Sopranos Creator to Direct First Feature Film for Paramount

HOLLYWOOD: David Chase, the creator and producer of The Sopranos, is to make his feature film directing debut with a music-driven coming-of-age story set in 1960s suburbia for Paramount Vantage.

Chase, who wrote the original script, will produce alongside Mark Johnson (Rain Man, The Chronicles of Narnia). Chase has notched up a total of seven Emmy Awards in his career.

"David Chase is one of our generation’s great storytellers," said Paramount’s chairman and CEO, Brad Grey. "Our long friendship, and the experience of producing The Sopranos with him, remain among the great joys of my career. I’m delighted we at Paramount will now continue the collaboration producing pictures together. We look forward to this wonderful film and many more to come."

Added the president of Paramount Film Group, Adam Goodman, "David is in a class by himself. His creativity and talent is unparalleled, and we are thrilled and excited to be working with him on this great movie."