TNT taps familiar names for original films

In an aggressive maneuver to compete with its cable and network rivals, TNT on Monday announced a development slate of dramatic original movies, featuring A-list producers and writers. It’s part of the network’s $300-million investment in original programming.

The planned films include a remake of “The Goodbye Girl,” adaptations of best-selling novels by Ken Follett and Scott Turow, and a feature focusing on the creation of LAPD’s original SWAT unit.

Michael Wright, TNT’s senior vice president of movies and miniseries, said the development of the films is a reflection of higher standards for original TV movies. “The stakes have been raised in the last several years,” he said. “It’s a tough landscape out there. There is too much product, both on network and cable, to offer anything but the highest quality. The material is No. 1. Then there have to be the quality people who can execute it.”

Wright said the films probably would start premiering in 2004. The projects include:

“Pleading Guilty,” based on Turow’s conspiracy thriller about a former police officer turned lawyer who is ordered to investigate the disappearance of a friend and colleague who embezzled funds.

“Night Over Water,” based on Follett’s bestseller set at the onset of World War II.

Neil Simon’s contemporary update of his “The Goodbye Girl.” The original 1977 film earned an Oscar for Richard Dreyfuss as an aspiring actor forced to share an apartment with a divorcee.

“I, Jesse James,” the “untold” story of the notorious outlaw. John Woo (“Face/Off”) is one of the executive producers.

“Evel Knievel,” a new biopic about the daredevil.

“SWAT,” about the formation of the first SWAT unit during the unrest of the 1960s. Jan de Bont (“Twister,” “Speed”) is one of the executive producers.

A new three-hour version of “She” about a lost African kingdom ruled by a mysterious queen. Robert Halmi Sr. (“Gulliver’s Travels”) will produce with Hallmark Entertainment.

“Where is the Mango Princess?,” the story of a woman who attempts to keep her family together after her husband suffers a debilitating brain injury. Julianna Margulies will star and co-executive produce.

“Wyatt Earp,” the latest film about the famous lawman.

“Bad Apple,” starring Chris Noth (“Law & Order,” “Sex and the City”) as a hard-nosed FBI agent.