Fred Schepisi has signed on to direct Clive Owen and Juliette Binoche in ‘Words and Pictures,” a romantic comedy set in a New England prep school.

Schepisi, whose credits include “Roxanne” and “Six Degrees of Separation,” last helmed “The Eye of the Storm,” starring Geoffrey Rush and Charlotte Rampling.

With "Words & Pictures," Schepisi moves back to lighter fare with this script from Gerald DiPego.

The film chronicles the relationship between a charismatic English teacher (Owen) and a guarded art teacher (Binoche). The two form an unlikely bond, one later complicated by romance.

Curtis Burch is producing under the aegis of his Latitude Productions, while Gary Cogill is producing for Lascaux Films. DiPego is also producing.

“When I first read this uniquely romantic screenplay by Gerald DiPego, based on his original concept, I knew I had to acquire it as Latitude’s first project, as it is an enchanting love story colored with a sophisticated humor and would be ideal for Fred Schepisi to direct,” Burch said in a statement, “It was with Fred’s commitment that we were able to attract Clive and Juliette, who are a perfect fit to create the chemistry between the two leads at the heart of the story.”

The film will begin shooting in March 2013.