Ben Affleck, Matt Damon unveil new film production venture

Ben Affleck and Matt Damon’s production company, Artists Equity, has launched Artists Equity Independent Pictures (AEIP), a new division dedicated to supporting emerging filmmakers in independent cinema, EFE reported, citing Variety.

Affleck and Damon, who serve as CEO and chief content officer of Artists Equity, respectively, said they owe a significant part of their careers to independent filmmaking, CE Report quotes AGERPRES.

“We are deeply aware of the enormous role it plays in discovering and developing talent,” the actors said.

“Artists Equity Independent Pictures is a way to support emerging voices with real potential, diversify the kinds of stories we tell and meet the needs of audiences who continue to express a growing appetite for high-quality independent films,” they added.

Jennifer Westin, senior vice president of creative affairs and production, will oversee the day-to-day operations of AEIP’s project portfolio under the leadership of Amy Baer, president of film and television at Artists Equity.

Backed by a dedicated independent film fund, AEIP’s initial slate includes “A Woman in the Sun,” the directorial debut of Julia Cox, who also wrote the screenplay for “Nyad,” according to Variety.

The cast of “A Woman in the Sun” includes Renée Zellweger, Sissy Spacek and Mia Threapleton.

Another project in development is “Downriver,” directed by Sam Jones and written by Carl Hiaasen.

Meanwhile, the thriller “Animals,” directed, co-written by and starring Affleck, is scheduled to premiere on Netflix on October 9. The cast also includes Steven Yeun, Kerry Washington and Gillian Anderson.

Affleck and Damon founded Artists Equity in 2022 alongside Gerry Cardinale of RedBird Capital.

The company’s first film was the 2023 sports drama “Air,” directed by Affleck, who also starred alongside Damon, Jason Bateman and Viola Davis.

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