Dimension Films and France's TF1 are understood to have partnered on Heist (aka 2-11), the English-language debut of Gerard Pires, director of French action hit Taxi.

Dimension, the genre arm of Miramax Films, is understood to have taken US rights to the project, currently in pre-production, and optioned Pires' next English-language project. TF1 is expected to handle the bulk of international sales on Heist, which stars Stephen Dorff and Natasha Henstridge.

1998's Taxi marked Pires' return to film-making after a motorbike accident in the early 1980s. The story of taxi driver caught up in a chase after a gang of German bankrobbers was written by Luc Besson and spawned a hit sequel. Pires' previous credits include 1981's Rends-Moi La Cle and 1980's L'Entourloupe.

Michael Cowen of Heist's UK production outfit, Spice Factory, confirmed that the deal with Dimension and TF1 was brokered by John Fremes, head of US sales operation Fusion International Sales. Fremes is expected to represent the film is certain markets.

According to an announcement at last year's London screenings, Heist is part of a three-picture co-production deal between Spice Factory and Canada's Transfilm.