Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott film news

Universal Pictures to make biopic on female rapper
Source: Variety
June 14, 2006


Universal Pictures is putting rapper Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott in the biopic mix.

Studio has acquired a pitch from scribe Dianne Houston based on Elliott's life. Robert De Niro and Jane Rosenthal are on board to produce through their Gotham-based Tribeca Films shingle along with Elliott's manager Mona Scott. Project is currently untitled.

Houston came up with the idea and took it to Scott, who helped flesh it out with the scribe and Elliott. Houston then took the project to longtime friend Rosenthal. Tribeca has a first-look deal with Universal. Elliott has been in business with Universal before: She had a role in the Jessica Alba starrer "Honey."

The deal for her biopic follows films based on two of rap's biggest male names, 50 Cent ("Get Rich or Die Tryin'") and Eminem ("8 Mile"). Universal distributed the latter.

Born in Portsmouth, Va., in 1971, Elliott began her musical career with the girl group Sista. She then segued to a producing career before breaking out as a solo artist more than 10 years ago. Elliott writes and produces much of her own music.

Houston received an Oscar nom for her work on the short film "Tuesday Morning Ride." She penned the recent release "Take the Lead" and sold a pitch to Participant Prods. titled "Zoot," based on the life story of Zoot Valasco.