The UK's IAC Films is set to handle $65m drama The Goldcoast, starring Al Pacino, through a development and production venture with US producer Martin Bregman.

The adaptation of a novel by Nelson Demille is to be directed by Harold Becker next summer in New York. Bregman's credits include Pluto Nash, The Bone Collector and Serpico.

The producer's pact with IAC covers two operations, one to focus on Bregman's own projects, the second to handle films from third-party producers. Kate Guinzberg, previously Michelle Pfeiffer's producing partner, will work with Bregman at the first division, which is based in the US.

The deal follows the appointment of Ann Dubinet as president of IAC America. Dubinet worked with Bregman through her Alchemy banner. IAC will also be represented by chairman Guy Collins and managing director Keith Cousins.

Other projects in the works include a reworking of Love Me Or Leave Me, which originally starred Doris Day and James Cagney. The project is provisionally titled Ruth Etting Project.

IAC has recently been raising its budget levels with projects such as the $35m Ataturk, which is to be directed by Bruce Beresford. Quinta Communications, the rights trading venture of Tarak Ben Ammar, this summer committed to provide half the $30m budget on IAC's Midnight Return. Under the pact, Quinta handles distribution in markets including France, Italy, Spain and the UK.