EA sells Need for Speed film rights to Dreamworks

Dreamworks has acquired the rights to a Need for Speed film from publisher EA.

And it seems as if all the pieces are already in place. Brothers George and John Gatins have developed an original story and screenplay which is based on the entirety of the IP rather than a specific entry in the series.

EA is chipping in with production duties with Scott Waugh (or Act of Valor) hired as director. Production will start in early 2013 with a view to a 2014 release date.

"I’m excited about getting back into the creative trenches with John and George Gatins and my partners at EA to bring to life an exhilarating script based on an epic video game that seems to have been made for the movies," famed director and DreamWorks chairman Steven Spielberg stated.

"This is a big piece of business for DreamWorks and we are grateful to Frank Gibeau, Pat O’Brien, Kevin Maher and John and George for choosing us to deliver their goods."

EA Labels executive VP Patrick Soderlund added: "It’s fantastic to be working with a team that shares not only our love of cars, but also our passion for creating blockbuster action experiences.

This collaboration will be greatly enhanced with the team at DreamWorks — which is a great home for the Need for Speed franchise. Working with John and George to develop the script has truly been an outstanding experience."