Renee Zellweger Set to Direct, Star in 4 1/2 MINUTES

Variety reports that Renee Zellweger is set to direct and star in the upcoming comedy 4 1/2 MINUTES opposite Johnny Knoxville. The project will mark the actress' directorial debut. The picture will be financed by Kevin Frakes' PalmStar Media Capital, which K5 International will begin introducing to buyers at Toronto.

The film, penned by "Warrior"s Anthony Tambakis, is based on the life of real-life stand-up comic Dov Davidoff. According to the report, the film, set in New York City's world of stand-up comedy, centers on "Jimmy Bennett (Knoxville), a commitment-phobic, train-wreck of a comedian whose life is falling apart when he takes a job looking after the genius son of single mom P.J. Andersen (Zellweger)."

Commented K5's co-founders Oliver Simon and Daniel Baur commented, "It´s great to be working with Renee as a partner on this project, It's a wonderful opportunity to support her as she moves into her first directing role."

They K-5 partner Carl Clifton, "Renee Zellweger is unique. She's one of the very finest and highest-profile comic actresses working today but she has an amazing range too and, as this film and the actor/director role she is taking on it will show, she is also is one of the industry's most versatile and brightest talents."

Production is scheduled to begin on location in New York City in February 2013. 

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