TBS Closes Script Deal with David Spade and Sony Pictures Television for Animated Version of Spade's JOE DIRT

Marking its third foray into the animation arena, TBS has closed a deal for a pilot script from comic actor David Spade, Sony Pictures Television and Happy Madison Productions for an animated version of the popular movie The Adventures of Joe Dirt. The project, entitled JOE DIRT, will follow the exploits of a mullet-sporting, muscle-car-loving loser with a heart of gold.
 
"David Spade is a hugely popular comic talent who has created a funny, yet lovable, character in JOE DIRT," said Michael Wright, executive vice president, head of programming, for TBS, TNT and Turner Classic Movies (TCM). "We look forward to seeing how he and his fellow writers and producers take this character in new directions as TBS continues exploring the world of primetime animation."
 
The pilot script for JOE DIRT will be written by Spade; Fred Wolf, Spade's frequent writing partner, including scripts for The Adventures of Joe Dirt and Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star; and Donick Cary (The Simpsons, Lil' Bush, Bored to Death). All three will serve as executive producers, along with Doug Robinson of Happy Madison Productions.
 
TBS currently has two other animated projects in the works. Neighbors from Hell, from Fox TV Animation (Family Guy), DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. and Jeffrey Katzenberg (Shrek), centers on the Hellmans, a typical, all-American suburban family who just happen to be from Hell. That series, which is being executive-produced by Pam Brady (South Park), who wrote the pilot episode, and Mireille Soria (Madagascar), is set to premiere in summer 2010. Good and Evel is in development from Lionsgate Television and Steve Buscemi, Stanley Tucci and Wren Arthur's Olive Productions. Written by Glenn Eichler (The Colbert Report), the project follows twin brothers, one a petty criminal and the other a good guy trying to set his brother straight.
 
Happy Madison Television currently produces the CBS comedy Rules of Engagement and is shooting the Nick Swardson sketch show for Comedy Central and a comedy pilot for Fox from Adam Goldberg and Seth Gordon.