‘Arrival’ Scribe Eric Heisserer & His Chronology Label Ink First Look With Sony Pictures

EXCLUSIVE: Oscar nominated scribe Eric Heisserer has inked a first look deal with Sony Pictures under his Chronology banner.

Founded in the wake of the hit series Shadow And Bone, with Carmen Lewis who will oversee the deal, Chronology will focus on delivering elevated genre as theatrical experiences for Sony. Already in development at the studio is Dissolution, a new grounded sci-fi novel by acclaimed author Nicholas Binge, which the company will co-produce with Temple Hill. Temple Hill’s Isaac Klausner and George Berman, who brought the book into the company and brought it to Heisserer to write, will oversee the project for the company.

“I’m totally obsessed with Eric Heisserer. He knows how to find the big idea, he understands the magical ratio of character and mystery as only the highest quality writers can, but also he has an extraordinary producer mindset. We are thrilled to expand our relationship with him on future projects,” said Sanford Panitch, President of Sony Pictures’ Motion Picture Group.

“I’m so proud and excited for this opportunity to work with Sony, and with Sanford in particular. This business has always been challenging, but there’s also been an exodus of minds on the studio side who embrace and cultivate the role of a writer-producer. This is a home where I can put my worldbuilding development experience to practical use, and on the biggest screen possible,” said Heisserer.

The science fiction writer received an Adapted Screenplay Academy Award nomination for his work on Denis Villeneuve’s Arrival back in 2017. That Amy Adams-Jeremy Renner movie was nominated for eight Oscars including Best Picture, won for sound editing and grossed over $203M at the global box office. Heisserer also adapted the Netflix smash film, Bird Box, from the Josh Malerman novel; that pic starring Sandra Bullock.

Arrival won Heisserer Best Adapted Screenplay awards from the WGA Awards and Critics’ Choice Awards. 

Prior to Arrival, Heisserer wrote and produced the horror film, Lights Out, based on the short film by David Sandberg, and made his directorial debut with the film Hours, which he also wrote, starring Paul Walker and Genesis Rodriguez. His additional writing credits include Bloodshot, Final Destination 5, The Thing, and the 2010 remake of A Nightmare on Elm Street. Also a published author, Heisserer’s books include 150 Screenwriting Challenges and he has written several short stories for the anthology site Popcorn Fiction, including Hours, which became the template for the movie, along with personal stories he collected from Katrina survivors.

Heisserer most recently served as the showrunner, EP and writer of the critically acclaimed and fan-favorite fantasy adventure series, Shadow And Bone, based on Leigh Bardugo’s worldwide bestselling Grishaverse novels. The show premiered on Netflix in April 2021 and was picked up for a second season.

Deal was brokered by Peter Sample at Jackoway Tyerman, CAA and Art/Work Entertainment.