Steven Soderbergh to direct 'Hunger Games' second unit footage

Steven Soderbergh has reportedly agreed to serve as second unit director on The Hunger Games.

Second unit footage typically includes more of the technical side of filming - such as establishing shots and cutaways - rather than than the scenes a director might do with the lead actors.

The Playlist reports that Soderbergh has come on board The Hunger Games to help keep the adaptation on track for its release next year.

Director Gary Ross and Soderbergh have worked together several times before, most notably on the fantasy comedy Pleasantville.

Several production team members tweeted about Soderbergh's arrival before the news even broke.

The director was recently forced to downplay rumours about his retirement from filmmaking, suggesting that the reports had been blown out of proportion.

Soderbergh is expected to attend the world premiere of his new thriller Contagion in Venice later this month.

The Hunger Games is due out in cinemas on March 23, 2012.

Watch the brand new trailer for Contagion below: