AceShowbiz -

Apparently impressed by Neil Burger's talent in directing, Universal Pictures is collaborating with the filmmaker to develop a contemporary drama which could be a possible follow-up to his recent work, "The Illusionist", Variety has reported.

Set in New York, the untitled project focuses on an imminent terror threat that has caused a law-enforcement crackdown and so, brings all crime to a standstill. Searching for the terrorists, the criminals then get organized and pool their resources only to later find themselves re-examine their morality and place in society.

Not only directs, Burger will also pen the screenplay accompanied by "Fierce People" scribe Dirk Wittenborn with Scott Stuber and Mary Parent producing via their Universal-based Stuber/Parent production company. It is said that both Burger and Wittenborn have carried out research on contemporary criminal enterprises work in New York and will start writing the script right away.