Hines gets 'Serious'

'Enthusiasm' actress to direct Shelly script

By TATIANA SIEGEL

Hines

Cheryl Hines will make her feature directorial debut with the indie "Serious Moonlight," from a screenplay penned by the late Adrienne Shelly, who was murdered last year in New York.

Shelly's husband, Andy Ostroy, will produce alongside Michael Roiff. Hines co-starred in "Waitress," which Shelly helmed shortly before her death.

A dark comedy about a troubled marriage on the precipice, "Serious Moonlight" centers on a high-powered female attorney who learns that her husband is about to leave her for another woman, then prevents him from doing so by binding him to the toilet with duct tape.

The wife's plan becomes complicated when the couple's home is besieged by robbers.

"I feel a great sense of pride to be directing this film," Hines said. "I had such respect for Adrienne and the work she did. And I love her writing so much. That tone is really in my wheelhouse.."

Roiff will produce through his Night and Day Pictures, and Ostroy will produce via his All for A Films.

"I felt compelled to continue her work for her after her death," Ostroy said. "I think she was just hitting her stride with 'Waitress.' I tried to put together a team that was part of the 'Waitress' family to re-create the vibe and the success of that film and honor Adrienne and get her work out there with a group of people who really cared about her and (understood) her spirit and vision."

Shelly penned "Serious Moonlight" after writing "Waitress," in which she also starred alongside Keri Russell and Hines. "Waitress," which Roiff produced, was acquired by Fox Searchlight at last year's Sundance Film Festival. The low-budget film has grossed more than $19 million and is being positioned for awards-season contention.

Roiff, Ostroy and Hines are currently casting "Serious Moonlight," which is scheduled to start shooting in early December in Los Angeles.

Hines is repped by Endeavor and Principato-Young.