Will Ferrell’s production company, Gary Sanchez Productions, is behind some of Hollywood’s most laugh-out-loud-worthy films. And now, along with business partners Adam McCay and Chris Henchy, the king of comedy has hatched a sister-label. Gloria Sanchez Productions, which will be headed up by productions executive Jessica Elbaum, aims to develop female-led TV and film.
The move comes at a time where the film industry has been taken to task with the Swedish Bechdel Test, which calls for more equality in the entertainment business, ensuring women don’t always get the secondary roles – the damsels in distress, sidekicks and love seekers. There’s already been a slight shift on the big and small screens. Girls had us laughing at Hannah’s pursuit to live a novel-worthy life, we empathised with New Girl’s “simply adorkable” Jess and her mixed life choices, and we watched Katniss Everdeen shoot, run and pout her way through The Hunger Games. Female-focused film and TV projects are no longer made to cater for girls’ nights in – they’re part of a large and broadly appreciated market.
Will Ferrell’s existing company, Gary Sanchez Productions, is behind comedies such as Anchorman, Bachelorette and Bridesmaids – all films that seem to break the gender-stereotype mould. In these films, both men and women are cast in diverse roles – some men are portrayed as immature and unintelligent in comparison to their female counterparts. This is a stark contrast to the wallflower roles often written for female actors.
The Gloria Sanchez Productions project won’t be the first time Jessica Elbaum works with Ferrell. The pair have previously collaborated on films including Blades Of Glory, Step Brothers and The Other Guys, and Jessica is a longtime Gary Sanchez executive. With such a strong comedy backing, we can’t wait to see what gold Gloria Sanchez Productions churns out first.
WILL FERRELL’S FUNNIEST QUOTES
“You know I was thinking we could go back home… have some dinner and pop in the Sisqo CD… no? Weren’t thinking that? Ok.”
– Old School
“I’m very important. I have many leather-bound books and my apartment smells of rich mahogany.”
– Anchorman
“Maybe someday we could become friends. Friends who ride majestic, translucent steeds, shooting flaming arrows across the bridge of Hemdale.”
– Step Brothers
“Hey. They laughed at Louis Armstrong when he said he was gonna go to the moon. Now he’s up there, laughing at them.”
– Blades Of Glory
“This place reminds me of Santa’s Workshop! Except it smells like mushrooms and everyone looks like they want to hurt me.”
– Elf
“Ladies and gentlemen, can I please have your attention. I’ve just been handed an urgent and horrifying news story. I need all of you to stop what you’re doing and listen. CANNONBALL!”
– Anchorman
