EXCLUSIVE: Depp v. Heard producer Empress Films has hired in the U.S. and UK following its deal with Universal Television Alternative Studio (UTAS).
Former Paramount exec Eben Davidson will lead the company’s newly-opened LA office while Minnow Films development exec Matthew Clifton is joining in the UK.
Davidson’s Paramount tenure spanned more than a decade and former roles include Senior Vice President Acquisitions and Development at Paramount Pictures and Senior Vice President, Development at Paramount Pictures Television where his projects included Arrival, The Disappearance of Madeleine McCann, Justin Bieber: Never Say Never and Katy Perry: Part of Me.
Clifton’s work at SAS: 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’s Depp V Heard and Who Killed Jill Dando?, 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 thrilling for the company and a significant milestone for Empress as we continue our growth,” said Cooper.
“Together with their expertise, drive and passion we will further build on our reputation for excellence and look forward to a new chapter of continued success.”
Empress Films is represented by CAA.