According to Variety, Mekhi Phifer ("ER") will make his directorial debut on the indie comedy pic Easier, Softer Way, which has just been acquired by Sony.

The pic, being produced by Phifer for the Facilitator Films banner -- follows two hapless pot heads involved in a scheme to rip off a mysterious character called Mr. Big after the duo sours on rehab.

Phifer is set to star, along with Maura Tierney, Scott Grimes, John C. McGinley, Ronnie Warner, Terry Crews and Mo Collins.

The pic, penned by Warner, is skedded to lense in Los Angeles in July.