Last month’s Margin Call felt like a good start point for the recently-launched banner, Before the Door, and the first signs of how the film payed off are now coming to light. Deadline reports that Door’s Zachary Quinto, Neal Dodson, and Corey Moosa will produce the romantic drama Imperial Palace with Killer Films, the company recently behind Cracks and HBO’s Mildred Pierce.

Victor Quinaz wrote (and plans to direct) the film, which “takes place six hours after Hurricane Katrina hits the gulf, as the jaded manager of a Biloxi casino tries to juggle the chaos when FEMA sets up headquarters at his establishment.” Our main conflict comes into play when, as a result of the influx of people in his establishment, an “old flame” and he cross paths. To me, that almost sounds like Casablanca in New Orleans — minus the Nazis. Quinto himself referred to the writer and director as “a truly original talent,” while calling the film “a perfect example of his unique, commercial voice.” Casting will begin soon, and they plan to commence shooting in the spring.

Quinaz is essentially an unknown, having only directed one feature, a recently-wrapped ensemble comedy that should make festival appearances in 2012. In the meantime, I can say that people I trust liked the screenplay. This isn’t a lot to go on, sure, but it at least provides an unbiased viewpoint. Not that the producer has something to gain by praising the script…

Does Imperial Palace sound like a strong follow-up to Margin Call? What do you think of the currently-available information?