Gere has set his first film since the acclaimed Arbitrage and will star in the drama from Treehouse Pictures, TideRock Media, Big Shoes Media, Magnolia Entertainment and Soaring Flight Productions. QED International will commence pre-sales in Toronto.

Andrew Renzi’s debut feature is scheduled to commence production in October. Gere will play a fun-loving philanthropist who works his way into the lives of a newlywed couple to recapture the life he once had.

Renzi wrote and developed Franny through the 2013 Sundance Screenwriters Lab. Treehouse Pictures, who produced Arbitrage, is producing with TideRock Media’s Thomas B Fore and Jason Michael Berman and Big Shoes Media’s Jay Schuminsky.

Magnolia Entertainment’s Shelley Browning and Michael Diamond serve as executive producers alongside Soaring Flight Productions’ Ruth Mutch and QED evp of international sales John Friedberg.

“Andrew is a remarkably promising filmmaker who we met through the Sundance Institute,” said Schuminsky, Fore and Berman. “He has written a beautiful script which we’re sure will connect with a large audience.”

“We’re thrilled to be reteaming with Richard Gere on Andrew’s brilliant feature debut following the incredible experience we had on Arbitrage,” said Treehouse Pictures’ Justin Nappi and Kevin Turen.

“QED is committed to helping talented filmmakers like Andrew realise their creative vision and obtain access to the international markets to maximise their commercial success,” said Friedberg.

“We’re delighted to be partnering again with Treehouse Pictures and starting a working relationship with Big Shoes Media and TideRock Media, and look forward to showcasing Franny as part of our Toronto sales line-up.”

ED’s Toronto roster includes festival selection Fading Gigolo, Are We Officially Dating?, Haunt, Sabotage and Fury.