Fox Searchlight Options Comedy From 'Easy A' Writer Bert Royal

Fox Searchlight has optioned a comedy spec script from _Easy A_ writer Bert Royal called _A Thousand Words or Less_, which is set against the background of a national essay championship. *Shailene Woodley*, who stars in ABC Family's _The Secret Life of the American Teenager_ and who will be seen in Searchlight's upcoming _The Descendants_, is atop the list of potential leads to play one of three teens who get caught up in the contest. Royal is also attached to make his directorial debut with the film. *Michelle Manning*, through her MM Prods., and *Dana Jackson*, who manages Royal, will produce. Royal and Woodley are repped by Paradigm, with Woodley is additionally repped by The Savage Agency and Principato-Young.