Ratner, Sierra form new production company

LOS ANGELES, March 25 (UPI) -- U.S. director Brett Ratner and Sierra Pictures say they're partnering on a venture that will finance, develop, produce and distribute films.

Called White Knuckle Pictures, the company will focus its efforts on action films and thrillers in the mid-budget range.

Sierra will handle international sales and distribution for the films.

"The goal is to deliver exciting, audience-driven movies within modest budget parameters that combine Brett's sensibilities with an indie production model," Sierra head Nick Meyer said in a statement Thursday.

"I love the idea of pairing Nick's business savvy and clout in the international marketplace with inspired, passionate filmmakers to help them create the kind of rousing and original movies that people want to see," Ratner said.

Meyer is the former president of Paramount Vantage. Ratner directed the "Rush Hour" trilogy, "The Family Man," "Red Dragon," and "X-Men: The Last Stand."