Exclusive: Depp v Heard Production company Empress Films has hired staff in the US and UK following its deal with Universal Television Alternative Studio (UTAS).
Former Paramount executive Eben Davidson will lead the company’s newly opened Los Angeles office, while Minnow Films development executive Matthew Clifton will join the UK.
Davidson’s tenure at Paramount has spanned more than a decade, and his previous roles include Senior Vice President of Acquisitions and Development at Paramount Pictures and Senior Vice President of Development at Paramount Pictures Television, where his projects included… Arrival, Disappearance of Madeleine McCann, Justin Bieber: Never Say Never And Katy Perry – Part of Me.
Clifton worked in SAS: He who dares wins Producer Minnow has seen him produce the likes of What Harvey did next, my big gay wedding And Gary Glitter For ITV.
Empress, which has credits including Netflix Heard Deep V And Who killed Gil Dando? It struck an exclusive first-look deal with Universal Studio Group-owned UTAS last week. The company was launched by Emma Cooper four years ago.
“Welcoming Eben and Matt to the team at such a pivotal time is exciting for the company and an important accomplishment for Empress as we continue to grow,” Cooper said.
“Together with their experience, drive and passion, we will continue to build on our reputation for excellence and look forward to a new chapter of continued success.”
Empress Films is repped by CAA.