Hannah Marks’ feature directorial debut, “After Everything,” focused on a new couple getting serious very quickly after one partner is diagnosed with cancer. Her next project will tell another unconventional love story. According to Deadline, the multi-hyphenate is writing and directing “Mark, Mary & Some Other People,” a comedy about a couple embarking on an open relationship.
Hayley Law (“Riverdale”) and Ben Rosenfield (“Mickey and the Bear”) will star as the titular Mary and Mark. Gillian Jacobs (“Love”), Lea Thompson (“Switched at Birth”), Sofia Bryant (“I Am Not Okay with This”), and Odessa A’zion (“Nashville”) are also among the cast.
Marks is producing the film, as are Ten Acre Films, Crush Pictures, and Bee-Hive Productions.
“’Mark and Mary’ was a dream come true project,” Marks said. “Crush Pictures, Ten Acre Films, and Bee-Hive Productions gave me so much support and freedom to make an improvised comedy, which was a joy to make and a fantastic experience.”
Probably best known for her work on-screen, Marks has appeared in nearly 50 projects, including “Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency, ” “You’re the Worst,” and “Awkward.” She’ll appear in Kris Rey’s “I Used to Go Here,” a comedy about a novelist who returns to her alma mater that premieres at SXSW March 14. Marks also co-wrote, executive produces, and stars in “Banana Split.” Out March 27, the comedy sees two teen girls’ friendship threatened when one begins dating the other’s ex.
Marks currently has a bunch of offscreen gigs lined up. She’s attached to helm features “The Swimsuit Issue” and “Turtles All The Way Down.” The former sees a high schooler creating his own swimsuit issue to raise money for summer camp, and the latter is an adaptation of John Green’s YA bestseller. She’s also developing a futuristic comedic drama about four 20-something female friends for The CW.
“The advice I have for other directors — of any gender — would be that you shouldn’t jump into something you don’t love,” Marks told Women and Hollywood. “It can be tempting to take a job just to take a job but directing is a massive commitment. If your heart and soul aren’t fully in it you won’t do your best work.”
