Mumbai: David Chase, the seven time Emmy award-winning creator of The Sopranos, has signed a deal with Paramount Pictures to write, direct and produce his first feature film, an original drama.

Chase has a long-standing relationship with Paramount Studios chairman
and CEO Brad Grey, his producing partner on The Sopranos.

"Brad has always been adventurous as a producer and looked for different ways of doing things," said Chase. "I look forward to once again working with him, and now his team. For years, Brad has been a great partner, who helped enable me to do what I need to creatively."

"David is one of the great storytellers of our time, and his debut as a filmmaker is both highly anticipated and long overdue," said Grey. "In truth, David has been creating cinematic-quality filmed drama for more than a decade — spanning nine seasons and 86 episodes of The Sopranos. Having worked with David as a producer, I’m delighted to be with him again and to bring his unique vision to the big screen."

As a writer, producer and director, Chase’s television career spans three decades and includes such other critically lauded shows as The Rockford Files, I’ll Fly Away and Northern Exposure, as well as the classic telefilm, Off the Minnesota Strip.

Chase was represented in the deal by UTA and attorney Michael Gendler.