Sep. 23, 2009 (United Press International) -- Lionsgate (NYSE:LGF) says it has acquired the worldwide distribution rights to the latest film by Oscar-winning writer and director Stephen Gaghan.

Gaghan will direct and produce the as-yet-untitled film, a character-driven action thriller he is co-writing with Shannon Burke. Allyn Stewart and Kipp Nelson are the movie's executive producers.

The announcement was jointly made Tuesday by Joe Drake, Lionsgate's co-chief operating officer and motion picture group (OOTC:MPRG) president, and Alli Shearmur, Lionsgate's president of motion picture production.

"We are very excited to be in business with Stephen Gaghan, a master storyteller who has raised the bar for character-driven suspense in contemporary film," Shearmur said in a statement. "Steve has earned the right to have greater control over the creative content of his films along with a meaningful participation in its commercial success. It's the kind of deal that Lionsgate is uniquely positioned to offer superior creators like Steve, and the formula works beautifully for all involved -- for Steve, for Lionsgate, and not least, for audiences looking for smart, thrilling entertainment."

"Lionsgate as a studio has a proven track record in delivering great genre hits, and I'm impressed by the acumen and commitment of the entire team," Gaghan said.

Gaghan won a screenwriting Oscar for "Traffic" and was nominated for his screenplay for "Syriana," which he also directed.