British producer most recently worked on Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie.

Fox Searchlight Pictures has announced that Damian Jones, through his DJ Films outfit, and Fox Searchlight (UK) Ltd have signed a two-year, first-look deal.

Jones most recently completed principal photography on Fox Searchlight Pictures release Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie, based on the hit British television series directed by Mandie Fletcher, starring Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley. The film is set for UK release on July 1 in the UK and July 22 in North America.

Jones said: “’I am thrilled to have this deal with the exceptional team at Fox Searchlight. From our relationship starting with The History Boys through Belle, into Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie and the upcoming production, Goodbye Christopher Robin it only felt natural to formalise our desire to make more wonderful and diverse films together.”

Jones added that Ariadne Kotsaki will be joining DJ Films as Development Executive.

“Fox Searchlight Pictures has a long and exciting history of collaborating with our filmmaking partners in the British film industry,” said Katie Goodson-Thomas, director of production for Fox Searchlight UK.

“We are proud to continue that tradition, and we know that our new pact with Damian serves to solidify our continuing commitment to, and appetite for, British films and British talent.”

In 2015, Jones produced a film adaptation of classic British comedy Dad’s Army and The Lady In The Van, directed by Nicholas Hytner, starring Alex Jennings and Maggie Smith, who was nominated for both BAFTA and Golden Globe Awards for her performance.

Jones is developing Goodbye Christopher Robin, a biopic based around the creator of Winnie The Pooh, with Steve Christian and director Simon Curtis.