By Nellie Andreeva

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Hot off his pilot directing debut with "Do Not Disturb," actor/director Jason Bateman has inked a first-look deal with 20th Century Fox TV.


Under the one-year pact, Bateman will develop series projects for the studio through his F+A Prods. banner.

20th TV chairmen Dana Walden and Gary Newman were impressed by Bateman's work on "Disturb," a workplace comedy starring Jerry O'Connell that was the only live-action comedy pilot Fox picked up as a new series for next season.

"He did an excellent job on the pilot visually, brought great energy and enthusiasm to it and, as an actor, he really understands how to talk to and motivate actors," said Newman, who also is an occasional Bateman golf partner. "Hopefully he will be a better director than golfer."

Bateman, who starred on the 20th TV-produced "Arrested Development," also is slated to provide the voice for a character in Mitch Hurwitz's animated Fox comedy "Sit Down, Shut Up," from Sony TV and 20th TV.

Bateman next will be seen on the big screen in the Will Smith-starring "Hancock."

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter

© Copyright 2008 Reuters.

Photo:
Jason Bateman poses with his award won for best actor in musical or comedy series for his role in "Arrested Development," at the 62nd annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California January 16, 2005. REUTERS/Mike Blake