BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., April 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Safady Entertainment has announced that it has just acquired the rights to the Damien Lewis novel "Cobra 405."

"Cobra 405" (originally published in 2007 as "Cobra Gold") is set in the mid 70's in war-torn Beirut and based around what is still regarded as the world's largest unsolved bank heist. Under the cover of a massive firefight, a  band of highly skilled members of the SAS, blast their way into the British Bank of the Middle East. On their escape, however, things start to go horribly wrong and they are forced to hide the loot in order to save themselves. Two years later, the raiders return to retrieve the gold only to find they are up against a ruthless enemy hell-bent on finding it before they do.

"We're excited to tell such a thrilling, fast paced story," said producer Gary Safady, adding: "It's a story that is pumped with all sorts of twists and turns, - it's sure to fuel the adrenaline junkie in everyone!"

Safady Entertainment has secured Paul Leyden and Morgan O'Neill, the team behind the upcoming movie "The Factory," starring John Cusack, to write the screenplay. "When Paul and Morgan came to us with this incredible story, we knew right then and there we were going to make it," adds Safady.

The name of the film is still yet to be determined. Pre-production on this action-thriller is expected to begin December 2011. Principal photography is scheduled to begin March 2012. "It's always exciting when compelling commercial material comes across your desk," says Safady's producing partner Craig Chapman.  "Good material and good writing fuel our business.  We have been blessed to have the ability to work with such great talent and to be working with both Paul and Morgan on Cobra, it's very exciting for us!" he added.

Paul Leyden is represented by Paradigm and Code.  Morgan O'Neill is represented by Paradigm and Generate. Both are represented by attorney Matt Rosen.  

ABOUT SAFADY ENTERTAINMENT: Safady Entertainment was founded by Gary Safady and Craig Chapman. The company is a synergistic development, finance and production company.  It combines the team's collective experience in production and finance, with strategic partnerships in all facets of the entertainment industry. Safady Entertainment is focused on A-list, highly marketable film projects appealing to a broad-scope audience. Safady Entertainment draws upon its vast relationships in the production and finance world, with a goal to produce 2-3 pictures a year. 

The company's latest production: "Machine Gun Preacher" which is set to release in the Fall of 2011, is the story of Sam Childers (played by Gerard Butler), a former drug-dealing-biker who turns his life around, finds God, and becomes a crusader for hundreds of Sudanese children who've been forced into war.  Directed by Marc Forster, "Machine Gun Preacher" also stars Michelle Monaghan, Michael Shannon and Madeline Carroll.

More information: www.safadyentertainment.com

SOURCE Safady Entertainment