The star will make her feature directorial debut on PalmStar Media Capital’s 4 ½ Minutes. K5 International will introduce the project to buyers in Toronto and CAA handles North American rights.

The story takes place on the New York stand-up comedy circuit where a commitment-phobic comedian takes a job looking after the genius son of a single mother.

Anthony Tambakis wrote the screenplay based on the life of real-life stand-up Dov Davidoff. PalmStar’s Kevin Frakes is producing with Zellweger and Tambakis through their All Together Now banner. Raj Brinder Singh will serve as executive producer. 

“It´s great to be working with Renée as a partner on this project,” K5 co-founders Oliver Simon and Daniel Baur said. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to support her as she moves into her first directing role.”

K5 partner – sales and marketing Carl Clifton added: “Renée 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.”