Morenike Joela Evans To Direct Comedy Feature 'Switch' Starring Alexis Louder And Bryan McClure
Evans has also signed with Shakira Hedgepeth of Bold Media Management and with Angelas Nikas of Buchwald agency for representation.
Morenike Joela Evans, who has made a name for herself directing comedy and dramatic television and is twice nominated for a Children & Family Emmy has been attached to direct the upcoming feature SWITCH, a body swap rom-com centered on a Black woman and White man who have to walk a week in each other’s lives.
Alexis Louder (Copshop, Violent Night, TheChangeling), who previously worked with Evans on the 2017 TV One film, Deadly Dispatch, is attached to star and produce.
Louder plays Imani, a Black elementary school teacher who butts heads with Ben, a White executive and wakes up the next day in his body after a mysterious escape room adventure. The two are forced to work together to find a way to switch back to themselves, all while overcoming assumptions about each other and learning about life from each other’s perspective – and maybe they fall in love in the process.
Bryan McClure (The Walking Dead, The Summer I Turned Pretty, Mindhunter), originated the premise and brought the concept to Louder and scriptwriter Alix Reeves (Bad Twin, Induced II, Preparations) for development. Reeves is a multi-produced, award-winning writer on the Tracking Board’s list of 20 Writers to Watch.
“I couldn’t have imagined a better fit than Morenike Joela Evans—she was a true answer to prayer,” said McClure. “We’re thrilled to have her on our team, bringing her vast experience and impressive skill set to help bring our story to life.”
Louder, author of Navigating Lead Roles and writer-producer of SWITCH, approached Evans, who found the script refreshing, funny, and impactful.
“It’s an honor to reunite with Morenike after all these years! She is an excellent and well-respected director across mediums and we’re lucky to have her,” said Louder. “I’m excited for what she will bring to SWITCH. It is a needed, heartfelt romcom. Heavy on the ‘com’ and sincere with the ‘rom’.”
“I was drawn to this project because it deals with racial, cultural and relationship differences in an honest but hilarious way,” added Evans. “In times of such increased strife, this is an opportunity to humanize and bring people together in a way that will leave audiences not only thinking but feeling hopeful and happy when they finish watching.”
Buchwald and Bold Media represent Evans. Louder’s team includes Alexander White Agency, Haven Entertainment, and GGSSC. McClure is repped by Minc Talent, Privilege, and Citizen Skull Productions. SWITCH is being packaged and shopped by CSP.