In an exciting development for the film industry, the talented directing and screenwriting duo, Spenser Cohen and Anna Halberg, have secured representation with the esteemed Grandview agency. This partnership signals a growing recognition of their distinct voice in film, particularly following their recent success with the Screen Gems production, Tarot. Demonstrating a remarkable return on investment, Tarot recently grossed an impressive $50 million against a production budget of just $8 million, with a significant portion of its revenue, 62%, coming from international markets. This not only underscores their commercial viability but also hints at a burgeoning global audience for their work.
Cohen and Halberg’s journey is one marked by innovation and a commitment to storytelling. Their participation in Screen Gems’ directing incubator proved pivotal as they produced the short film Blink, a project that laid the foundation for their transition into feature filmmaking with Tarot. Their ability to pivot from short-form narratives to full-length films showcases their creative flexibility and deep understanding of cinematic storytelling. This inherent adaptability is a cornerstone of their professional identity, allowing them to navigate the complexities of the film industry with relative ease.
Looking forward, Cohen and Halberg have embarked on a promising collaboration with Universal Pictures to write and direct You Take Care Now, a film inspired by their original short story. This project, backed by Atomic Monster and Blumhouse Productions, indicates their intent to explore new thematic territories while leveraging the horror genre’s popularity. Additionally, they have completed the screenplay for Distant, a project purchased by Amblin, which is set for release in 2024, directed by Will Speck and Josh Gordon and featuring notable actors like Anthony Ramos and Naomi Scott.
Moreover, Cohen contributed to the film Moonfall alongside Roland Emmerich while maintaining an active slate with Netflix, where they are involved in the movie House/Maid starring Alice Braga and Sarah Gadon. Their efforts are not limited to feature films; on the television front, they are currently in post-production for Ballistic, featuring Jennifer Carpenter. This broad scope of work across different platforms reflects their ability to engage diverse audiences and genres successfully.
Cohen and Halberg have also cemented their status in the industry with significant projects such as the Netflix movie Extinction, a film that featured strong performances from Michael Peña and Lizzy Caplan. Their ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate with viewers is further emphasized through their original pilot Stay, which showcased their potential in television. As they continue to collaborate with industry veterans like CAA and Yorn Levine, expectations are high for their future endeavors.
Spenser Cohen and Anna Halberg represent a new wave of filmmakers whose creativity and vision are set to redefine narratives in both film and television. With each project they undertake, they not only exemplify their artistic prowess but also pave the way for emerging voices in the cinematic landscape. Their trajectory is certainly one to watch as they continue to push the boundaries of storytelling.