Frears signs for pilot

Director teams with CBS on 'Skip Tracer'
By JOSEF ADALIAN


Oscar-nominated helmer Stephen Frears ("The Queen") has signed on to direct and exec produce the CBS drama pilot "Skip Tracer."

Stephen Dorff is starring in and exec producing the CBS Paramount Network TV hour from scribes Robin Green and Mitchell Burgess ("The Sopranos"). Green and Burgess are also exec producing, along with Tucker Tooley.

"Skip Tracer" has Dorff playing a Culver City-based rougue who locates missing people. Project stemmed from an talent holding and development deal CBS inked with Dorff last year.

Frears is the latest high-profile feature helmer to join the pilot brigade this year. Spike Lee, Michael Cuesta, Tony Goldwyn, Peyton Reed, Bryan Singer and Doug Liman are all set to direct pilots this spring.