Mike White to make directorial debut

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 23 (UPI) -- Paramount Classics has landed "School of Rock" writer Mike White's latest project, "Year of the Dog."

White is not only writing the dramedy about how her dog's death affects the life of a secretary, but will make his directorial debut as well, Daily Variety reported Monday.

The project is part of an effort to build a new identity for Paramount Classics as "a label for all sorts of genres, as well as a place for filmmakers," Variety said.

Paramount Classics, a specialty arm of Paramount Pictures, will soon be changing its name to reflect the new direction.