"Gary Ross’ deal to direct Lionsgate’s adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ futuristic novel “The Hunger Games” is all but done, with the director showing up at the company’s AFM splash for foreign buyers to plug the high-profile project. Ross, whose helming credits include “Seabiscuit” and “Pleasantville,” has been among the names mentioned in connection with the project for several weeks.

Project has been one of the most buzzed-about titles since the American Film Market launched Wednesday.

Liosngate acquired the feature rights last year and set the project up with Nina Jacobson, who was also at the presentation. Jacobson is producing through her Color Force banner, with Collins penning the adapted screenplay. Billy Ray has been polishing the script.

The first in a trilogy, “The Hunger Games” takes place in a society in which districts pay tribute in the form of a teenage boy and girl who are forced to fight to the death on live TV. The second installment, “Catching Fire,” was published last year."