Take a Number

Genre: Dark Comedy

Script Status: Original story and screenplay by James Martin

Storyline: Michael Bishop is a high-roller who has hit bottom – hard. He got released from prison ahead of the guy he owes a bundle to, and has a few years to rebuild. Even though he’s forbidden from gambling until he completes his term, he’s got a plan for his big comeback. But things have taken a bad turn. His Aunt has just won a quarter million at the local Indian Gaming Casino, and the crooks who run it are hell-bent on enticing her to put every cent back in so that the Gaming Commission doesn’t discover that they are stealing from the tribe. And the crazed felon he owes money to just got an early release, and is coming to collect, or kill. His new, very attractive sponsor thinks he should give up gambling forever, but winning big is the one way that he can get the money to pay off the murderous debt-collector. Ultimately, it’s all on the line -- win-or-lose, do-or-die -- and the result is a clarity about life that Michael has never had.

Status: Will shoot Fall 2008. John Pantages is producing along with Lisa Richardson and Tom Rowe of Reunion Pictures in Vancouver. Director is Jeremiah Chechik (Benny & Joon). Donal Logue is attached to star and Cloris Leachman is interested in co-starring. Jim Martin and Wendy Winks are Executive Producing.