Yahoo News Camila Mendes & Rachel Matthews Launch Production Company Honor Role
EXCLUSIVE: Riverdale star Camila Mendes and Happy Death Day actress Rachel Matthews are opening the doors to Honor Role, a new feature film and TV production company focused on dynamic, character-driven stories crafted by sharp filmmakers with a distinct point-of-view.
Honor Role has partnered with Tricky Knot, a new entertainment financing and development company supporting the next generation of independent, talent-led production companies. As part of this partnership, Honor Role will have its own development and production fund. Mendes and Matthews’ slate will consist of projects for the actresses to produce and in some cases star.
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The first film produced by Mendes and Matthews through Honor Role, Griffin in Summer, will premiere at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival on June 6. Directed by Nicholas Colia, the film stars Everett Blunck, Melanie Lynskey, Owen Teague, Abby Ryder Fortson and Kathryn Newton.
Mendes and Matthews, both graduates of NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, met during their college years and bonded over their mutual passion for acting and shared artistic taste. They previously collaborated as EPs on Prime Video’s Upgraded, a romantic comedy in which they also starred. The film premiered on the streamer and remained the platform’s No. 1 film globally for several weeks. Mendes also served as an EP on Amazon’s critically acclaimed Música, in which she starred opposite director Rudy Mancuso. Música made its world premiere at SXSW back in March.
Griffin in Summer follows 14-year old Griffin Nafly who is mounting a new dramatic play, an ambitious cross between Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf and American Beauty. However, when his tween collaborators get distracted by more trivial pursuits like boys and camp, Griffin’s attention drifts toward Brad, the zoned-out handyman working at his house. Increasingly smitten and seeking a kindred spirit in Brad due to his failed career as a New York-based performance artist, Griffin finds himself embarking on an unforgettable summer.
“Rachel and I have always spoken the same language creatively, but it wasn’t until Upgraded that I finally got to witness her power as a producer. She knows how to balance her tenacious spirit with a level of diplomacy that is essential in work dynamics. She truly is the perfect cocktail of producorial qualities. Our close relationship is the final garnish that adds a little flavor and fun,” said Mendes.
“Over the past decade, Camila has had invaluable on-set experience, which has allowed her to further fine-tune her already sharp eye, exceptional taste, and deep understanding of what is needed to properly execute high-quality productions,” Matthews added. “Our mission with Honor Role is to strike the balance between art and commerce. We aim for excellence in every way possible.”
“Camila and Rachel are exceptionally talented producers who leverage their on-camera experience to deliver significant value behind the scenes,” said Alexandra Tynion, Co-founder and CEO of Tricky Knot. “They are ambitious and passionate businesswomen, eager to build a multifaceted company, and we are excited to support them in doing so.”
Mendes starred on 136 episodes of CW’s hit series Riverdale as Veronica Lodge. She also starred in the feature film Do Revenge for Netflix, which charted in the top 10 of the streamer in 93 countries, as well as Palm Springs, which Hulu and NEON scooped up out of Sundance 2020 for a then record breaking $17M.
Matthews starred in Blumhouse’s Happy Death Day franchise and Frozen II.
Honor Role is represented by CAA.
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