TV networks, producers in frenzy to get Smart

At this point, it’s not clear if the Smarts will agree to a deal, and some networks have indicated reluctance to proceed without their cooperation. Sources say 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 producers, we are actively considering it.’’

A wild card in the negotiations 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 girl was missing. Her recovery was due 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.

A CBS spokesman said it’s common for networks to receive a rush of pitches in response to such cases. NBC, a unit of General Electric, is said to be weighing whether a movie can be done before the upcoming rating sweeps conclude 10 weeks from now.

Finishing a conventional movie in that span of time would be extremely difficult as made-for-TV films require a few weeks of preparation and three weeks of shooting.

Moreover, no script exists yet, prompting one source to call that time-table ‘‘impossible.’’ Industry sources say that aggregate fee of $1.35 million — if the movie is made — is likely to be well beyond what the Smarts could earn, though some said $400,000 to $500,000 doesn’t sound unreasonable, given the story’s high profile and built-in happy ending. — LATWP