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Jason Behr has signed to star in thriller "The Tattooist." Commercial helmer Peter Burger is making his feature debut on the pic from a script by Matthew Grainger and Jonathan King.

Lensing starts next month in and around Auckland, New ZealandB. "Tattooist" casts Behr as a tattoo artist who becomes fascinated by the Samoan tatau tradition, but his desire to learn the ancient skill brings him into conflict and danger with the island mysticism and a deadly spirit is released as a result.

The New Zealand Film Commission, Mediacorp Raintree Prods. and Eyeworks Touchdown Prods. are partnering on the pic. Robin Scholes is producing with Daniel Yun.

Behr, who starred in Sony's "The Grudge," has two upcoming films: Lionsgate's "Skinwalkers" and the dramatic thriller "Senseless" for Matador Pictures.