Paul Master ink first-look cope with Universal

WalkerJoining his "Fast Five" co-star, Paul Master has inked a 2-year first-look production pact with Universal Pictures to accommodate his Laguna Ridge Pictures. The very first project under this agreement may be the action thriller "Skyscraper," according to an authentic idea by Mike Sobel. Master will executive produce and star, with Neil Moritz's Original Films creating. "I have were built with a lengthy and effective relationship with Universal therefore it is the apparent and perfect home for Laguna Ridge Pictures. I am excited to grow my relationship together with Neal, who is a catalyst along with a guide throughout my career. Getting the support of Jim Berkus, Theresa Peters and Chris Hart at UTA, together with my manager Matt Luber and my creating partner Brandon Birtell, this is the time to consider the following step," stated Master. Laguna Ridge Pictures operates by Master, Brandon Birtell and manager Matt Luber. "Fast Five," the newest installment within the "Fast & the Furious" franchise, made a lot more than $630 million in the worldwide B.O. and subsequently installment adopts production this spring. "It's impossible the Fast and Furious franchise might have end up being the phenomenon it has without Paul's imprint around the series," stated Universal Pictures Chairman Adam Fogelson and Co-Chairman, Donna Langley inside a joint statement. "We are excited to become the receivers of his creative act as he branches out like a filmmaker and takes up projects like a producer." The offer marks a distinctive move through the studio that has now secured its four top bits of creative talent in the franchise to similar handles helmer Justin Lin and author Chris Morgan also receiving similar deals because the pic bowed last April. Currently where galleries appear to become reducing their on-lot-deals, Universal appears to to be the opposite not just filling out the "Fast Five" group to deals but additionally getting on Jason Blum and the Blum House pictures towards the lot too reupping Imagine Entertainment's deal. Since "Fast Five" bowed, Master has locked onto two Peter Safran created indies, "Vehicle 19" and "Hrs," and sources say he's wanted to obtain more on the job together with his projects for a while. Master is presently filming "Hrs" and can jump into filming "Fast Six" this might. He's repped by UTA and Luber Roklin. Contact Justin Kroll at justin.kroll@variety.com