Do you feel the need? The need to accelerate at a velocity that others would deem unsafe? If so, then you’ll be interested to hear that last month Dreamworks acquired the rights to produce a movie based on EA’s popular racing series. They’re not just resting on their laurels though, as they’ve hired screenwriters George and John Gatins (Real Steel, Coach Carter), who have produced an original script for the movie. The story won’t be based on any particular Need for Speed game, but will instead incorporate some of the common elements. Dreamworks described the film as:

a fast-paced, high-octane film rooted in the tradition of the great car culture films of the 70s while being extremely faithful to the spirit of the video game franchise. In Need for Speed, the cars are hot, the racing is intense and the story keeps players at the edge of their seat.

Steven Spielburg, who also worked on Real Steel, and is chairman at Dreamworks had a little to say about the project:

I’m excited about getting back into the creative trenches with John and George Gatins and my partners at EA to bring to life an exhilarating script based on an epic video game that seems to have been made for the movies. This is a big piece of business for DreamWorks and we are grateful to Frank Gibeau, Pat O’Brien, Kevin Maher and John and George for choosing us to deliver their goods.

Scott Waugh (Act of Valor) is attached to direct the movie, with production scheduled to start early next year. DreamWorks Studios have announced a release date of February 7th 2014.