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Sammy Linebaugh reporting It was two weeks ago today WHEN Elizabeth Smart was returned to her family.
But, interest in her harrowing ordeal certainly hasn't diminished. In fact, scores of potential made-for-TV movie deals, are swirling.
Within hours of Elizabeth's return March 12th, movie offers and book deals were pouring in.
Chris Thomas: "THEY RUN THE FULL GAMUT FROM PEOPLE LOCALLY WHO HAVE WRITTEN A BOOK OR DONE AN INDEPENDENT FILM TO SOME OF THE REALLY BIG PLAYERS IN HOLLYWOOD."
Family spokesperson Chris Thomas says the Smarts have received nearly 100 inquiries from agents, producers, publishers interested in re-telling Elizabeth's story.
Pat Reavy: "THE PARAMOUNT PEOPLE HAVE CALLED, LIFETIME NETWORK HAS CALLED."
Deseret News Reporter Pat Reavy -- who covered the story from the beginning -- says he's been approached by studios too.
"I'VE GOTTEN A HANDFUL OF CALLS, PEOPLE INTERESTED IN MAKING A MOVIE OF A BOOK, AND THEY'RE LOOKING FOR A CONSULTANT OR SOMEBODY TO HELP THEM OUT I GUESS."
Reavy hasn't made any commitments.
Neither have the Smarts.
Chris Thomas/Smart Family Spokesperson: "THIS IS SOMETHING THEY NEVER REALLY THOUGHT ABOUT. THE EUPHORIA OF HAVING ELIZABETH BACK HAS BEEN AMAZING, AND THEN TO ALL OF THE SUDDEN HEAR UNAUTHORIZED VERSIONS OF MOVIES AND BOOKS ARE POSSIBLY BEING DONE, THEY'RE REALLY FACED WITH - DO YOU LET SOMEBODY ELSE TELL THE STORY OR DO YOU HAVE SOME CONTROL OVER IT."
Industry experts say Elizabeth Smart's miraculous return right now is one of the hottest stories, and potential movie scripts in Hollywood. And a deal could earn anywhere from a half million, to several million dollars.
Thomas says if the Smart's do decide to endorse a project...proceeds will go toward Elizabeth's recovery -- and the rescue of other missing children.
Chris Thomas: "THE FAMILY'S NOT LOOKING TO PROFIT ON THIS BY ANY MEANS. IF SOME MONEY CAME IN IT WOULD GO TOWARD TAKING CARE OF ELIZABETH..OBVIOUSLY THERE'S A LONG ROAD AHEAD WITH A NUMBER OF PROFESSIONALS WORKING WITH HER...MOST LIKELY A TRUST WOULD BE SET UP THAT WOULD BENEFIT HER OR POSSIBLY GO ON TO BENEFIT THE NATIONAL CENTER FOR MISSING AND EXPLOITED CHILDREN."
Thomas, says the family will likely make a decision, in the next week or two.
