Judd Apatow inks 3-film directing deal at Universal

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - On the eve of the release of his latest movie, "Funny People," Judd Apatow has signed a three-picture directing deal with Universal Pictures.

The deal shows the studio's considerable faith in the filmmaker who, with "Funny People," has made his most personal and most serious film.

Universal gave Apatow considerable leeway in making the movie, which stars Adam Sandler and Seth Rogen, including final cut on the almost 2 1/2-hour, $75 million movie. Reviews have been mixed, though the film is expected to open strongly.

The deal allows Apatow to produce projects elsewhere. He has produced at least six movies at Columbia, including "Superbad," "Pineapple Express" and the recent "Year One." His producing output at Universal has consisted of "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" and "Get Him to the Greek," which is currently shooting.

No projects have yet been set under the deal. While a longtime writer and producer, Apatow has directed only three films, all of them for Universal.

"The 40-Year Old Virgin," released in 2005, helped make Steve Carell a star, grossing $177 million worldwide ($109 million domestic). The film was the first example of what has become Apatow's trademark comedic style -- male-centric, nerdy, sometimes juvenile and always heartfelt -- which has been frequently imitated by other filmmakers in the last few years.

Two years later, he gave birth to "Knocked Up," which earned critical raves, turned Rogen into a star and made more than $219 million worldwide ($148.7 million domestic).Apatow also has helped bring attention to funnymen such as Jason Segel, Russell Brand, Jonah Hill and Michael Cera.

Counting 2009's "Funny People," Apatow has directed a film every two years. If he maintains that pattern, the new deal would keep him busy at Universal until 2015.

"He has become a cornerstone for what this company prides itself on, which is excellence in comedies," Universal Pictures chairman David Linde said.

While "Funny People" is a more ambitious production than Apatow's more modestly budgeted movies, Linde called the him "one of the most responsible filmmakers that this company works with. He is always on budget, he is always on time."

Comedies tend to gross more domestically than internationally, but Apatow has done quite well exporting his brand of funny. "I'll take those international numbers any day," Linde said. "I would argue that makes him a filmmaker who speaks to a global audience."

(Editing by SheriLinden at Reuters)