Matthew Greenfield: Last News

Taylor Swift announced her plans to direct her first feature for an original script that she wrote, less than a year after earning Oscars buzz for All Too Well: The Short Film.After stepping behind the camera to co-direct the music video for her 2019 hit, ME!, the pop star, 32, has impressed fans with her video-making prowess by self-directing herself in her music videos for The Man (2019), Cardigan (2020), Willow (2020), Anti-Hero (2022), and Bejeweled (2022).Her project will be produced by Searchlight Pictures, which is the studio behind a number of critically-acclaimed flicks, including Nomadland and The Shape of Water.  A force behind the camera: Taylor Swift announced her plans to direct her first feature for an original script that she wrote, less than a year after earning Oscars buzz for All Too Well: The Short Film; seen in 2021While the plot and casting remains tightly under wraps, Searchlight presidents David Greenbaum and Matthew Greenfield described the singer as 'a once in a generation artist and storyteller.' 'It is a genuine joy and privilege to collaborate with her as she embarks on this exciting and new creative journey,' the pair gushed in a statement. The 11-time Grammy winner hinted at her next step at the Toronto International Film Festival in September, when asked if she would be open to directing a feature-length film.

reports that Searchlight Pictures has picked up Swift's original script (written by her, of course), that the singer-songwriter is also set to direct. "Taylor is a once in a generation artist and storyteller.  It is a genuine joy and privilege to collaborate with her as she embarks on this exciting and new creative journey,” Searchlight presidents David Greenbaum and Matthew Greenfield told Variety.

Taylor Swift will make her feature directorial debut with Searchlight Pictures, the company announced today. The acclaimed singer, songwriter and director has written an original script, which will be produced by the studio.

Cannes Chopard Trophy winner Joe Alwyn just signed on to star in Fox Searchlight Pictures' mysterious new movie titled And, which begins production this month in New Orleans.The film reunites the 31-year-old Englishman with his The Favourite co-star Emma Stone and director Yorgos Lanthimos, whom he worked with on the critically-acclaimed period black comedy that amassed $95.9M at the box office in 2018.And will also reunite Joe with Margaret Qualley, his leading lady from Claire Denis' newly-released romantic thriller The Stars at Noon.

Rebecca Rubin Film and Media Reporter Yorgos Lanthimos, the filmmaker behind dark comedies like “The Favorite” and “The Lobster,” has lined up a starry ensemble for next movie, “And.” Emma Stone, Willem Dafoe, Jesse Plemons, and Margaret Qualley will star in “And,” which is set at Searchlight Pictures. In addition to directing, Lanthimos is writing the screenplay with Efthimis Filippou, his collaborator on “The Lobster and “The Killing of a Sacred Deer.” Element Pictures and Film4 helped develop the script, and Film4 co-financed the project, which begins principal photography in New Orleans next month. “Working with Yorgos continues to be a highlight for us at Searchlight, and this is yet another truly original project that sets his work apart,” said Searchlight Presidents David Greenbaum and Matthew Greenfield. “Working again with Emma, Jesse, Willem, and Margaret as well as Element and Film4 is just the icing on the cake.”

Joe Otterson TV Reporter Chloé Zhao has entered into a multi-year first look TV deal with Searchlight Television, Variety has learned. Under the terms of the deal, Zhao will develop and produce scripted content for Searchlight TV across all platforms. It represents a homecoming for Zhao, with Searchlight having produced her Academy Award and Golden Globe-winning feature film “Nomadland.” “Chloe is a visionary filmmaker and, since the moment we finished ‘Nomadland,’ we have looked to find new ways to collaborate again,” said Searchlight presidents Matthew Greenfield and David Greenbaum. “We are inspired by the breadth of Chloe’s storytelling passions and are beyond happy to be able to link arms and expand the opportunities to support personal, powerful, and enduring stories.”

Multiple Oscar winner Chloé Zhao is making her foray into television with a first-look deal at Searchlight Television for exclusive series development. This marks a reunion for Zhao and Searchlight, the studio behind her Oscar-winning film Nomadland. The pact comes on the heels of Searchlight Television’s first production, The Dropout, winning an Emmy Award for Best Actress for Amanda Seyfried, and earning an additional 5 nominations.

Gael García Bernal and Diego Luna are teaming up for a Spanish-language boxing series for Hulu.

Sarah Paulson is set to lead a new horror film from Searchlight Pictures.

Brent Lang Executive Editor of Film and MediaSarah Paulson is set to star in Searchlight Pictures’ “Dust,” a horror thriller that was originally intended as a vehicle for Clarie Foy. The film, like other recent Searchlight releases such as “Fire Island” and “Good Luck to You, Leo Grande,” will stream on Disney’s DTC platforms as a Hulu Original in the U.S., with additional release plans to be announced. Principal photography will begin next month.

