PORTMAN'S NEW SHINGLE SIGNS WITH PARTICIPANT; ACTRESS TO MAKE FEATURE DIRECTING DEBUT (VAR)

By Nancy Vialatte

Natalie Portman has signed a two-year production deal with Participant Prods. for her newly formed Handsomecharlie Films shingle. The first project out of the gate at her new shingle will be "A Tale of Love and Darkness," on which Portman plans to make her feature directing debut.

Variety reports the story is based on the bestselling memoir of Amos Oz, with Naomi Foner ("Running on Empty") in negotiations to adapt the screenplay. That project, however, is not set up at Participant.

Annette Savitch has been named vp of development for the LA-based Handsomecharlie Films, which will develop socially relevant films.

Portman said she was inspired by Participant's mandate to produce such forward-thinking projects as "Syriana," "Good Night, and Good Luck" and documentary "An Inconvenient Truth."

"We all have the same desire to make meaningful and artistically fulfilling films and are committed to the idea of stories leading to greater empathy and action for world issues," Portman said.

Participant president Ricky Strauss lauded Portman for her interest "in projects that entertain and empower." He added: "She has the heart of an artist and an activist. It just seems like a natural relationship, and we couldn't be more pleased."