Well this is an odd coincidence, Stephen King gives STRANGERS writer-director Bryan Bertino props in the latest issue of Entertainment Weekly (read about it here), and now Rogue Pictures has announced a major two-picture deal with the young filmmaker. Inside you can read about both projects, along with a third set up over at Paramount Pictures.
“The Strangers” writer-director Bryan Bertino has scared up a deal to write and direct two more thrillers for Rogue Pictures, the genre arm of Focus Features.

The modestly budgeted “Strangers” has grossed $52 million at the B.O.; Bertino’s deal does not include a sequel.

Bertino, who will earn seven figures for writing and directing each title, will start the pact with Black, a character-driven thriller with supernatural elements. The film will be produced by Michael Connolly under his Mad Hatter Entertainment banner. Connolly is Bertino’s manager.

Bertino will follow with Alone, a thriller Rogue had already been developing. Bertino will rewrite it with an eye to direct.

Separately, Bertino is writing the thriller Green Eyes for Paramount and producer Scott Rudin, who made a pitch deal with Bertino right after “The Strangers” sold to Focus and the town buzzed about the script. Rogue co-prexy Andrew Rona then gave Bertino the opportunity to direct, which has created his current momentum.