Modern Family Director Joins Neil Meron & Craig Zadan Produced John Gary Project, GAWKER V. THEIL

Modern Family director Jason Winer has attached himself to the John Gary penned spec, "Gawker v. Thiel," which centers on the fall of the controversial media company and the man that helped bring it down, Variety reports.

Neil Meron and Craig Zadan are set to produce the film and are currently setting up financing for the project. Mark Nicholson, who runs development and production for Zadan/Meron Productions, will executive produce as well.

Zadan and Meron are known for producing the Oscar-winning best picture Chicago. Their other pictures include Hairspray, The Bucket List, and Footloose. Most recently, Zadan and Meron sold a new original musical fantasy based off of the characters of Hans Christian Andersen to FOX 2000 in a substantial seven-figure deal. The pair have also produced SMASH, Hairspray Live, The Sound of Music Live, The Wiz Live, Promises Promises, and How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.

The project is rumored to focus on the behind the scenes action of the famous court case involving Gawker and Terry Gene Bollea (Hulk Hogan) who sued the company after it leaked a sex tape without his permission. Some individuals behind the scenes include Nick Denton, owner of Gawker Media; A.J. Daulerio, the editor who published the tape; and billionaire Peter Thiel, who secretly helped finance the Hogan defense in hopes to ensure a victory for the plaintiff as well as examine first amendment rights in the digital age.

Winer is known for his work producing and directing episodes on hit TV shows like Modern Family and Life in Pieces. He recently wrapped the drama, Ode to Joy, which stars Martin Freeman, Morena Baccarin, Jake Lacy, Melissa Rauch, and Jane Curtin and was written by Max Werner.

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Photo Credit: Walter McBride

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