Paramount teams with Scorsese

Less than three months after jettisoning Tom Cruise and his production company from the lot, Paramount Pictures has entered into a four-year, first-look deal with director Martin Scorsese to produce and direct feature films, TV shows and digital content entertainment under the Paramount and art-house Paramount Vantage banners.

Under terms of the agreement, the studio will have the opportunity to co-finance and co-distribute all Scorsese-directed films for third parties. The deal marks Scorsese’s first overall pact in several years. He will continue to be based in New York City.

Scorsese’s latest film, “The Departed,” which was distributed by Warner Bros., has grossed $152 million worldwide.

-- Robert W. Welkos