Sarah Paulson is set to star in Searchlight Pictures’ upcoming horror thriller Dust. Will Joines and Karrie Crouse are directing the pic, which was penned by Crouse.  The film will stream on Disney’s DTC platforms as a Hulu Original in the U.S., with additional release plans to be announced.  Principal photography is set to commence late August.

Twenty-four hours before his win for Best Documentary Feature would result in one of the most powerful speeches of this year’s Oscar night, Ahmir ‘Questlove’ Thompson and his Summer of Soul team gathered at an intimate brunch in the picturesque gardens of Dana Walden’s Brentwood estate. Walden was there, along with Peter Rice, Matthew Greenfield, David Greenbaum and other high-level Disney executives. Even Disney CEO Bob Chapek put in an appearance.

Brent Lang Executive Editor of Film and MediaAlma Har’el, the acclaimed filmmaker behind “Honey Boy,” will direct a feature adaptation of Walter Tevis’ science fiction novel, “Mockingbird,” for Searchlight Pictures. The film is a passion project for the director.“Mockingbird” unfolds in future of a declining human population, which has turned to drugs and electronics for distraction.

Bill Murray and Aziz Ansari have teamed up for a new movie based on Atul Gawande’s novel Being Mortal: Medicine And What Matters In The End.It is unclear what Murray’s role is at this stage but as well as starring in the Searchlight Pictures comedy, Ansari also wrote the script and is on board to direct and produce the as-yet-untitled movie.“Aziz Ansari is an incredible talent and, with this script, he brings a singular combination of insightful humour and pathos,” said Searchlight Presidents David Greenbaum and Matthew Greenfield. “We’re thrilled to be partnering with him on his feature directorial debut which is long overdue, and of course working with the genius Bill Murray once again.”Murray most recently starred in Ghostbusters: Afterlife alongside Dan Aykroyd and Ernie Hudson.Describing the movie as “a spook-nuking sequel” which “brings the franchise back from the dead”, NME awarded the long awaited sequel four stars.It added: “The result is a sequel that feels like an authentic Ghostbusters movie without quite slipping into retread mode.”Ansari meanwhile, recently directed and appeared in season three of Netflix series Master Of None and released his latest stand up special Nightclub Comedian on the streaming service.In other news, a clip of Murray putting his own spin on Tom Waits‘ ‘The Piano Has Been Drinking’ was recently shared.

Rebecca Rubin Film and Media ReporterAziz Ansari has been appointed to direct an untitled comedic-drama for Searchlight Pictures. He will co-star in the movie with Bill Murrary.Ansari, who created the Netflix series “Master of None,” is making his feature directorial debut.

Brenda Robinson, an entertainment attorney, producer and partner at film financing and development company Gamechanger Films, has been elected the new chair of the board of directors at Film Independent, the nonprofit arts organization behind the Spirit Awards.

Searchlight Pictures has acquired worldwide rights to Legendary Entertainment’s thriller Fresh, starring Daisy Edgar-Jones (Normal People) and Sebastian Stan (Pam & Tommy), ahead of its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival slated for next week. The first feature from director Mimi Cave will stream exclusively across Disney’s platforms, debuting on Hulu in the U.S. on March 4, with a Latin American premiere on Star+ and a Disney+ unveiling in all other territories to take later this spring.

Rebecca Rubin Film and Media ReporterSearchlight Pictures has elevated longtime executives DanTram Nguyen and Katie Goodson-Thomas to co-heads of film production.In their new roles, effective immediately, they will jointly oversee all film development and production and will manage all production executives.“DanTram and Katie are exemplary executives with incredible taste and deep talent relationships,” Searchlight Pictures presidents Matthew Greenfield and David Greenbaum said in a statement. “They are proven leaders who we know will continue the legacy of Searchlight as we expand our global production and development slate.”Nguyen is based in Searchlight’s U.S.

In a stunning development on the eve of the Academy Awards, Disney announced Tuesday that longtime Searchlight Pictures chairmen Nancy Utley and Steve Gilula will be retiring from the specialty division, home of numerous Oscars. At Sunday's Oscar telecast, for example, Searchlight's Nomadland is considered a frontrunner for best picture, among other top awards.

A seismic shift here in the independent film sphere moments in the walk-up to Oscars: Longtime Searchlight Pictures Chairmen Nancy Utley and Steve Gilula have announced their retirement after a two decades-plus run with the classic label which Disney purchased from Fox.