Posted: Thu., Mar. 17, 2005, 6:45pm PT

Judd doing double duty in indie pair

Thesp returns to her roots in 'Morning'

By Michael Fleming

Judd

Ashley Judd is returning to her indie roots.

Judd, who first starred in 1993's "Ruby in Paradise," will start work in April on "Come Early Morning," a film to be shot in Arkansas that marks the directorial debut of "Chasing Amy" star Joey Lauren Adams, who wrote the script.

Judd will play a thirtysomething woman who never left the small town where she grew up and has never been able to commit to a serious relationship.

Producing the pic are Firm Films head Julie Yorn; Holly Wiersma; and Ed Bass, whose Bold Films is providing the financing.

Judd will then jump right into "Bug," an adaptation of the Tracy Letts play to be directed by William Friedkin for Lions Gate. Letts wrote the script.