‘Collectively’ Producer Princess Discusses Film Slate with ‘Stillwater’

After making a significant impact at Sundance with its horror breakout hit “Collectively”, featuring talented actors Dave Franco and Alison Brie, the Melbourne-based production company Princess Photos is set to expand its influence in the feature film industry. The firm is embarking on a series of bold projects that showcase award-winning talent and creative minds, paving the way for a promising future in cinema.

The company’s initial lineup of live-action feature films includes “Stillwater,” a gripping crime thriller developed in collaboration with renowned filmmaker David Michôd, actor Joel Edgerton, and producer Brad Zimmerman of The Outfit. Additional projects include “Resort Resort Resort Resort,” the follow-up to “Collectively” by Michael Shanks, which is based on his acclaimed Black List script and produced with the team behind “Don’t Look Up,” led by Adam McKay. Furthermore, the company is also working on “Axis of Impersonators,” a timely documentary feature directed by Alexis Spraic and Nick Cole.

“Stillwater” is inspired by the debut novel of Tanya Scott, a physician and educator with a rich background in mental health care. The narrative centers on Jack Quinn, a young man whose life was irrevocably altered when his mother succumbed to an overdose at the tender age of eight, and whose father was an armed robber. Groomed by Gus, a ruthless crime boss, since childhood, Jack ultimately escapes that life and reclaims a new identity as Luke Harris. As he navigates university life and dreams of a brighter future, Luke must confront his past when Gus re-emerges, threatening everything he has built.

Former Black Bear executive Christopher Casanova, who joined Princess Photos 18 months ago as head of content, describes “Stillwater” as a compelling bildungsroman (a German term for a coming-of-age story) set against the gritty backdrop of Melbourne’s crime scene. “It’s a fantastic read that captivated us, as well as Joel, David, and Brad, who felt it was a natural choice for them to collaborate again, reuniting as producers rather than as director and star,” Casanova elaborates, highlighting the company’s aspirations within the feature film landscape.

Casanova, who previously oversaw projects like “Dumb Money” featuring Paul Dano and Seth Rogen, along with “Immaculate” starring Sydney Sweeney, expresses his hope that “Stillwater” will serve as “a magnet to attract exciting, emerging filmmakers” who are eager to make their mark in the industry.

In a conversation with Variety, alongside Princess Photos founder Laura Waters, executive producer Mike Cowap, and managing director Emma Fitzsimons, Casanova discussed how the 22-year-old company is quietly constructing a director-driven slate. They currently have over 30 projects in development for the series side and a robust selection of feature films. The company aims to produce one or two films annually, along with two to three series, establishing a diverse portfolio.

While offering a wide range of genres, the various initiatives at Princess Photos share a common thread of being “boundary-pushing and possessing a unique and original voice,” says Waters, who founded the company in 2003 and has notably produced all six of Chris Lilley’s acclaimed series for ABC, BBC, HBO, and Netflix.

“Most of the time, the projects we pursue originate from a creator, writer, or artist whose vision we genuinely believe in and want to support. It’s essential that the project reflects their voice and ideas, as it provides the audience with a different perspective on the world,” explains Waters, emphasizing the company’s commitment to authentic storytelling.

Recently, Princess Photos has been primarily recognized as a dynamic producer of primetime animated series aimed at adults, such as the Hulu/Disney+ series “Koala Man,” which features Hugh Jackman and Sarah Snook. The company has also produced three seasons of “YOLO: Crystal Fantasy” for Adult Swim and Max, which Cowap produced under the Princess Bento label.

“Collectively,” which marked Princess Photos’ inaugural feature film, was sold to Neon in one of the festival’s largest deals and is scheduled for theatrical release on July 30, showcasing the company’s potential and reach in the market.

“Collectively” is an extraordinary debut showcasing the unique voice of Michael Shanks, opening numerous doors for Princess Photos. Cowap, who produced “Collectively”, acknowledges that the film has significantly enhanced their visibility and credibility within the industry. “We’re well-positioned to capitalize on that momentum and hope to collaborate with talent that we may not have had access to previously, as well as potentially work with budgets that we haven’t been trusted with before,” he added, indicating the company’s growing stature.

Looking ahead, Princess will be reuniting with Shanks for his next project, “Resort Resort Resort Resort.” Cowap describes it as a “mystery box thriller,” which follows a man who awakens trapped in a mysterious hotel room. “Alone in a mind-bending prison, his only chance of escape lies in teamwork… with himself,” reads the intriguing synopsis. Production is slated to begin in early 2026, with Princess Photos collaborating with Adam McKay’s Hyperobject on this project.

