Director/producer Denise Di Novi and former CBS Entertainment Chairman Nina Tassler will spotlight diverse stories via their new company, PatMa Productions. A press release announced that the newly launched independent studio “will amplify diverse voices across the multi-platform global entertainment universe.” PatMa will develop inclusive content for film, television, theater, digital, publishing, and other platforms.
“We are committed to gender parity, and giving women and people of color more opportunities both in front of and behind the camera,” Di Novi remarked. “PatMa will develop content that not only entertains, but surprises, challenges, and awakens audiences to the emotional experiences of people from every walk of life.”
“We recognize that diverse voices from diverse backgrounds make innovative storytelling, which is good for business, and we are excited to work in partnership with an array of creatively talented people — both women and men — who share our vision and values,” added Tassler. “It’s a critical time and we look forward to telling these stories across a wide spectrum of platforms.”
PatMa has already partnered with organizations that share its passion for gender equality and inclusivity, such as the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, Center for Popular Democracy, and Planned Parenthood.
The studio’s name was inspired by Di Novi and Tassler’s mothers, Pat and Norma.
Di Novi directed last year’s thriller “Unforgettable.” It stars Katherine Heigl as a woman who refuses to let go of her marriage, even when her ex-husband becomes engaged to someone else (Rosario Dawson). Di Novi has produced dozens of films like “Heathers,” Gillian Armstrong’s “Little Women,” and “Crazy, Stupid, Love.” She is set to helm upcoming episodes of “Outlander” and “Sneaky Pete.”
Tassler served as Chairman of CBS Entertainment for 12 years. During her tenure she spearheaded a “Diversity Conversation” with the Geena Davis Institute at the network. Tassler also helped pioneer CBS Entertainment’s first Diversity, Inclusion, and Communications department. Since stepping down as Chairman in 2015, she has worked as a producer in film, TV, and theater. Tassler’s first book, “What I Told My Daughter: Lessons from Leaders on Raising the Next Generation of Empowered Women,” was published in 2016. She wrote the tome with Cynthia Littleton.
