Universal makes 2-film deal with Wright

UNIVERSAL CITY , Calif., Jan. 25 (UPI) -- U.S. firm Universal Pictures and Britain's Working Title Films say they signed a two-picture deal with Joe Wright, the British director who helmed "Atonement."

Separate from that two-picture agreement, Universal said it is also partnering with Dreamworks and Working Title on Wright's next film, "Soloist," which stars Jamie Foxx and Robert Downey Jr.

"We are really proud of our collaboration with Joe," Working Title's Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner said in a statement. "He has a unique vision and talent as a filmmaker and is one of the best directors working today. We look forward to continuing our working relationship with him and his team on these three movies and on more projects in the future."

In a joint statement, Marc Shmuger and David Linde, chairman and co-chairman, respectively, of Universal Pictures, said: "With 'Pride and Prejudice' and 'Atonement,' Joe has established himself as one of the most distinctive voices in cinema. He is a great image-maker, storyteller and craftsman. It's a pleasure for us to extend our relationship with Joe to include his next two projects, as well as his film 'Soloist,' which is currently in production."