STAMPEDE VENTURES OPTIONS FILM RIGHTS TO THE LUCKIEST MAN: LIFE WITH JOHN MCCAIN FOR CRAIG TURK TO PRODUCE AND ADAPT WITH MARK SALTER

Stampede Ventures announced today they have optioned the rights to The Luckiest Man: Life with John McCain, the deeply personal remembrance of the late Senator John McCain, written by one of McCain’s most trusted political advisors and confidants, Mark Salter. Emmy-nominated television writer-producer Craig Turk (FBI, The Good Wife, The Code) – who was also Chief Legal Counsel to McCain’s 2000 presidential campaign – will write the script with Salter.

The film will be produced by Craig Turk and Greg Silverman under his Stampede Ventures banner. Cindy McCain will executive produce.

“It has been a long time wish of mine to collaborate with the brilliant Craig Turk, and it seems more fitting than ever that we tell the story of one of America’s greatest public servants and believers in our democratic system,” said Greg Silverman, Founder/CEO of Stampede Ventures. “It is Stampede Ventures’ honor to celebrate the valor and character of John McCain, working with his family and loved ones to produce this inspiring American story.”

Along with The Luckiest Man, Stampede has also optioned two other books by McCain and Salter: New York Times bestsellers Faith of My Fathers and Worth The Fighting For. With the support of Cindy McCain and her family, the film will be the first and most comprehensive depiction of McCain’s life on screen.

“John’s story is one of incredible heroism, of serving causes greater than his own self-interest,” said Cindy McCain. “There is no better time to tell it. I’m excited to share his life and legacy, and know this film will be a tremendous inspiration to people all over the world.”

“Working for John McCain was one of the great honors of my professional life,” said writer, Craig Turk. “Having the opportunity to bring his life to the screen – and to do it with people I admire as much as Greg, Mark, and Cindy – is an incredible privilege.”

“I’ve been helping to tell John McCain’s story for three decades,” said Mark Salter. “It will be a special privilege to work with Craig, Greg and the McCain family to tell it in film.”