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 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 Brad Grey, Chairman and CEO of Paramount Pictures.  “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.”