October 9, 2026
Willkie advised Artists Equity, the production studio founded by Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, on the launch of Artists Equity Independent Pictures (AEIP), a new banner dedicated to platforming emerging filmmakers in the independent film space.
The Firm provided counsel on the structure and creation of AEIP as well as on the structure and funding of the independent theatrical film fund backing the new division. AEIP’s initial projects include A Woman in the Sun starring Renée Zellweger, Sissy Spacek and Mia Threapleton and Downriver from director Sam Jones and screenwriter Carl Hiaasen.
Affleck, Damon and Gerry Cardinale of RedBird Capital launched Artists Equity in 2022.
The Willkie team was led by partner Andrew Kramer, with partner Steve Hurdle and counsel Aubrey Thomason.
The Firm provided counsel on the structure and creation of AEIP as well as on the structure and funding of the independent theatrical film fund backing the new division. AEIP’s initial projects include A Woman in the Sun starring Renée Zellweger, Sissy Spacek and Mia Threapleton and Downriver from director Sam Jones and screenwriter Carl Hiaasen.
Affleck, Damon and Gerry Cardinale of RedBird Capital launched Artists Equity in 2022.
The Willkie team was led by partner Andrew Kramer, with partner Steve Hurdle and counsel Aubrey Thomason.
