Who Will Produce The Fifty Shades Of Grey Film?

While separate searches are underway to find the right person to star in, and adapt the film the erotic E L James book Fifty Shades of Grey for the big screen--the search for a high profile producer is also taking place with a decision expected soon says Variety

What began as a posting on a fan-fiction website as a tribute to author Stephenie Meyer 's Twilight books soon became a word-of-mouth eBook hit that won a major reprint deal with Random House.

The sexually-explicit story follows 27-year-old billionaire Christian Grey and 22-year-old virgin college student Anastasia Steele, who develop a relationship steeped in bondage, S&M, domination and submission. The novel is the first in a planned trilogy.

Producing pairs Michael De Luca; Ron Howard and Brian Grazer; Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson; Michael Shamberg and Stacey Sher are on the list as is Scott Stuber.

Author James and literary agent Val Hoskins have met with dozens of producers, though one thing that may prove a tough is that they want the producers to commit to the project full-time.

Rumors are around that Focus Features chief and industry scribe James Schamus may end up adapting the script himself. James has final approval over the filmmakers and talent involved so that any hiring will be done with her blessing.