AceShowbiz -

Often deals with fast-paced action features, this time Rob Cohen is taking a different approach in filmmaking. The Hollywood Reported has revealed that the New York-based director is on board to direct a prison thriller picture entitled "Scared Straight" for New Line Cinema.

"After the success of (Fox drama) 'Prison Break,' there is revival of interest in the genre," Cohen once said in an interview. "It's going to be a genre movie with depth, and the depth will come from the character. It's the fight for the soul of this young kid who is on the verge."

Intended to be set in a sophisticated, ultra high-tech prison rather than an old, traditional one, "Scared" follows a governor's teenage son as he is imprisoned as part of Scared Straight, a crime-prevention program created to deter teenager from a life of crime. Joe Gazzam has been attached to write the script with Beau Flynn and Tripp Vinson producing.

Also a producer and writer, Cohen is currently penning "King of the Nudies", a biopic of San Leandro-born filmmaker Russ Meyer and his wife, with an eye to helm. Some of his previous directing works are "The Fast and the Furious", "XXX", and "Stealth."