Clea DuVall is set to direct her first studio pic. The “Veep” actress will helm “Happiest Season,” a romantic comedy that’s been acquired by TriStar Pictures. A press release announced the news.
Written by DuVall and fellow “Veep” star Mary Holland, the project centers on a young woman plotting to propose to her girlfriend at her family’s annual holiday party. There’s a major snag in her plans — she discovers her partner hasn’t yet come out to her conservative parents.
“‘Happiest Season’ is a refreshingly modern comedy about the complexity of navigating romantic relationships and family dynamics,” said Hannah Minghella, President of TriStar Pictures. “Clea and Mary have written a hilarious and heart-warming movie full of emotional truth that is sure to become a holiday classic. We’re proud that TriStar is partnering with Clea and Temple Hill to make this film.”
DuVall added, “‘Happiest Season’ is extremely important to us, and we could not ask for a better team to collaborate with to bring it to the screen.”
2016’s “The Intervention” marked DuVall’s feature directorial debut. The dramedy about couples staging an intervention for their unhappily married friends premiered at Sundance Film Festival.
When we asked her advice for other female filmmakers, DuVall said, “Tell your stories. We need you.”
“Better Call Saul,” “Heroes,” and “But I’m a Cheerleader” are among DuVall’s acting credits. Holland has appeared in “Animals,” “Shrink,” and “Comedy Bang! Bang!”
