LONDON – Francesca Moody Productions (FMP), the theater company behind global hits “Fleabag” and “Baby Reindeer,” has signed a two-year first-look deal with Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s production company Wells Street Films, the companies announced today.
The agreement will give Wells Street Films, which has an existing deal with Amazon MGM Studios, priority access to develop FMP’s theatrical productions for television.
This partnership reunites Waller-Bridge with Moody, who first collaborated on the original stage production of “Fleabag” at the 2013 Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Moody subsequently produced the play worldwide, including its final run at London’s Wyndham’s Theatre, which was recorded and distributed globally through NT Live.
“I am so excited to be partnering with Wells Street on this deal,” said Francesca Moody. “This marks an evolution for FMP as we establish ourselves as a home for storytelling and expand the parameters of the work we make.”
The collaboration builds on FMP’s track record of incubating successful stage-to-screen adaptations. “Fleabag” went on to win six Emmy Awards, three BAFTAs, and three Golden Globes across its two-season run, while “Baby Reindeer” claimed six Emmy Awards and two Golden Globes following its Netflix release.
“Francesca Moody has an incredible talent for spotting and developing new writers from theatre and shares our belief that much of the most original work we see on our televisions comes from writers who honed their skill writing for the stage,” said Waller-Bridge. “Years after collaborating on the stage play of Fleabag – which would not have happened without her – we can’t wait to work together again!”
FMP’s current theatrical slate includes “Weather Girl,” transferring to London’s Soho Theatre in March 2025 after a successful Edinburgh Fringe run, and the 20th anniversary production of Tim Crouch’s “An Oak Tree” at the Young Vic, featuring rotating guest performers including Sopẹ́ Dìrísù and Russell Tovey.
Wells Street Films, established by Waller-Bridge and Jenny Robins in 2019, is currently developing multiple projects with Amazon MGM Studios, including a “Tomb Raider” series and an adaptation of “Sign Here.”
While maintaining its primary focus on theatrical development, FMP views this partnership as an opportunity to create a more streamlined pipeline for its productions to reach television audiences.
“We’re native to theatre, but we also know first-hand how different mediums can feed the other,” Moody added. “Our commitment remains to the artists we work with and whilst we will continue to primarily develop for the stage we look forward to providing an exciting pipeline for development in partnership with Wells Street.”