Although the cast has yet to be finalized, Cowap hints that “this role is remarkable because it involves a character who interacts with multiple versions of themselves,” suggesting a complex and layered narrative that will captivate audiences.

Since his arrival at Princess Photos, Casanova has been diligently focused on identifying projects that feel like a natural extension of the company’s strong brand and sensibility, whether it be a high-concept romantic comedy, a gritty comedy, or something that pushes the boundaries of the horror genre. He is also enthusiastic about exploring “newer territory” for the company, indicating a willingness to innovate and adapt.

For instance, the company is currently producing the feature documentary “Axis of Impersonators,” with Spraic and Cole, supported financially by Screen Australia, Vicscreen, and private investors.

This documentary narrates the true story of a Kim Jong-Un impersonator who teams up with a Putin impersonator to rescue a Zelensky impersonator from Kyiv amid the ongoing Ukraine war. “Humor and intrigue fuel their high-octane escape, but at the heart of this narrative lies a larger-than-life depiction of the precariousness of refugee life and the tough choices between survival, safety, and livelihood,” the synopsis states, hinting at both comedic and poignant elements.

The husband-and-wife filmmaking duo behind “Axis of Impersonators” is known for their remarkable ability to tackle provocative ideas and significant themes through the lens of comedy and engaging interviews, as highlighted by Waters.

Moreover, the company has produced content for platforms such as TikTok, Audible, and YouTube, staying ahead of the curve by sourcing promising content creators and facilitating longer narrative formats, showcasing their adaptability in the digital landscape.

Among these breakout talents is Michael Cusack, creator and director of the cult adult animated series “YOLO,” “Smiling Friends,” and “Koala Man.” Princess Photos is currently collaborating with him on a fourth project, further solidifying their relationship with emerging talent. Additionally, Theo and Nathan Saidden, the Australian brothers known as the YouTube duo Superwog, are writing, directing, and producing a new comedy series titled “Son of a Donkey” for Netflix.

“What we’ve done exceptionally well is identify talent and ensure that we are always in tune with the pulse of YouTube and other social media platforms, particularly YouTube, because that’s where audiences are consuming content. We can observe what’s trending and popular,” Cowap points out, noting that streamers and broadcasters are increasingly eager to collaborate with these YouTube talents due to their substantial audience followings.

Even Shanks began his journey on YouTube, creating content for the platform since the age of 18. Cowap shares, “He dropped out of film school to pursue this YouTube show, which gained immense popularity. By the time he made his first feature, he was essentially a ‘Swiss Army knife’ of a filmmaker, having learned to do everything himself,” demonstrating the multifaceted nature of his talents.

According to Cowap, the company considers itself “genre-agnostic,” focusing more on the people behind the projects than the specific content or genre. “While we are very much open to new ideas and actively searching, it doesn’t come at the cost of losing the relationships we’ve already built. It’s simply leading to growth,” he explains, highlighting their commitment to collaboration.

Princess Photos has been collaborating with talent and co-producers across the U.S. and U.K., including Brooke Posch, Andrew Mittman, John Hodge, Hyperobject, and Ruff House, as well as Steve Coogan’s Baby Cow Productions. In 2022, they also acquired the Dublin-based animation studio Boulder Media from Hasbro, expanding their creative resources.

Looking ahead, Casanova indicates that the company is actively seeking to build bridges with “creators and creatives from the U.S. and U.K., as well as exploring international opportunities, co-productions, and co-ventures,” which signals a commitment to global collaboration and diversity in storytelling.

Despite the success story of “Collectively,” the film has faced controversy, as its actors and co-producers Brie and Franco were hit with allegations of copyright infringement, which they have denied.

“Everything that has happened with ‘Collectively’ has been a dream come true,” Cowap remarked while addressing the issue. “Of course, having that controversy has been a little challenging in an otherwise dream run, but it’s something we feel we’ve been able to move past, especially when Shanks and Neon released their statements covering everything.”

Next on the agenda, Princess Photos has a horror feature set to begin production in August, alongside a romantic comedy feature scheduled for filming at the end of the year or early 2026. The company’s development slate also includes a feminist body horror feature, which is a remake of a classic Ausploitation title, showcasing their commitment to diverse and innovative storytelling.

“Stillwater” is set to hit shelves in the U.S. on August 12, published by Grove Atlantic, and will be released in Australia by Allen & Unwin on July 29. Scott is represented by UTA and Tom Gilliatt at A4 Literary.