for $3 million--setting a record for so-called "spec" movie scripts.