Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures has attached Barry Sonnenfeld (Men In Black, Get Shorty, Pushing Daisies) to direct and produce the action comedy

The How-To Guide for Saving the World, from writer BenDavid Grabinski. The announcement was made today by Mary Parent, Chairman, Worldwide Motion Picture Group, MGM.

Sonnenfeld on The How-To Guide for Saving the World, "One of the first things I read when I joined the manly William Morris Agency was BenDavid Grabinski's script. I loved the writing, and the concept: what would happen if one afternoon, the secret group that protects Earth from alien invaders was wiped out? Fortunately, they left behind an instruction manual for saving Earth. Unfortunately, a non-action-hero guy not unlike me, in terms of manliness, and a woman who hates him, find the book, and have to save the planet from an impending attack." Sonnenfeld continued, "I had a great experience making Get Shorty with MGM/UA and could not be more excited to be working with them again."

Executive Vice President of Production Cale Boyter and Vice President of Production Luke Ryan will oversee the project for MGM.

Barry Sonnenfeld is represented by William Morris and attorney Melanie Cook of Ziffren, Brittenham, Branca, Fischer, Gilbert-Lurie, Stiffelman & Cook.

BenDavid Grabinski is represented by William Morris, managers Sean Perrone and Justin Killion of Kaplan/Perrone Entertainment and attorney Lindsey Strasberg of Sloane, Offer, Weber & Dern.