Casey Affleck & John Powers Middleton Form New Production JV

HOLLYWOOD: Producer John Powers Middleton (Oldboy, A&E’s Bates Motel) and writer/director/producer/actor Casey Affleck (Gone Baby Gone, Out of the Furnace) have come together to establish a production company that will create films and TV series across a variety of genres.

The joint venture, which is as-yet untitled, will see Affleck serving as an equal share producer, while continuing to pursue writing, acting and directing other projects. Middleton will produce under the new banner, while continuing to also produce at Vertigo Entertainment and Good Universe.

John Ridley has been tapped to serve as president of production at the new venture. He was previously the VP of development and production at Appian Way. Prior to Appian, Ridley was an executive at Warner Bros.

Alex Foster will serve as VP of production for the company.

“We couldn't be more excited to embark on this new adventure. We've been discussing this for some time now, recognizing our similar taste in content and company landscape, and I know we're both thrilled to finally bring it to fruition,” said Middleton. “We want to bring audiences the films they want to see. Casey has such meticulous, exacting and extraordinary vision. In baseball terminology, he's a true five-tool player: a brilliant writer, actor, director, producer, and, maybe most importantly, a brilliant company builder. I couldn't ask for a better partner. I look forward to many years of creative and business collaboration."  
 
“John loves filmmakers and the filmmaking process. His work ethic and great taste have earned him the respect of everyone he has worked with,” Affleck said. “I look forward to the experience of producing with him.”

Affleck continued: “Ridley is the perfect addition to our team. At Appian Way, he worked with two of the best in the business; coupled with his tenure at Warner Bros., his experience is unrivaled. He is widely respected, very smart and well liked in the industry. We are lucky to have him.”