Searchlight Pictures has signed a first-look film and television deal with Cate Blanchett, Andrew Upton and Coco Francini’s Dirty Films. Under the agreement, the professional studio will develop and produce feature films with the production company, as well as series for streaming under Searchlight Television.
“Dirty Films has consistently championed distinctive voices and ambitious storytelling,” Searchlight Pictures president Matthew Greenfield said in a statement. “Kate, Andrew and Coco are unique creative partners, and we’re excited to continue our commitment to filmmaker-led cinema with this collaboration.”
Dirty Films’ Blanchett, Upton and Francini added: “We are honored to partner with Searchlight Pictures. Searchlight Pictures’ passion for film and deeply collaborative ethos align seamlessly with ours. We look forward to working with Matthew Greenfield and his exceptional team to drive bold, funny and provocative storytelling across film and television for audiences around the world.”
Blanchett made her international feature debut, Paradise Road, with Searchlight. She has previously appeared in Searchlight films such as Guillermo del Toro’s Nightmare Alley and Oscar-nominated Richard Eyre’s Notes on a Scandal. Blanchett is a two-time Academy Award winner whose work includes “Blue Jasmine,” “The Aviator,” “Carol” and “Tar.” Searchlight Pictures and Dirty Films recently wrapped production on Alice Birch’s Sweetsick. It is Birch’s directorial debut and stars Blanchett.
The first look deal was negotiated by Paul Hoffman of Searchlight Pictures. CAA represented Dirty Films in negotiations.
Dirty Films recently completed Jenny Suen’s Peaches and Zellner Blaser’s Alpha Gang. Recent credits include Warwick Thornton’s The New Boy and Christos Nikou’s Fingernails, as well as the award-winning podcast Climate of Change and the VR interactive experience Evolver.
