Robert Lorenz has lined up his next feature, stepping in to direct Hardcourt, a new film written by Mark L. Smith and now moving through the Cannes market.
The project brings together a notable creative pairing. Lorenz, known for character-driven dramas, joins Smith, whose writing credits include The Revenant. Reports indicate the film has also secured a producing team that includes Ehud Bleiberg through his banner, along with Ariel Bleiberg, Robert Deege, and Suzanne Lyons’ Snowfall Films.
The package already signals serious intent: a director attached, a high-profile screenwriter in place, producers on board, and a production window on the calendar.
That timing matters. Sources suggest production is set to begin in early 2027, which gives the film a concrete runway even as casting remains underway. In market terms, that combination often helps a project stand out: buyers and partners can see more than an idea; they can see momentum.
Key Facts
- Robert Lorenz is attached to direct Hardcourt.
- Mark L. Smith wrote the screenplay.
- Producers include Ehud Bleiberg, Ariel Bleiberg, Robert Deege, and Suzanne Lyons’ Snowfall Films.
- Production is expected to begin in early 2027, with casting still in progress.
What Hardcourt becomes will depend on the next major step: casting. That process will shape both the film’s commercial profile and its creative identity, especially for a project entering the market with recognizable talent behind the camera. For now, the message is clear: this package has moved beyond early development, and the coming months will show whether it can turn industry interest into a full-scale launch.