Alfonso Arau has signed on to direct the prohibition drama Little Chicago, for new shingle Everest Motion Pictures.

According to Variety, Everest is aiming to start production in the spring in Niagara Falls and Bradford, Pa. Luca Palanca, who brought the project to Everest, is also producing.

Little Chicago is written and exec produced by journalist Carl Veno. Based on a chapter from Veno's book "Invisible Ink," the story focuses on mob factions battling for control of the bootlegging business in Olean, a town of 5,000 that saw 71 murders within two years.

Production will start in the spring in Niagara Falls and Bradford, Pa.