Helmer plans his first writing-directing turn since 1994

Horror-thriller icon Wes Craven has signed a two-year, first-look production deal with Rogue Pictures, kicking off the pact with a small town creepfest Craven will write and direct himself.

The "Scream" and "Nightmare on Elm Street" director's newly formed Midnight Entertainment shingle will be overseen by Craven's long-time producer Marianne Maddalena. The company's mission will generally be modestly budgeted genre films from other filmmakers.

Rogue offered few details on the next Craven directing effort, but it will be his first film from his own script since 1994's "New Nightmare." He hasn't written and directed an original, non-franchise film since 1991's "People Under the Stairs." In general, though, it appears that Craven's writing/directing projects won't be subject to the Midnight/Rogue deal.

Several Rogue productions are already on Craven's docket including the Gold Circle Films-financed "The Waiting" and a previously announced remake of Craven's "The Last House on the Left" set to begin production with an unknown director in early 2007.

"Wes Craven is a leading director, one whose filmmaking skills are revered by genre fans and respected by the film community. His professionalism is known and admired throughout the industry," say Rogue Co-presidents Andrew Karpen and Andrew Rona. "We're delighted that his Midnight Entertainment will be based here at Rogue."