Lily James and Gala Gordon Launch Parodos Productions
Emmy-nominated actress Lily James has partnered with theater and film producer Gala Gordon to establish Parodos Productions, a new production company led by women. Gordon emphasized that the organization will have a focused mission to “champion stories of female resilience,” with plans to explore projects across film, television, and theater. For James, the inception of Parodos comes at a pivotal time in her career, as she expresses a desire for greater control over the narratives she wishes to portray.
Upcoming Projects and Collaborations
The inaugural film from Parodos will be a reboot of the classic “Cliffhanger,” which will feature James in a leading role and is set to hit theaters next year. The production will work in collaboration with various other companies, with both James and Gordon serving as executive producers. On their development slate, Parodos has secured film and television projects in collaboration with notable entities such as Working Title Films, StudioCanal, Made Up Stories, Fifth Season, Altitude Films, and author Lisa Taddeo.
Parodos’ Launch and Notable Premieres
The official debut of Parodos takes place just before the world premiere at the Toronto Film Festival of “Swiped,” a Hulu film directed by Rachel Lee Goldenberg. This feature tells the story of Whitney Wolfe Herd, the entrepreneur and former Tinder executive who created the female-centric dating app, Bumble. James not only stars as Herd but also holds a producer credit, while Gordon takes on the role of executive producer.
A Long-Standing Partnership
The relationship between James and Gordon extends back to their days at drama school, long before James gained fame through shows like “Downton Abbey” or films such as “Baby Driver,” “Darkest Hour,” and “Yesterday.” As James recalls, “We were actually at drama school together and then both went off on our separate paths.” Their paths converged again when Gordon began producing and approached James with several projects, one of which is currently in development with Working Title. James found the experience of collaborating with Gordon inspiring, noting their shared vision and ambition as they aim to create impactful narratives.
The Foundation of Parodos in 2023
The groundwork for Parodos was laid in 2023, located in New York’s Lower East Side while James was filming David McKenzie’s thriller “Relay” with Riz Ahmed. Gordon described their collaborative process, stating, “Lily would go to the set and I’d be reading material in the day, and in the evening we’d come together and really start executing things.” She emphasized the significance of their shared background from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, which provides a strong foundation for their partnership.
Focus on Female Resilience
The emphasis on “female resilience” emerged from their quest for intellectual property and narratives they wished to adapt, whether it be life stories, podcasts, books, or plays. Gordon highlighted the importance of resilience in both personal and professional realms, using Herd’s journey as a key example. “It’s what you do with it that matters and it’s about how you make a difference,” she said.
Future Aspirations for Parodos
Initially, the plan is for James to take on starring roles in Parodos projects, leveraging her fame to secure funding and bring these stories to life. However, she noted that this could evolve over time. “The ideas we’re coming up with are also roles I want to play,” she mentioned, expressing her excitement about the potential for her involvement to change, allowing her to step back and support from a different perspective.
The Meaning Behind the Name Parodos
The name Parodos carries a dual significance rooted in history; it refers to the side entrance of a theater and denotes the moment in a Greek tragedy when the chorus joins together to sing their first piece. Gordon remarked, “It just felt so apt, because it paid homage to our theater roots, and how we can pivot from stage to screen.” She noted that successful figures like Michaela Coel and Phoebe Waller-Bridge have made similar transitions. Additionally, she emphasized the importance of camaraderie and growth with their partners in the industry, aiming to tell stories of female resilience in bold and impactful ways.
