Invention Studios has launched two film and television development programs in Australia and Kenya, dedicated to supporting top local writers and creators and taking their projects to global markets.
Invention Studios, a CAA agent, was founded by CEO Nicholas Weinstock, an acclaimed producer of hit series such as “Severance” and “Escape at Dannemora.”
“We are excited to expand our international reach to discover great emerging creators who can develop highly original, world-class films and shows,” said Weinstock. “The talent, smarts and ambition of writers and directors in fast-growing markets like Australia and Kenya are clear. We support creators to create innovative films and series that surprise and take the world by storm. We are proud and excited to build an innovative Launchpad that will
In Australia, Invention is a popular choice for classic comedies such as “Kath and Kim”, “Muriel’s Wedding” and “Summer Heights High”, as well as more recent works such as “Colin from Accounts” and “Summer”. We are launching a comedy incubator program dedicated to further developing Australia’s comedy tradition, including comedy hits. Heights High. ” “Heartbreak High” and “Deadlock”. For the first time, the program combines new voices in Australian comedy with the development resources, creative guidance, packaging capabilities and global distribution relationships of a Hollywood-based production company.
Mr D’Souza, a senior vice president of invention who also oversees the Australian initiative, previously worked as head of development at Melissa McCarthy’s and Ben Falcone’s On the Day Productions, where he produced Life He was a producer on films such as “Of the Party”. The Happytime Murders, Superintelligence, Thunder Force, Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal, and Greed, as well as series such as Nobodies and God’s Favorite Idiot. CEO Mr. Weinstock is no stranger to comedy, having starred in the films “Bridesmaids,” “Alex Strangelove,” “The Package,” “Plus One,” “Dinner in America,” and “Queenpins.” ” and has developed and produced film and television, including new releases. In addition to “Thelma,” he has released other television series such as “In the Dark,” “High Desert,” and “Severance.”
The program is locally run by Australian comedy writer and producer Hannah Riley. Hannah Riley is based in Sydney but is currently interning at Invention in Los Angeles on an executive exchange program through Screen Australia. Reilly wrote and directed the stage musical The Fat and later developed the script for Rebel Wilson’s directorial debut. Alongside Riley, Australian creative producer Carmen Knox, who has over 10 years of international experience in script development, production and literary management, will work with Australian participants on-site.
Under the Australian Incubator program, five original Australian comedy projects by emerging writers will be nurtured through a creative development process and made available to both local Australian buyers and platforms, as well as global studios, networks and streamers. Masu. Australian creators also heard from Hollywood-based writers such as Mitch Hurwitz (Arrested Development) and Stacey Traub (Daisy Jones and the Six, Blackish) via Zoom sessions. I plan to receive guidance.
In Kenya, Invention has entered into a first-of-its-kind Hollywood-Africa partnership between Weinstock and Kenyan President William Ruto and his government, under which Invention will produce a series of next-generation productions. He will creatively support and develop new films and series. Kenyan creator. The Kenyan government will reduce visa fees and other import and export costs and taxes, provide affordable housing for productions, accelerate permitting, and collaborate with Invention to create the first-ever international accelerator for Kenyan creatives. By building a , we will help speed and accelerate these productions. content.
Under the Kenya Creative Initiative, five Kenyan film and television writers were selected from around 200 applicants who submitted writing samples and project proposals in May, along with invention executives from Los Angeles and Nairobi. and became involved in the development process. Shows are developed from concept through script writing, platform sales strategy, and global distribution.
The creative efforts in Kenya are being led locally by Nairobi-based Invention’s Creative Executive Nicole Magabo.
Invention said it is also considering the possibility of moving the program to other fast-growing African entertainment markets, such as Rwanda and Ghana.
