Some new feature projects have recently been announced coming from Nancy Savoca, Christine Jeffs and the directorial debut of Precious producer Sarah Siegal-Magness.

Nancy Savoca is attached to direct Secret Magdalene, a re-imagining of the life of Mary Magdalene and looks at early Christianity in a very political context. The film is based on a novel of the same title by Ki Longfellow.

Amanda Seyfried and Patrick Dempsey are set to star in Christine Jeffs’ latest Wonderful Tonight. The romantic comedy focuses on a one-night stand that ends up in an unexpected pregnancy. Two years later, the woman rejects him because of his horrible ways and he sets off to win her over.

Sarah Siegal-Magness’s directorial debut is Long Time Gone which was recently acquired by Phase 4 Films. Featuring a great cast of actors including Virginia Madsen and Eva Longoria, the film will focus on a Connecticut housewife, whose sons try to comfort her after she has a mental breakdown after finding out about her husband’s affair. The film is based on April Stevens’s novel, Angel Angel, and was adapted for the screen by Karen McCullah Lutz (Legally Blonde). Phase 4 Films is planning a theater and VOD release sometime in the spring.

AFM 2012: ‘Union Square’ Nancy Savoca Joins ‘Secret Magdalene’ (The Hollywood Reporter)

Patrick Dempsey, Amanda Seyfried Set for Wonderful Tonight (About.com)

Phase 4 Films Acquires ‘Precious’ Producer’s Directorial Debut ‘Long Time Gone’ (Indiewire)