Scorsese in four-year studio deal

Scorsese has directed classics like Mean Streets and Goodfellas

Veteran film director Martin Scorsese has signed a $10m (£5.2m)"first look" deal with Paramount Pictures.

The director, 63, is currently riding high after his latest film, The Departed, became his most successful box office hit.

The studio will pay $2.5m (£1.3m) a year in return for being given the first chance to back his projects.

The Hollywood Reporter said the four-year deal was intended to foster a "talent-friendly" environment.

Paramount chairman and chief executive Brad Grey was one of the producers of The Departed.

He said: "I was eager to create a home here for Marty, who is one of the greatest film-makers in the world."

In a statement, Scorsese pointed to his "great personal relationship" with Grey and said, "I am looking forward to working with him at Paramount, a studio rich in cinematic history".

The deal is similar to those the studio has with Brad Pitt's Plan B production company and director Cameron Crowe.