Forney joins Wolf pack

Helmer-producer returns to 'Law & Order' fold

By MICHAEL SCHNEIDER

Dick Wolf has signed director-producer Arthur W. Forney to an exclusive two-year deal with his Wolf Films banner.

Forney's no stranger to the Wolf pack, having most recently served as co-executive producer on Wolf's drama for the WB, "D.C."

Under the new deal, Forney will be heavily involved with returning series "Law & Order" and "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," both from Wolf Films in association with Studios USA. Forney will also be involved with the NBC pilot "Deadline," which stars Oliver Platt.

"I can't emphasize enough that Arthur is not only a colleague but a friend," Wolf said. "It's really wonderful to have working relationships with people you really like and who work their ass off. It's an enormous benefit to have him locked in."

Forney has worked on a number of Wolf projects, serving in various capacities including supervising producer on "New York Undercover," "Players," "Feds" and "Law & Order." He's also directed a number of Wolf skeins, including episodes of "Law & Order."

"I'm thrilled to be working exclusively again with Dick Wolf and Peter Jankowski," Forney said. "They offer creative talent an ideal work environment which I find both stimulating and rewarding."

The Forney deal was handled by Paul Alan Smith at the Broder Kurland Webb Uffner Agency.