David Schwimmer is moving from "Friends" to the director's chair.

The actor is set to helm the indie feature "Run, Fat Boy, Run" for Gold Circle Films. Penned by actor-scribe Michael Ian Black, the project centers on a charming but oblivious overweight guy who leaves his fiancee on their wedding day only to discover years later that he really loves her. To win her back, he must finish the New York marathon while making her realize that her new handsome, wealthy fiance is the wrong guy for her.

Beech Films' Alexa Fogel and Joseph Infantolino will produce along with Gold Circle topper Paul Brooks. The filmmakers are currently on the search for the lead actor with production planned to start in the spring in New York City.

"I've been waiting for the right feature comedy to direct and am so happy to have found 'Run, Fat Boy, Run,' " Schwimmer said. "Michael's script was simply too funny and smart to put down."

It's not the first foray into directing for Schwimmer. He helmed 10 episodes of "Friends" and is in line to direct multiple episodes of its spinoff, "Joey," starring Matt LeBlanc. He also is executive producing and directing the pilot "Nearly Nirvana" for NBC.

Schwimmer is repped by the Gersh Agency and attorney Michael Gendler. Black is repped by UTA and manager Ted Schacter. The deal doesn't mean Schwimmer has turned his back on acting. He next stars in the Matt Mulhern-directed dramatic indie "Duane Hopwood" as the title character.

Beech Films previously produced "Face," "Our Song" and "A Hole in One."

Gold Circle Films ("My Big Fat Greek Wedding") currently is in postproduction on "The Long Weekend" starring Chris Klein and Brendan Fehr. The company's "Jiminy Glick in LaLaWood" serves as the closing-night gala at next month's Toronto International Film Festival.