Angelina Jolie 'mentoring Elle Fanning'

Angelina Jolie has reportedly decided to "mentor" Elle Fanning.

The 37-year-old actress allegedly feels now is the right time to pass down her knowledge of the movie industry to an up-and-coming star.

Angelina chose 14-year-old Elle as her protégée after the pair met on their movie Maleficent.

"Angelina Jolie is ready to pass the torch to the next generation of actresses and has chosen to mentor Elle Fanning!" an insider told the US edition of Star magazine.

“They became firm friends on the set of Maleficent and Angie’s decided to take Elle under the wing!”

Angelina is said to have initially bonded with Elle as a result of her physical similarities to her own daughter Shiloh.

The Hollywood A-lister was then impressed by Elle's performance as Princess Aurora in the upcoming fantasy-thriller film, in which Angelina stars as the title character.

Elle and Angelina have reportedly started seeking future projects to work on together following the success of their partnership in Maleficent.

“In this film, Elle really comes into her own, and they’re looking for another project to develop together," the on-set insider continued.

Maleficent is scheduled for release in 2014.