Avnet
Jon Avnet has signed on to write and direct Phoenix Pictures' psychosexual thriller "The Understudy," with Mike Medavoy and Arnie Messer producing.
Project, based on an original screenplay by Andres Heinz, concerns a young understudy who walks a fine line between make-believe and insanity. Phoenix is fast-tracking the project, overseen by Phoenix exec Anne Rodman.
Avnet's directing credits include "Red Corner," "Up Close and Personal" and "Fried Green Tomatoes."
Medavoy and Messer most recently produced John Boorman's "In My Country," starring Juliette Binoche and Samuel L. Jackson. Pic opened Friday in Los Angeles.
Phoenix also is producing "Stealth," starring Jamie Foxx, and "All the King's Men," starring Sean Penn, Jude Law and Kate Winslet.
Contact Dave McNary at
dave.mcnary@variety.com