Microsoft Shopping 'Halo' Script for 10 Million Dollars

The script is by 28 Days Later screenwriter Alex Garland, who was paid $1 million by Microsoft to write an adaptation that meets the approval of its executives and the game's creators at subsidiary Bungie Studios.

Microsoft also brought in former Columbia Pictures president Peter Schlessel to help it handle the project and serve as a producer in some capacity.

Microsoft and its representatives at CAA are seeking an advance of $10 million against 15% of the gross and strict control of development, adds the trade. The winning studio would have to follow a "bible" created by game developers to make sure any changes to the script don't alter the universe established in the first two "Halo" games that will continue in future sequels for the Xbox.

The studio partner also would have to move quickly into production, with a goal of starting by January.