Alliance Atlantis Communications has extended its first-look production and development deal with British prodco Natural Nylon Entertainment.

Because of the success of the companies’ first collaboration on David Cronenberg’s eXistenZ and a full slate of feature films in development, aac has extended the agreement, which originated in February 1998, to 2001 and expanded it to include television development and production.

Of the films in development, Marlowe is the first to begin production. To be directed by John Maybury (Love is the Devil) and penned by John Brownlow, the $20-million film tells the story of 16th century scholar and playwright Christopher Marlowe who was convicted of heresy and treason, then died mysteriously after being released from jail. Preproduction begins at the end of February.

Also in the pipeline is Disturbia, an urban thriller to be directed by Jake Scott (Plunkell & Macleane) and based on the Christopher Fowler novel of the same name; and Psychoville, a psychological thriller to be directed by Sara Sugarman (Mad Cows).

Natural Nylon was formed in 1997 by a bevy of actors including Jude Law (The Talented Mr. Ripley) and Ewan McGregor (Star Wars: Episode 1 The Phantom Menace), as well as co-principals and producers Damon Bryant (eXistenZ) and Bradley Adams (eXistenZ).

aac has continuing first-look deals with a handful of international prodcos including Serendipity Point Films, u.k.-based Company Pictures, Australian Coote/Hayes Productions and Montreal producer Roger Frappier of Max Films.