EXCLUSIVE: Apple TV+ has extended its first-look deal with Oscar-nominated producer Kevin Walsh and his The Walsh Company shingle, to continue to develop and produce original films and series for the service.
This is a sweeter deal, and positions Walsh to become a bigger supplier for Apple’s slate of originals. It comes after Walsh produced Apple Original Films’ The Instigators, which launched as the most-watched movie on Apple TV+; and the Ridley Scott-directed Napoleon. Up next is another Apple original, Echo Valley, a Michael Pearce-directed thriller that stars Julianne Moore alongside Sydney Sweeney from an original screenplay by Brad Ingelsby. Produced by The Walsh Company and Scott Free Films, that film debuts next year.
Walsh is also in the middle of a potential sequel to The Instigators, sorting it out with Apple, director Doug Liman, co-writers Casey Affleck and Chuck MacLean and Artists Equity partners Matt Damon and Ben Affleck.
Walsh separately produced Miss You, Love You, a drama that seems a strong candidate for a Sundance bow next year, with Jim Rash directing and Allison Janney and Andrew Rannells starring. Walsh produced with Academy Award winner Nat Faxon and Madison Wells Media, who also financed the film.
“Apple has given me a home to keep doing what I truly love — producing movies and supporting the filmmakers behind them with everything I’ve got,” Walsh told Deadline. “Zack and Jamie continue to build an incredible slate across film and TV, alongside Matt Dentler and Matt Cherniss, and have made their studio a premier destination for filmmakers. The opportunity that lies ahead for Apple, one of most successful and innovative companies in the world, cannot be understated, and I’m thrilled to keep delivering movies and TV shows that connect with their global audience and play a part in their growth.”
Liz Lippman and Patrick McNamara
Apple
The Walsh Company’s output is more impressive considering the company is manned by a trio: Walsh, Director of Development Liz Lippman and Creative Executive Patrick McNamara, who served producing roles on The Instigators, Echo Valley, and Miss You, Love You.
The Walsh Co. also expanded into advertising, working closely with the marketing teams from Apple TV+, Dunkin’ and Artists Equity to create and co-produce a branded Apple TV+/Dunkin’ interstitial, featuring Damon and Casey Affleck and the Dunkin’ brand, to promote The Instigators.
Walsh took the Apple deal after exiting as president of Scott Free. He was Oscar-nominated for producing the Best Picture nominee Manchester by the Sea, and his credits working alongside Scott include House of Gucci, The Last Duel and All the Money in the World. His other films as producer include Boston Strangler, Death on the Nile, Earthquake Bird, Naked Singularity, Our Friend, Jungleland, American Woman, Zoe, Thoroughbreds and the Sundance hit The Way Way Back.
Walsh started his entertainment career in assistant roles to Steven Spielberg, Scott Rudin and Tommy Mottola. His deal was made by attorney Gregory Slewett.
