(4 July 2005 2:00 pm)

MUMBAI: Paramount Pictures and Plan B, which is owned by Hollywood hunk Brad Pitt, have entered into a first-look production agreement that will bring the production company to the studio.

The deal moves Plan B out of its deal with Warner Bros. and gives Paramount an exclusive first opportunity to produce theatrical motion pictures developed at Plan B over the next three years.

The deal was announced by Paramount Pictures chairman and CEO Brad Grey. "It's been no secret that I have wanted Plan B to have a home at Paramount, and it's especially gratifying to be bringing Brad and my old friends and colleagues from Plan B over as one of our first major production deals for the studio" said Grey.

Pitt said "Having great respect for Brad Grey's vision, we are excited for this opportunity to continue building our company in partnership with him and his team at Paramount".

Plan B already has several projects in development at Paramount including True Story which is based on the book by former New York Times reporter Michael Finkel. The film will be based on the true events of his life that unfold after a murder suspect has stolen his identity. The film will be directed by Kevin MacDonald.

Another film in the works is Glass Castle. This is based on the memoir of New York columnist Jeanette Walls, a woman who must come to terms with her homeless upbringing as the child of an alcoholic, nomadic father and mentally unbalanced mother. Anne Meredith is writing the screenplay.

Pitt will star in one of Plan B's upcoming projects that will remain in development at Warner Bros. This is The Assassination Of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford.