“Sneaky Pete” may rise again. Amazon is in negotiations with Sony Pictures TV to pick up the busted CBS drama pilot that has high-profile auspices in co-writers and exec producers Bryan Cranston and David Shore.
Sources said the plan is for Amazon to put the pilot on its Amazon Prime Instant Video platform, where it would be showcased for Amazon’s typical crowdsourcing development process of inviting viewers to weigh on its merits as a potential series.
Sources cautioned that the deal has not been finalized. But if it comes to fruition, the scenario could open up an intriguing avenue for producers and studios with projects that for any number of reasons do not go all the way to a series order from their commissioning networks.
“Sneaky Pete” revolves around a conman who assumes his former cellmate’s identity when he gets out of prison in order to hide from his past. He winds up working for the bail bond business run by his newly adopted family. Giovanni Ribisi stars as the title character, with Marin Ireland, Margo Martindale, Libe Barer, Peter Gerety and Shane McRae co-starring.
Cranston and Shore co-wrote the pilot, with Shore serving as showrunner. Seth Lewis Gordon directed the pilot and exec produces with Cranston, Shore and James Degus of Cranston’s Moon Shot Entertainment banner.
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After wrapping “Breaking Bad” in 2013, Cranston has made a point of revving up activity at his Sony-based production banner. Shore, one of TV’s most sought-after showrunners and also based at Sony TV, is coming off a midseason run at CBS with the cop drama “Battle Creek,” produced with Cranston’s “Breaking Bad” comrade Vince Gilligan.
Sony Pictures TV declined comment. Amazon had no immediate comment.
