Hammer Films has announced that it is expanding into the publishing business, following a deal with literary agency PFD.

The intention, according to PFD's Chief Executive Caroline Michel, is to "bring new life to the brand with exciting contemporary writers." Variety quotes the example of the 007 literary franchise being continued in recent years by Sebastian Faulks and Charlie Higson.

"Hammer is an iconic household name with a loyal fanbase and the raft of forthcoming initiatives will create a whole new generation of devotees," Michel noted.

Although many of Hammer's films are based on pre-existing literary figures, with their own copyright owners, Exclusive Media Group, who own the brand is hoping that the publishing deal will combine with their new releases to increase public awareness that Hammer is still operative.