Zanuck Co

Paramount Pictures has effectively locked up a "first look" deal with the independent Zanuck Co., producer of the current Warner Bros. hit "Driving Miss Daisy," with a four-year deal that guarantees Zanuck greater participation in front-end profits than it would normally get from a major studio release. At the same time, by sweetening the terms, Paramount has guaranteed itself the right of first refusal to projects developed by one of the most reliable producers in Hollywood.

Paramount Pictures has effectively locked up a "first look" deal with the independent Zanuck Co., producer of the current Warner Bros. hit "Driving Miss Daisy," with a four-year deal that guarantees Zanuck greater participation in front-end profits than it would normally get from a major studio release. At the same time, by sweetening the terms, Paramount has guaranteed itself the right of first refusal to projects developed by one of the most reliable producers in Hollywood.

Signaling an official end to his 18-year partnership with David Brown, film producer Richard Zanuck announced Monday that he is forming a development company with his wife and financier Jerry Perenchio. The Zanuck/Brown team--which over the years has produced such box office winners as "The French Connection," "The Sting," and "Jaws"--had been drifting apart for some time. Although Brown was listed as a producer on "Cocoon: The Return," released Nov.

Signaling an official end to his 18-year partnership with David Brown, film producer Richard Zanuck announced Monday that he is forming a development company with his wife and financier Jerry Perenchio. The Zanuck/Brown team--which over the years has produced such box office winners as "The French Connection," "The Sting," and "Jaws"--had been drifting apart for some time. Although Brown was listed as a producer on "Cocoon: The Return," released Nov.

That well-worn phrase, if at first you don't succeed . . . is certainly true in social circles, where the success of one party can dim the memory of a previous flop. Such was the case with the Music Center's WinterFest kickoff Tuesday night at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, a program that included entertainment on the Music Center Plaza, a two-hour concert and a post-concert dinner for those who paid $250 a ticket. The event was partially underwritten by US Spring Communications Co.

Martin Hurwitz has been named executive vice president-motion picture production at New World Entertainment. Hurwitz previously was with Zanuck/Brown Co.

Zanuck to Direct "Rush": Lili Fini Zanuck will make her directing debut with "Rush," Kim Wozencraft's best-selling first novel about a female narcotics officer who becomes an addict. Jennifer Jason Leigh ("Fast Times at Ridgemont High," "Miami Blues") has been cast in the role. Zanuck co-produced "Cocoon" I and II and the Oscar-winning "Driving Miss Daisy" with her husband Richard Zanuck, who will produce "Rush." Production is due to start in January with a script by novelist Pete Dexter.

Does The Times have anything to say about the character of a filmmaker who prefers to ignore the honorable officers who face grave dangers in the drug wars in favor of the real-life dishonored rogue officer Kim Wozencraft? Oh yes, Wozencraft was punished--18 months in prison before the million-dollar purchase of film rights to her book. Was the article an undisguised press release in behalf of the Zanuck Co.? Or was The Times practicing "toady journalism" in expectation of generous ad revenues from the same company?