Gaumont in First-Look Deal with Christopher & Heather McQuarrie

Gaumont has signed a first-look agreement with screenwriter, producer and director Christopher McQuarrie and producing partner Heather McQuarrie.

McQuarrie will write, direct and produce multiple scripted drama projects for the studio. The first project to go into development under the pact is STL (working title), a drama series adaptation of Gaumont’s feature film 36 Quai des Orfèvres, about the gritty criminal underworld and the ruthless competition between the cops at the Criminal Investigations Division. Chris McQuarrie will direct, with both Chris and Heather attached as executive producers.

“Chris is an industry icon—he is a master storyteller, world-class director, and hugely talented producer, and he and Heather are a pivotal partnership for Gaumont as we increase our investment into new productions for the global market,” said Gene Stein, Gaumont’s president of television. “We’re thrilled to be adapting 36 Quai des Orfèvres from our French library, and to have Ben Ripley on board to bring it to life.”

“Heather and I are excited to finally have a home for our particular ambitions in television,” added Chris McQuarrie. “Gene Stein and the folks at Gaumont are the partners we’ve been looking for and we look forward to collaborating with them.”