Parkes/MacDonald Productions, Image Nation Abu Dhabi extend joint venture

Parkes/MacDonald Productions and Image Nation Abu Dhabu have extended their joint venture with a new five year deal.

The new deal extends and expands on the relationship between the two entities, which began in 2010 with a $10m revolving financing fund. It expanded in 2012 when Parkes+MacDonald/Image Nation was formed, building on the fund by providing overhead and a first-look deal to develop, acquire and produce projects.

As a result of this expansion, Evan Hayes has been appointed president of production at Parkes/MacDonald. In his new role, Hayes will oversee the company’s slate of feature film projects and supervise all aspects of production and creative development.

Most recently, Hayes was partner and president of production at Story Mining & Supply Co where he oversaw projects such as Starz original series Outlander and true crime thriller The Fence, written by Dennis Lehane & George Pelecanos.

Hayes said: “I have long admired Walter & Laurie’s impeccable taste and diverse interest in material, and I am thrilled to be working with them at Parkes/MacDonald. We have the shared desire to produce character driven material with visionary filmmakers across a multitude of genres, and the support of Image Nation Abu Dhabi will only enhance us in our efforts to bring these types of films to life.”

The next project is Davis Guggenheim’s untitled feature length documentary about Malala Yousafzai. Keeping Up with the Joneses, written by Mike Lesieur, which the partnership developed through their $10m fund, is now slated for production at Fox 2000 with Greg Mottola directing and Zach Galifianakis and Isla Fisher set to star.

Parkes+MacDonald/Image Nation is also developing a number of other independent and studio projects, including a live action comedy based on Barbie.

Michael Garin, CEO of Image Nation Abu Dhabi, commented: “We’ve worked with Walter and Laurie for a number of years now and the new deal is the natural extension of our great partnership.  In joining the team, Evan brings a wealth of experience in independent productions, which will allow us to broaden our focus.”

“We are thrilled to add such an experienced and successful film executive to our team. Evan has worked closely with some of the strongest creative talent in town.  His relationships and expertise will be invaluable here in the coming years,” added Walter Parkes.