Actress Rachel Weisz and producer Polly Stokes have recently entered into a first-look and development deal with the super-indie production company Fremantle. This partnership will see Weisz and Stokes bringing their projects to Fremantle for the next three years, making it the exclusive home for their film and TV endeavors. The duo’s indie production company, Astral Projection, is best known for co-producing Prime Video’s psychological thriller Dead Ringers, in which Weisz played the lead roles in a gender-swapped reimagining of a David Cronenberg film.
Rachel Weisz, a British actress who has won an Academy Award and a Laurence Olivier, launched Astral Projection with Stokes after having established a longstanding relationship. Their slate of projects includes both films and TV productions, with Rebecca Servadio serving as Astral’s literary consultant. This deal with Fremantle marks a significant milestone in their careers, joining the ranks of other high-profile collaborators such as Edward Berger, Angelina Jolie, and Johan Renck.
In a statement, Rachel Weisz expressed her excitement about partnering with Fremantle, citing a strong connection with CEO of Global Drama Christian Vesper and COO of Global Drama Seb Shorr. She emphasized that Fremantle is the perfect fit for their taste and energy, making it an ideal home for Astral Projection’s innovative storytelling. Polly Stokes echoed this sentiment, noting their intention to tell stories that are both surprising and affirming, finding joy in unexpected and daring narratives.
Fremantle’s Christian Vesper also praised the collaboration, acknowledging the impressive breadth and scale of Weisz and Stokes’ work in both television and film. He expressed confidence in the partnership, expecting it to be fruitful and exciting for all parties involved. The deal was finalized with the help of VP Legal and Business Affairs Global Drama Fran Denny, showcasing the commitment from both sides to make this partnership a success.
As Rachel Weisz and Polly Stokes embark on this new chapter with Fremantle, the industry awaits eagerly to see the creative endeavors that will come to life. With a shared vision for storytelling that pushes boundaries and finds joy in unexpected places, this partnership is poised to deliver captivating narratives that resonate with audiences worldwide. The future looks bright for Astral Projection and Fremantle as they join forces to bring innovative and daring projects to the screen.