Gary Sanchez Productions, the company founded by Will Ferrell, Adam McKay and Chris Henchy, has formed Gloria Sanchez Productions, a new division dedicated to female-driven film and TV projects. Jessica Elbaum, a longtime executive at Gary Sanchez, will lead the new venture.
Ferrell and McKay formed Gary Sanchez in 2006 and have since produced hits such as “Step Brothers” and “Anchorman 2.” Elbaum was involved in both of those projects, and also produced the more female-focused indie hit “Bachelorette” for the company.
“When Jessica came to us with this idea, we thought it was fantastic. She has worked with some of the great female voices in comedy and has proven herself as a gifted producer who has a keen eye for material,” McKay and Ferrell said in a statement. “We called Gary and he loved the idea as well and asked that we name it after his favorite step Granddaughter, Gloria Sanchez.”
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Female filmmakers have gradually picked away at the gender imbalance in Hollywood, as demonstrated by the success of shows like “New Girl” and some recent studies. Though more than half of the domestic population is female, inequality persists, particularly behind the camera and in the world of studio films.
This should help as Gary Sanchez is an active production house founded by a two of the most well-respected comedic voices in the industry. This new division promises to work “ with established and emerging female voices.”