Dakota Johnson to make feature directorial debut with A Tree Is Blue

Dakota Johnson will make her feature-length directorial debut with A Tree Is Blue, a drama scheduled to begin principal photography in November in Los Angeles, producers said. The film is written by Vanessa Burghardt, who is in talks to star, and is courting pop star Charli XCX and actress Jessica Alba for additional roles, with financing provided by Rivulet Entertainment and sales handled by CAA Media Finance.

A Tree Is Blue centers on a young woman on the autism spectrum who seeks independence, friendship and the unpredictable freedoms of the summer after high school graduation, according to people involved in the project. Burghardt, a first-time screenwriter who costarred with Johnson in Cha Cha Real Smooth, is herself autistic, a detail the filmmakers say could inform the film’s portrayal of its protagonist.

The production is being assembled on a modest budget under $10 million and has secured about $2.4 million in California tax credits. Johnson will produce through TeaTime Pictures alongside Ro Donnelly and Sam Racanelli, with Rob Paris and Mike Witherill producing for Rivulet. Hyunji Ward and Rick Steele are listed as executive producers. CAA Media Finance has been...