Pathe U.K. pacts with Damian Jones

Pathe U.K. has inked a first-look deal with Brit producer Damian Jones' DJ Films following their collaboration on Meryl Streep starrer "The Iron Lady." Jones' credits include upcoming period drama "Belle," sports pic "Fast Girls" (now in post), "The History Boys," "Sex and Drugs and Rock and Roll," "Welcome to Sarajevo" and "Kidulthood." Jones said, "I am thrilled to deepen my relationship with Pathe, having already had great success with them with films ranging from 'Adulthood' to 'The Iron Lady.' With my upcoming slate, I look forward to continuing that success." Pathe U.K. managing director Cameron McCracken said Jones "has a remarkably consistent track record in recognizing smart commercial film ideas." The first-look deal is Pathe U.K.'s third: It also has pacts with Christian Colson's Cloud Eight Films, with which it made "Slumdog Millionaire" and "127 Hours," and Matt Wilkinson's Stigma Films, with which Pathe is developing a slate of genre titles. Contact Ed Meza at staff@variety.com