Overture Films acquires Clooney comedy

BEVERLY HILLS , Calif., May 19 (UPI) -- Overture Films has announced its acquisition of "The Men Who Stare at Goats," a comedy starring Hollywood actors George Clooney and Kevin Spacey.

The Smokehouse production is directed by Grant Heslov, producer and co-writer of Clooney's celebrated film "Good Night, and Good Luck."

The "Goats" ensemble also includes Ewan McGregor and Jeff Bridges. The film was produced by Clooney, Heslov and Paul Lister with Barbara A. Hall serving as executive producer.

Based on true events described in Jon Ronson's 2004 book of the same title, "Goats" is about "a down-on-his-luck reporter, who gets more than he bargains for when he meets a special forces agent who reveals the existence of a secret, psychic military unit whose goal is to use paranormal powers to end war as we know it," Overture said in a release Monday.

"George chooses the most unique and thought-provoking projects of any leading actor today and 'Goats' is no exception," Overture Chief Executive Officer Chris McGurk and Chief Operating Officer Danny Rosett said in a joint statement. "It is no surprise that the tremendous ensemble Grant assembled for this picture has resulted in a hilarious and intelligent film that we think will captivate audiences."

Clooney and Heslov's Smokehouse began principal photography on the project in October 2008 and wrapped in January 2009, Overture said.