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Lily James, Gala Gordon Start Parodos: A New Hub for Female Resilience Stories! (EXCLUSIVE)

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Blake Harrison

Lily James and Gala Gordon Launch Production Company Parodos With Aim to ‘Champion Stories of Female Resilience’ (EXCLUSIVE)

Emmy Nominee Lily James and Gala Gordon Launch Parodos Productions

Actress Lily James, known for her Emmy-nominated performances, has joined forces with theater and film producer Gala Gordon to officially establish their production company, Parodos Productions.

Parodos Productions, a company led by women from the UK, aims to primarily promote narratives centered on female strength and endurance, spanning across various mediums such as cinema, television, and theater, as stated by Gordon.

According to James, the inception of Parodos Productions comes at a pivotal time in her career when she felt a deep desire to have greater control over the narratives she brings to life.

Debut Project and Future Plans

The first major project under Parodos Productions is an anticipated reboot of the classic film “Cliffhanger,” starring James, scheduled for release next year. The production will see collaboration with entities like StudioCanal and Rocket Science, with both James and Gordon serving as executive producers. Additionally, Parodos has projects in development with notable partners including Working Title Films, StudioCanal, Made Up Stories, Fifth Season, Altitude Films, and author Lisa Taddeo.

Parodos Productions is also gearing up for the world premiere of Rachel Lee Goldenberg’s film “Swiped” at the Toronto Film Festival, a Hulu feature that chronicles the journey of Whitney Wolfe Herd, co-founder of Tinder and founder of Bumble. James stars as Herd and also takes on the role of producer, while Gordon serves as executive producer.

A Longstanding Partnership

James and Gordon’s collaboration dates back to their days in drama school, long before James rose to fame with roles in TV’s “Downton Abbey” and films such as “Baby Driver,” and before Gordon made her mark as a producer in the theater scene. “We were actually at drama school together and then both went off on our separate paths,” James recalls. They reconnected professionally when Gordon began producing in London and approached James with project ideas, leading to their current collaboration.

The concept of Parodos Productions began to take shape in 2023 in New York’s Lower East Side while James was filming David McKenzie’s thriller “Relay” with Riz Ahmed. Gordon describes the process: “Lily would go to the set and I’d be reading material in the day, and in the evening we’d come together and really start executing things.” She emphasizes the profound and special nature of their partnership, rooted in their shared educational background and vision.

Defining the Mission of Parodos

The focus on “female resilience” became a defining theme for Parodos as they explored various intellectual properties and stories to adapt, from life rights to podcasts and books. Gordon highlights the importance of resilience, both in personal and professional arenas, using Herd’s story as a prime example of overcoming adversity with impactful actions.

Initially, James will star in Parodos’ productions to leverage her celebrity for funding and project initiation, though roles may evolve over time. “The ideas we’re coming up with are also roles I want to play,” she explains. “But I am really excited by the idea that when it doesn’t have to be me in the films, I can have a cup of tea behind the monitor.”

The Significance of the Name ‘Parodos’

The name ‘Parodos’ holds dual significance, reflecting both a nod to their theater roots—the term refers to the side entrance of a theater and the initial song by a chorus in a Greek tragedy—and the essence of their collaborative venture. Gordon elaborates on the choice, saying it represents their transition from stage to screen and honors the unapologetic voices in the industry like Michaela Cole and Phoebe Waller Bridge. “But then also there’s this camaraderie of a chorus coming together and very much saying: we’re here to learn,” she adds, expressing enthusiasm for their growth and partnerships in the industry and their commitment to boldly championing stories of female resilience.

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