Like the Bre-x tale, it’s survival of the fittest for the Canadian production based on the Albert Walker story.

Fireworks Entertainment has just signed with Britain’s Griffin Productions and bbs to develop a tv movie based on the bizarre case of fugitive Canadian financier Walker. Vancouver’s Protocol Entertainment is also developing a version after a post-mip acquisition of the movie rights for journalist Bill Schiller’s as yet unpublished account of the case last June.

British writer Sian Orrells (A Touch of Frost) will write the screenplay.

It is to be the first of a three-project deal between Fireworks and Griffin.

– Please note, Playback will publish a daily during the Toronto International Film Festival distributed at the sales office and Rogers Industry Centre. Issue dates are Sept. 5, 9, 10, 11, and 12.