Networks were reluctant to discuss the matter with the newspaper. Her recovery was attributed in part to a tip generated by the long-running Fox program, and sources say Walsh could serve as producer on a movie involving the Smarts. Times sources said Vivendi Universal's USA, which has enjoyed success with true-crime movies, is committed to going forward, but Jeff Wachtel, the channel's executive vice president, would say only that 'inasmuch as it has been brought to us by a variety of producers, we are actively considering it.'Ī wild card in the negotiations, the Times points out, could be John Walsh, host of 'America's Most Wanted,' who became close to Elizabeth's father, Ed Smart, during the nine months the 15-year-old was missing. The family's spokesman, Chris Thomas, didn't return a Times phone call seeking comment.
'It's one of those brush-fire situations,' one TV agent, who asked not to be identified, told the newspaper.Īt this point, adds the Times, it's not clear whether the Smarts will agree to a deal, and some networks are reluctant to proceed without their cooperation.
