British screenwriter Terry Hayes is teaming with director William Friedkin on Paramount Pictures' "Book of Skulls." The "Dead Calm" writer has been hired to adapt Robert Silverberg's sci-fi novel for studio-based Alphaville. The psychological thriller follows four college students who discover an ancient book containing the secret to eternal life -- except that it comes with a price. Hayes' recent credits include the upcoming Jodie Foster starrer "Flight Plan," to be directed by German helmer Robert Schwentke ("Tattoo"). Hayes' other credits include "From Hell," "Vertical Limit" and "Payback." Company principals Jim Jacks and Sean Daniel will produce alongside Michelle Manning, Bruce Bernhard and Sam Gaglani, who brought the property to Alphaville. Rebecca Nelson is overseeing for the company. Hayes is repped by WMA.