Stephanie Laing’s sophomore feature has found a home. Screen Media acquired worldwide rights to “Family Squares,” the two-time Emmy winner’s follow-up to 2018 Gugu Mbatha-Raw-starrer “Irreplaceable You.” A press release announced the news.
Formerly titled “Shoot the Rooster,” the pic is co-written by Laing and described as “a love letter to her family, the South, and to small town America.” The comedy centers on a matriarch (June Squibb) who wants to bring her family together before she passes. “Family Squares'” ensemble cast includes Judy Greer, Ann Dowd, Elsie Fisher, Casey Wilson, and Margo Martindale.
“Family Squares” was made when “COVID-19 shut down the business,” Deadline details. Laing managed to pull off the production by “sending around 23 cameras to the homes of her cast so that they could set up the scenes under her direction.” The shoot spanned five states.
An early 2022 release date is being planned.
“‘Family Squares’ delighted us with its stellar ensemble cast, heartfelt humor, and clever virtual storytelling techniques,” said Screen Media in a statement. “We were blown away by the performances Stephanie elicited from the stellar ensemble cast, all while directing remotely. The result is the kind of uplifting comedy that the entire family can enjoy.”
Laing’s extensive TV credits include “Tracey Takes On…” and “Veep.” “Physical,” “Made for Love,” and “Doll Face” are among her more recent credits.
