The Sopranos creator David Chase has signed a deal with Paramount to write, direct and produce his first film, Variety says.

The feature will be an original drama that won't revisit the world of the Mafia that Chase explored in his acclaimed HBO mob series.

"He's been there, done that. He's moving on," an insider is quoted as saying.

Paramount chairman Brad Grey expressed his enthusiasm over the hiring of Chase, saying: "We always talked about getting David into the Paramount fold. Three years ago (when I took over Paramount), I said I wanted to bring the greatest talents to the lot. David exemplifies that."

Chase's untitled drama has no script or release date but Grey hopes that the movie will begin production within a year.