EXCLUSIVE: After 18 years, respected producers Angie Fielder and Polly Staniford, co-founders of Aquarius Films, are closing the doors of their Australian production company.
The duo will pursue creative opportunities individually while continuing to develop a small number of existing projects on their slate as a team. They will continue to own and manage the ongoing rights in Aquarius’ catalogue.
The announcement comes following the launch of the Binge Original Series Mix Tape at SXSW in Austin, where it won the Audience Award in the TV Spotlight category. Mix Tape launched in Australia on Foxtel and Binge in June to critical and commercial praise. It had its UK premiere in July on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer where it topped the streaming chart in its debut week.
Founded in 2007, the Academy Award-nominated, AACTA Award-winning production company is known for championing female-led projects and for being one of a handful of Australian production companies that have remained wholly independent.
The catalogue includes five features and eight TV series. Highlights include the Academy Award-nominated Lion, Sundance premieres Wish You Were Here and Berlin Syndrome and TV series Mix Tape, Love Me, Savage River and The Unlisted.
Angie Fielder said: “I am beyond proud of everything that Polly and I have achieved with Aquarius Films over the past 18 years. From humble beginnings producing short films from our kitchen tables, it has been a joy to build the business alongside such a brilliant friend and colleague. We have been fortunate to work with so many incredible creatives, staff and partners along the way – I will be forever grateful for these collaborations. This is an exciting transition for Polly and I, and I’m thrilled for what this next chapter has in store for each of us.”
Polly Staniford added: “Aquarius Films has been our creative home for nearly two decades, and while it’s bittersweet to say goodbye, we’re both feeling a strong call to explore new directions. I want to thank the brilliant writers, directors, cast, crew, funding partners, and collaborators who’ve been part of this incredible journey. Aquarius would never have been what it was without all of you. And I’m so grateful to Angie for an incredible 18-year collaboration – this is a celebration of everything we’ve built – and a powerful new beginning.”
