Bateman returns to Fox, as director

(FROM THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER) — Jason Bateman, who starred in 20th Century Fox TV's Arrested Development, has signed a first-look deal with the company as a director and producer, under his F+A Productions shingle. The deal comes after Bateman impressed 20th TV chairs Dana Walden and Gary Newman with his TV pilot directing debut on Do Not Disturb, which became the only live-action comedy pilot the Fox network picked up for the 2008-09 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,'' Newman said of Bateman, his occasional golf partner, in a statement ''Hopefully he will be a better director than golfer.''

In his own statement, Bateman, who will receive office space as part of the deal, replied, ''Dana and Gary have always made me feel so welcome in their house, and getting my own room now is an exciting start for F+A Prods. Unfortunately, Gary's demanding that our first project together be a decorating trip down to Ikea for a tchotchke run.'' Bateman, who will also voice a character in Arrested creator Mitch Hurwitz's forthcoming Fox comedy series Sit Down, Shut Up, will next be seen on the big screen opposite Will Smith in Hancock. (The Hollywood Reporter)

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