Neal Street News

Neal Street’s Oscar®-Winner Sam Mendes Directs Series Pilot From Emmy®-Winning Showrunner Jon Brown

HBO has commissioned Neal Street Productions’ new comedy pilot, The Franchise, to go to series. Directed by Sam Mendes, Written by showrunner, Jon Brown and Executive Produced by Sam Mendes, Pippa Harris, Nicolas Brown, and Julie Pastor for Neal Street Productions; Armando Iannucci for Dundee Productions; Jon Brown, and Jim Kleverweis.

The original half-hour comedy series sees the crew of an unloved franchise movie fight for their place in a savage and unruly cinematic universe. The Franchise shines a light on the secret chaos inside the world of superhero moviemaking, to ask the question — how exactly does the cinematic sausage get made? Because every f*ck-up has an origin story. 

Amy Gravitt, Executive Vice President, HBO Programming, Head of HBO & Max Comedy Series said: “With a deft touch only he can bring, Sam has brilliantly captured the romance and the reality of filmmaking today. Jon is superb at sending up worlds we think we already know. Together, with Armando, they have delivered a truly hilarious comedy ensemble. I can’t wait to see more.” 

Further cast announced include Himesh Patel and Aya Cash, alongside previously announced cast Jessica Hynes, Billy Magnussen, Lolly Adefope, Darren Goldstein, Isaac Powell, Richard E. Grant, and Daniel Brühl

No filming dates have been set.  The series will go into production following conclusion of the Industry strikes.

 

10/08/23