"Stranger" Director to Fill Sony's "Vacancy"

by | February 24, 2006 | Comments

Simon West, director of the recent one-weekend hit "When a Stranger Calls," will return to Sony’s Screen Gems to direct another horror flick, this one a newlywed thriller called "Vacancy."

Says The Hollywood Reporter: "Simon West is booking another reservation with Screen Gems. The helmer, whose latest effort, "When a Stranger Calls," recently opened at No. 1 for Screen Gems, is in negotiations to direct the horror thriller "Vacancy" for the Sony genre label. Penned by Mark L. Smith, "Vacancy" centers on a young married couple who become stranded at a desolate motel and realize that their lives could be in danger. Screen Gems is eyeing a mid-June start date. Hal Lieberman is producing through his Lieberman Prods. Eric Paquette is overseeing for Screen Gems. West’s $15 million-budgeted "When a Stranger Calls" has grossed nearly $43 million domestically since opening three weeks ago. His helming credits also include "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider" and "Con Air.""