Sony and WIll Smith are teaming up on the story of John Keller, an ex-Marine who helped to save hundreds of his New Orleans neighbors after their building -- the American Can Company -- flooded in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

The as-yet-untitled film will be written and directed by John Lee Hancock ("The Rookie.")

James Lassiter, Smith and Ken Stovitz will produce through their Overbrook Entertainment shingle. Back Door Films will also produce; the project is based on the acquired spec script written by Back Door's Adetoro Makinde.