“Big” director Penny Marshall has signed a two-picture deal with Studioplex City, a wholly owned subsidiary of FONU2, it was announced Thursday by Jake Shapiro, president of Studioplex City and chairman of FONU2.
The first film Marshall is set to direct is the story of Effa Manley, the first woman to be inducted into the Baseball Hall Of Fame. Manley rose to fame in the sport while managing the National Negro League’s Newark Eagles in the 1930’s and 40’s.
“Penny Marshall has directed some of the greatest stories ever told for the big screen. Films such as ‘Big’ and ‘A League of their Own’ transcend time, generations and global boundaries,” said Shaprio. “The film is about a strong woman who was ahead of her time, the history of baseball and the Negro Leagues. We are proud to be working on such a meaningful project with such a powerful and talented director.”
Wendi Laski will produce the Effa Manley movie, which Marshall will executive produce and direct from a screenplay by Byron Motley, who will also executive produce. Jeffery Miller will serve as an associate producer on the project.
“The story is a fascinating tale of a woman who broke through so many barriers and accomplished so much for the players and the game, during a time when the face of baseball changed forever. I look forward to begin casting the film and shooting in Savannah, Georgia,” said Marshall.
The film will be financed and produced by Studioplex City. It is slated to begin principal photography early in 2015 in Savannah, Georgia.
Marshall is represented by Michael Mann Management.
