Hollywood Exclusive by Marilyn Beck & Stacy Jenel Smith

With "The Gray Zone" now firmly ensconced on The New York Times Best Seller list and attaining high ranking on Amazon.com and elsewhere, it looks like Radha Mitchell may wind up playing the courageous former foster child heroine of the story in the feature film adaptation now being planned by producer Diane Nabatoff. At least, she will be if things go the way Mitchell, the Australian star of such films as "The Crazies" and "Finding Neverland," hopes.

"She just called and said she'd like to play the lead role," reports Daphna Edwards Ziman, author of the book that's designed to bring the sex slavery plight of some foster children into passionate public concern. Ziman is the founder and chairwoman of Children Uniting Nations, an organization that introduces caring adults into foster children's lives — and Mitchell is among the many famous film names who've come out in support of Children Uniting Nations events in the past. (Other celebs who've taken part include George Clooney, Seal, Jamie Foxx, Adrian Grenier, Forest Whitaker, Audra McDonald and John Paul DeJoria.) Ziman tells us she's received word of interest in the adaptation from other stars, as well, and says that Nabatoff is in talks with a major studio.

Touching on the inadequacies of the foster care system and the awful situations some children have had to deal with, "The Gray Zone," released in June, has also drawn the interest of foster families and children across the country. In a matter of days, Ziman's Twitter account grew to more than 40,000 followers. Ziman has had calls from dozens of foster parents and former foster children — including young women who endured the nightmare of being forced into prostitution at a young age and told Ziman their stories.

Ziman, who is writing another book now, will be traveling to Washington, D.C., for the Children Uniting Nations-hosted Keeping the Promise to Our Children National Conference on July 28. Attended by business and community leaders, as well as lawmakers, the conference this year will focus on sex trafficking. A reception will follow, she reports, where Jermaine Jackson and Abraham McDonald will perform.

If there was any doubt that the issue of helping abused foster children transcends party lines, according to Ziman, "Nancy Pelosi and Michele Bachmann are co-hosting the party in the Congressional Auditorium." Ziman met with President Obama less than two weeks ago, "and he is having Valerie Jarrett get involved in legislation to help girls who are trafficked," she says, referring to the president's senior advisor, who is also the chair of the White House Council on Women and Girls.

"Even though they're juveniles, they're looked at as criminals, when they should be looked at as victims," Ziman says. Such legislation has already gone through in Florida, she continues, but "it needs to become national." She received high praise from the nation's top man. "President Obama said that you can change the world by putting pen to paper," recounts Ziman. "He said, 'I'm so proud that you've written about our most voiceless children.'"

IDOL CHATTER: Jordin Sparks says she's been having a blast touring with the super old boy band conglomerate NKOTBSB (New Kids on the Block-Backstreet Boys). "They put on a great show. It's a lot of fun. I grew up with the Backstreet Boys and 'N Sync, so to be backstage and see Brian and Nick, A.J. and Howie — I can't believe it."

According to her, regardless of their ages, the NKOTBSB fans are just as loud as the Jonas Bros. fans were when she was out touring with those teen sensations. "They're just screaming and screaming and screaming" — even though it's been 25 years since the New Kids found fame, and 18 since the Backstreet Boys did. "I guess the difference is, with the Jonas Bros., the screams are a little more high pitch," Jordin says. "It's so great to see that kind of dedication from the fans. I hope I can have that some day."

LIVING EASIER: After a busy spring of rushing from assignment to assignment, Spike TV hosting chores and a role in the forthcoming big-screen comedy "Dysfunctional Friends" and more, Stacy Keibler's on to some major relaxation time this summer. "I live and love to travel," says the WWE Diva and "Dancing with the Stars" standout. "I'm spending time this summer in Europe — Italy, Spain and France. I'm also going to Baltimore to spend some time with friends and family." After that, more hosting and acting, and "I'd love to get a part in a sitcom," she says. Don't bet against it.

To find out more about Marilyn Beck and Stacy Jenel Smith and read their past columns, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.

COPYRIGHT 2011 MARILYN BECK AND STACY JENEL SMITH

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