Mike Fleming

EXCLUSIVE: Chris Rock has set financing with Scott Rudin and Barry Diller for his third feature outing behind the camera. The film, which currently is untitled, is set to shoot in New York in June. Rock wrote it and will star in what I’m told is an edgy showbiz-themed comedy with romance. Rudin and Eli Bush will produce. Rock linked up with Rudin after he signed on to star on Broadway in The Motherfucker With The Hat, and this is their first screen collaboration together. Rudin and Diller are currently working together on Brightline, the e-publishing business formed with a big investment from Diller’s IAC/Interactive.

Rock, who previously directed the films Head Of State and I Think I Love My Wife, seems to be evolving into a nice little groove where he makes personal films he writes, directs and stars in, a la Woody Allen and Albert Brooks. That’s in between producing documentaries, starring in stand-up comedy tours and acting jobs. He has been rumored to possibly do some dates with Dave Chappelle, which could get pinched by the rigors of directing, prepping and starring in this feature, and he’ll next be seen starring in the Adam Sandler sequel Grown Ups 2. Rock is repped by ICM Partners.