Penelope Ann Miller and
Mia Kirshner are set to lead Lifetime's upcoming film based on the infamous college admissions scandal. Tentatively titled
"College Admissions Scandal", the film will chronicle the true story of the bribery scandal, which broke in April, in which 50 individuals were exposed for criminally conspiring to influence admissions decisions at America's top universities, including actresses
Lori Loughlin and
Felicity Huffman.
Miller and Kirshner will star as two wealthy mothers, an interior designer and a financial services firm owner, who are obsessed with their teenage kids being accepted into the best possible colleges. When charismatic college admissions consultant Rick Singer (
Michael Shanks) offers a side door into the prestigious institutions of their dreams, they both willingly partake with visions of coveted acceptance letters in their heads. But when he starts cooperating with the FBI, they must face the consequences of their crimes and loss of trust and respect from their families.
The film will be directed by
Adam Salky (
"I Smile Back") from a script by
Stephen Tolkin (
"Brothers & Sisters"). Varsity Films will produce for Lifetime, with
Gail Katz and
Howard Braunstein serving as executive producers.
The scandal is also being explored in a limited series developed by Annapurna TV, based on the upcoming book by Wall Street Journal reporters
Melissa Korn and
Jennifer Levitz. Also, Vanity Fair writer
Evgenia Peretz has optioned her story on the case to producers
Rachel Horovitz and
Jennifer Wachtell.
Miller recently appeared in the TV shows
"Criminal Minds" and
"Riverdale". Kirshner currently recurs on
"Star Trek: Discovery".